Norfolk Voice 13

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norfolk With a little help from your friends Big Interview Bob Crawley, Archant Anglia

Chamber support for start-ups

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY NV13.indd 1

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2012 1/11/12 09:39:35

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CONTENTS

Contents.

03 04 05

Chamber News

08 09

Chamber News

12 13

Chamber Policy

16 17

There are those who believe that a recession is the best time to start a new business. A downturn can stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit and lead to the creation of smaller businesses, which, after all, are the driving force behind our economy.

In this issue of Norfolk Voice we examine enterprise, start-ups and new business. We look at the initiatives that local authorities and LEPs are putting in place to help new businesses, and also at our own new start-up Chamber members and how they are benefitting from Chamber support to get their enterprises up and running.

Member News

07

15

This year, to help businesses to maximise their potential in a flat economy, we have focused on unlocking growth and success with a series of hard-hitting events. We are very excited about our ‘Unlocking Success’ Business Conference on 23 November, where we welcome some high profile business speakers from the world of politics and those who excel in achieving the goals they set for both themselves and others, no matter what the economic climate. It promises to be a stimulating event and I look forward to seeing you there.

Welcome/Contents

16

International Trade The Big Interview

18

Guest Blog

21

Member News

26 29

Cover Feature

36 37

Chamber Events

41

Membership News

43

Knowledge

44

Member News

45

Take a Break

47

New Members

49

Member News

50

The Last Word

18

36 Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

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

Our big Interview features Bob Crawley, Publishing Editor at Archant, who will tell us what Archant is doing to support enterprise and business starts-ups in Norfolk. Our subject for The Last Word is Susie Jarrold, MD of Jarrold Training, one of the leading training providers in the region.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

As 2012 draws to a close, the Chamber is more determined than ever to be the go-to organisation for businesses of all sizes, offering support, superb events and ways for you to make and save money and promote yourselves in the community. Our lobbying campaigns will also be a key priority for 2013 to ensure businesses have the right environment in which to grow.

Tel: 01603 625977

Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich NR4 6DJ Fax: 01603 633032

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Helen Longley, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 887 3812 email: helen.longley@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

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

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

CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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NORFOLK VOICE

Enterprise, start-ups and new business.

As we prepare for Christmas and start to look forward to another new year, it’s understandable that some of us will be glad to see the back of 2012.

The UK economy hasn’t DAVINA TANNER experienced the growth President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce we all hoped for and the ‘recession’ word hasn’t been far from the lips of most people in the business community.

New Gold Patrons on board.

We are delighted to welcome two new Chamber Gold Patrons – Aviva, and Greater Anglia rail franchise – who join existing Gold Patrons Hugh J Boswell and Chapelfield.

But what’s the point in restricting our view so we only see the negatives? For us at the Norfolk Chamber, 2012 has also been a year of achievement, innovation, enthusiasm and commitment; we’re excited about what the next 12 months will hold and optimistic about Norfolk’s potential.

In my opinion, it will be start-up businesses and SMEs that kick-start our economy. We have so many bright, hard-working and talented people within our business community: entrepreneurs and business owners who are determined to make their mark and a significant contribution.

One of the best definitions of enterprise that I’ve found is: “a project or undertaking: especially one that requires boldness or effort”*.

We talk about boldness or risk quite often when we think about entrepreneurs, but the importance of effort is sometimes forgotten.

Starting a business is not easy: it takes lots of effort to research and write a robust business plan; it takes lots of effort to work all hours to bring your idea to life; and it takes lots of effort to persevere through the tough times when nothing seems to be going well.

Chamber CEO Caroline Williams with Andrew Dernie, Head of Business Operations at Aviva, above, and Chris Perry, Chamber Membership Manager, with Jonathan Denby, right, Head of Corporate Affairs at Abellio (Greater Anglia Ltd), below.

As business people we have the responsibility to be bold but also to put effort into our enterprises. We need to do our homework and ensure that our great ideas can translate into sound business plans.

Rapid business growth often looks impressive, but it is sustainable growth that will create steady jobs and get our economy moving again.

The Chamber exists to provide businesses with practical support; whether you’re getting a new enterprise off the ground or ready to grow. In addition to our own extensive range of membership resources, our partners such as City College Norwich, through its Enterprise Zone, and New Anglia LEP, with its Business Information Portal, provide help and advice that can make the difference between a ‘nice idea’ and a viable business proposition.

Business Secretary, Dr Vince Cable, has promised to fight shorttermism and ‘get behind’ good firms through the government’s £1bn ‘business bank’. We’ll wait to see how this initiative comes to life but it is down to our own business community to be ready to grab any opportunities that arise. *The Free Dictionary

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MEMBER NEWS

Still time to enter business Leisure team enjoy golden success. awards.

Entries are being invited from West Norfolk businesses for the Mayor’s Business Awards.

The Mayor’s Business Awards are organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk with support from Lynn News, KLFM 96.7, NWES, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and the West Norfolk Partnership.

The awards, established in 1989, are the borough council’s way of publicly acknowledging outstanding business achievement and recognising the contribution that local businesses make to the economy of West Norfolk.

There are three categories: n Manufacturing Business of the Year n Service Business of the Year n Young Business of the Year (for businesses trading between one and four years) Cllr Alistair Beales, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Our local businesses are vital to the West Norfolk economy and, despite the ongoing difficulties of the current economic climate, they continue to succeed. Celebrating their successes and achievements is absolutely crucial and helps us to show others that despite the challenges, local businesses are thriving.”

Entries can be made by downloading the entry form on the borough council’s website www.west-norfolk.gov.uk. Entries must be received by 30 November.

Back row left to right: Chris Carr, Lisa Green, Claire Laidler, Ian Hacon, Nicola Badley, Jules Bolton. Front row: Mark Durrant, Sue Allen

Norfolk tourism business The Blue Sky Leisure Group, which employs more than 220 people in East Anglia, has won an award for its commitment to staff development, training and employment practices.

The owner of Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Woodhill Park at East Runton, the Zaks restaurants in Norwich and Poringland and Imagine Spa in Blofield Heath was awarded gold status from Investors in People. The business first won IIP status in 1994, going on to achieve bronze in 2009.

Claire Laidler, Investors in People specialist, said: “This is a business where people are given the support and encouragement to reach their full potential.”

Ian Hacon, chief executive of Blue Sky Leisure, said: “This is an achievement that everyone should be proud of. ” Blue Sky Leisure is always looking to fill vacancies with the best talent. Contact hannah.lee@ blueskyleisure.co.uk for the latest job opportunities.

Norwich chemical firm starts new era.

Norwich chemical company Bayer CropScience has officially become Briar Chemicals Ltd and started a new era as an independent business.

Following the German parent company’s sale of the Sweet Briar Road business to the Munichbased Aurelius, the new owners confirmed that the move will help safeguard the jobs of 250

permanent staff, with the company bidding for new business.

Tim Green, Site Manager, said: “We are a Norwich-based firm now and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Dirk Markus, Chief Executive of Aurelius, said: “The Norwich site is in outstanding technical condition and is a leader in its field. We’re delighted that Bayer has sold the business to us.”

The site has been manufacturing crop-protection products for more than 50 years and recently secured substantial investment in a waste-water treatment plant and a multi-production facility which strengthen its long-term viability.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Business Breakfast addresses key issues.

Pictured: Left to right, Michael Rooney, Break; Stephen Drake, Managing Principal, Steeles Law; Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North; Nelson The Gorilla; John Longworth, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce; Martin Green, Break; Simon Wright, MP for Norwich South; Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

More than 100 Norfolk businesses, large and small, came together to discuss the economy from a local and a national perspective at a Norfolk Chamber breakfast at Dunston Hall, sponsored

by Steeles Law.

Attendees heard a presentation from John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, who provided an overview of key economic issues facing businesses across the country, including the Eurozone and the USA. Mr Longworth commented on the confusing economic data coming out of Government.

He felt that the data was ‘not inaccurate but incomplete’ and was causing businesses to lack confidence in investing.

He felt that access to capital remains key to economic success, as is the funding of infrastructure rail, road, aviation, energy, digital and skills.

Mr Longworth complimented Norfolk Chamber on its campaign work and emphasised the need for the Chamber network to continue to make the business case to Government and to ‘hold people’s feet to the fire‘ if they avoid addressing the key issues.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North and Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, highlighted three areas that are essential for economic growth at a local level, namely infrastructure, in particular rail, young people and export.

Ms Smith emphasised the need for local businesses to work together with the Chamber to get behind the new Norfolk Rail Prospectus as there is a window of opportunity to get the business voice heard. John and Chloe then went on to hold a Q&A session.

Mr Longworth said: “I was delighted to be speaking at the Norwich Economic Breakfast.

The economic climate is of concern to businesses of all sizes, though many tell us things aren’t as gloomy as newspaper headlines suggest. I enjoy hearing from members, and will do all we can at the British Chambers of Commerce to ensure the government listens to what Norfolk businesses need to grow, and contribute to a strong economic recovery.”

Ms Smith said: “As a local MP and minister, economic growth for Norwich, Norfolk and the country is my top priority. I make it my business to understand business, and so I was delighted to join the Chamber for such an informative event.”

The breakfast also featured Nelson the Gorilla, who was there to highlight the work the Chamber is doing with the charity Break. Aiming to have 50 Gorilla sculptures around Norwich in 2013, Break has launched their ‘Go Go Gorillas’ project and are looking for the support of Norfolk businesses to sponsor a sculpture.

Nelson’s cousin, Horatio, was painted live at the Chamber’s B2B Autumn 2012 event, on 18 October at Norwich City Football Club, with a special guest appearance from Jake Humphries, an Ambassador of the ‘Go Go Gorillas’ project.

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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

Businesses’ trust in banks declines, according to BCC survey. in ten companies are not confident that they could get external finance. And awareness and take-up of existing government support schemes, which are run through the banks, is extremely low, with the recent LIBOR and misselling scandals damaging confidence among businesses.

A survey released by the British Chambers of Commerce reveals falling levels of trust in financial institutions among businesses.

“While it is important to avoid stifling growth in financial services with over-regulation, the City’s primary role should be to oil the wheels of the economy, providing the patient capital businesses need to plan for the future and grow.

The results, comprising responses from 1,560 businesses including Norfolk, show that although banks and building societies are the main source of finance for firms, half of businesses lack trust in these financial institutions.

More than a third of respondents said that they trust financial institutions less than they did a year ago, and almost four in ten are not confident in securing finance.

The survey shows the following: n Almost half (49%) of firms use banks or building societies for external finance, with only 10% using equity, and 8% using grants, venture capital, private equity, peer-to-peer lending and angel finance combined. n 50% of firms mistrust banks and building societies; 38% of businesses trust them less than a year ago. n Only 57% of respondents feel confident that they could secure external finance, but over a third (37%) are not confident. However 59% of firms say a government-backed business bank would make them more confident about accessing finance.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

n When asked about Government-backed finance schemes, 43% of businesses had not heard of any of them, with younger businesses and micro firms more likely to be unaware of them.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: “As we approach the end of the party conference season, Britain’s politicians must stop scoring points against each other and start scoring points for economic management, starting with the thorny problem of business access to finance.

“Our new research clearly identifies the scale of the problem: half the companies we surveyed mistrust banks, and levels of trust have worsened significantly over the last year. Four

“Financial institutions need to rebuild trust and repair damaged relationships with businesses and improve transparency. Regulators should look to increase competition in the banking sector to ensure businesses have more choice, and the government must ensure that plans to create a British Business Bank mean more funds available to growing businesses. Six in ten companies would feel more confident in seeking finance if Britain had its own dedicated business bank.

“While it is right that the businesses consider other forms of funding, the results of this survey show that bank finance is, and will remain, the dominant source for businesses. Other BCC surveys conducted this year have shown companies’ concerns about access to working capital, and the impact of this, for example, on small businesses looking to export for the first time.

“Political leaders always seek to woo the favour of corporate Britain. But the next election will be won or lost on what happens in the real economy. Our findings suggest that the parties need to focus on access to finance for Britain’s army of small- and medium-sized companies, and particularly new and growing companies, if they are to win the votes of Britain’s wealth creators, and the people who work in business, in years to come.”

Abermed unveils new Norwich clinic.

Occupational health providers Abermed is opening a new clinic in one of Norwich’s busiest business areas.

The clinic will be open for business at the Norwich Research Park where staff will provide a full range of occupational health services including offshore medicals, drug and alcohol screening and travel health advice and vaccinations.

excellence. Abermed has a strong presence in Norwich and the new centre only emphasises our reputation as a premium provider of occupational health services.”

Abermed is part of the International SOS group of companies and Ross Haworth, Abermed/ International SOS’ General Manager, Medical Services for Northern Europe, said: “We are delighted to be part of a thriving science and innovation business park that ensures Norwich is at the heart of research and scientific

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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CHAMBER NEWS

Norfolk Chamber engages with customers.

Be a Local Business Accelerators winner.

Local newspapers, including titles across Archant Norfolk, have joined forces with Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden to launch a competition to boost young businesses – deadline November 16.

Left to right: Paul Hill, Director, Further; Tim Youngman, Head of Digital Marketing, Archant; Will King, Founder & CEO, King of Shaves; Liz Wood, Company Director, Lexica Marketing; Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce; Richard Nicholson, Marketing Manager & UK Giving Manager, Dell UK; Jonathan Thursby, Owner, EPIC TV & Extreme Video; Duncan Johnson, Founder & MD, Yodelay

The Norfolk Chamber brought together industry experts, local and national speakers to explain how to use social media effectively at the ‘Engaging Customers: Using Social Media and Technology’ event.

Tim Youngman, from Archant, our media sponsors, was a vibrant host who really captured the importance of social media and showed how vital it is. Using the specially created hashtag for the event, Tim mentioned people in the audience by name, proving that Tweeting, amongst other social media, is a great way to engage with others.

Richard Nicholson, from Dell UK, talked about the company’s efforts to use social media to deliver good customer service and how this has benefited the business and its customers.

He showed some fascinating statistics about how people use social media, which is vital knowledge for any business, for example; 350 million Facebook users accessing via mobiles.

The ‘King of Shaves’ Will King, then talked about the importance of the Word of Mouse and how this is, in effect, what social media is. We now find out things from social media first, so it should be key to any business, he said.

Last year, Norwich-based energy contract management specialist Indigo Swan was a regional winner, receiving mentoring support from NWES as well as attending the prestigious final event in London.

Engaging Customers was held at EPIC, a great example of how high tech Norfolk can be and guests heard from the owner, Jonathan Thursby, about how important social media is for EPIC.

Deborah Meaden said: “With last year’s LBA having demonstrated the unique power of local and regional press to provide a meaningful boost to promising young businesses, I am delighted to be supporting the initiative once again.”

Liz Wood, from Lexica Marketing, took guests through The Good, The Bad and the Downright Ugly aspects of websites with some great examples of what not and what to do. Website usability is key to a business so worth spending some time on.

The event closed with two workshops from Paul Hill, from Further, and Duncan Johnson, from Yodelay, and it was easy to see from the frantic note scribbling that people were learning a great deal about how to use social media effectively. The many questions showed how engaged people were, or wanted to become with social media.

Everyone who attended will now put the things they learnt to full use by being that bit more social media savvy.

How to enter the Local Business Accelerators Businesses aged between one and five years old can enter LBA for the chance to win a free ad campaign in their local paper plus mentoring support from local business leaders.

The most promising businesses will go forward to the national stage of the competition to win a year’s mentoring from Deborah Meaden and a local advertising campaign devised by a top London creative ad agency.

Business can enter online by logging on to www.accelerateme.co.uk and filling in the application form.

The closing date for entries is Friday, November 16.

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Backed by the Newspaper Society and supported by the Government and private sector’s Business in You campaign, as well as Bank of England governor Mervyn King, the Local Business Accelerators competition will see newspapers across the UK joining forces to deliver a £15m boost to young businesses through free advertising and mentoring.

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Specialist legal support team launched for small and medium sized businesses in Norfolk The newly-launched Business Support Team from Qualitysolicitors Clapham & Collinge offers small and medium sized businesses a full range of commercial services including advice on business start-ups, corporate restructuring, employment issues, dispute resolution and buying, selling or leasing commercial property.

The team works on a local, personal and bespoke basis avoiding the need to spend large sums with more expensive commercially-focused firms. QualitySolicitors Clapham &

Collinge has been listening to clients, who say that they want a personal and individual service with a fixed fee so that they know how much to budget for any particular project, and the team is built around these principles.

The team also offers: l An initial meeting to assess your business needs, including strategy and pricing options l A named contact who will make sure all your business legal needs are met

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NORFOLK VOICE

Chamber & MP to lobby in the Department of Energy & Climate Change.

Members of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council met Brandon Lewis MP to discuss issues affecting the local economy in Great Yarmouth.

A key prospect in this region is the offshore energy sector. Businesses in Great Yarmouth and down the coast to Lowestoft have a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the development of the offshore wind industry.

This sector of the energy industry could provide both jobs and prosperity in Norfolk and Suffolk for the foreseeable future, with the East Anglia Array, the largest offshore wind farm, being situated only 14km off the East Coast. However, the project is being held up, due to uncertainty surrounding the Energy Bill.

The Chambers and Brandon Lewis are arranging a meeting with John Hayes, the Energy Minister, to explain the situation from a business point of view and the need for a discussion on the best

The Great Yarmouth Chamber Council and MP Brandon Lewis (centre)

way forward to allow the wind farm developers to conclude their investment in the East Anglia Offshore array and help kick start the offshore opportunities for this region.

Topics also discussed with Brandon Lewis were the new business bank, the Enterprise Zone, the third river crossing and cutting red tape.

Success and future opportunities in West Norfolk.

At a recent meeting of the West Norfolk Chamber Council, the members were given updates from both the Leader and the Chief Executive of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council.

Nick Daubney, Leader of the Council, advised the members of the latest information on the proposed incinerator project, which has now been ‘called-in’ by the Secretary of State. Ray Harding, Chief Executive provided an update on how the Borough Council were proposing to resolve the availability of parking in and around King’s Lynn. He also advised that they were starting to work on planning the budget for 2015/2016.

Ben Colson, MD of Norfolk Green and chair of the Town Centre Partnership, advised that the King’s Lynn’s Business Improvement District (BID) was progressing well and gathering momentum.

Nick Daubney (left) with Cllr. Geoffrey Wareham

As part of the economic round table discussion, Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber, said that she was working to get the business community more involved with the local schools and asked for support from both the Borough Council and West Norfolk businesses.

Ostap Paparega, the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager for the borough council, also presented the proposed King’s Lynn Enterprise and Innovation Centre project, for which the New Anglia LEP has confirmed funding of £2.5m. The project will provide 25,000 sq.ft of business innovation, office space and business support.

Nick Daubney, together with the Mayor of West Norfolk, Cllr. Geoffrey Wareham, opened the Chamber’s Meet the Buyer event on 20 September. The event was held at the Knights Hill Hotel, King’s Lynn and was well attended.

Among the buyers were Bernard Matthews, Bespak Europe Ltd, RAF Lakenheath and Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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CHAMBER POLICY

Business Group explores ways groups talk to local MPs. to boost growth.

Representatives of the key Norfolk business groups (Norfolk Chamber, FSB, IoD, NWES, FIG, and the NFU) met Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, and Simon Wright, MP for Norwich South, to highlight issues affecting local businesses.

Among the topics for discussion were how to improve mobile phone coverage across Norfolk, an update on the newly formed federation, Transforming Education in Norfolk (TEN) and a progress report from New Anglia LEP on the Enterprise Zone in Great Yarmouth and their Going Places Fund.

The economic round table debate at a recent Norfolk Chamber Planning & Development Group meeting highlighted that the development, planning and construction sectors are quiet at present.

The Group is looking at ways to boost growth in Norfolk and want to build upon the success of their National Planning Policy Framework debate with the local authorities in July and continue to keep the dialogue going with the local authorities and their planners.

It also wants to establish good relationships with the utility companies, the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency.

Jonathan Cage, MD of Create Consulting Engineers and the chair of the Chamber Planning & Development Group, said: “We are keen to engage with these organisations to

establish what their perceived barriers are to bringing forward growth and to work together to boost the economy and growth in Norfolk.”

Matt Wood from the Lucas Hickman Smith Group presented his ‘white paper’ on ‘Self-Build Norfolk’ to the Chamber Planning & Development Group. He highlighted the opportunities and benefits of self build homes. It was discussed that if more homes in Norfolk were self builds, this would also benefit local building contractors, suppliers and architects who were involved in these projects.

The Planning & Development Group also welcomed the news that £3.5m has been made available by Norfolk County Council for groups such as parish councils, voluntary groups and charities to apply for funding for community projects i.e. sports facilities, play areas etc.

Norfolk businesses are finding it tough but signs of improvement are showing.

The economic round table discussion, at a recent meeting of the Norwich Chamber Council, highlighted that businesses are still finding it tough, with many playing it safe and being cautious. However there are some signs of improvement.

Broom Boats advised that they have orders for two new hire boats for next year and will be relaunching their own hire boats. WLP also advised

that some of their clients are becoming more optimistic, particularly those who have managed to adapt to the changeable economic conditions.

The group also heard about the proposed plans for the former RAF Coltishall from Mike Britch, Group Managing Director, NPS Property Consultants. Mr Britch highlighted that 400 acres of the 600-acre site would be returned

to agricultural use. Some of the remaining 200 acres would be used for allotments, self build and community projects, while the rest would be for commercial use, which could include options for storage facilities, manufacturing etc. The heritage of the site would also be preserved and Mr Britch confirmed that once details had been finalised, business open days would be held to launch the site.

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17/10/12 16:34:46

Your route to high quality business support.

Trusted Business is a brand new initiative from Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council, aimed at promoting high quality business support services, accredited by Trading Standards.

The initiative is in line with the business support needs set out by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.

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Trusted Business is delivered on the same format as the successful Trusted Trader scheme.

Businesses are able to search for the support services they need safe in the knowledge that all members of the scheme will have been checked by Trading Standards.

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Trusted Business

Promoting quality businesses accredited by Trading Standards

Tel: 0344 800 8020

www.trusted-business.co.uk

All Trusted Business members are listed on a searchable website, powered by Referenceline.com, where feedback and ratings from existing clients can be viewed, giving new clients an insight into their services.

The scheme is a great way for graphic designers, web designers, coaches and mentors, training companies, accountants, solicitors, marketing agencies and IT consultants to enhance their reputation and promote their services.

Other benefits to members include: All year-round promotion through events; website and advertising campaigns; a feedback system to allow customers to promote and recommend services; accreditation from Trading Standards.

For businesses looking to appoint a service company, the scheme allows them to check feedback before hand as well as using Trading Standards for impartial mediation of disputes and complaints.

To find a Trusted Business or to join the scheme, visit www.trusted-business.co.uk email: trustedbusiness@norfolk.gov.uk or call Trading Standards on 0344 800 8020.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Accredited one-day courses on International Trade.

Norfolk Chamber, through its linkage to the British Chambers of Commerce, is pleased to be able to offer Accredited Training Courses covering International Trade from January 2013.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is playing a leading role in the Government’s ‘Get Britain Exporting’ agenda by launching a new National Trade Skills Training programme.

The ‘core 6’ course set will be accredited by the BCC and offered through the Chamber Network as a family of short courses. The courses are individually and collectively relevant to SMEs who wish to improve the skills and competence of their staff.

Candidates achieving Pass or Merit in any of the courses will receive a uniquely numbered certificate in each area. Those who pass all six courses will achieve a nationally recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.

The training programme has been developed after demand from employers for a national skills experience for their staff. By developing a national solution to the exporting skills gap, the BCC is making a vital contribution to helping the government achieve its target of creating 100,000 new exporters.

These courses are suitable for both experienced exporters and those with no previous knowledge of exporting.

The 6 course titles are: n Understanding Exports n Methods of Payment n Export Documentation n Incoterms® 2010 n Letters of Credit n Import Procedures Using the unique international trade experience within the Chamber network, the BCC identified these six core, one-day courses that businesses need, to be able to start exporting. Through a steering group of Chamber experts they developed an accreditation process to give

employers confidence that those attending the course have gained relevant and applicable knowledge and that their competence has been assessed and verified, enabling them to boost their businesses export drive.

The courses will continue to be delivered by our trusted, accredited trainer, Mike Strawson, who has been working with us for many years.

Those of you who have attended our courses will know that Mike has an incredible knack of delivering the content in such a crystal clear manner, delegates walk away with a sound understanding of the subject.

Mike has played an instrumental part in writing the new Accredited Courses for the BCC, and they are in fact, very similar to our existing ones.

The new courses listed above will replace our current offering, however we will continue to provide training on the following topics which will not form part of the Accreditation:

The first few dates are as follows: JANUARY 15

Understanding Exports

24

Methods of Payment

FEBRUARY 21

Customs Procedures (Not Accredited)

28

Export Documentation

MARCH 5

Incoterms® 2010

13

Letters of Credit

21

e-zCert Workshop (Not Accredited)

APRIL 16

Import Procedures

For more information on these courses, please contact the International Trade Team on 01603 729712 or email export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

n Customs Procedures n e-zCert Workshop n Creating an Export Strategy Course dates have now been set for 2013.

Each course will be delivered twice a year so candidates should be able to complete the full set of six courses within one year.

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

THE BIG INTERV The times they are a changing as journalist relishes new challenges.

Bob Crawley has a longstanding affinity with Norfolk; his first job was working on a pig farm in the west of the county, of which he says: “It taught me a lot about hard work and early mornings!”

These days, he is back in the area as Publishing Director of Archant Anglia, the latest stage in a career which has seen him experience many facets of an ever-changing sector.

A journalist by trade, he has worked for Archant for 17 years. His career began as a trainee reporter on the Wisbech Standard, after which he spent five years freelancing for one of the UK’s leading news agencies in Cambridge before editing five weekly newspapers.

In 1992, he was appointed Editor of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph and, in 1996, moved to Archant’s Norwich Evening News as Editor. In 2000, he led the team that launched the award-winning EDP24 and Pinkun website, still two of the company’s most successful websites.

Two years later, he was appointed Publishing Director of Archant’s Specialist’s magazine division in Saffron Walden and London, then in 2006 joined Archant Dialogue, Archant’s contract publishing division, as Managing Director.

In 2010, he joined Archant London as Editorial Director before returning this summer to Norfolk as Publishing Director of Archant Anglia.

He said: “I am very excited about the future of the regional media sector. It is well-documented that the newspaper industry is going through one of its most challenging periods, particularly with the rapid growth of the internet and the way it has impacted on people’s everyday lives.

“Those companies, like Archant, that provide great content in an exciting way through traditional and new media platforms have a very bright future.

“Those doom merchants who proclaim “print is dead”, are greatly mistaken. Newspapers and magazines in printed form are and will continue to be part of people’s lives for many, many years to come.”

Bob believes that it is the company’s ability to adapt to changing times that stands it in such good stead.

He said: “From its 19th Century roots as a pure newspaper business, Archant has, in the past decade, grown into a very special community media business.

“A number of years ago, it decided to broaden its portfolio and now owns many specialist magazines, dominates the county magazine market, with titles such as Norfolk magazine and Suffolk magazine, has a high-quality magazine business in London, has dozens of websites, geographically-led and specialist, runs major shows and events across the UK and is particularly strong in the wedding market.

“That spread, combined with hugely influential and respected newspapers like the Eastern Daily Press, has proved highly successful.

“Our major strength can be defined in one word; trust. We work, live and play in the communities we serve – communities based on geography and communities based on interest. Those communities trust our products to either advertise in or respond to advertising, and even more importantly they trust our journalism.”

There has always been change to confront. He said: “There is no doubt we have become more

efficient by better use of technology, improving the process elements of our work and providing our people with the right skills to do the best job possible. We have embraced new media and are now making great headway in terms of providing advertisers with excellent platforms for our audiences.

“We also recently won the local television franchise for Norwich and surrounding area.

Mustard TV will launch online early next year before going live on Freeview in October 2013. That shows our commitment to providing fantastic local content to local audiences through multiple platforms.

“Our challenge will be to continue to develop our portfolio and make sure that it continues to meet the needs of our customers, be they readers or advertisers. That will mean continuing to empower our teams to develop new ideas and platforms.”

To strengthen that process, Archant Anglia recently made changes to the senior editorial teams across Norfolk and Suffolk . An editorin-chief was appointed to lead our publishing operations in each county to provide coordinated leadership across daily and weekly newspapers.

Bob said: “Those editors-in-chief report directly to myself as publishing director with overall responsibility for all content. Nigel Pickover in Norfolk and Terry Hunt in Suffolk are two of the country’s most experienced and influential editors and have worked for Archant for many years.”

In addition to plotting the company’s future, he is committed to working with the Chamber.

He said: “I am beginning to renew my links with the Chamber. Renewing my relationships with the Chamber and its members will be something that I look forward to.

“I Know Archant works very closely with the Chamber and is actively involved in marketing Chamber business events and provide speakers for many events.”

Those doom merchants who proclaim “print is dead”, are greatly mistaken.

Newspapers and magazines in printed form are and will continue to be part of people’s lives for many, many years to come.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

RVIEW

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

Supporting new local businesses.

Archant has a strong commitment to supporting business through its columns and online, including: n Backed by the Newspaper Society, the Local Business Accelerators is in its second year and aims to harness the power of local newspapers in supporting start-up businesses. Entrants have a chance to win a year’s worth of free advertising support in their local newspaper as well as the opportunity for business mentoring. Norfolk Chamber is offering free membership to the Norfolk winner. Those making it through to the national finals (the deadline for entries has just passed for this year‘s competition) have a chance to win a year’s worth of mentoring from Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden and £10,000 of support from the Business Growth Fund n The Future 50 aims to identify companies which have the potential to be the business successes of the Future. In Norfolk. Future 50 is now in its 3rd year. n The new-look Top 100 aims to identify the biggest and best companies in Norfolk and Suffolk. Launched at the Lep Conference on October 22, the Top 100 provides in-depth analysis and insight into leading firms, while there is also a strong online element n The Spirit of Enterprise Awards is a Great Yarmouth-based project focused on celebrating innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in the town.

Bob Crawley

Bob said: “Archant Norfolk is a very active supporter of enterprise and business startsup in Norfolk. Business and new businesses are the lifeblood of the communities we operate in and supporting and promoting the business community is one of our most important roles. Archant Norfolk is also actively involved running its own events across the county ranging from major business, food and tourism awards to wedding fairs.”

Publishing Director of Archant Anglia

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

GUEST BLOG

A first week to remember.

By Brandon Lewis MP Last Monday started off just like any other normal backto-Parliament week for a backbencher. Then the phone rang. Even with reshuffle chatter bubbling away in the background, any MP might hope, but certainly not expect it to be the Prime Minister.

investment and more planning deregulation. The plans were announced by Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, but Eric and our team of ministers all took to the front benches to set out the steps to Parliament that build on the housing, local government finance and planning reforms already in play. Getting growth going is a top priority for the Coalition and this package is something the chamber will no doubt welcome as a key contribution to that.

With that I was a Local Government Minister at the Department for Communities. Surprised, yes.

A privilege, certainly. A new challenge, definitely.

But I am ready and eager to roll my sleeves up and get on with the job of governing.

So instead of deciding which debates to attend and thinking about select committee work I was off to join Eric Pickles at our Victoria HQ. So far, so good.

I have always been an avid Olympics and Paralympics fan and I am keen to see the sporting spirit that swept the nation this summer continue. So I was thrilled that one my first duties as a new minister was to attend the Olympic cabinet committee, chaired by the Prime Minister (I seem to be seeing a lot of him lately!).

We discussed the huge contribution made by team GB, not just the athletes, but also the

Brandon Lewis MP

organisers and games makers that made sure 2012 went off without a hitch. We talked about the plans for the closing ceremony and parade which, I think we can all agree was truly great way to cap off a stellar sporting summer. Not to mention Andy Murray’s first grand slam victory.

Day two meant the Government’s big announcement to boost the economy, deliver 70,000 new homes and create 140,000 jobs through billions in debt guarantees, new housing

With any new job the first week is often about learning the ropes. So I’ve been settling into my new offices, learning my way around the building, meeting with my new ministerial colleagues to discuss our priorities and responsibilities. I also have a new private office team and daily tasks like correspondence, responding to parliamentary questions, reading my briefing notes or meetings with the civil servants to get up to speed on various aspects of my portfolio, which covers local government, the Fire Service, the Thames Gateway and community pubs.

Talk about hitting the ground running, which is ironic given that my new role has given me less time to train up for the triathlon I’m competing in.

The weekend will hopefully mean I can catch my breath, get in some training and spend time with the family. Although I’ll have my ministerial box to get through and my first ever departmental questions on Monday to prepare for, so fingers crossed.

For more blogs, or to submit a blog, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Encouraging response to Apprenticeships Norfolk launch.

Hundreds of young people across the county expressed their interest in Norfolk County Council’s Apprenticeships Norfolk Fund, which was launched on 20 September as part of the wider Apprenticeships Norfolk initiative.

Within the first fortnight, 1,540 people visited www.norfolk.gov.uk/apprenticeships to find out more

information about the scheme and almost 130 young people and local businesses registered with Norfolk County Council.

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Fund, which was officially launched at the Forum in Norwich, will see up to 400 apprenticeships in small and medium sized businesses created over the next two years, thanks to £3.5m in funding from the county council.

Director, said: “Having apprentices allows us to mould the person right from the start as they are potentially new to the sector and they can really grow within the business, gaining new skills at the same time.”

Young people and businesses are encouraged to visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/apprenticeships or call 0344 800 8024, to find out more information or register their interest in the Apprenticeships Norfolk Fund.

The Fund is being administered by three training providers, with the College of West Anglia being supported by City College Norwich and Broadland District Council Training Services.

Among those involved is PIL Membranes, a manufacturing company based in King’s Lynn which signed up. Mark Littlewood, Managing

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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Providing Controlled Environments Clean Rooms Data Centers Laboratories Call 01553 767446; E-Mail: mikegould@jdcooling.com; URL: www.jdcooling.com

Patent Box Tax Relief:

Further incentive to patent your technology

Recent changes to the UK corporation tax system, due to be introduced on 1 April 2013, provide a new financial incentive to protect innovation: the ‘Patent Box’.

What is the Patent Box? A new tax relief system that, when fully operational, will allow businesses to pay up to 50% less corporation tax on patent-related profits.

A new incentive to file patents: Patents protect innovative new products or processes, helping their creators to maximise profits by providing enforceable monopoly rights. This new scheme will also allow UK-based companies to pay less tax on qualifying profits, even if the patent protects just an element of a larger product.

Are you eligible for Patent Box relief? Businesses should start assessing which of their income streams might benefit from the new scheme. Companies are also advised to consider products in development or R&D-related processes to see if they might warrant patent protection.

If you’re an innovator, a manufacturer or a new or growing business with bright ideas, then you could be eligible for Patent Box relief.

How we can help: Novagraaf’s expert patent team can work with you to identify patentable technology. We’ll also work with you and your accounts team to help you establish the commercial benefits of patent coverage, as well as the tax advantages of the new patent scheme.

Don’t miss out on important new tax relief. Contact us today: info.norwich@novagraaf.com or call 01603 438 422 to discuss how we can work with you to protect your innovations and give you the opportunity to save on your corporation tax bill.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON ENGINEERING

Underground, overground, on land or sea, Ltd. intelligent engineering from Richard Jackson Ltd ADVERTISING FEATURE

Richard Jackson Ltd, a civil, structural and ground engineering design consultancy is coming out of the shadows Richard Jackson Ltd, with an East Anglian office coverage, has a quiet but creative presence in Norwich. Overlooking the City, the office in Norwich has been creating civil, structural and geotechnical solutions for over 20 years. Richard Jackson Ltd has been hiding in the shadows for too long and now is the time to showcase some of its achievements.

In Norwich and Norfolk there are already many examples of how Richard Jackson have made a difference and the expanding office in Norwich to cover Norfolk is understated. The showcase examples of how the company has made its presence are indicated below, where the pictures tell 1000 words.

The largest hub for public transport in Norwich at the bus station shows the structural expertise of the Company. Helping the City keep fit, the engineered solutions at the Riverside Swimming Centre also indicate the technical knowledge of our experts. As you travel out of the city to North Walsham, Wymondham and Kings Lynn there are examples of how the company has made a difference, with the North Walsham High School, residential development for a major house builder

and commercial units for St Nicholas retail park, respectively.

To achieve the delivery of the end product, whether it is a large residential estate or a house extension, Richard Jackson can provide the engineering pre-planning advice as well as the innovation through design to the final product.

Future Innovation/Projects The current proposals for revitalising Norwich Speedway, is being assisted by the company in the transportation sector. Helping the community through its membership of Prohelp, Richard Jackson has also prepared a Flood Risk Assessment and Evacuation Plan for a new community garden in Hellesdon, Norwich.

Incorporating innovation into the schemes as desired by our clients and surpassing the requirements of the authorities are the key aspects of securing the correct solution for each project.

The company prides itself on offering tailored solutions, intelligently engineered to save future construction or maintenance costs.

Innovation through our work completed on rivers or the sea also came to the forefront during the Olympic Games. To provide temporary electricity supplies to the Olympic stadium, Richard Jackson Ltd provided barge stability calculations for the floating barges which held the emergency generators and diesel. This is just a small part of the support work completed for the offshore sector. Other offshore sector work includes temporary structures for wind farm technologies.

To ensure your project benefits from our expertise, why not consider these services as part of your next development opportunity: n Structural Engineering Design n Flood Risk Assessment n Transportation Modelling n Land Contamination Assessment n Ground Investigation n Building Surveying n Drainage Assessment n Civil Engineering Design n Site Supervision n Contract Management

Services to Clients Early consultant involvement at the planning stage of a scheme will help create, prepare and provide solutions that can be delivered. The early involvement can be as simple as procurement of a surface water strategy or as complex as a transportation model for a new town extension.

6 The Old Church, St Matthews Road, Norwich, NR1 1SP T: 01603 230240 E: martindoughty@rj-ie.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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MEMBER news

Don’t throw your money away!

Norfolk businesses urged to recycle more.

In the UK as a whole, small and medium-sized enterprises are set to throw away £470m in 2012 by sending waste to landfill. By the end of 2020 the potential savings in landfill tax alone could be as much as £4.4 billion.

These new figures will ring alarm bells with businesses in Norfolk, reflecting that the tax they pay to send waste to landfill will rise from £64 now to £80 per tonne in two years.

Now the company that commissioned the research, Veolia Environmental Services, is offering Norfolk businesses the opportunity to capitalise on these potential savings from its Norwich Service Centre.

Veolia has launched an innovative recycling service for firms, designed to divert material away from landfill, avoiding the escalating landfill tax. The service which separates out food, mixed dry recyclates and glass can help businesses to practically aim for a target of sending zero waste directly to landfill.

Food waste is also now diverted to local anaerobic digestion facilities where it is

composted and put back onto the land in the local area, resulting in a positive environmental impact.

The service means local businesses can substantially reduce their general waste residues resulting in considerable savings - on average a typical SME will spend £335 on landfill tax in 2012 and rising to £358 for 2013.

Geoff Coleman, the manager of Veolia’s Norwich Service centre, said: “We know that keeping costs down is a priority for local businesses in these tough economic times. For

both that and sustainability reasons, firms are welcoming the opportunity to pay less, reduce their carbon footprint and turn more waste into a resource.”

Businesses can arrange a free no-obligation waste audit and find out how to minimise their waste, what can be recovered, how to increase recycling participation and identifying resale or reuse opportunities for recycled materials.

For more information call Tel: 0845 6060460 or visit www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk

Fendercare Marine wins $29 million contract to supply US Navy.

Fendercare Marine, one of the world’s foremost suppliers of marine services and products, has been awarded a five-year contract worth $29.42 million to supply the US Navy.

The contract was awarded by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division for the procurement of Yokohama hydropneumatic fenders and associated installation, support, shipping and travel. It was awarded in September 2012 and is expected to be completed by September 2017, with the work being undertaken at the Fendercare Marine UK Head Office in Seething, Norfolk.

Fendercare Marine Managing Director. Eric Plane. said: “This is a testament to our ability to provide both high quality, reliable products and the required levels of customer service that goes with it.“

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

NPS Norwich Ltd

The Complete Property Service Qualified Chartered Surveyors providing specialist advice throughout Norwich, Norfolk and North Suffolk Our services include: O Sales & Lettings O Valuations O Asset Management O Building Surveying O Rent Reviews & Lease Renewals O Acquisition Advice O Development For further information please contact either: Craig Knights (craig.knights@arnoldskeys.com) Guy Gowing (guy.gowing@arnoldskeys.com) Tony Hird (tony.hird@arnoldskeys.com)

01603 706007 www.nps.co.uk

Norwich 01603 620551

Aylsham 01263 733195

Lowestoft 01502 509323

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YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST

TO LET Breckland Business Centre (Thetford), St Nicholas Street, Thetford.

– Offices ranging from 206 sq ft – 2373 sq ft (19m² – 220m²) CONTACT US:

– Prestigious serviced offices – Viewing highly recommended – Centre of town location – Excellent access to A11 – Flexible terms – Available for immediate occupation

TO LET Breckland Business Centre (Dereham), St Withburga Lane, Dereham.

– Offices ranging from 113 sq ft – 1410 sq ft (10.5m² – 131m²)

– Prestigious serviced offices – Viewing highly recommended – Centre of town location – Excellent access to A47 – Private and public parking – Flexible terms – Available for immediate occupation

01362 656293 / 656210 commercial.property@breckland.gov.uk www.breckland.gov.uk/businessproperty

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Glimmers of hope in the commercial property market.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

For many business people, the health of the property market is a barometer for the wider economy, which is why those people owning land and property are so inventive when it comes to attracting occupants.

That was certainly the finding of a recent survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which researched the state of the market in the second quarter of this year.

According to the survey, occupier demand fell back modestly, while available space continued to rise and rent expectations continued to decline, with central London the only exception.

According to the report: “The impact of the ongoing Euro area crisis and the domestic ‘double dip’ recession have combined to weigh on confidence among occupiers, who are clearly still very cautious when it comes to renewing leases.

“Significantly, after stabilising over the previous six months, demand has begun to pick up again for central London office space; the net balance jumped to +25 from zero in Q1, supporting a robust pick up in rental expectations.

“Away from the capital, demand for office space continued to dwindle, resulting in a negative rental outlook.”

The result in areas like Norfolk, according to the RICS, is that landlords are working harder to attract tenants. The authors of the report said: “Not surprisingly against this backdrop, inducement packages offered by landlords increased further in Q2.”

And the report says that, although most sectors registered declines in activity, expectations among surveyors for workloads and employment over the next year are positive.

There is certainly cause for optimism in the rural market. Demand for commercial farmland continued to surge ahead as prices reached record levels for the fourth consecutive period, says the latest RICS Rural Land Market Survey.

The average price per acre – which has now almost trebled since 2003 - increased to £6,628 during the first half of the year, as demand outstripped fresh supply.

“More ambition from the Government would help create the homes and jobs we need to pull the UK out of recession.”

Surveyors continue to report that the ongoing shortage of available land is a key factor in driving up rural prices.

Across Great Britain, most areas saw a steady increase and those taking part in the survey said that they expected the current trend in commercial farmland values to continue.

The emphasis on the private rented sector and first time buyers is essential, if we are to reduce the housing deficit and provide homes now, and for our children.

Away from commercial property, landowners and the RICS have welcomed the Government’s move to drive economic growth, particularly the £10bn bond stimulus for underwriting desperately needed housing development.

Peter Bolton King, RICS Global Residential Director, said: “The emphasis on the private rented sector and first time buyers is essential, if we are to reduce the housing deficit and provide homes now, and for our children.

“However, the extent of existing planning permissions is little more than a year’s supply of forecast housing demand.

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NORFOLK VOICE

In over 21 years Targetfollow has grown to become a highly experienced UK property group specialising in: ● ● ● ●

Strategic Asset Management Urban Regeneration Investment Planning and Development

As a property owner and an asset manager we understand the vital importance of adding value.

We have the experience to spot and realise potential in any type of market and the proven skills to deliver value for all stakeholders.

The current market provides tremendous opportunities for Targetfollow to add value for occupiers and investors alike.

Targetfollow, Riverside House, 11/12 Riverside Road, Norwich NR1 1SQ

Tel: 01603 767616 Email: enquiries@targetfollow.com www.targetfollow.com

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Norwich’s premier business location.

ADVERTISING FEATURE Businesses considering a relocation to new offices, whether to expand or to take advantage of better facilities,will take into account a number of factors when choosing where to move, including road access, facilities for employees, public transport links and even the kind of businesses that are already operating there.

sectors. Companies like Aviva, Lovewell Blake, J&H Bunn, Bertram Books, Evander, RBS, Sika, KTIB, IP21, Lucas Fettes and NHS Norfolk all have offices on the Park, while Start-rite Shoes, D & F McCarthy, City Link and Menzies Distribution are amongst the businesses on the industrial and commercial side of the Park.

For those seeking accommodation that combines high specification and one of the most convenient locations in Norwich – and a quality of landscaped environment probably not offered anywhere else in the area –Broadland Business Park, managed by Lothbury Investment Management, just off the A47 at Postwick provides excellent quality office accommodation and flexible plots for distribution and commercial use, all in superb surroundings.

There arevery good transport links too – being right on the A47, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft are easy to access, as is the city centre, the Midlands and London via the A11.

As well as a variety of plots available for commercial use, office suites available for immediate occupation start at 1,444 sq. ft. in Bankside 300.

Broadland Business Park has attracted many of the area’s top businesses, in several different

For further information please contact the agents, on the above.

The Park’s joint agents can advise on all availability at Broadland.James Allen at Roche Chartered Surveyors can be contacted on 01603 619876 and james.allen@rochesurveyors.co.uk and David Lambert at Savills on 01603 229229 or DLambert@savills.com.

Broadland Business Park’s website is at www.broadlandbusinesspark.com.

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NORFOLK VOICE

We can help new businesses grow, save money, raise their profile and build their contacts throughout Norfolk. We want to make the wider business network accessible to new enterprises by giving them a cost-effective chance to tap into our network and really get their business seen.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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COVER FEATURE

New businesses doing well with a little help from their friends.

Another company appreciating the role played by the Chamber is Forage4it, which helps clients meet their legal obligations under security, environmental and WEEE regulations. The business reuses, recycles and disposes of used Electronic/Electrical equipment, PCs, laptops, phones and other e-waste.

New businesses need all the help they can get when it comes to establishing themselves and in Norfolk there’s plenty of support available, ranging from specialist advice to networking opportunities.

Pete Lloyd, who runs it, said: “I find the support offered by the Chamber to be very good. I am particularly keen on events such as the Chill Time! networking events. Not only do these give a good opportunity to meet and talk to others in business, they also enable you to make some great contacts.

“But what I find most helpful about these events is the chance to spend time with other positive people. Building a business can be a lonely affair so it‘s good to meet and talk to others that are trying to achieve similar things to you, to swap advice and stories.”

One of the organisations offering such help is Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, which sees membership as a good way for new businesses to get themselves noticed.

Chris Perry, Membership Manager for the Chamber, said: “We can help new businesses grow, save money, raise their profile and build their contacts throughout Norfolk.

Norfolk farmer Richard Wright has also drawn on the networking opportunities offered by the Chamber as he develops his business.

Richard Wright with one of his products

Norwich-based Leavs Ltd produces bespoke organic packaging from botanicals and by-products of popular farming crops.

The company’s innovative approach was recognised by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which mentioned Leavs in the Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto presented to the Government in June.

“We want to make the wider business network accessible to new enterprises by giving them a cost-effective chance to tap into our network and really get their business seen.

“The USP of the Chamber is that we have medium-to-large corporates active within the network, thus giving the new enterprise an opportunity to meet and engage with influential business leaders from all sectors.

“Never has there been a more important time to look at a increasing brand awareness within the business community and using the Chamber network to communicate brand awareness is an extremely cost-effective way of marketing.”

Advantages of membership include: n Uploading news and events on the Chamber website n Access to the Chamber‘s social media platforms n The chance to appear in Norfolk Voice, which reaches more than 5,000 Norfolk businesses n Featuring in the Business Directory n Taking part in networking events n Accessing free services such as legal expenses insurance, a helpline that gives 24/7 free advice relating to any legal, employment or tax matters, HR services, offers and savings and free business banking n Specialist advice on international trade

Richard said: “The Chamber has helped me establish the business. The really useful thing has been the Chamber events. They are really important because they give me the opportunity to meet potential customers and gain access to people I do not know.”

Many young businesses have benefited from Chamber membership. Norwich-based Sweetbriar Office Solutions, for instance, benefits from the networking opportunities.

Based on Frensham Road on the Sweetbriar Industrial Estate, the company comprises a team of local people who have more than 25 years’ experience in the stationery industry.

They officially opened on March 1 and supply a number of businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire, providing everything from office supplies and printing to office hygiene, interior design and refurbishment and paper recycling systems.

Jenny Blunt, the Office Manager, said: “Attending the variety of events, breakfasts and similar events arranged by the Chamber of Commerce has enabled our business to connect with people who make the real dayto-day decisions, which has helped us grow our business.”

The Chamber’s role in influencing decisionmakers is important for Norfolk businessman and former solicitor Mark Oxley, who helps clients resolve a wide range of business and personal problems.

His recent work includes advising on company turnarounds, acting as trusted adviser on multijurisdictional business, probate and aggressive tax planning issues and advising small businesses across a wide range of strategic and operational issues.

He said: “For me, the key thing about the Chamber is the way it feeds into the wider business network, both nationally and internationally.

“It is important to have an organisation that can operate on the macro level, ensuring that Government appreciates the views of businesses in Norfolk. No other organisation does that and that makes the Chamber a useful forum.” www.norfolkchamber.com

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NORFOLK VOICE

Getting the message across is the key.

Business support scheme back on track.

Plans to create new businesses and revitalise industrial estates in rural Norfolk and Suffolk have been thrown a funding lifeline.

Communication and networking is the key for Gérard Spencer, Founder & Director of Norwich social enterprise EUROPEDUCATION, and the Chamber helps him achieve that.

The company helps students and parents explore affordable undergraduate university courses taught in English across Continental Europe. It offers British students the chance to gain international experience, improve foreign language skills, enhance career opportunities and save at least £20,000 in university debt.

Gerard said: “Students have no awareness of those opportunities. This can be felt in the very low number of British graduates with international experience and foreign language skills; as well as the very large number of British graduates with important levels of university debt.

available throughout Europe and the uncountable professional/personal benefits associated with international experience and multilingualism. n A package aimed at assisting students access the university courses available throughout Europe. n One-to-one language lessons in a variety of European languages.

Gerard said: “EUROPEDUCATION has already benefited from the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in several ways. For example, Robert Ashton, Britain’s most prolific business writer and social entrepreneur, whom we met at a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce event, was a guest speaker at the launch of EUROPEDUCATION .

“We regularly post our news on the Chamber website, increasing our business profile, and we regularly go to networking events, meeting other local businesses and listening to inspiring speakers talk on various topics.”

More on the company can be found at www.europeducation.org.uk

“Our vision is to empower tomorrow’s undergraduate students through international university education, a broadened horizon and liberation from university debts.”

To achieve this vision, the company offers: n Free presentations in schools for A level students as well as workshops developing awareness on both the studying opportunities

The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which in 2011 requested £2.6 million from the Government as part of its Rural Growth Network programme, learnt this year that the bid had been unsuccessful. The plan was to establish 14 local hubs to stimulate the growth of existing businesses and the start-up of new enterprises in rural communities.

But now, the LEP has announced it will use £1.1 million from another pot of money, known as the ‘Growing Places Fund’, to establish seven or eight hubs and support them over two years.

Under the initiative, enterprise champions will be recruited to help people who want to set up in business and support existing businesses to grow.

Andy Wood, chair of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Whilst we were of course disappointed that our funding bid was unsuccessful, we remain totally committed to the Rural Growth Network concept because it’s so important. That’s why the New Anglia board has earmarked funding for the project. We want to increase the rate of business start up in rural areas and, ultimately, help businesses to grow.”

Business start-up rates in Suffolk and Norfolk are low compared with national averages, and this is particularly bad in rural areas. This is usually because access to business support services is more limited. In order to take the project forward, more detailed work is required.

In particular, there is a need to identify the locations of the hubs and local authority partners, including any additional funding.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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COVER FEATURE

New start-up scheme to offer help for entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs in the county will be given help to realise their business dream thanks to a new business start-up project launched by local councils led by Norfolk County Council.

Enterprise Norfolk, officially launched during Global Entrepreneurship Week (12-18 November), is being funded by the county council and its district council partners. The aim is to create 300 sustainable businesses over two years.

Working with several of Norfolk’s district councils means business-minded people can be targeted on a more local level and also reach rural locations.

The county council is dedicating £200,000 per year for two years to the project and the

district councils are broadly matching this figure.

Services will include enterprise awareness events, one-to-one events, workshops and business surgeries and clubs.

Ann Steward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Norfolk County Council, said: “There is no comprehensive start up scheme in Norfolk, although there are some excellent local initiatives.

“However, by working at a local level, we believe that we can fill gaps and offer a tailored solution to meet local need. We believe there are many people who need extra help and support to be encouraged to start up their own business.

“It’s important for people to feel they are receiving as much support as possible, and this can be achieved by offering a service in the area in which they live as well as providing one to one and face-to-face advice.

“Norfolk has, for many years, been behind the national average in terms of new businesses and we want to try and change that. We believe this

will have significant benefits to those we help to start up as well as the wider economy.”

North Norfolk District Council Leader, Keith Johnson, said: “We are really excited to be part of the Enterprise Norfolk project and we are even putting additional funding for its delivery in the district. North Norfolk is an exceptional place to live but due to its location it can prove challenging for new businesses to start up. Currently in rural areas there is little service provision for people who have the entrepreneurial skills but struggle to put them into practice effectively.”

For information and updates please visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/enterprisenorfolk

Support with taking the big step into business.

For Richard Shepherdson, setting up his own business was a major step, having spent his earlier career in the public sector.

When he decided to take that step, the result was Norfolk Workplace Mediation, which helps resolve disputes, and he has appreciated the support he has received from the Chamber.

Richard said: “I am always amazed when I read some of the researchbased estimates regarding the cost to industry of poor relationships at work,

bullying and the inevitable resulting anxiety. The facts are difficult to exaggerate.

“I have a long standing professional interest in emotional literacy and believe with a passion that excessive conflict within the workplace is simply not necessary. I was struck by the extent of the misery which so many people feel obliged to endure at work and I realised that I want to do something about it.

“Becoming self-employed is a risk, however. From the start, I knew that there is a need among local employers which I am able to fulfil. It was obvious to me that the issue of workplace conflict is a serious problem which affects most businesses at some level and I set-up Norfolk Workplace Mediation because I realised that the principles of how to address these problems are actually simple ideas which most of us can easily understand.

“I’ve had a great experience of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce – it seems to offer

a broad variety of opportunities from which members benefit according to our different needs. Currently for me, it’s mainly about networking opportunities and B-2-B. I’m really enjoying finding out about the many different ways in which people work.

“I loved the ‘Engaging Customers using Social Media’ event and was both surprised and fascinated to learn about just how commercially significant social media has become. I felt that I was being kept informed about an important aspect of my work and I have to say it immediately influenced my business plan.

People at Chamber events are sociable and approachable; I’ve met some interesting people and made new friends.

“Publications including the Business Directory are useful and members are kept informed by email. I have a two-year business plan and the Chamber will remain central to that. The Chamber is particularly well-suited to the kind of service which I am able to provide.”

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NORFOLK VOICE

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Further expansion for Steve Pye & Co has resulted in the acquisition of Bruce & Company in Burnham Market. A fantastic opportunity to enhance the thriving accountancy and taxation services that are offered by Steve Pye & Co in King’s Lynn, Spalding, and Hunstanton.

Bruce & Company will retain the existing staff, providing a complete accountancy and taxation service combined with the enhanced services of Steve Pye & Co. Advanced tax strategies, investment and pension advice will be offered to further maximise the wealth of clients.

Business success and financial stability is increasingly difficult to sustain in the current economy so you need your accountant to retain the wealth you generate. If you feel your accountant only provides a service to comply with filing deadlines – submitting accounts and tax returns - then give us a call.

We offer a free financial review to ensure that your investments are going to provide a secure future for you. With understandable and reliable financial advice being more and more difficult to access these days, and with  many of the high street banks no longer advising we are pleased to be associated with Finance Shop.

Jim Bruce (right) handing over to Steve Pye (left)

Finance Shop are a local and well established firm of Independent Financial Advisers who have been  providing excellent service for our clients using the expertise  built up over the past  21 years in all areas of financial planning.

Call Kings Lynn 01553 672888, or Burnham Market 01328 738278 to make an appointment for a free quotation or investment review.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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FINANCE

New bank could be the answer to business finance problems.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Access to finance is one of the biggest problems for small business. Now, the Government has offered new hope. Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the first steps in creating a Government-backed business bank, supported by £1 billion.

It will aim to attract private sector funding so that when fully operational, it could support up to £10 billion of new and additional business lending.

The idea is to create a single institution that will address long-standing gaps in the supply of finance to small businesses.

Mr Cable said: “For decades British industry has lacked the sort of diverse, long-term finance that is quite normal elsewhere. We need a British business bank with a clean balance sheet and a mandate to expand lending rapidly and we are now going to get it.

“Alongside the private sector, the bank will get the market lending to manufacturers, exporters and growth companies that so desperately need support. It will be a lasting monument to our determination to reshape finance so it can finally serve industry the way it should. Its success will not be the scale of its own direct interventions but how far it shakes up the market in business finance and helps to ease constraints for high-growth firms.

“Having a functioning, diverse supply of finance is an integral part of the Government’s industrial strategy. It is all about making the right decisions now to secure our long-term industrial success.”

The bank will operate at arms-length from Government, be professionally run and commercially focused.

Its role will be to provide loans, including longterm capital, to UK firms through banks and

other financial institutions. The new institution will operate through the wholesale markets, it will not have any retail presence and will not displace or subsidise banks.

However, the new bank is only a part of the solution for businesses. Good financial advice is crucial if they are to take advantage of the Government’s plan.

That means bringing in financial advisers. They start by finding out what a business needs; it may be help with better financial management or it may be support applying for loans or grants to buy equipment, develop new products or take on new staff.

Bringing in specialist advisers is crucial because they are the ones who know what opportunities

are available and can help bring about the investment that may be required.

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

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

Once those questions have been answered, and companies understand how to use their funds, then and only then, will Vince Cable’s grand plan truly start to come to fruition.

Having a functioning, diverse supply of finance is an integral part of the Government’s industrial strategy. It is all about making the right decisions now to secure our long-term industrial success.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

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Child Benefit Tax Charge Many tax payers whose income falls between £50k and £60k in the 2012-13 tax year and whose partner claims Child Benefit, may find themselves with an additional tax liability. From 7th January 2013, HMRC will be asking the principal earner to pay back the Child Benefit that their partner has received and will be collecting this through their tax return. This could lead to additional costs of up to £2,449.20 for a family with three children under 16. It may be possible to avoid this charge with careful planning of your family income by reviewing partnership profit shares, flexible dividend payments or additional pension contributions.

Tax Return Deadline The deadline for the submission of 2011-12 personal tax returns on paper was 31st October 2012. If you normally submit your return by post and have missed this deadline, do not panic, and more importantly, do not now post your tax return in late.

You will automatically incur a £100 fine for doing so, even if filed before 31st January 2013. In order to ensure that you do not receive a fine, make sure you file your tax return online, either by using the HMRC provided software or via your accountant.

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Are you ready for Real Time?

Next year heralds what may be the biggest change in the pay as you earn (PAYE) system since its introduction in 1944. Even if they are not immediately affected, employers must ensure that they are ready for the change. This is the provision of information Tim Angell, Manager in “real time” (RTI).

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are taking the lead in the project and some PAYE schemes are already participating in an RTI trial. It is anticipated that the remainder of PAYE schemes will join in between April and October 2013.

Employers will need to submit full payment information every time there is a payroll run, as opposed to once only, after the year end. Originally it was intended that the data would be transmitted alongside payment information via BACS, but the project will initially require a separate submission using the internet or electronic data interchange.

Personal data will be required for all employees regardless of the level of their income. Initially, only ‘starter’ and ‘leaver’ information will be processed in real time, to ensure that correct PAYE codes are operated from the outset when an employee starts a new job. Eventually all the information will be collated so that up-to-date PAYE codes are in operation for all employees, as opposed to the delays inherent in the current system.

A much higher standard of record-keeping will be required, constantly updated. No longer will it be sufficient to do this at the year end. As ever, there will be the threat of penalties should the expected submissions be late or if remittances received do not match the data submitted.

What should employers do now?

■ Contact their software provider to check whether or not their existing payroll system meets the new requirements or needs an upgrade.Anyone running a payroll manually may need to introduce a computerised system, although HMRC have a basic application available from their website.

■ Establish payroll processes to meet the deadlines imposed by RTI. ■ Ensure that they have complete and accurate data for all their employees.

■ Like it or not, RTI is coming, so it will pay to be prepared!

For more information or for a no obligation quotation, please contact our payroll bureau on 0845 077 4159 or email payroll@larking-gowen.co.uk

O i D

•

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•

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This article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work in the UK and Ireland by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ©Larking Gowen.

• THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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NORFOLK VOICE

Top notch speakers to unlock success.

Norfolk businesses will have the chance to question South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss and shadow MP Chi Onwurah as they go head to head in a lively debate at the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Unlocking Success’ Business Conference on 23 November at OPEN, in Norwich.

The event is designed to motivate and inspire anyone working in the private, public and voluntary sectors and will feature a host of inspirational and recognised national and local keynote speakers from Industry and Government.

Both women will be on stage simultaneously at the conference to address the topic: ‘What is Westminster’s view of the

Norfolk is uniquely placed to succeed and Norfolk Chamber uniquely positioned to unlock that success. It’s all about community, collaboration and helping each other to succeed too. Robert Ashton

Chi Onwurah

Elizabeth Truss

challenges facing businesses from a Coalition point of view’. Each will give an eight-minute presentation, Elizabeth Truss from a coalition stance followed by Chi Onwurah from a labour perspective.

After the presentation, there will be a debate, hosted by ITV Anglia’s Business Correspondent Matthew Hudson, where members of the audience will have the opportunity to question both MPs. Also speaking at the event is Mark Rhodes, entrepreneur, business mentor, international speaker and trainer in success.

Mark’s presentation will be entitled ‘Unlocking Your Success’ where he will explain exactly how he has achieved every goal he has set himself and how anyone can do the same, whatever goals they are looking to achieve.

“This doesn’t rely on you believing in the powers of the Universe,” said Mark, “just an understanding of how we work and how you can easily take advantage of that knowledge to start getting the results you desire in your business,and other areas in your life. My aim is to show businesses how to massively improve their results with little or no extra effort!”

Also speaking will be Rob Mears, MD of Bernard Matthews. Rob will be appearing in a section called ‘What are the opportunities for Unlocking Success for Norfolk Businesses?’ alongside two other Norfolk businesses.

“Norfolk has long been a home to business entrepreneurs, from the days of the Gurney family to Bernard Matthews himself,” said Rob. “The key to their success has been to utilise the strengths of the local people, the location and to be forward thinking. In my presentation I will look at how these factors can have a positive impact on Norfolk businesses and give them a platform for success.”

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Diary Dates.

Robert Ashton, the UK’s leading advisor on business and enterprise, will also be speaking Also known as ‘The Barefoot Entrepreneur’ Robert is a social entrepreneur, campaigner and bestselling business author. At the conference he will be delivering a presentation called ‘Unlocking Success as a Norfolk Business’ alongside Rob Mears, MD of Bernard Matthews.

“I will be talking turkey,” said Robert Ashton: “The world is changing fast and what succeeded yesterday won’t help you tomorrow. Doing more of the same is no longer an option. But what are the alternatives?

“In my presentation I will explain why I feel that the way to unlock success in Norfolk is to redefine success itself. It’s not just about making money, it’s about how you make money, who you work with and the impact you make right here in Norfolk. I will be illustrating this with several interesting local case studies.

He added: “Norfolk is uniquely placed to succeed and Norfolk Chamber uniquely positioned to unlock that success. It’s all about community, collaboration and helping each other to succeed too. I am proud to live in Norfolk, to be a Chamber member and to be successful in Norfolk. This conference is all about success and I am very happy to be playing a small part in delivering that success.

To book your place for the ‘Unlocking Success’ Business Conference, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

November Pitching for Business

Norwich Business Breakfast

Brand

WHEN: Wednesday 14 new November, 08:30-14:00 event WHERE: Novus Enterprise Centre, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT: The Norfolk Chamber and enterprise GY are launching a brand new free-to-attend event to help businesses to gain the skills they need to successfully pitch for new business, and at the same time practice what they have learned.

Called ‘Pitching for Business’, the half-day event will be held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, on 14 November at the Novus Enterprise Centre, Great Yarmouth. It combines a series of informative workshops, networking opportunities with key Norfolk buyers, and a business support exhibition.

For further information or to book your place, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk.

HR Forum WHEN: Wednesday 14 November, 14:00-17:00 WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUIT: Join the Chamber for an afternoon of accessing specialist knowledge essential for any HR professional. Sponsored by Howes Percival LLP.

Unlocking Success Business Conference WHEN: Friday 23 November, 08.00-1400 WHERE: OPEN, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Following the outstanding success of the Norfolk Chamber’s Unlocking Growth Business Conference in December last year don’t miss the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, including a Shadow Cabinet Minister, local MP, Entrepreneurs and Business leaders, and find out how to unlock success for your business. Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities available. Sponsors include Norse, Transforming Education in Norfolk and PwC.

January 2013 Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast WHEN: Thursday January 17, 07.45-09.30 WHERE: Great Yarmouth Racecourse WHAT’S IT ABOUT: The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce invites you to a business breakfast at Great Yarmouth Racecourse packed full of networking opportunities over a delicious breakfast. Hear from Peter Waters, the newly appointed Brand Manager at Visit East Anglia, and Simon Altham, Director of Lodges and Parks at Hoseasons. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Super Bowl Challenge WHEN: Thursday January 24, 17.30-20.00 WHERE: Hollywood Bowl, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Chamber for the Super Bowl Challenge – a fantastic evening of networking opportunities in an informal setting over a game of bowling, followed by a buffet.

February MPs Event WHEN: Friday February 8, 15:30-18:00 WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This event brings together the Norfolk nine MPs at Dunston Hall Hotel to discuss key issues affecting Norfolk. The event offers a unique opportunity for you to hear our MPs’ aspirations for Norfolk and to question them on how they intend to address your issues and concerns.

SAVE THE DATE 2013 Opportunities 2013 WHEN? 14 March WHERE? Norwich City Football Club

December

Sustainability

High Five Lunch

Mark Rhodes

WHEN: Thursday 13 November, 07.45-09.30 WHERE: Sprowston Manor, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Your opportunity to make some fantastic business connections and network over a delicious breakfast. Sponsorship opportunities available.

WHEN: Tuesday December 11, 12.00-14.00 WHERE: Congham Hall, King’s Lynn WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Norfolk Chamber members for a fun networking event taking place in West Norfolk over a festive buffet lunch.

Sponsored by LloydsTSB.

WHEN? 9 May WHERE? John Innes Centre

‘Unlocking’ Business Conference WHEN? 29 November WHERE? OPEN, Norwich

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

5VYZL [VWZ UH[PVUHS MYHTL^VYRZ One of the clearest indicators that a supplier has a proven track record is its placement on a ‘Framework Agreement’ managed by the five biggest professional buying organisations in the UK. Norse recently scored major successes in Contracts Frameworks for a raft of public sector procurement organisations representing the £2 billion buying-power Pro5 Group. This includes placement on the Eastern Shires Pro5’s Framework for schools cleaning and grounds maintenance frameworks.

ESPO is one of the UK’s largest public sector professional buying organisations, and the one that covers Norfolk.

The company tendered for grounds frameworks in four counties, scoring the highest rating in each area, including Norfolk.

“This was a really tough tender process,” he continued, “and we’re delighted that we outscored major competitors on both quality and price. It shows that Norse is recognised as a major supplier right across the country, and opens up opportunities for significant new business nationwide, which will bring further income and job opportunities to Norfolk.”

Norse has also been awarded positions on Building Cleaning Framework for Hertfordshire County Council, covering Primary Schools and Secondary Schools in the county.

In the cleaning contract frameworks, including those for Norfolk, Norse was rated the top scoring supplier in five counties and second in several others.

“Pro5 Group suppliers go through an extremely robust evaluation process, and to have met their exacting standards is clear acknowledgement of a successful framework company’s commitment to high quality services and great value for money,” Sales Director Geoff Tucker commented.

THE FUNNY SIDE OF BUSINESS FAIRS The Business and Venue Hire team from The Forum, in Norwich, was delighted to win a prize for its stand at the Chamber of Commerce Autumn B2B Fair at Carrow Road in October.

Peter Marron and Rachel Harrison were promoting The Forum’s Christmas Comedy Store shows, with a small stage set, a microphone and a Twitter based competition.

Peter Marron and Rachel Harrison receiving their award from Emma Baker, ITV Anglia presenter.

“We wanted to do something a bit different”, said Peter, who looks after Business Development and Venue Hire at The Forum.

“Rather than simply presenting information about our exhibition and business facilities, we decided to engage people via social media and publicise our Christmas comedy shows at the same time.”

The competition prize was two tickets for the Comedy Store on Monday 17 December. Entrants were asked to enter a draw by following The Forum on Twitter (@TheForumNorwich) and tweeting to their own followers using the hash tag #forumcomedy.

“We already had more than 6,200 followers on Twitter”, said Rachel, The Forum’s Venue Hire Co-ordinator, “but after the event we bumped up that number even further, as well as raising awareness of our Christmas events and our venue hire business.”

Tickets are on sale for the Comedy Store on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 December via the Theatre Royal box office – 01603 630000 – and more details about booking, times, line up, party food and dining tickets are available on The Forum’s website. www.theforumnorwich.co.uk

See why over 6000 people follow us on Twitter @TheForumNorwich

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION

Sewell Park College students potential.

Opening minds… realising potential ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sewell Park College students are going somewhere… this is the message that fills the corridors as you walk through the Norwich high school.

Inspirational quotes selected by the students are everywhere, and large photo canvasses of students on every wall tell a story of enjoyment and achievement. Our recent no-notice Ofsted inspection highlighted our upward trend in achievement and the ability of our teachers to nurture independence and initiative. Our improving exam results year-on-year show that children are making real progress in a supportive environment, with an 87% increase in 5A*-C with English and Maths since 2007 Sewell Park College’s Business and Enterprise specialism demands more enterprising approaches to learning. From our innovative REACH programme in Year 7, and Year 8 “learning for life” to our new and exciting Sixth Form programme, the school focuses on the skills that enable young people to achieve in their learning, and prepare them for working life. A rich programme of extra-curricular opportunities enables students to unlock their talents and aspirations: 2012 has seen an exceptional production of the Blues Brothers, an armful of awards from our Young Enterprise business team, some pleasing sporting achievements and a trip to the Paralympic Games in London. All students took part in a highly successful enrichment week in Summer, further developing their skills and opening their minds to new experiences.

Our expertise in this area has been formally recognised in an Award for Excellence in Enterprise Education from the CEI and University of Warwick, now a national standard.

An inspirational trip by a group of teachers and students to King Edward VI School in Chelmsford opened our minds to the principle of co-

constructed learning – turning the tables in the classroom by giving students the opportunities to lead lessons. This is just one element of our aim to encourage and develop leadership skills in our pupils, alongside our already successful peer mediators, school representatives and student leader body.

This year will see us develop our links with our sister school Lycee Sewell in Madagascar, as well as establishing trading links with The Alice Smith School in Malaysia, looking to source local products that our partner school can sell. Our international aspirations reflect our international school community, in May our students represented their home country with a celebration of food and culture at our recent International evening.

We are constantly striving to innovate and improve teaching and learning opportunities for our students. We value providing a context to the students’ studies in each subject. We now actively seek engagement with the business community to ensure our students have firm foundations for a successful future career and in turn meet the needs of Norfolk’s future labour market. We are always looking for companies to become involved, through talks, company information and case studies, international links, as business advisers to our student enterprises, as judges, working directly with teachers and students on the development of new projects and ideas, and feeding into our student leadership programme.

Email evandevent2nre@nsix.org.uk to discuss how you could be a part of our success.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

(Cavell & Lind Ltd)

Protect the health of your staff: Call 01553 668970

THE BROOK IS NOW PERFECT FOR BUSINESS AND LEISURE IN NORWICH

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

The 3 star Brook Hotel Norwich is celebrating the completion of a major refurbishment.

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.

Investments have been made to both the building and staffing. The Brook Hotel Norwich now enjoys a new team experienced in both conferencing and weddings.

What can we do for your business:

Upgrades to all 81 bedrooms are now complete with a choice of Standard, Premier and Premier Plus rooms with additional refurbishment to the hotel exterior.

n

Patio garden Reception Bar Restaurant Gym and bar – with Sky Sports plus a superb Bar Brasserie menu Conference and wedding facilities include 5 conference rooms Intimate wedding to a large business conference for over 150 available Free Wifi Large Car paking area Close to Norwich Airport and A47, with good City access To view facilities or for any further information visit on The Brook Hotel Norwich visit www.brookhotelnorwich.co.uk Tel. 01603 741161 2 Barnard Road, Bowthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk NR5 9JB

n n n n n n

New employee health assessment Health surveillance and medicals Health promotion & wellbeing Vision and hearing tests

Spirometry (Lung-function Testing) Attendance management

Medicals tailored to your needs

Fantastic! Staff are happy and healthy, proďŹ ts are up!

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

CLIC Sargent East

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Norfolk Chamber Start-Ups

Give your business the best possible start.

If your business is under a year old, and you’re just starting out, then being a member of the Norfolk Chamber will be a real asset. We can help you grow your business, save money, raise your business profile and build your contacts throughout Norfolk.

PERSONAL SERVICE

FREE BUSINESS SERVICES

Membership is personal, so you will be assigned a dedicated advisor to help you and ensure you get the most from your membership.

Saving money is vital when you’re starting out, so to help make your money go further we’ll give you access to business services such as:

RAISE YOUR PROFILE WITH OUR FREE PR SYSTEM The key to successful growth is getting your business noticed and increasing your profile within your target markets. As a member you can access free focused PR that will reach thousands of Norfolk business and beyond.

Upload your news and events to the Chamber website: Shout about your business and upload news such as success stories, events, product showcases and industry information to the news and events section at any time.

Knowledge showcase: Submit a ‘Top-Tips’ or ‘How-To’ article to our business knowledge section on our website designed to give businesses helpful information, advice and guidance.

Social media exposure: Submit your knowledge and news articles and we will send them out for you on various social media channels such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google + Norfolk Voice Magazine: Top articles will be considered to appear in our bi-monthly magazine that reaches over 5000 Norfolk businesses.

Business Directory profile: Be found by businesses all around the region and beyond with your business profile on our website.

Free Chamber legal expenses insurance: Over £670,000 worth of cover to defend against unexpected and expensive legal and professional fees.

Free Chamber legal advice: A helpline that gives 24/7 free advice relating to any Legal, Employment or Tax matter.

Free Chamber HR Service: 24hr immediate unlimited telephone contact with advice lines and access to over 150 downloadable HR policies, forms, documents, letters, templates, fact sheets and updates on legislation.

Free business banking: Take advantage of free business banking with Chamber Finance and benefit from a range of financial systems to support your initial growth.

Free business knowledge section on the Chamber website: Access professional top tips, advice and guidance to help you take that next step. You can also submit articles of your own to share the knowledge.

SAVE MONEY We get the savings on your behalf, so access the Chamber purchasing scheme to save money on business purchases, discounted dental and optical cash back plans, plus more benefits designed to save you time and money.

We have a dedicated international team to advise you on all aspects of international trade, logistics and country documentation requirements. Services include, export documentation, translations, training courses and much more. All export services are available at up to 50% discount to members.

Exclusive access to member-only special offers designed to save you money on products and services for your business.

FIND NEW CUSTOMERS As a member you get unlimited access to Chamber events at a discounted rate. By attending our events, you have a unique opportunity to meet businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporates to the small/micro.

With a variety of networking events and high profile conferences throughout Norfolk, we create opportunities for you to make invaluable contacts, grow your business and build new, lasting commercial relationships.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? Get all this and more for just £8.25 + VAT per month over 12 months. (direct debit). That’s just £99 + VAT for a year, payable by direct debit, debit card or credit card. For more information go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or call 01603 625977 and ask to speak to one of the Membership Team.

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

@VancQuarterKL

vancouverquarter.com

facebook.com/vancouverquarter

OVER 160,000 VISITORS A WEEK ADVERTISING PACKAGES STARTING AT JUST £100 PER MONTH BASED IN THE BUSTLING KING’S LYNN TOWN CENTRE Situated right in the heart of historical King’s Lynn, there's plenty on offer for all the family at The Vancouver Quarter Shopping Centre.

Vancouver Quarter is a spacious, open-air, pedestrianised shopping complex, adjacent to the bus station and just a 5 minute walk from King’s Lynn train station. Perfectly placed for customers to explore the shops, take a walk along the waterfront, grab a bite to eat at one the towns superb restaurants or cafes and enjoy the beautiful historic surroundings.

With around 160,000 visitors a week, The £26 million refurbishment of Vancouver Quarter, has transformed King’s Lynn’s appeal as a shopping destination. The scheme which is fully integrated into the town consists of a strong line-up of retailers including T.K.Maxx, New Look and Sainsburys JJB Sports.

Other retailers in the town include M&S, River Island, Primark, Topshop and Next.

We can tailor an advertising package to contain all or some of the following features: • • • • •

• • • • •

In centre promotion In centre promotion space space Website banners Website banners ads ads In centre banners/posters In centre banners/posters Database and Social Marketing Database and Social Media Media Marketing WiFi Advertising WiFi Advertising

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

JOINING ROTARY IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Join Rotary and you join a group of people who make their mark in the community. All of our work is about helping communities flourish, be it organising a charity fun-run, improving the lot for the disadvantaged or helping to relieve suffering in the world.

“Rotary is about making the world a better place through networking, volunteering, friendship and projects. It is an opportunity to meet other people and enjoy doing good things for others” says Jane Crane, Community Officer for the Blackfriars Breakfast Club.

Rotary was founded as a business networking opportunity and today these opportunities still make up part of club life. When you join a local Rotary club you become a member of our global family with over 1.2 million Rotarians around the world. That means wherever you are on your travels you can be warmly welcomed by someone nearby.

Rotary also welcomes corporate members – local businesses that wish to support Rotary ideals can nominate up to four managers from within its organisation to be members.

We hope like-minded people will join us to help others and have fun whilst making some great friends along the way.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you with us.

If you are interested why not arrange a visit to one of our clubs for a complimentary meal and a chat. Simply contact Barry Catchpole on 01508 492737 barrycinv@btinternet.com or visit www.rotary1080.org for more information.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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KNOWLEDGE

quick and easy ways to check out your business idea.

To determine your market size you also need to work out realistically how big a territory your business can service. For example:

trimmers as electric razors. You might give both equal focus in recognition of the trend towards beard wearing.

n How far will people travel to visit your shop?

To work out how your market is changing, consider all or some of the following activities:

n How large are the online communities you can service via the internet (and what are the physical constraints that might limit delivery)?

In some markets this will be easy, while in others it will be virtually impossible. For example: n an artificial limb maker can access health statistics that accurately predict the number of amputations carried out each year;

By Robert Ashton The Barefoot Entrepreneur

The more you research your business idea before starting out, the better your chances of success. However, it is wise to keep a sense of proportion and not get bogged down in detailed statistics.

Market analysis

n Look online for relevant published statistics. n Look at the advertising ‘media packs’ of publications read by your target audience (these usually define market size and state their share of it to justify the rates they charge). n Visit the places your target customers go and literally see who’s there. n Look for online communities frequented by your target customers. n Get copies of the annual reports of listed suppliers to your marketplace. These may define market size, and the narrative might also reveal market issues you are not currently aware of.

Top tip: University students are good at research.

Consider recruiting one via your local university careers office to carry out a research project for you.

Market size

n changing user behaviour (e.g. people are buying smaller cars now);

n are not yet ‘in the market’ but are likely to become interested.

n Ask journalists who write about your marketplace (buy them lunch).

To work out your potential market size, consider all or some of the following activities.

Here are the key factors to consider.

n buy what you do elsewhere and are likely to change;

n Search online for new patents/technology in your sector.

n Talk to academics and researchers working in your market sector.

You don’t need a growing market to succeed but it helps. All markets are constantly evolving.

This is due to:

n need what you provide and are currently not supplied with it;

n Visit relevant exhibitions and see what’s being promoted.

n a maker of snack foods faces a far more complicated exercise as demand is largely stimulated by advertising and the way the products are displayed in supermarkets.

Market trends

You need to be totally confident that there is a market out there for what you are planning to do. That means that people:

n Read trade journals and see what’s being hailed as new.

n fashion (e.g. more men are growing beards); n legislation (e.g. public buildings have to be wheelchair accessible); n economic factors (e.g. rising metal prices makes recycling more profitable).

These trends might influence your decision about the products or services you are going to market.

For example, it’s as easy to distribute beard

n Carry out (or commission) a consumer survey.

Trends show you where a market is going.

Analysis helps you to find your place within the marketplace. Inevitably you will be competing with existing providers. You need to balance your understanding of market size and trends against what’s already there. From this you will pick out the ways in which you can be different from your rivals.

The way you do this is by looking hard at your competitors. Work out their strengths and weaknesses. How have they become complacent and not moved with the times?

What are their specialities and how might yours differ?

Your activities might include: n reviewing competitor websites and literature; n mystery shopping and buying from your rivals; n interviewing your target customers about their buying experiences.

Top tip: The UK Government publishes a lot of statistical data under a number of themes. This is useful for your market research. It is also very credible if quoted in your business plan.

Remember that you want to differentiate yourself clearly from others. This makes marketing easier and helps customers see the value of giving you a try. Sometimes this will mean changing your plan slightly, perhaps specialising in an area you’ve found is not well covered elsewhere. Conversely, you might simply decide to offer the same products or services as everyone else, but make the customer experience more pleasurable.

For more Knowledge articles, or to submit an article, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

MEMBER NEWS

New clients for Lexia Media.

Executive returns to launch new venture.

The Lexi Media team

Award-winning PR agency Lexia Media, which has offices in Norfolk and Suffolk, has won contracts from six new clients.

The agency was chosen after a competitive tender process to run the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Wellbeing Wednesday event this October.

It was also selected by New Anglia LEP to handle the event management and PR for their conference and Top 100 event, at Wherstead Park on 22nd October.

The team has been taken on a retained contract by UKTI (East) to handle all PR and case study writing. Other client wins include national recruitment agency Jark, the Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre, and local GP surgery Stowhealth, which has commissioned the Lexia team to provide a library of patient information videos.

Deborah Watson, of Lexia Media, said: “The team are looking forward to a busy autumn and winter period.”

Top chef signs up to energy-saving project.

Top chef Galton Blackiston’s prestigious Morston Hall hotel and restaurant has become the 900th business to sign up to an award-winning project which helps Norfolk firms cut costs while reducing carbon emissions.

The REV ACTIVE project has so far concentrated on providing free, confidential and impartial support to businesses in the A11 corridor, but it is now being offered to businesses in the north of the county thanks to a partnership with North Norfolk District Council.

Morston Hall, near Blakeney, was among the first North Norfolk businesses to take up the offer of a free business review.

“It is part of our commitment to our business to ensure that we are sustainable in everything we do,” said Mr Blackiston, whose restaurant is Michelin-starred and has three AA rosettes.

“This has always been clear through our policy of local food. When it comes to the business our energy consumption is sizeable, and as these costs are only set to continue grow it is important we do everything we can to manage these.

“REV ACTIVE has identified a number of things that could make a significant saving to our business, many of them at low cost, and the fact there is a grant towards these initiatives is very welcome indeed.”

Vince Courtney, the former Managing Director of Thurlow Nunn, has returned to his home in Swaffham to launch new business English Hypnotherapy.

Vince left Thurlow Nunn in 2009, after 16 years with the successful Norfolk family business, to pursue interests outside the county.

After a time away from Norfolk, he decided to use his skills in other areas and his first task was to finish a novel; he is trying to secure a publishing deal.

Vince also qualified with distinction as a Master Practioner in Clinical Hypnotherpay & NLP and has been admitted to the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council as a registered Clinical Hypnotherapist. He is also registered with the Complimentary & Natural Health Care Council.

He has now started offering professional support to individuals and businesses through his Hypnotherapy and NLP Practice, English Hypnotherapy.

Whatever your goal is, Vince is able to provide support; it may be that you wish to lose weight, quit smoking, ease stress, lift your motivation or achieve pain relief.

Vince Courtney

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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TAKE A BREAK

Ridley Pinstripe.

Sudoku Nov-Dec

It’s 10am on a Thursday at the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd and the atmosphere is peaceful. Very peaceful indeed. This is not because folks are not working - they’re not, of course, far too near the weekend - but because of the big changes in the company’s Telecommunications Facillitation Strategy.

The introduction of the Strategy caused a lot of raised eyebrows because, as far as anyone can see, we don‘t have a strategy for anything.

However, the Operations Director said the Board had decided to switch telecoms provider, with the result that they shelled out £2.5 million by bank transfer and the phones have not rung all week.

The problem was that the board awarded the contract to The Havingagoodoldnata Telecommunications Company, after someone slipped a card through the front door one night.

The top brass were, apparently, reassured not just on price but because it is the premier telecoms company in the Cayman Islands.

On paper, it looked like a good deal; cheap comms, free mobile phones for every member of staff and some nice plastic models of a widget to hand out to customers.

A key part of the strategy, if it be so called, was the installation of a call centre to relieve the pressure on Big Brenda, our receptionist, presumably to give her more time to ignore visitors.

I have to admit that things did look good for a while; a couple of guys in jeans turned up and installed the new phone system a week or so ago and we set a date of Monday just gone for the switchover.

I guess the top brass should have been a tad suspicious when the promised mobile phones arrived on the back of a flat-bed wagon, pulled up outside the factory then sped off, hotly pursued by a couple of police cars doing the blues and twos.

What’s more, the models of widgets looked distinctly amateurish when they arrived and were binned when one of the lads put a box next to a radiator and they all melted.

Nevertheless, the Board persisted and we reached switchover day without further incident.

Answers in the next edition Which is when it all went wrong. Staff arrived at the factory on Monday morning to discover that every single phone was dead and that the only sound was the tinny strains of Greensleeves wafting up from the new Call Centre on the ground floor. Even that stopped yesterday, since when the office has been plunged into silence, punctuated only by the occasional snoring from the Accounts Department.

The company has tried to ring Havingagoodoldnata, of course. From the phone box down by the chuck wagon.

Unfortunately, the first time we got through, an answering message said they were out and the second time it said they had been cut off.

Sudoku Answers Sep-Oct

Cartoons

Things got even worse this morning when another police car pulled up outside the plant and a constable said that he had been contacted by South Yorkshire Police. Apparently, their officers had been called to a small industrial unit after reports that its owner had not been seen for days. They broke in and found him passed out with a phone clapped to his ear.

Further inquiries revealed that our call centre did work, after all, and that he got through just after switchover. After listening to Greensleeves for three days, it seemed he slipped into unconsciousness, having been told 468 times that he was moving up the queue.

“As soon as we solve one problem another one appears.

So let’s keep this problem going for as long as we can!”

Got to stop writing now - a BT man has just arrived in the office. Wonder why he’s here?

Ridley

“No, your flood insurance doesn’t pay if you’re flooded with junk mail.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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1/11/12 09:45:52

NEW MEMBERS

New Members.

4HM

0845 242 1124 www.4hm.co.uk Marketing & Promotions

Abellio (Greater Anglia ltd)

0207 904 4200 www.greateranglia.co.uk Transport

Break Charity

01603 670100 www.break-charity.org Charities

English Hypnotherapy

0776 208199 www.englishhypnotherapy.co.uk Hypnotherapy Sessions

Eric Stewart Copywriter

07970 413316 www.eswriter.com Copywriting

Extreme Video T/A EPIC

01603 727727 www.epic-tv.com Video/Television Production

FXhome Cookes

01603 406052 www.cookescompany.co.uk Renewables

Cream Business Recruitment

01603 461077 www.creambr.co.uk Recruitment

Drax IT Limited

07501 727772 www.drax-it.com Information Communication Technology (ICT)

DS Consulting

01553 631756 www.dsconsulting.biz Consultancy/Interim Management

East Anglia Offshore Wind Ltd

0207-451-1150 www.eastangliawind.com Energy

Emkay Plastics Ltd

01603 746000 www.emkayplastics.co.uk Manufacturing (General)

01603 518403 www.fxhome.com Specialist Software

Green Duck Ltd

01284 700015 www.greenduck.co.uk IT Consultancy

Inkling Design & Print

01603 518571 www.inkling-design.co.uk Design & Print

JobHop

01603 300900

Marketing Shaper

Rural Broadband

01508 493874

01485 572253

www.business-shaper.com Coaching & Mentoring

www.ruralbroadband.co.uk Broadband Solutions

Mr Schnorby’s Pet Supplies

01263 513246

01953 606901

Pet Supplies

www.sandyjonesartwork.com Artistic Services

Nomad Cooperative Ltd

07902 051 028 http://nomad.coop/ Website Designers

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

01603 625540 www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/norfolk/ Charities

One Carlie PR

07813370554 www.onecarliepr.co.uk Public Relations

Osbornenash

01603 699954 www.osbornenash.co.uk Marketing Services

Quagga Design Management

www.jobhop.co.uk Social Media Recruitment

07826 517897

JPS Inns Ltd (Bar 11)

www.quagga.me Design Management

01603 762250 www.bar11.co.uk Bars

Linguamax Ltd

01328 856663 www.linguamax.co.uk Language Services

Lucas Hickman Smith

01953 607343

Red Triangle Energy Ltd

01603 280400 www.redtriangleenergy.co.uk Energy

Right Angle Events Ltd

Saxon Digital Services

01603 789560 www.saxondigitalservices.co.uk Digital Print

Square Social

01603 519847 www.squaresocial.co Social Media Consultants

The Open University

01908 274066 www.open.ac.uk Education

Think Mobile Media

01603 280418 www.thinkmobilemedia.com Direct Marketing

TWP Designs

01379 741174 www.twp-designs.co.uk Interior Design

Wensum Tailoring

01603 892240 Clothing

Whiting & Partners

01603 864647

01284 752313

www.rightangleevents.co.uk Team Building

www.whitingandpartners.co.uk Financial Services (Accountants)

www.lucashickmansmith.co.uk Architects

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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Sandy Jones Artwork

PAGE47 1/11/12 09:45:53

NORFOLK VOICE

MIGRATION SOLUTIONS LTD

Disaster? What Disaster?

ADVERTISING FEATURE

According to surveys, less than 50% of small businesses have any form of Disaster Recovery plan, (DR). So why does this matter?

Research, (from IDC and Gartner), shows that of those businesses that do not have a DR Plan, 93% will fail following a disaster. What should the plan cover? Anything that is important to your business. Almost every business in the modern world, whether it is a high tech business, a manufacturing business or a publishing business,

relies to a greater or lesser degree on electronic data. The data may be a website with associated databases behind it, or simply the accounts of the company. It could be a payroll system, a customer relationship system, stock control, purchasing, or simply email. Electronic data is inevitably at the heart of every business.

The question that every business should ask is, ‘How long can I survive without my electronic data?’ If that data is email, are any of those emails important, such as customer orders, payment confirmations, customer details etc.

Do I have a way to contact the customer if I have no email and where is that information stored? If the company has a website, how important is it? Can the company survive without it? What about the accounts? If I lost my accounts, could I continue to run my business?

It used to be thought that having a backup on tape, CD or similar, was sufficient ‘insurance’ against a disaster. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. How will you restore the backup? If you buy or rent a replacement machine, is it going to be configured in exactly the same way? And what about the software to restore your data, is it the same version, has that changed? Relying on a backup of critical data alone is a risk, and a high one too.

and used in the event of a disaster. In many cases, this means having a backup system elsewhere. Something that the business knows to be capable of restoring data to, or possibly that carries a live or very recent copy of the data and applications. Somewhere secure but accessible if needed. This is where data centres come in.

The Gatehouse data centre in Norwich is just that kind of facility. The Gatehouse is designed to be either a primary facility where a company can put its IT equipment safe in the knowledge that it is secure in an environment that is efficient, clean and resilient, (the generators and fuel on site would keep the data centre running for 8 days at full load without refuelling), or as a disaster recovery site where a business can place reserve equipment that will allow it to use critical data in the event of a disaster.

If you think that a disaster won’t happen to you, good luck! But if you think that a 93% chance of your business failing in the event of a disaster is too high a risk for you to take, or you would like to know more about Disaster Recovery Planning, talk to MigSolv on 08451 424242 or email AskUs@ MigSolv.com

A disaster recovery plan should encompass everything that is needed to run a business in the event of a disaster. It should certainly include a plan for how critical data will be accessed

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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MEMBER NEWS

Company shortlisted for prize.

3sun Group takes on a record 20 apprentices.

Norwich-based Social Enterprise EUROPEDUCATION has been selected as one of the eight finalists for The One Competition 2012.

Gérard Spencer, founder and director of EUROPEDUCATION, will pitch his business to The One Competition’s 10 judges. If he is successful, there is a prize fund worth over £40,000 that consists of a number of different business services.

3sun Group, a leading provider of products and services to the energy industry in the UK and internationally, has announced that it has taken on a record 20 apprentices. It is a major achievement for the company as it continues its efforts to train the workforce of tomorrow.

Last year the Group recruited ten individuals in what was a significant rise from previous years when it took on two or three apprentices per year. The apprentices are trained through the ECITB which aims to ensure that the programme is matched to the needs of the industry and employers.

The new recruits, ranging in age from 16 to 25, will spend the next two years undertaking the ECITB course, with three individual groups

undertaking training and development in electrical, instrumentation and controls, and mechanical disciplines.

Graham Hacon, managing director of 3sun Group, said: “3sun Group is a strong supporter of apprenticeships and we work hard to recruit young people leaving education and those leaving the construction industry or the Armed Forces with transferable skills.

“Last year we took on our largest intake to date which was ten apprentices and this year, hitting the 20 mark, is a real milestone for us. We are proud of the fact that we can offer employment in this way whilst also filling the industry skills gap and supporting the needs of the energy industry.”

“A few weeks ago, I received an email from Chris Perry, Membership Manager at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce,” said Gerard. “He recommended that I take a look at The One Competition. I did and found it interesting and subsequently applied. I then received a phone call telling me that I was shortlisted as a finalist.”

Gérard, an enterprising twenty-five year old of British/French origin, is not intimidated by big challenges. Through EUROPEDUCATION, he wants to change the British attitude to European higher education outward mobility. His aim is for tomorrow’s British graduates to be more flexible, more adaptable, more adventurous, stronger in modern foreign language, more employable and less indebted.

Hotel scoops prestigous “plus” accolade.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Knights Hill Hotel & Spa in King’s Lynn has achieved the accolade of “PLUS” in its annual inspection by the Best Western group.

It is the second tier of Best Western Hotels (which are big on personality, comfort, quality and personal service). “PLUS” is all of the above, with extra style, comfort and service for good measure.

The team at the hotel is led by Bernard Ducker, a larger than life personality with 20 years of service to the hotel as General Manager. He said that “coupled with the AA 4 star award given to the hotel exactly 12 months ago, this is an outstanding achievement for the hotel and full credit must be given to the hotel’s team of staff who have made this possible. Every area of the hotel was assessed which included the 79 bedrooms, lounges, restaurants, leisure facilities and grounds”.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name: Susie Jarrold Company: Jarrold Training Job title: managing Director biog: Norwich born, bred and educated, Susie is delighted to be back living in Norfolk with her family.

She studied French & Business at Edinburgh University, with a year working in Paris. She then spent several years in London, working for a publisher in European and US Sales.

She joined the family business, working for Jarrold Printing from the mid-1990s. In 2000, she was given the chance to head up Jarrold Training and has loved working in the training sector. It’s given her a great opportunity to develop herself and to meet and work with thousands of people from the local business community.

What did you want to be when you were young?

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

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

As a child I read Noel Streatfield’s Ballet Shoes over and over again; so, despite very limited talent I was definitely going to be a ballet dancer.

Carl Jung and Edith Cavell.

Gutenberg’s Press in the 1400s. Not just because I am from a Printing family. His moveable type press led to the first mass production of print and the rapid spread of ideas, information and education.

What could you not live without?

Being close to the sea; it really lifts the spirits.

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

The edge of the Laikipia plateau in Kenya.

Wonderful bird song, giraffes and zebras grazing below, and breathtaking views over the savannah for miles into the distance.

What makes you angry?

Not as much as when I was younger.

The Insights profiles we use for our Management courses are based on Jung’s research into personality types; it would be really intriguing to talk to the master. Edith Cavell was a true British and Norfolk heroine. Women like her were so brave in a very male dominated world.

What is the best thing about Norfolk?

Maybe because it is a touch isolated, it creates a strong independent and creative culture which runs throughout the local community of businesses, arts and charities. Great independent Department store too.

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

What is most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?

The one that taught me there is always more to learn.

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

A swift. I could spend the summer in Norfolk and then fly south to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter season. Sounds perfect to me.

An evening swim at low tide on Brancaster beach..... it’s free! So I would spend the pound on a fab ice cream afterwards.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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Y G O L NO

2 1 0 AY 2

TECH

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SMA

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WOR S OF Y A W

SPONSORED BY

A big thank you to everyone who attended Technology Day 2012!

The FREE business communication technology event, which took place on 26th October saw attendees take advantage of free seminars delivered by top manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung, HTC and Sony.

Missed technology day? don’t worry!

Come and get hands on with the latest communication technology at our ‘Experience Centre’.

POP IN AND SEE US.

Attendees had the opportunity to speak to experts and discover ways of reducing costs and improving efficiencies.

Communications Centre | 33 King Street | Norwich | Norfolk | NR1 1PD

01603 518 518 w w w. c o m m - t e c h . c o . u k twitter.com/Comm_Tech

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