Norfolk Voice 23

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norfolk When innovation equals growth

Unique opportunity for Chamber Apprentices

Revolutionising thinking at aviation company

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

JULY AUGUST 2014

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CONTENTS

Contents.

03

Welcome/Contents

05

Apprentices

06 09

Members News

12 13

Chamber Policy

14 As the national and local economy starts to pick up and business opportunities become more frequent, finding the resources to take advantage of them becomes an increasing challenge.

Innovation can equal growth and on page 28 we hear from two member manufacturers who have grown their businesses by providing innovative solutions for their clients. Hear their stories and decide whether you would prefer to be in a ‘blue or red ocean’ going forward.

KLM UK ‘s new MD Arjan Meijer, our Big Interview this issue pages 18 and 19, explains how they strive for continual innovative solutions and have a ‘moonshine team’ tasked to come up with new innovative ideas.

The Chamber membership is packed full of businesses of all sectors and sizes and you can read many of their innovative stories within the pages of this magazine. Norfolk Chamber has a twitter following of over 4,400, so if you have a story to tell, do please add it to our website and we will tweet it out to all our followers and you may also be selected for inclusion in the next Norfolk Voice issue. Let us help you become even more visible.

We would like to highlight to all our members that the EDP Business Awards entries are now open, pages 26 and 27. Norfolk Chamber is delighted to be sponsoring the Small Business of the Year award again this year as small businesses are the life blood of the Norfolk economy. If you have what it takes, and I am sure you have, make sure you submit your entry by 17 August.

We have increased the number of our Chamber Sessions to run through the summer, so please do take advantage of this brilliant free training and our networking events. The Autumn events series, starting in September, is just packed with a wide variety of types of events to enable you to learn, do business and really influence the Norfolk agenda. Check out page 40 with full updates on our website.

Business doesn’t stop in the summer but it is great to do good business in the sunshine!

International Trade

18 19

The Big Interview

21

Business Support

Members News

15 17

26 29

22 25

5

Members News Cover Feature

34

Knowledge

35

Membership

38

Business Support

40 43

Chamber Events

18

44

Members News

45

Take a Break

46

A Week in the Life of

48

New Members

50

The Last Word

43 Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES: info@norfolkchamber.co.uk NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich NR4 6DJ Tel: 01603 625977 Fax: 01603 633032

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING John Neilson, Commercial Director Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.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

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

JULY/AUGUST 2014

PAGE3

NORFOLK VOICE

Creating the culture of learning and innovation in your workplace.

Patronage helps at Norse.

Ian Hacon President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

This edition is all about innovation, and as much as I am a big technology fan, I’m going to leave the techy stuff to the other contributors. I want to talk about creating the culture of learning and innovation in your business. This culture well help organisations unlock ideas to drive forward the business and also help empower and motivate team members.

In their 2008 Harvard Business Review Article, “Is Yours a Learning Organization?”, David A. Garvin, Amy C. Edmondson, and Francesca Gino, explore the three building blocks of becoming a learning organisation as follows; 1: A supportive learning environment.

An environment that supports learning has four distinguishing characteristics; i

Psychological safety. Team members need to be safe to ask questions, try things out and make mistakes, without fear of reprisal

ii Appreciation of differences.

Recognising the value of alternative views increases energy and motivation, sparks fresh thinking, and prevents lethargy and drift. iii Openness to new ideas. Learning is not simply about correcting mistakes and solving problems. It is also about crafting novel approaches. Employees should be encouraged to take risks and explore the untested and unknown. iv Time for reflection. Supportive learning environments allow time for a pause in the action and encourage thoughtful review of the organisation’s processes.

2: Concrete learning processes and practices.

A learning organization is not cultivated effortlessly. Learning processes involve the generation, collection, interpretation, and dissemination of information. They include experimentation to develop and test new products and services; intelligence gathering to keep track of competitive, customer, and technological trends; disciplined analysis and interpretation to identify and solve problems; and education and training to develop both new and established employees.

3: Leadership that reinforces learning.

Organisational learning is strongly influenced by the behaviour of leaders.

When leaders actively question and listen to employees—and thereby prompt dialogue and debate—people in the organisation feel encouraged to learn. When leaders demonstrate a willingness to entertain alternative points of view, employees feel emboldened to offer new ideas.

The three building blocks of organisational learning reinforce one another and, to some degree, overlap. Just as leadership behaviours help create and sustain supportive learning environments, such environments make it easier for managers and employees to execute concrete learning processes and practices smoothly and efficiently. They foster learning and to cultivate that behaviour in others.

To read the article in full, please visit www.hbr.org

The

Norse Commercial Services has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the last 12 months.

Following a number of new high profile, longterm joint venture agreements and contracts, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Gold Patron recently announced a forward order book in excess of £2 billion.

“Norse’s success comes at a time when local authorities are still under severe budget constraints, and the private sector continues to face economic challenges,” said Sales Director Geoff Tucker. “It is a tremendous credit to our workforce that we are winning impressive new business, and renewing existing long-standing agreements, in the face of these pressures.”

“The Chamber’s events that help place local business issues on the national radar, bring together the area’s commercial entrepreneurs and encourage development of the local skills pool have also proven to be a real support when implementing the commercial policies that have delivered our achievements.”

Managing Director Peter Hawes was bullish about the company’s future and was also keen to endorse the Chamber’s role: “2014 will be the most successful year in the Norse’s history, with significant new long-term ventures due to be announced bringing more prosperity to the region.”

“Being Patrons of the Norfolk Chamber has helped our aim to support local SMEs, an ethos that we strongly believe helps stimulate the economic vitality that will benefit us all, locally and nationally,” he said.

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APPRENTICESHIPS

Unique opportunity for Norfolk Chamber Apprentices in London.

Norfolk Chamber took 10 delegates including 2 Chamber apprentices to the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference earlier this year.

This was a unique opportunity for 2 young Norfolk Chamber apprentices to meet and listen to an impressive line-up of national, well-known

speakers and to meet other businesses from across the UK, who are all part of the Chamber network. Below are the apprentice’s thoughts on their day in London.

Samantha Brown – Events Assistant Apprentice “The BCC Conference was a unique opportunity to hear from a range of influential speakers.

Karren Brady took the stage first and afterwards we were lucky to get a photo opportunity with her. We also attended a young people’s lunch later with special guest Theo Paphitis. He networked around the room speaking to us on the opportunities we have taken for our futures.

After lunch Theo took to the stage with a debate panel on Britain’s current and future workforce which turned out to be very focused around apprenticeships.

My highlight from the conference would be how much discussion revolved around apprenticeships throughout the day. This was inspiring to hear and also supportive of the choices I have made as an apprentice.”

Jack Edwards – Office Assistant Apprentice “Who knew a day out in London could be so inspirational? Listening to the fantastic array of speakers at the annual BCC Conference confirmed to me that joining the world of fulltime work as an apprentice was the correct choice! Being given the opportunity to meet Theo Paphitis at the Young People’s Lunch, and being involved in a Photo Shoot with the youngest female Managing Director of a football club, Karren Brady, was an absolute honour.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

PAGE5

NORFOLK VOICE

Cafe starts free cookery school supported by the Coop. businesses, including G Morris & Son, butchers on the estate. The course runs one evening a week for the two months and is encouraging residents who want to become more confident in the kitchen, eat healthily, and cook for themselves and their families with less reliance on convenience and packaged foods.

The East of England Coop has a store in the parade on Witard Rd and supports both healthy living and community projects, £600 of the grant is being supplied in vouchers in order to purchase ingredients for the first two pilot courses. A second course is planned for the autumn.

A pilot project to run free basic cookery courses for residents of the Heartsease estate in Norwich has been boosted by support of £1,000 in cash and kind from the East of England Coop.

The inspiration for the courses comes from local chef and chamber member, Chris Avey, who runs the Old Bakery Cafe on Witard Road.

The first of two eight-week pilot courses has begun and is supported by all the local

The Old Bakery Cafe has been established on the Heartsease estate for four years and provides meals and sandwiches to local residents and businesses, as well as outside catering services across Norwich and beyond. Chris Avey is passionate that fresh well-cooked food should be within the reach of all, and that anyone can be encouraged to be more adventurous with eating as well as cooking. Chris hopes that ongoing support from businesses on the estate and from around Norwich will establish the course as a regular event that could even be rolled out to other areas in the city.

Taverham Hall Nursery pupils learn more about road safety.

Peter Cornwell, Norfolk County Council’s Road Safety Officer, recently visited Taverham Hall Preparatory School to speak with the Nursery children about road safety as well as discussing the important safety rules they needed to adhere to whilst travelling in cars.

Using his puppet friends Benjamin and Bethany, the children learnt that they should stay alert and carefully look left and right to check oncoming traffic, the importance of always having an adult on the outside of the pavement whilst walking and why they should always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle.

In small groups, the children demonstrated to Peter the skills that they had already learnt and mastered on the balance bikes recently purchased by the school. He bought with him some different balance bikes which he used to play some exciting and fun games with the

children to help them strengthen their core muscles and develop their balance and control further.

The

Do MPs help to make a positive difference?.

At the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce event involving all the Norfolk MPs back in February 2014, Rachel Blackburn, Director of US2U Consulting raised the issue that It was taking more than three months for a new taxi driver to get their licence from Norwich City Council, on behalf of her client ABC Taxis Ltd. As ABC Taxis planned to recruit 20 new drivers this year to meet customer demand, this clearly was a concern to them and also to the individuals concerned who are keen to start their new career.

Chloe Smith MP and Simon Wright MP agreed to help to solve the problem.

Working with Rachel Blackburn, who met with Norwich City Council to profile the process in more detail, it has been a team effort to resolve the issue. Norwich City Council has agreed that the process should take around 8 weeks and currently the experience when hiring the new drivers recently has been that it has been taking around 5 weeks. A significant difference.

US2U Consulting and ABC Taxis have also produced a film to make the recruitment and licencing process easier to understand from the new recruits point of view. This can be seen on the ABC Taxis website at http://www.abctaxisnorwich.co.uk/ Recruitment.aspx . Chloe Smith also visited the ABC Taxis team as part of the process.”

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MEMBERS NEWS

McTear Williams & Wood charity bowls event.

Independence Matters patron selected for games.

McTear Williams & Wood, East Anglia’s largest business rescue and insolvency practice, raised £1,600 for charity at its annual bowls tournament.

Eight teams of professionals from firms across the region battled for the “McTear Williams & Wood Bowls Challenge Trophy” at the event which was held at the Diss & District Bowls Club and continued with the usual tradition of contestants wearing an array of novelty slippers.

The individual winner was Peter Hazell who was also part of the winning team from Thetford-based auctioneers and valuers George Hazell & Co.

as independently as possible and experience choice and inclusion in society.

During the event we were delighted to receive a visit from the current Ladies World Bowls Champion Katherine Rednall who challenged some of the contestants to a game.

The cheque was presented by associate and organiser of this event Roger Barnbrook to Anne Ebbage from Autism Anglia.

Funds raised from the event have gone to Autism Anglia which provides a range of services to enable people with autism to live

McTear Williams & Wood extend their thanks to everyone who took part and to the Diss & District Bowls Club. Plans are underway to repeat the event next year.

Independence Matters is delighted that its patron, local Paralympic athlete Will Smith, has been selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.

Will, who is 18 and lives near Dereham, became Independence Matters first patron earlier this year.

He has been successfully wheelchair racing for six years and will compete in the T54 1500m class at Glasgow, which is the fastest and most competitive.

This class is scheduled to take place on 29 & 31 July. We look forward to watching Will in action and wish him the very best of luck.

TVC Ltd commence manufacture of ASAMS Ltd subsea systems.

In January 2014, a formal agreement was signed between The Validation Centre (TVC) Ltd and ASAMS LTD, where TVC would manufacture all ASAMS subsea MPI and associated equipment under an exclusive licence.

Over the past few months the required infrastructure has been put in place and production of the equipment has now been formally and physically passed over to TVC. Dave Baran from ASAMS has been the linchpin for this equipment for many years and is one of the most experienced subsea equipment technicians in the industry. Dave is currently training TVC technicians and will remain the main point of contact for all matters relating to the ASAMS equipment for the next couple of months.

Impress potential export clients by translating your product info – see Page 16

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

PAGE7

NORFOLK VOICE

SaxonAir grows charter fleet with the addition of further managed aircraft.

Private air charter operator SaxonAir Charter continued its growth after signing an agreement to manage a further Hawker 900XPmidsize jet.

SaxonAir have owned and operated their own Hawker 900XP for the past two years and have over this time gained considerable experience of the aircraft and a regular client following.

SaxonAir CEO Alex Durand said: “ ‘We are all very pleased about the addition of another Hawker 900XP to the SaxonAir fleet. The aircraft is one of the most popular types we operate and it comes online at a great time in which we have seen continued growth in our charter utilisation.”

The Hawker 900XP is the world’s bestselling midsize business jet and delivers an unrivalled

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capability. The aircraft has already flown to destinations in Russia, Italy, France and Israel since its recent introduction onto the fleet.

combination of range, speed, payload and comfort. It can travel 2,700nm carrying up to eight passengers in comfort. This particular aircraft continues to be popular with SaxonAir’s own customers due to its spacious modern layout, cabin attendant service and hot food

The aircraft management deal will see SaxonAir providing crewing, continuing airworthiness, maintenance and operational support under commercial air charter use. The aircraft will be based at London Luton airport increasing SaxonAir’s London presence alongside its second Hawker 900XP and the smaller Hawker 400XP light jet. SaxonAir also operates Citation Mustang entry level jets, a King Air 350 turboprop as well as a mixed helicopter fleet from its Norwich headquarters and other locations in both the UK and Europe.

Cathedral awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Norwich Cathedral’s outstanding hospitality has been recognised with the award of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Based on reviews by travellers on the World’s largest travel site, the accolade honours hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.

Ranked on TripAdvisor as the number one attraction in Norfolk and the fourth top attraction in the whole of East Anglia, the iconic Cathedral has consistently received outstanding reviews from visitors with many highlighting both the beauty of the building and modern facilities as well as the warm welcome received from staff and volunteers.

Speaking on the award, Jon Holland, Marketing Manager at Norwich Cathedral, said, “We are delighted and extremely proud to receive this prestigious award. As well as the awe-inspiring building, the Cathedral offers a fantastic experience for visitors with the an array of facilities such as the Close, Cloister, Refectory Restaurant & Coffee Shop and Exhibition Hall, and lots of events and services taking place on a daily basis.”

“The staff and volunteers are also an essential part of our visitor experience, offering a warm welcome and expert advice to all, and this is something that is regularly noted by visitors. This award is therefore recognition of their hard work

The

and means a great deal as it is based on honest reviews from actual visitors.”

“The Certificate of Excellence marks a great year for the Cathedral, following our record visitor numbers in 2013, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors throughout 2014 and continuing to offer a great experience”.

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honour exceptional hospitality businesses for consistent excellence,” said Marc Charron, President of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers. From Australia to Zimbabwe, we want to applaud exceptional hospitality businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”

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MEMBERS NEWS

Work starts at Smiles House for Nelson’s Journey.

Lambda versus the volcano!.

It aims to improve the emotional wellbeing of bereaved children by increasing their confidence and self belief, providing education about the causes of death and letting families talk openly about bereavement. It also gives chances to remember those who have died and help children to express and understand their emotions.

The child bereavement organisation started fundraising for its new home, Smiles House, in 2012 – to create a purpose-built welcoming environment where children and young people could receive support.

Work has started at new centre for bereaved children’s charity, Nelson’s Journey.

The Daniel Connal Partnership are delighted to be assisting this fantastic Norfolk charity with project monitoring services for the construction of their new building.

Nelson’s Journey has been operating for 16 years and provides a service for children up to the age of 17 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life.

Based at the Octagon Business Park in Little Plumstead, the building will also have space for support groups and families and provide accommodation for training professionals who work with children and might need bereavement guidance.

The ground floor will be dedicated to services supporting young people and their families and will include two one-to-one therapy rooms, a resource library and a “chill-out” area.

The first floor will accommodate the administration, fundraising and marketing teams and the chief executive.

The Daniel Connal Partnership has been advising the Charity on the proposals, assisting with the legal agreement and will monitor construction to ensure it meets the requirements of Nelson’s Journey

Daisy Alley new in Norfolk, artificial silk flower arrangements.

Daisy Alley is a new company set up by Amanda Huggins, www.daisy-alley.com. I design and produce original artificial flower arrangements. It is a customer focussed business that I set up with two aims, both of which have equal importance - to give my clients an enjoyable shopping experience with a product that meets their needs with a personal touch to all purchases, the second is to enjoy the work that I do. I love arranging my flowers and thinking about design, colour and settings, working with my clients to achieve an end result which is an enjoyable experience and achieving exactly what my clients are looking for. My moto, Happy Clients, Happy Me, Happy Business.......

On May 10th, Lambda Films packed up their camera gear and jetted off to the Caribbean Island of St Vincent. The objective? To scale and film La Soufrière, an active Volcano nestled within an Island community.

The purpose of this epic adventure, which was commissioned by the University of East Anglia, was to produce informational video content about the Volcano, island life and how it is disrupted by the effects of an eruption.

The videos themselves are destined to be premiered at the London Volcano event, a collaboration between UEA, Oxford University, The Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies and The Natural History Museum London.

The event, which is part of national Universities week, will include a 3-metre replica of La Soufrière which will demonstrate the effects of volcanic activity. The accompanying video content will help educate audiences and bring to life the pressures and dangers of living on St Vincent in the shadow of an active volcano.

Following the event, the video content will be used as part of the STREVA project, an initiative to help strengthen resilience in volcanic areas, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean.

They will return and be broadcast around St Vincent to help educate the community on our findings.

Lambda Films is a video production company in Norwich

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

PAGE9

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polkadotfrog launch IT Recruitment Hub to manage rising demand for tech-savvy staff.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Advances in the online world have put pressure on firms to find experienced IT staff to service their needs.

“This puts the candidate in the strongest position which is why recruiters are having to sell themselves to attract the best IT candidates. Plus it’s a case of ‘you snooze you lose’ – if you wait a week to interview candidates then you’ll almost certainly get to Friday and find they’ve already accepted positions elsewhere.

With Norwich now being regarded as a hub for new media there’s great local demand for website developers and digital marketing specialists, to the point where firms are competing more fiercely than ever before to attract the best candidates.

“It’s a competitive marketplace which is why we’ve set up our IT Hub to offer guidance to help businesses attract and keep the strongest IT candidates.”

Nick has 10 years experience in IT recruitment and specialises in recruiting a range of positions including Technical Architects, Web Developers, SEO specialists and IT Support professionals.

Responding to this trend is recruitment firm polkadotfrog, which has launched an IT Hub based from its Norwich office but operating across East Anglia.

Headed up by IT recruitment specialists Nick Hunter and James Vanstone, the IT division is the firm’s proactive to response to a shift in the market and the demand for highly experienced IT professionals.

polkadotfrog specialises in Office Support, Sales, Marketing, Finance, HR, IT, Legal and Shipping & Transport sectors across all levels and permanent, temporary and contract positions.

For more information visit www.polkadotfrog.co.uk or call 01603 337 000.

Nick Hunter, left, IT Divisional Manager at polkadotfrog comments: “There’s a serious skills shortage surrounding IT and the need is outweighing the supply. Experienced IT professionals are among the most desirable candidates in the current marketplace.

Contract Personnel expands its commercial and catering teams Contract Personnel is pleased to welcome new key personnel to build and grow it’s Commercial and Catering recruitment services.

Michelle Denny joins the Commercial Desk with significant professional recruitment experience and compelling reputation for customer service.

Michelle’s focus is on improving the recruitment process for both clients and candidates.

Charlie Cousens is heading up the Catering and Hospitality Desk. With extensive knowledge in this pressured and fast moving sector, Charlie has a genuine appreciation of her client’s needs and is building the business around this.

Whether you need someone to cover on a temporary basis or are looking to fill a permanent role you can trust Charlie and Michelle to handpick the most suitable applicant for you business.

As an REC Accredited Recruitment Agency, Contract Personnel provides peace of mind along with recruitment compliance and delivers a no-nonsense 24 hour on call service for Driving, Industrial, Commercial and Catering Sectors.

JULY/AUGUST 2014

PAGE11

NORFOLK VOICE

Norfolk Chamber highlights business needs to Chuka Umunna.

Norfolk Chamber members met for lunch recently with Chuka Umunna, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, to highlight the needs of business ahead of the May 2015 elections.

The lunch was hosted by Knowles Syfer Technology and a range of local businesses attended from sectors such as: energy; construction; manufacturing; engineering; and the professional services.

Mr Umunna outlined Labour’s 4 step strategy plan that will form their long term perspective through to 2030: 1 De-Centralisation – giving the necessary tools to each local region to best benefit each area.

2 Develop solutions to tomorrow’s problems today 3 Active Government – working in partnership to create a sustainable economy and strategic growth 4 Maintain an open outward approach to the world, with continued links to the European Union.

Local businesses raised issues such as the Living Wage, employment law, EU regulations, how to improve exports, Local Enterprise Partnerships and the planning system.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: It was a great opportunity for the Norfolk business community to highlight the needs of business to the Opposition. The local business community and Norfolk Chamber members are working hard to drive towards economic growth for our County and need stability and focus from central Government to help them to achieve this.

Top Row Left to Right: Peter Foster, Clive Lewis, Howard Ingleson.

Bottom Row Left to Right: Caroline Williams, Chuka Umunna, Ian Hacon, Richard Howett, Jessica Asato

Norfolk food industry to lead the way.

Chamber member, Bernard Matthews recently hosted a lunch for the food processing industry to discuss establishing a Food Cluster in Norfolk. The lunch was held at Great Witchingham Hall and was attended by some of the key industry players from across Norfolk. Organising the meeting was the University of East Anglia and the Institute of Food Research and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

The attendees at the lunch meeting agreed that a food cluster group would help to promote the voice of the food industry and would encourage the take up of specialist research and development and business support opportunities that are available. Europe and other countries around the world have food cluster groups, based around R&D providers and attract government investment.

At present there appears to be no such mechanism in England and the Norfolk food cluster would act as the pilot for other food cluster groups in England. Another further meeting is being planned by the Norfolk Chamber at the Institute of Food Research within the next few months.

The

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CHAMBER POLICY

Businesses have the capacity to handle increased growth. many organisations flagged that skills shortages were a major concern to them, in particular attracting young people into manufacturing and engineering roles. Some companies were starting to experience wage inflation pressures and had noticed that the employment market was beginning to move.

At a recent meeting of the Bank of England with Norfolk Chamber members, Tim Pike, the Bank of England Agent for the East of England had three key questions for Norfolk businesses: 1 Against the current level of turnover, what additional percentage of sales could each organisation expect to handle before they reached current capacity?

2 Were skills shortages and wage inflation pressures causing issues?

3 How important was the exchange rate to those who were exporting?

Many of the businesses identified they had the capacity to accommodate an increase in sales of between 10% and 20% before they would need to consider increases in staff. However

Of the exporters around the table, they highlighted that the overseas exchange rates were being monitored carefully and one exporter highlighted that they would probably need to switch from Euros to Pounds Sterling, as the exchange rates were to their detriment at present.

As part of the round table discussions, the availability of suitable premises to expand into was also raised. There does not appear to be a large quantity of good quality buildings that are available immediately. Steps are being taken to improve the supply, however most businesses, looking at the market now, could not afford to wait up to 18 months for new purpose-built premises.

Overall Chamber members highlighted that business was doing well and confidence was growing. Most could handle increased sales and plans were in place for growth within their businesses, however skills shortages still remain a key concern.

Funding opportunities.

Growing Business Fund n SMEs with less than 250 employees n Funding between £25k - £125k n Must create 1 job per £10k of funding More information: www.newanglia.co.uk

Agri-tech Growth Initiative n SMEs with up to 249 employees n Priority industries include: Agriculture, food processing, related engineering and life sciences n Funding between £25k - £150k n Fund Allowance can cover up to 20% of project costs n Must create 1 job per £5.5k of funding More information: info@agritechgrants.co.uk

Grants4 Growth n SMEs with less than 250 employees

Across the Board.

n Maximum turnover of £50 million n Funding between £3k - £22k n Funding allowance can cover up to 28% of total capital cost

Raised in Norfolk and currently residing in a small town just outside of Norwich, Peter Foster is a true advocate of the county. Peter’s professional life began in 1996 at Sedgwick Risk Services. After spending several years at Sedgwick he moved on to Norwich Union where he worked in various roles before moving to Hugh J Boswell In 2005. In 2013 Peter was part of the management buy-out team which led to his appointment as Managing Director of the company. In his spare time Peter likes to spend time with his wife and two young children and is also an avid Norwich City fan.

Having been a Board Director of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for several years and indeed Chairing the Norwich Chamber Council, my involvement has reaffirmed by belief and commitment in Norfolk as a place to live, raise a family and do fantastic business. The Chamber plays a pivotal role in raising the awareness of key strategic issues facing businesses, lobbying for positive change around infrastructure

n Use for environmental improvements i.e. waste management, energy usage or streamlining processes More information: www.grants4growth.org.uk

Growth Accelerator n SMEs with less than 250 employees Peter Foster – Board Member, Chair of Norwich Chamber Council and MD of Hugh J Boswell Ltd

issues and creating an environment for Norfolk businesses to meet, network and do business together. This is in my opinion what it’s all about, Norfolk businesses working together to help one and other grow and in turn create a prosperous economy in the County.

n Grant for training to help grow your business n £2k per training grant per senior manager n Business must match the funding More information: www.growthaccelerator.com

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PAGE13

NORFOLK VOICE

Helping fund innovation.

MEMBERS NEWS

Appointment at Barnham Broom to manage growing calendar.

Barnham Broom Golf & Country Club Hotel in Norfolk has recently appointed Mr Leon Rust as its new Events Operations Manager.

With an ever-expanding schedule of weddings and parties, Leon will manage a team of ten people to ensure that all guests attending events at the hotel experience the high quality service and comfort that Barnham Broom prides itself on.

Matt Dobson and Dr Duncan Barclay of ei Technologies were in an innovative mood when considering how best to build an app that can tell what mood you’re in. Thanks to a collaborative consultancy with Professor Stephen Cox, from UEA’s School of Computing Sciences, a Beta version is due to launch soon and they’ve won further funding.

Now a new funding scheme can help you access UEA’s expertise, talent and facilities so you too can bring your innovations to life.

The University of East Anglia, (UEA) has partnered with the New Anglia Growth Hub to create a funding scheme for SME businesses throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. This will enable access to academic expertise in the form of consultancy, mentoring, or the hiring of specialist facilities in order to stimulate business growth.

With over 11 years’ experience in event management in Norfolk, Leon is looking forward to fulfilling a long-held ambition to work at Barnham Broom.

He comments: “Events, large or small, are at the beating heart of the hotel. From business gatherings to extravagant fashion shows and weddings, events are a fundamental part of our offering and delivering a professional, memorable experience is our number one priority.”

General Manager of Barnham Broom Hotel Jonathan Ellse says: “Our weddings and events department is thriving and Leon’s appointment will ensure we continue to deliver the best service to our all our events guests. Leon has a wealth of experience in the events sector and

some great ideas and I look forward to working with him.”

Howarth Engineering supporting local apprentice. best of luck at Norwich City College where he will be starting his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering and NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering in September.

Congratulations to William for achieving his Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering and NVQ Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering.

For the last two years William has been on day release from Howarth Engineering to attend training at East Anglian Group for Industrial Training (EAGIT). Assessors have continually monitored William throughout the two years, including visiting Howarth Engineering, Rackheath Industrial Estate, to assess and review William in the working environment. Howarth Engineering would like to thank EAGIT for all their help and support throughout William’s apprenticeship.

qualification. I am looking forward starting my Level 3 in September,’ said William.

‘I have received the benefits of on-thejob training while achieving a recognized

All of the team at Howarth Engineering would like to congratulate William and wish him the

At Howarth Engineering we take particular pride in recruiting and nurturing young staff as a future investment. Many of our senior management and most experience craftsmen began life as trainees, giving a unique stability to our culture of quality.

The

If you are keen to learn, enthusiastic and interested in joining the team at Howarth Engineering Ltd as an apprentice please express your interest by e-mailing info@howarthengineering.com

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Case History: PMC Harvesters.

PMC Harvesters Ltd, formerly FMC Technologies Ltd, has been producing pea and bean harvesters in Fakenham since 1970.

These specialised machines have been developed to increasing levels of capacity, reliability and efficiency and are highly regarded by growers and processors across the globe.

No wonder that PMC is the market leaders of harvesting machinery in the world.

Its reputation in the international pea and bean growing market means that PMC’s customers often come to them, however there is still competition across the globe and the company needs to constantly deliver superb products and service to stay ahead and remain cost-effective, so says Customer Services Manager Morris Holl.

“New business comes from several areas. Existing clients often expand to new regions – and our relationship means they take us with them. We also set up agents and distributors in the areas where we have a strong customer base – such as Serbia, Croatia, Spain, Italy and South Africa.

This means we have excellent representation overseas and any potential sales can be maximised.

“We are now also looking at breaking into India, which is a very new market for us. But we do have such a good name globally that starting the conversation with new customers is never too hard.

“We have a sales team, but they mainly focus on after sales support. Whenever we ship out a new

machine, we send a team as well to train the customer on how to use it and get them going.

It’s a very important part of the total service package we offer.”

mobile harvesters rather than static ones. The key is to stay calm, be patient and just accept that things have to go through certain processes.”

PMC uses the Norfolk Chamber on an ongoing basis for its EUR1 documents. “The Chamber export team is very experienced and efficient and provides us with excellent support. Accurate paperwork is a huge part of ensuring the process runs smoothly.”

Shipping the harvesters safely and quickly to destinations around the world is no mean feat.

“These are big, heavy machines, and they don’t come in a small package,” explains Morris. “We ship by sea, as it really is the only method open to us. It’s expensive, too - it costs around £20k to ship a harvester to New Zealand.

With overseas trade there are often frustrations with culture, language or varying methods of working. What challenges does Morris face? “It’s mostly red tape and bureaucracy – they can test one’s patience. This is especially in Turkey, where they have recently started investing in

“I have learned many lessons over the years about exporting successfully; be patient, deliver excellent customer service at all times, and pay great attention to detail – there are a lot of factors to consider and many things can potentially be overlooked.”

The Chamber export team is very experienced and efficient and provides us with excellent support. Accurate paperwork is a huge part of ensuring the process runs smoothly.

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NORFOLK VOICE

Do you know what a Carnet is?. n Do you have to take samples with you on your overseas sales trips? n Do you participate in Overseas Trade Fairs or Exhibitions? n Do you ever need to take Professional Equipment overseas?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may find that using an ATA Carnet will make the trip so much easier.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty/tax free temporary import of goods for up to one year.

The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/ Temporary Admission” Using an ATA Carnet cuts out red tape for you at border points avoiding cash deposits and the like in the country of temporary importation.

relics, ballet costumes and rock group sound systems are just some of the items that can cross borders duty-free and tax-free, thanks to ATA Carnets.

Members of Norfolk Chamber are entitled to 40% Discount on our standard rates.

Members of other Eastern Chambers, can benefit from 10% Discount.

Testimonial

It can be used for multiple trips, is valid for one year and covers over 60 countries.

“Perfect, thanks for the mega-fast turnaround (as usual!!)”

Sarah Chrebelska, Pixel Power Ltd

Carnets can cover almost anything: computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, race horses, old masters, prehistoric

For more information, a quotation or if you have any questions, please contact Jack Bailey on 01603 729712 or by email at: jack.bailey@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Translation & Interpreter Service.

Has your business lost out on an overseas opportunity because of a language barrier?

Our translation service can help you communicate effectively with your overseas clients in their native languages to help your business grow and take away any barriers that may occur.

Whatever your translation needs, from introductory letters through to product manuals, we can meet your requirements and take a load off your mind.

Using our comprehensive database of highly qualified and accredited native speaking translators to ensure your documents are translated swiftly and accurately.

For overseas communications whether by way of face to face meetings or conference calls we can arrange for an interpreter to assist.

Quote from customers: “That is top work thanks” Nick Laurence, Fendercare Marine “Many thanks for your swift action” Paul Martins, EPIC International Ltd “That’s brilliant. Thank you so much for turning this around so quickly for me” Lisa Lock 3Sun Ltd

They put their trust in us – why don’t you?

For more information on this service, please contact Julie Austin on Tel: 01603 729706 or by email at: julie.austin@norfolkchamber.co.uk

The

NITAG is coming to King’s Lynn!.

Following three successful meetings since its creation, NITAG will be holding its next meeting in King’s Lynn during July.

We will be focussing on ‘Where do I start?’ where delegates can learn where to go and who to see for information relating to how to get started in the world of international trade.

One of the questions asked by the British Chambers of Commerce in their last national survey related to the barriers to export. A number of Norfolk firms responded with the following reasons: n Lack of market information and finding opportunities n Can’t find suitable customers/agents/ distributors n Language/cultural differences with overseas markets n Don’t know where to start The Norfolk International Trade Advisory Group (NITAG) was formed to help brainstorm particular issues that exporters face, in order to help come up with solutions. The Group Members all play a significant role within the field of International Trade, so are a great team to consult with.

If you are unable to attend the meeting yourself, please send a colleague who can attend on your behalf, to avoid missing out on the tips and advice that will be made available.

The date for this meeting is as follows: Date:

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Time:

3.00pm - 4.30pm

Venue: The College of West Anglia, Tennyson Avenue, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2QW The deadline for pre-booking your free place is no later than 4pm on 18 July, by emailing tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Recent feedback: I liked the informal format – and the length was just right so it didn’t take too much time out of a busy work schedule – the panel were knowledgeable and it was an excellent forum for raising topics, issues and questions directly relevant to the participants.

Further details can be found at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/export

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Letter of Credit Service.

75% of Letters of Credit are rejected upon first presentation to the Bank. You don’t want to be among that group. You don’t want to face extra bank charges, possible delays to your shipment and added stress. Neither does your client.

We are here to help!

Through our colleagues in Bristol we provide a comprehensive and cost-effective Letter of Credit Service.

The team in Bristol have an excellent reputation with all the banks involved with Letters of Credit.

As part of this professional service your Letter of Credit is passed to our associates who will: n Check the conditions in the L/C to ensure you can meet them n Inform you of any amendments that you need to obtain n Prepare all the relevant documents n Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping companies, inspection agents etc n Check all transport and third party documents n Present all the documentation to the bank on your behalf And the final step is payment of the shipment into your bank account!

Timing

Following the success of last years’ events, Norfolk Chamber is delighted to bring you “Expanding Overseas” - a new series of six International Trade Events

3.45pm – 6.00pm followed by a networking buffet

These FREE TO ATTEND events will cover the high growth markets of Poland, Mexico, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Czech Republic and Kuwait.

These countries form part of the Overseas Business Network which is an initiative of the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with UK Trade & Investment.

UK companies who are looking to enter new markets will be connected to British Business Centres overseas, to access support and services which will complement those currently offered by the overseas UKTI posts.

Delegates can expect to hear from market specialists, cultural experts and local case studies. Our sponsors Lovewell Blake will also explain about the taxation issues when trading with each of the countries.

Testimonials from our last series:

Dates and Topics Tue 14 October 2014

Expanding into Poland At The Kings Centre 47-51 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH Tue 11 November 20 14

Expanding into Mexico At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD Tue 09 December 2014

Expanding into Hong Kong At The Kings Centre 47-51 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH

“Excellent well worth the time” David Walker, Vision 2 Results

Tue 20 January 2015

“It took all the worries and concerns I had dealing with a letter of credit away” Steve Fisher, Norfolk Truck & Van Ltd

“Thanks Tracey – speakers were really excellent yesterday!!”

Graham Mayes, Pentagon Freight Services

At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD

“Just very easy, all the hard work was taken away from me” Stuart Harvey, Softstart UK Limited

“An excellent event showing the opportunities, challenges and potential in Vietnam” Keith Betts, Keith Betts Advisory Mentoring and Coaching Services

Tue 24 February 2015

Quotes from customers:

“I would definitely recommend the service. I felt completely supported throughout the whole process; help and explanations were always at hand when I needed them.”

Gary Williamson, GT Bunning & Sons For more information, a quotation or if you have any questions, please contact Jack Bailey on 01603 729712 or by email at: jack.bailey@norfolkchamber.co.uk

“Superb Speakers”

Terry Butcher, HSBC

For more information on our new series, take a look at: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/featured-event/ expanding-overseas

Expanding into Nigeria

Expanding into Czech Republic At The Kings Centre 47-51 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH Tue 17 March 2015

Expanding into Kuwait At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD

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PAGE17

NORFOLK VOICE

THE BIG INTERVIEW System that is revolutionising thinking at aviation company.

The aircraft maintenance sector has always worked to tight deadlines and even tighter margins. That is why it is so important that its companies operate in as efficient a way as possible.

that we are constantly looking at our processes in order to identify ways to reduce waste and increase reliability. The system has allowed us to better plan our maintenance and redesign some of our process.”

One such company, Norfolk-based KLM UK Engineering Limited, is using a novel way of thinking to make efficiencies while, at the same time, encouraging members of staff to tap into their innovative side.

“We find that such an approach involves everyone and means that we get to the real issues from the people who are doing the job on a daily basis.”

The company, which is wholly owned by AFI KLM E&M Network and has been based at Norwich International Airport for more than 40 years, is using the Lean Six Sigma concept to tackle waste within its processes.

Led by Managing Director Arjan Meijer, the result is a company that gives its workers a greater sense of involvement in reform.

Lean Six Sigma is a managerial concept that eliminates wastes through a re-examination of processes; the concepts were first introduced into manufacturing after WWII in Japan, with Lean being originally the Toyota Production System and Six Sigma the adopted practice at Motorola and at General Electrics; the amalgamation of the two models developed more recently with the theory published in 2002 in the book Lean Six Sigma: Combining Six Sigma with Lean Speed, written by Michael George and Peter Vincent.

Lean Six Sigma operates through belts in which selected personnel are designated as yellow belts, green belts, black belts and master black belts, in a system similar to karate, in order to train other staff and drive forward the programme.

“One of the things that we have done is set up a special room, we call it ‘Room4Improvement’, where staff can go and have discussions about the way we work, under supervision of the Lean staff.

There are plenty of white boards and paper and they are encouraged to come up with ideas.”

“That allows us to come up with ways to change things but, rather than it coming from the top, with us saying ‘we are going to change this‘, the staff are more involved. They have a better understanding of why we are doing it because they were part of the thinking.”

“We operate a WOW - War on Waste – staff suggestion system and Lean Six Sigma supports that. It does not have to be big ideas. For example, one idea that came out involved small low-value parts required for the aircraft that were in the store.”

“Each time our people wanted them, they had to go to the store so the suggestion was made that it would be more efficient to have the parts readily available in trays on the shop floor which cuts down all the wasted walking.”

“Thinking like this has changed the way we work and we can monitor it on a day to day basis, which is leading to real discussions and new ideas.”

The concept is beginning to change many of the processes used by the company, which employs 395 people and carries out maintenance on aircraft including Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, Fokker 70/100 and BAe146/Avro RJs.

“One of the other things we did was to establish a ‘Moonshine’ team, comprising of six members of staff who are tasked to come up with innovative solutions to problems identified by our staff. They work on this project one day a week and it took time for everyone to fully accept the new way of working. They would ask ‘why have these people been sitting around when we could use them on the maintenance line?’ but in time they came to see the value.”

Arjan, who took over from Paul Chün as Managing Director at KLM UK in January this year, said: “The Lean Six Sigma concept means

The work is the latest challenge for Arjan, who came to the company having built up a strong track record in the aviation sector.

The

Arjan Meijer Managing Director, KLM UK Engineering Limited

Having attained a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology, he began his career with a graduation internship in the KLM Corporate Fleet Development department. After a spell at KPN, he returned to KLM in 2001 as Fleet Evaluation Manager, before being appointed in 2007 as head of Quality Assurance & Project Management at KLM Fleet Services.

He moved to KLM Cityhopper as head of Fleet Management & Engineering and, from October 2010, was KLM Cityhopper Technical Director of Technical Services & Fleet Development before moving to KLM UK Engineering as Managing Director.

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BIG INTERVIEW

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

One of the projects he has overseen sums up the company’s approach to efficiency.

At the end of 2013, the business unveiled its new facility for the dismantling and recycling of aircraft. The facility is one of only a handful of aircraft recycling centres in Europe and offers a cradle-to-grave/cradle service for aircraft (parts) including Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, Fokker 70/100s and BAe146/Avro RJ’s.

It means that KLM UK Engineering is licensed to service aircraft from the day they commence operations until they are removed from service, potentially 20 years or 18 million air miles later.

The recycling facility ensures that serviceable components can be recovered, reconditioned and stored for reuse or for sale. Fuel, lubricants and other potential pollutants can be drained and disposed of and aircraft bodywork can be cut up and recycled in a ‘green’ manner.

In the first year KLM UK Engineering anticipates that 12 aircraft will be handled with the figure doubling by the second year.

Arjan said: “The centre is working well. The advantage is not only a larger scope of services, but also boosts KLM UK Engineering’s efficiency by using available resources for less urgent recycling work when not required for time-critical

One of the other things we did was to establish a ‘Moonshine’ team, comprising of six members of staff who are tasked to come up with innovative solutions to problems identified by our staff.

maintenance, on aircraft that need be returned to commercial operation.”

“If the maintenance operation is quiet and short of work we can utilise our manpower by working on the dismantling of old aircraft.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

PAGE19

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corporate branding • logos • websites • leaflets • brochures • magazine design • marketing

MEMBERS NEWS

MD Simon Linstead sleeps rough to raise cash and awareness for Norfolk’s homeless.

Two Norfolk men have spent a night sleeping rough in a city centre doorway to highlight the plight of young homeless adults. Simon Linstead is Managing Director of Nurture Financial Planning and Chris Elliot, Marketing and Fundraising Manager of Norfolk Charity, The Benjamin Foundation decided to sleep out in Norwich for a night to help raise awareness and funds to assist with tackling homelessness in Norfolk.

Simon’s company Nurture is proud to be supporting The Benjamin Foundation in 2014. He commented: “We thought that by making this minor sacrifice of just one night on the streets, it might help in some small way with the fantastic work this Charity does to support people in Norfolk dealing with many challenges that life throws at them, including homelessness. The night was a real eye-opener.”

opportunity and stability. One of the biggest issues is homeless young people.

Explaining why he was up for this night out on the streets, Chris said: “What we did doesn’t come anywhere near the real misery and reality of those sleeping rough, night after night. Simon and I were in a controlled environment and we went home early in the morning to a hot bath and a rejuvenating breakfast. Those living on the streets cant do this – they face this ordeal in far worse conditions than we experienced.’

The popular Charity helps about 2000 people every year in the county by providing hope,

Hansells pioneer mentoring role.

“It is a big commitment, but I believe it is a good way for Hansells to put something back into the community which supports us as a business,” she said.

Miss Hirst was delighted to hold her first mentoring session with two of her Year 9 pupils on Monday 28 April…although it wasn’t the first time she had met the girls.

Chris and Simon are on course to raise more than £1000 for their sleep-out, which will go towards helping many others finding themselves in a position of homelessness. But they urge more donations by going to www.mycharitypage.com/ SimonNFP or www.benjaminfoundation.co.uk

Yarmouth’s young entrepreneurs.

The project was launched at a “speed-dating” session on Valentine’s Day, when almost 150 pupils whizzed from table to table, meeting 38 potential mentors from the world of work.

“It was great to find out which of them put me down as their choice of mentor,” said Miss Hirst, who is a partner at Hansells. “It will be interesting to see how they think I can help them. It is all quite exciting.”

A pioneering mentoring project will see three north Norfolk school-leavers take their first steps into the world outside the classroom with two years’ worth of wisdom from Hansells Solicitors & Financial Advisers.

The trio Miss Hirst will be mentoring are Chloe Adams, Ella Walters and Zoe Gutierrez. Chloe has dreams of being a solicitor, Ella wants to be a photographer/TV camera operator and Zoe would like to become a pastry chef.

Hansells Employment solicitor Kathryn Hirst has embraced a ground-breaking scheme devised

by North Walsham High School to enhance young people’s preparation for life beyond the classroom.

The group will meet together at least once every half term for the next two school years to be coached in key themes such as CV writing and interviews, study skills, self-awareness, motivation, life skills, prioritisation and team work.

“The project is unique to Norfolk and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Miss Hirst, who heads up the employment team at Hansells, which has offices in North Walsham and at Norwich, Aylsham, Cromer, Reepham and Sheringham.

“It is quite scary to realise how deprived some young people are when it comes to future aspiration,” said Miss Hirst, herself a mother of two young children. “I want to see the young people I work with fully motivated for their future life.”

Young entrepreneurs are helping to drive a Great Yarmouth economy that is going through a period of sustained rejuvenation, says James Shipp who, at the age of 36, has just been made a partner of BDO accountants and business advisers.

“There is a clear trend which is seeing younger business people starting and building successful businesses in the Great Yarmouth area, and playing a big part in boosting the regional economy,” said Mr Shipp, who has taken the helm at BDO’s office at Beacon Park, Gorleston.

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PAGE21

NORFOLK VOICE

Skills shortage threatens East Anglian businesses’ prospects for growth ADVERTISING FEATURE

By Jane Lovell Joint Managing Director at Cooper Lomaz

The UK is enjoying a strong economic recovery.

Business optimism has returned to its highest level since 1998 on the back of positive GDP results and falling unemployment.

For the first time since the recession began, there are more jobs being posted than there are candidates available with the skills to fill them. Growth has been particularly marked in sectors such as property, construction, legal, science, technology, accountancy, finance, IT, engineering, manufacturing and marketing.

Boost in vacancies in East Anglia The East of England has shared in this growth. At the same time last year, recruitment specialist Cooper Lomaz had 350 vacancies on its books but this year that figure has rocketed to 650!

Scarcity of skilled talent But a word of caution. One of the biggest threats to growth that many businesses in the region face is the scarcity of suitably skilled individuals.

There is a real danger that companies will have their growth plans delayed because they are not going to be able to recruit sufficient numbers of suitable candidates.

Need for a new approach Jane Lovell, Joint Managing Director at Cooper Lomaz commented: “The nature of the market has changed so rapidly that many businesses have been caught on the hop. It has become a candidate-led market with job applicants expecting to receive more than one offer of employment when they put themselves onto the market.

“In order to attract the best employees, the region’s employers must make sure their employment packages are competitive. It’s not just about the salary on offer as today’s employees are influenced by issues such as the working environment and their work/life balance.”

How to be proactive Lovell suggests that there are three proactive steps companies can take to help combat this highly competitive recruitment marketplace.

Firstly, produce resilient resource plans and create flexible talent sourcing strategies. With talent no longer freely accessible, businesses need to accept that it will take them 3-6 months to get any new recruits on-board so they need to have robust succession plans in place.

Secondly, measure and improve their Employee Value Proposition (EVP). This summarises the characteristics and appeal of working for an organisation. It’s been proven that an effective EVP can improve commitment of new hires, double employee advocacy and increase business access to passive candidates.

Finally, develop strategic resourcing relationships with key mainstream and niche recruiters to ensure they have access to the right talent as the economy continues to grow.

By taking these proactive steps Lovell believes that employers will stand a much better chance of competing successfully for the scarce resources of talented individuals who currently have the pick of the best jobs and not miss out on the massive opportunities that a thriving economy offers.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

PERFECTLY EQUIPPED TO FIND THE RIGHT TALENT From our offices in Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft we have dedicated sector specialists to solve your recruitment requirements, whether you’re looking for full-time staff or contractors

Business Development outsourcing is the ideal way to supplement your existing business resources.

ADVERTISING FEATURE Most companies find the proposition of outsourcing their sales department to be quite daunting, however the benefits of doing so are quite simple; you are indirectly employing experienced and motivated sales professionals without the associated risks and costs of direct employment. Furthermore, you are putting the responsibility of growing your business in the hands of people whose reputation is dependent on delivering results.

Although outsourcing is more commonly associated with business functions such as HR services, finance and IT, sales outsourcing is not a new concept – companies have actually been outsourcing parts of the sales function such as telemarketing for many years.

Many of the common business issues associated with directly employing staff are avoided by adopting the outsourced approach, these include: n Recruitment costs and time lost (agency fees, advertising costs, interviewing time, reading CV’s, etc.) n Training and integration into the company (typically at least one to two months unproductive time) n High salary and costs for seasoned sales professional (Basic + commission, car, National Insurance contributions, etc) n Increased office costs (additional workstation, PC/laptop, software for contact management, phone call costs)

n Risk of staff not meeting expectations and training costs of maintaining performance n Typical sales staff “shelf-life” of 18 months As a result, through sales outsourcing you can: n Achieve instant sales access into new and existing markets through trained & seasoned sales professionals n Budget for a fixed cost of sales per month n Reduce the cost of sales n Add project specific resource at short notice n Concentrate on running your business and satisfying existing clients In addition to these benefits, taking an outsourced approach to sales and marketing addresses an issue of misused resources which is commonplace in small to medium sized companies. Commonly, persons with vast experience within their industry sector are put into sales roles where they have little experience.

This often results in someone looking after a role that they are not content with and do not fully understand. By outsourcing the sales function and freeing up this resource, experience and credentials can then be utilised within the area where knowledge is deemed most useful.

Outsourced Business Development Services We offer a range of services suited to each individual clients’ needs which include: > Strategic Sales Planning and Management > Business to Business Selling – Dedicated ‘field’ or office based Business Development Executive > Business Marketing and Brand Awareness > Sales and Market Analysis Prior to Market Entry > Market Intelligence and Project Specific Information > Qualified Lead Generation and Appointment Setting Please contact us to arrange for a free initial consultation

Henderson Business Centre

T: 01603 280466

51 Ivy Road, Norwich

E: info@wellton-energy.com

Norfolk NR5 8BF

W: www.wellton-energy.com

JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

PAGE23

NORFOLK VOICE

0845 388 6568 www.it-c.co.uk Providing IT Solutions for small business to the large enterprise Remote IT Support On-site IT Support Online Backup

Outsourced IT Telephony Systems Server Installation Network Design Cloud Services Bespoke Development

“It’s like having your Own I.T Department in your business!!”

This can cause you to lose Power!!

Are you able to keep your business running if the power is lost?

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Assurance Engagements and Agreed Upon Procedures With most small companies now exempt from audit, stakeholders, such as shareholders, employees, banks, other lenders and creditors, may need to rely upon uncertified annual financial statements to satisfy their assurance needs. Users of financial statements may also be surprised that a company can be defined as small with annual turnover as much as £6.5m and this is expected to increase to £10m in the near future. This means that substantial companies are able to submit statutory accounts to Companies House having received neither external scrutiny nor having been prepared by a suitably qualified professional accountant.

Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors have been serving local businesses and individuals in East Anglia for over 20 years.

The cost of statutory audit can be pervasive if small companies are opting for this voluntarily, in order to satisfy their stakeholders’ needs.

However, there is an alternative. Assurance engagements or agreed upon procedures are not as time intensive as a statutory audit and therefore do not incur the same costs. The reporting accountant will give an opinion on either the financial statements as a whole, or the specific procedures that have been previously agreed. These procedures can therefore be tailored to provide assurance on a specific area of concern, such as the ability of the company to trade in the future and meet its liabilities as they fall due.

These reports may offer more value to the company and its stakeholders than a statutory audit but without the same cost.

We provide an efficient, friendly and competent service through our professionally qualified staff and believe that there is real value in developing long-standing professional relationships with our clients.

Wayne Goddard FCCA ACA (Director of Newman & Co. Chartered Accountants)

Business Data Management Solutions

We offer a range of services tailored to suit our clients’ individual needs that include: Tax Returns, Advice and Planning Preparation of Annual Accounts l Bookkeeping services and Management Accounts Preparation l Payroll Services including Real-Time Processing l VAT Returns and Advice l

l

Please contact us to arrange a free initial consultation.

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W: www.newmans-online.co.uk

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

C R E A T I V E

&

M E D I A

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NORFOLK VOICE

Norfolk Chamber sponsored Small Business of the Year Award boosts company’s confidence.

For Naked Marketing, one of last year’s EDP Awards big winners, the consequence of success has been a significantly raised profile for the business and increased confidence for the team behind its work.

The company won the Small Business of the Year category, sponsored by Norfolk Chamber, and was also one of the finalists in the overall Business of the Year, being pipped to the prize by Blue Sky Leisure.

Naked Marketing is a creative branding, graphic design and marketing agency based just a few miles out of Norwich.

Managing director Ben Handford said: “I think we did so well last year because the judges could see the energy and passion that goes into the business.”

That energy has been further fuelled by the award and since winning, the company has

employed an extra full-time member of staff, taking the total to five, supported by four parttime employees.

recently who said they liked our website and the fact that we had won a recognisable business award.

Ben said: “There have been a number of benefits. One of them was being able to take on an extra member of staff, which came directly out of winning the award as our workload increased.

“I think winning the award represented a step change for us. It gave us increased confidence in what we do, including the confidence to create an extra job.

“We have been in business for twelve years and the award gave us more recognition locally.

For example, we were with a prospective client

“We have certainly grown since winning. It is difficult to say how much of that is down to the effect of the award and how much is the upturn in the economy but winning certainly did us no harm. It really did put us in the limelight.

“As a company we are doing well. We have been growing steadily over the years - we are not one of these businesses that grows rapidly then cannot sustain it - and we came through the recession well.

“I think the reason we were able to weather the tough economic times was because we have clients in a number of different sectors and, if one sector was struggling, another was doing well.

“What has changed now is the increased confidence in the economy which means that most of our sectors are doing well at the same time. Growth is definitely our plan.”

Left to right: Kathrine Overton, Jodie Cole, Dan Bradfield, Caroline Rust, Ben Handford and David Lloyd

Ensure you have a chance of winning this years Small Business of the Year award by entering today at www.edpbusinessawards.co.uk.

The closing deadline for entries is Sunday 17 August 2014.

EXHIBITION

The

15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EXHIBITION – BOOK YOUR STAND TODAY! #NorfolkB2B14

@norfolkchamber

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CUSTOMER CARE AWARD Sponsored by Greater Anglia

Judges will be looking for entries from businesses which show a clear focus on their customer’s needs.

Sponsored by

FOOD AND FARMING EXCELLENCE

Online entry is open from WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY 2014

Sponsored by The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association This award will celebrate the contribution that food producers and the supply chain make to the economy.

Sponsored by

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AWARD

The awards celebrate the work of the very best in our business community, honouring the achievements of individual companies and showcasing the region’s economic strength and depth.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Sponsored by

Open to small businesses (annual turnover of less that £1m) with an innovative approach to both product/service development, who can show growth in both turnover and profit Sponsored by

This award will go to a group which clearly acknowledges a proven passion and dedication to improving the environment and ensuring sustainability is at the heart of its business.

Sponsored by

OUTSTANDING IT INITIATIVE AWARD

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AWARD

BEST EMPLOYER

Sponsored by Grant Thornton

Sponsored by Pure Resourcing Solutions

This award celebrates companies with growing international business. Judges want to see companies that have been able to find and develop new growth opportunities abroad.

Judges will be looking for a business that demonstrates a clear vision and understanding of what keeps teams motivated and engaged.

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

FUTURE50 ONE TO WATCH

COMMUNITY IMPACT

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by

Sponsored by Howes Percival

The judges will be looking at how the development has been reflected in increased turnover and employment and, most importantly, in enhanced profitability.

Sponsored by Computer Service Centre

This new award is aimed at companies that have successfully introduced IT initiatives to address business challenges.

Sponsored by NWES

Sponsored by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Sponsored by Foster Property Maintenance

Sponsored by Norse Group and Business in the Community

Paul Robinson Partnership

This category is about recognising an early stage business which shows the promise to become a success story of tomorrow.

Judges will look for drive, impact, vision and potential.

This award acknowledges companies who are making a real impact on their local community – especially in areas of disadvantage.

This award is for companies and organisations who have helped create new, redeveloped, or refurbished building or landscape projects which have made a contribution to the environment and our communities.

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Strong leadership is a vital ingredient in business success, and this award aims to showcase the efforts of the county’s best senior managers.

Sponsored by Barclays

Sponsored by Anglian Water

The Barclays business of the year is the winner of winner categories from the awards night with all shortlisted finalists getting the chance to secure the coveted prize.

The Denise Anderson Awards, recognises the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the economy in East Anglia.

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

jud No ge n e s a ntr wa y rd

DENISE ANDERSON AWARD

jud No ge n e s a ntr wa y rd

ENTER ONLINE AT www.edpbusinessawards.co.uk

NORFOLK VOICE

When innovation equals growth.

All the current talk in the business community is about growth but just as important is innovation.

Across Norfolk, many companies have recognised the link between the two and a couple of examples from very different sectors underline the point.

IPL Robot using Marel’s own robot head technology attached.

Mike Crowe

Sales Manager, Westcotec

For electronic road signage company Westcotec, innovation is part of the company’s culture.

The Dereham company designs, manufactures and installs speed and warning signs for clients including councils, highways authorities, IKEA and Rolls Royce and trades across the UK and Europe, particularly Scandinavia. It is about to target the US market as well.

All of its eighteen staff are involved in the creativity process and managing director Phil Hayton said: ”Innovation is part of the culture. It runs throughout the company.

technology and they have so many good ideas.”

“We also encourage everyone in the company to have contact with clients, which empowers staff and helps clients people feel part of the process.”

“We are a growing company and are constantly seeking new ideas and new markets.”

Sales Manager Mike Crowe said: “What we have found is that it makes sense to have everyone involved in the process. Why have one person working on a problem when you can have ten brains at work?”

Innovation is key to the company because its sector depends heavily on creative application of the latest technology.

“We employ staff aged sixteen to eighty and we involve them all in solving problems.”

Its flood signs illustrate the point. Mike said: “The process starts with listening to people’s problems, which they often think are insurmountable but which can be solved by allowing people to be innovative.”

“We like to involve our younger staff because they come to us with a knowledge of

“Our flood signs are an example of becoming aware of a problem and setting out to solve it.”

The

“Traditionally, when a road is flooded the response is to erect barriers and stop everyone going through.”

“However, we knew that the farmer who farms three miles up the road, or the driver with a 4x4 or the truck driver, may be able to get through and becomes irritated when the road is closed.”

“We came up with the idea of warning signs that work in real time, giving the depth of water ahead. That means that drivers can make an informed decision on whether or not to turn back.”

“Another idea related to the dangers presented by side roads where drivers emerge onto main roads and get t-boned.”

“We knew that there was a need for a sign that can warn the approaching driver on the main road so we designed signs that flash up ‘vehicle pulling out.’”

“It’s all about sorting problems and the culture at the company provides a lovely atmosphere.”

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COVER FEATURE

Richard Seager Technical Director, Marel

A similar commitment to innovation drives Marel, of Norwich, which supplies award-winning advanced food processing solutions for the poultry, fish, meat and further processing industry, including slicing machinery which is particularly popular in the United States and robotics, which sells particularly well in Scandinavia. Eighty per cent of the company’s sales are export.

Technical Director Richard Seager said: “Five to seven per cent of our revenue is invested in product development, which we need to do to meet the challenges of the market.”

“We need to be aware of the latest technologies that become available across the planet, whether it be from our suppliers or through our own design teams coming forward with ideas.”

“We encourage innovation throughout the company so, although we have specific product development teams, we are also open to anyone coming forward with ideas.”

“What we are really looking for is technologies that will make a difference, either to the way we work or to our customers, and we need to be innovative to achieve that.”

“One of the things we do is occasional Blue Ocean days. Blue Ocean means that we are in different water from everyone else, ahead of our

IPL Robot using Marel’s own robot head technology attached.

competitors, as opposed to Red Ocean, where we are competing with them.”

“On Blue Ocean days, we encourage people to come up with ideas that will, in effect, make our own equipment obsolete. We aim to replace our product range every eight years.”

Vision specialists from Stemmer Imaging worked closely with experts from Marel to develop a system that would enable a wider range of larger products to be processed with greater accuracy.

Marel Marketing Executive Kathrin Gerbe said: “We need to encourage innovation because when we are in Blue Ocean it will not take long for our competitors to catch up. Our innovation comes out of partnerships, working with customers and suppliers to come up with new ideas.”

The approach has gained recognition. In 2012, Stemmer Imaging won the prestigious Partnership Award 2012 from the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) for the provision of vision technology for use in food slicing machines manufactured by Marel.

The IBS4600 four blade precooked bacon slicer with vision technology

What we are really looking for is technologies that will make a difference, either to the way we work or to our customers, and we need to be innovative to achieve that.

Technical Director, Marel, Richard Seager

EXHIBITION

15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

#NorfolkB2B14

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

PAGE29

THIS FEELING,

FOR LESS THAN YOU’D THINK.

Even the price of XF has the power to raise your heartbeat.

JAGUAR XF 2.2 D Luxury 163PS Contract Hire (Business users) 35 monthly rentals* £299 Initial Payment £1,794 Please note, initial payment and rentals shown are exclusive of VAT. JAGUAR XF 2.2 D Luxury 163PS Private Purchase options Low monthly payment £295 or Low deposit of £399 Plus receive 3 years Free Servicing** REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE XF 2.2D LUXURY 163PS On the Road Price Dealer Deposit Contribution Customer Deposit Amount of Credit 48 Monthly Payments GMFV – Optional Final Payment (includes £295 fee)

Duration (Months) Rate of Interest (Fixed) Representative Total amount payable by Customer

£32,945 £5,200 £4,999 £22,746 £295 £12,004 49 4.35% 4.9% APR £31,163

Call us to book your test drive.

HOW ALIVE ARE YOU?

**This free servicing promotion applies to eligible Jaguar XF Saloon and Sportbrake cars registered between 1st April and 30th June 2014 at participating Jaguar dealers when purchased on Jaguar finance. Not available in conjunction with Jaguar Contract Hire or Personal Contract Hire. Services must take place at participating Jaguar Authorised Repairers. *Business users only.

Based on a 36 month Jaguar Contract Hire agreement on an XF Saloon 2.2d (163) Luxury, standard specification, a mileage of 10,000 miles per annum (30,000 miles in total), non-maintained. Initial payment in advance as shown (exclusive of VAT) followed by 35 monthly rentals at rental shown (exclusive of VAT). May be subject to further charges depending on the condition/mileage when vehicle returned. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. This promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotions and is subject to availability at participating Dealers only for new vehicles ordered by 30th June 2014, or while stocks last. Jaguar Contract Hire is provided by Lex Autolease Limited, trading as Jaguar Contract Hire, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. Written quotations are available on request. All details are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice

H.A.FOX NORWICH Jaguar House, Cromer Road, Norwich NR6 6NB HAFOX.NORWICH.JAGUAR.CO.UK 01603 944 835 Official fuel economy figures for the XF range in MPG (l/100km): Urban 16.7–48.7 (16.9–5.8). Extra Urban 32.8–64.2 (8.6–4.4).Combined 24.4–57.7 (11.6–4.9). CO2 emissions 270–129 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’stests in accordance with EU legislation.

A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests andthese figures are for comparative purposes only.

Truly effortless performance.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sleek, dynamic, daring, XF is a fusion of sports car styling with outstanding luxury saloon comfort. XF’s inspired engineering has won over one hundred international awards.

More than a machine, XF combines Jaguar’s renowned flair for style and luxury with a genius for technological innovation, providing an instinctive and rewarding driving experience that other sports saloons can only aspire to. It looks alive, it feels alive.

With its glowing Bi-function HID headlamps, outlined with crystal white daytime running LEDs, and its toned bodyshape, XF always looks ready for action. Its primed, nose-down, attitude, power vents and aerodynamic lines are more than an athletic pose, they’ve been precision-

honed through exhaustive design testing to perfect XF’s air flow efficiency.

The highly regarded 2.2 i4 Td is available in two forms, both of which offer a smooth, refined and muscular power delivery ideally suited to Jaguar’s sporting saloon. The entry-level variant offers 163PS and 400Nm of torque while the higher-powered version is 200PS with 450Nm of torque. Emissions are 135g/ km CO2, with combined fuel economy at 55.4mpg (5.1l/100km). Both 163PS and 200PS variants of the 2.2 i4 Td are also available in the new XF Sportbrake where, Jaguar’s most versatile model to date also boasts the same emissions and combined fuel economy figures.

Offering further efficiency is Jaguar’s Intelligent Stop/Start system. The system is able to shut down the engine 300 milliseconds after the car has come to a halt. The system is able to restart smoothly, in less time than it takes for the driver’s foot to release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator.

DAB system can receive the more efficient DAB+ signals and the new Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) standard. The satellite navigation has many features to make driving simpler. Its ‘ECO Route’ option optimises the roads used on a journey to minimise both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Dynamic Zoom feature automatically zooms in when the car approaches a junction, to make the upcoming route more obvious. When the car is on a motorway, overhead sign information is duplicated within the satellite-navigation display.

Meridian sound systems are available throughout the XF range for an unparalleled automotive audio experience. Perfectly matched speakers and amplifiers achieve premium sound quality without large power demands and avoid overwhelming listeners with high volume.

To book your XF test drive call H.A.FOX Norwich on 01603 944 835.

WWW.HAFOX.NORWICH.JAGUAR.CO.UK

The XF’s Jaguar Touchscreen infotainment system has a number of intuitive functions. The

FEBRUARY/MARCH JULY/AUGUST 2014 2013

PAGE31

If your business depends on your van, you can depend on us.

We pride ourselves on our close working relationship with local companies. We know that it’s the only way to make sure that the van we supply is right for you and your business. That’s why we’ve now installed a new manager, Michael Duale, a man who has built his career on the kind of customer service that makes reputations. Backing this up is our wide selection of new, used and hire vehicles, supported by manufacturer-approved Aftersales, expert technicians trained to Volkswagen’s exacting standards and parts that bear the Volkswagen name and guarantee.

Why not drop in to see us.

* ith mont h w a 9 9 1 £ m t a r t s fr o tal.** s n e e r g l n a ia r it r Ou ur in wards yo o t 0 0 ,0 1 up t o £

Robinsons Van Centre Heigham Street, Norwich, Norfolk.

Telephone: 01603 396 220.

Find us on your sat - nav using NR2 4LX. www.volkswagen - vans.co.uk/robinsonsnorwich

Business users only. *Contract hire quotation based on Caddy panel van 1.6 TDI 75PS Startline with £1,000 initial rental contribution. Offer based on £1,000 initial rental followed by 35 monthly payments of £199 and 10,000 miles per annum. **Contract hire quotation based on Crafter CR35 LWB HR 2.0 TDI 109PS with £1,000 initial rental contribution. Followed by 35 monthly payments of £299 and 10,000 miles per annum. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of contracted mileage. Models shown may not be representative of the offer. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned.

Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for registrations before September 30th, 2014. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost, VWFS.

Outstanding customer service is primary objective.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Outstanding customer service – that’s Michael Duale’s primary objective as the new Sales Manager at Robinsons Van Centre, Norwich.

A personal and professional goal, Michael believes that the customer satisfaction is the foundation of any strong business. “It stands to reason, happy customers create repeat custom and build customer loyalty; and what better advertising than personal recommendation from word of mouth” Michael comments.

“I always welcome and appreciate any feedback and am always happy to talk personally to our customers and will do all I can to make any experience with Robinsons a happy one.” Michael adds.

As a dealership, we want to provide a one stop experience in a relaxed and professional environment, providing the high quality level of service that you would expect from a brand such as Volkswagen.

Michael Duale, Sales Manager at Robinsons Van Centre, Norwich

“We believe that the Van Centre commercial customers deserve, if not demand, the same level of service as if buying a passenger car.

The van is someone’s livelihood, it is a rational decision, not an emotional purchase”.

on the van they are looking to purchase; ensuring the customer has all the information they need to make an informed decision in their own time. Keith Bridger, the dedicated Business Development Manager, is on hand for all fleet customers, providing a personal service to those looking into Contract Hire.

like for like courtesy vehicles, while you wait appointments and even a collection and delivery service.

The trained and experienced Robinsons Volkswagen sales team take the time to listen to the needs of their customers, making sure that they understand their business and the demands

The Aftersales team recognise that time spent away from their business, ultimately costs customers money. Robinsons aim to keep downtime to an absolute minimum offering

With a complete range of commercial vehicles with almost 1,000 derivatives, are experienced Volkswagen sales team will tailor the right van for you and your business needs. Let’s go to work!

“It is all about the putting the customer first and making the sales and aftersales experience a rewarding and satisfying one”.

Part of the Robinsons Motor Group for more than 11 years, the Norwich Van Centre’s complete selection of new and used Volkswagen commercial vehicles; it is also one of 30 specialist Volkswagen camper van retailers the U.K. Robinsons also offer van rental with a fleet of over 30 Vans and minibus’s, including Caddy, Luton and a Long Wheel Base Crafter van.

Michael Duale has been in the motor industry since 19 years of age, beginning his career as a trainee sales executive and progressing to Sales Manager of a top 15 Land Rover dealership. Michael brings a wealth of expertise and experience in vehicle funding to Robinsons Van Centre and holds a vast knowledge of all aspects of finance including Hire Purchase, Finance Lease and Contract Hire.

FEBRUARY/MARCH JULY/AUGUST 2014 2013

PAGE33

NORFOLK VOICE

KNOWLEDGE

Pass on your best practices and expert knowledge by submitting your articles to the Knowledge Section www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

6 A Grade tips on attracting graduates into digital jobs.

Digital technology is not only changing how we shop, book holidays and watch films, but it’s also changing what we do for a living. In fact, a recent report by O2 claims that between 2013 and 2017 we’ll need a whopping 745,000 additional workers with digital skills to meet employers’ needs and to support the economy.

A fifth of these jobs could be filled by employees aged 25 and under.

6 Take their careers seriously Final exams will soon be over and our graduates will be ramping up their job hunts – good luck and we hope our tips have helped! www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge/article/6grade-tips-attracting-graduates-digital-jobs

2 Be flexible with your requirements 4 Visit your future employees

Gill Buchanan Pure Resourcing Solutions

5 Give them a springboard into full-time work

Important Changes to CDM Regulations.

Currently all types of construction work are covered by the Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2007, and for projects (except those for a domestic client) which last more than 30 days or require more than 500 man-days of construction work the client must: n Notify the Health and Safety Executive n Appoint a CDM Co-ordinator to advise, assist and coordinate the arrangements for health and safety during the planning phase n Appoint a Principal Contractor to plan, manage and coordinate health and safety during the construction work n Ensure the construction phase does not start until the Principal Contractor has prepared

a suitable Construction Phase Plan (the initial plan must be completed before construction work starts) and made arrangements for welfare facilities to be present from the start of the work n Ensure a health and safety file is prepared for handover at the end of construction work www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge/article/ important-changes-cdm-regulations

John Knowlden KTIB

Boost Your Online Marketing with Local SEO. If you are considering how best to spend your marketing budget, online advertising is most likely near the top of your agenda.

3 Optimise Your Listing for Your Product or Service

So how do you improve your local search listing with Google and Bing ? Any location where you physically serve or meet customers can be used to establish a presence on Google or Bing Places for Business, which in turn will help boost your online marketing. Here are our top tips for improving your Local SEO and ensuring you appear in Google and Bing Local Listings:

5 Build Links and Citations

1 Claim Your Google Places Business Listing 2 Ensure Your Location Details are Consistent Across the Web

We have compiled some simple Do’s and Don’t based on the Code of Practice

Do….

1 Show that you’re a responsible business 3 Provide a positive workplace

Working at Height the do’s and don’ts.

4 Encourage Reviews

n as much work as possible from the groundthis is safer - take advantage of new technology & equipment n ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height- this is often forgotten - the whole task needs to be planned n ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly- User checks are essential. n take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces n provide protection from falling objects

Don’t… n overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials workers are carrying before working at height. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information, Use team members, tool belts etc n overreach on ladders or stepladders- a common cause of injury; it takes a few seconds to step down and move the ladder n rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, eg glazing or plastic gutters; plan safe work at height- generic assessments will not suffice n use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks, only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time) Longer periods of time would suggest that a safe system of work is available www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge/article/workheight-dos-and-donts

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge/article/boostyour-online-marketing-local-seo

Terence Gray Onestop Webshop

The

Sarah Daniels The RedCat Partnership Ltd

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MEMBERSHIP

Smurfit Kappa Cor-Trade joins the Chamber Network.

By Chris Perry Business Manager

Recently joined chamber members, Smurfit Kappa Cor-Trade are the hundredth member to join the ever growing ranks of wealth generators in the Norfolk Chamber network that employ a hundred or more local people in Norfolk.

Smurfit Kappa Cor-Trade is part of Smurfit Kappa PLC, a world leader in corrugated packaging with an annual turnover of Euro 8 Billion.

Smurfit Kappa Cor-Trade employs approx. 350 people and operates from four manufacturing sites, three in Norfolk and one in Oxfordshire, with their Norwich site in Fishergate. Sumufit Kappa manufactures a range of high quality and specialist corrugated sheet board and boxes, which are supplied to trade customers throughout the UK. Smurfit Kappa Cor-Trade is a sustainably responsible organisation and places Environmental, Social and Economic Responsibility at the core of its business ethos. The company believe that they have a responsibility to play a positive role in society on a local,

national and global level and see being part the Norfolk Chamber network as a key facilitator in this.

Group HR Manager, Gemma Dullea said “By becoming a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce we hope to be able to work collaboratively with other local businesses that may have similar issues and needs and become more involved with local community initiatives to support local sustainability. As part of our people strategy we are currently working on the following key areas; n Provision of engineering apprenticeships to support on-going workforce planning requirements, n Training and development programmes to support the continuous development of our people,

n Work experience placement opportunities for local people; and n Community engagement activities involving local schools, colleges and Universities We look forward to working closely with the Norfolk Chamber of commerce and other local business on these important issues. “ Chris Perry -Business Manager of the Norfolk Chamber comments “With Smurfit Kappa joining the network, we are continuing to grow an influential network that has over a hundred active key members that together employ nearly 100,000 Norfolk people. These members are active in the network at vary senior levels and with this comes massive opportunities for our smaller members to reach people they would normally struggle to talk to.

Top Tips for using the Norfolk Chamber website.

By Jason Williams Small Business Manager Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Chamber’s website is a great way of raising your company’s profile, but to ensure that you are getting the more out of it here are some handy tips: 1. Be sure to use a good eye-catching image The images you use are like adverts in that glancing moment to trap the reader. If a photo

is interesting enough, the reader will stop on it and read the caption and if the interest stays there the title of the article is read next. If the beginning of the article is catching enough the reader will read all of it.

2. The title you use must sell the rest of the article The title must have 2 parts to it. First it must grab the attention of the reader and secondly it must let them know what the article itself is about.

4. Be sure to include a link to your own website If the reader has been enticed by your image and title and has read the article itself they may well want more information on you and your company. Because of this including a link to your own website is key, because you do not want to add any barriers to them reaching you. It also has the advantage that you can see through Google Analytics exactly how many referrals you have received from the Chamber website.

3. Include a clear “call to action” If your article’s aim is to do more than simply inform the reader then be sure to have a clear action for them to do. Whether this be a phone number they have to call or a link they need to follow, make sure it’s obvious what it is they need to do. This leads nicely to....

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PAGE35

the county.

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We promote economic growth and prosperity Or contact us: in the region by offering our expertise, knowledge Telephone: 01603 591908 and commercial know-how to small and medium If only Norfolk knew what Norfolk knows... businesses, as well as third sector organisations, Email: norfolkknowledge@uea.ac.uk helping them through the challenges of business Thinking of starting up your own business or set-up, growth and change. Our offer of could your organisation benefit from some help includes: specialist support?

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We promote economic growth and prosperity in the region by offering our expertise, knowledge and commercial know-how to small and medium businesses, as well as third sector organisations, helping them through the challenges of business set-up, growth and change. Our offer of help includes:

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BUSINESS SUPPOR T

The New Anglia Growth Hub for Norfolk and Suffolk was officially launched last month.

The New Anglia Growth Hub for Norfolk and Suffolk was officially launched last month and its establishment sparks an exciting time for business growth across this region. John Stenhouse, the Growth Hub Manager, leads the team of Business Growth Advisers. The team will offer a unique service by offering face-to-face meetings to inject knowledge and offer a more personal touch to business support. The Growth Hub also have access to all available business support organisations and their objective is to make the whole process as easy as possible.

Meet the Norfolk team:

John Stenhouse Growth Hub Manager John Stenhouse has a business career that has spanned over four decades, after 17 years in corporate environments, administration and management accounting he founded an accountancy firm and developed it in to a thriving practice. John also acquired several fledgling and struggling businesses and turned them around to become profitable concerns.

John has worked with thousands of businesses from start-ups to multi million pound corporations and high growth companies, through many shifting economic climates. John’s strategic, pragmatic approach to finance and business, combined with his flair for generating profit and growth has earned him a reputation as one of the area’s most respected business advisers.

Stella Rice Business Growth Adviser In South Norfolk, Breckland and North Suffolk, local people, local business and local jobs is Stella’s objective and focus, delivered face to face in a simple, straightforward manner that makes a significant difference. Her background includes theatre and the arts, financial consultancy, owning and running a multi award winning food business, several years as a Norfolk and south Norfolk councillor specialising in business and economic growth and most recently working in marketing and business development.

Stella is here to help get you where you want to be, signposting and referring your business to those who will offer the most appropriate assistance for you to grow and to realise your ambitions.

Having managed small businesses ranging from manufacturing to environmental products and professional services to pet ID; James has first-hand experience of the amazing diversity of Norfolk business and the barriers frequently faced. Having gained his MBA analysing these very hurdles, James aims to help as many Norfolk companies as possible benefit from the wealth of quality support available to help them grow.

Morgan is a Business Growth Adviser for Innovation, covering Norfolk and Suffolk. Morgan has operated his own business consultancy company for the past three years with a remit of advising on business growth and exit strategies.

He was a business adviser with ibd (Initiatives in Business Development) and has a DBA in Strategic Management from Aston University and two MBAs. Morgan is keen to engage with businesses to provide the guidance and support needed and to help build best practice across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Glen Moore Business Growth Adviser

James West Business Growth Adviser James is the Business Growth Adviser for Norwich, Broadland and North Norfolk. With a passion for management and marketing gained here in our region, James explores business’s individual needs and helps them access the most effective support to grow.

Morgan Potter Business Growth Adviser (Innovation)

Glen has 12 years’ experience advising businesses in this region primarily in the field of skills and workforce development. Most recently, Glen has worked for the National Apprenticeship Service with the responsibility of increasing the number of apprentices being hired in Norfolk and Suffolk. Glen crafts a clear strategy using his ever growing list of contacts to find a tailored solution to help you grow your business. Glen will be the Business Growth Adviser for Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

The Business Growth Adviser for West Norfolk is currently being recruited.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

To contact the New Anglia Growth Hub Call 0300 456 3565 Go to www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk Norfolk Chamber members can complete the form on our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/ corporate/growth-hub-business-advisors and we will refer to the most relevant adviser.

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HMRC to take money direct from taxpayer bank accounts?

In his Budget speech, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to give HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) the power to collect tax owed direct from taxpayer bank accounts.

Recent guidance from HMRC has now given us an insight into how they see this working.The guidance says this new power would only be targeted at the “truly non-compliant” who owe tax of over £1,000.They will also leave a minimum of £5,000 in the account after the debt has been recovered. Before taking the money, they will have contacted the taxpayer at least four times and given them 14 days’ notice, during which time the bank will place the funds on hold.

The guidance has come in the form of a consultation document released earlier this month, which is open for comment until 29 July.Within the document HMRC say they believe this will apply to 17,000 cases a year, where the tax owed averages £5,800.They also say around half of the taxpayers affected will have more than £20,000 in their bank and building society accounts (including ISAs).

This proposal has not been welcomed by the media, or the Treasury Commons Select Committee who raised several concerns over the approach HMRC are taking, and their ability to administer this effectively.

HMRC defend the proposal by saying tax authorities in other countries

Michael Morter, Manager

already have similar powers, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) already use this power to collect child maintenance.The Treasury Committee quite rightly dismissed the latter of these points however by saying the DWP are simply using their power to act as an intermediary between two people to collect child maintenance, but HMRC would be using the power to pursue their own goals.

If given the green light, these new powers will take effect from April 2015, with the Treasury Committee commenting that a detailed consultation and review of the proposals is essential in advance of this time.

For those who are behind with their payments to HMRC, there is already the option of using a ‘Time to Pay’ arrangement to pay the debt in installments. In the Budget material it was announced that a self serve online version of this will be introduced to make it easier to apply.

For more information contact Michael Morter at Larking Gowen on 01603 624181 or michael.morter@larking-gowen.co.uk This article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work in the UK and Ireland by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. ©Larking Gowen.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

Diary Dates.

NETWORKING EVENTS. After Hours: Look the Business Where: Jarrold, Norwich When: 21 August 18:00 – 20:00 What: See opposite for full details.

Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast Where: Great Yarmouth Town Hall When: 11 September 07:30 – 09:30 What: Join us in Great Yarmouth for a morning of business networking over a delicious breakfast.

Learn how to differentiate yourself from your competitors by becoming a responsible business and hear how you could gain the advantage when competing for larger company contracts.

Sponsored by Business in the Community.

Members only event.

networking over a tasty breakfast. Hear from our speaker from the oil and gas industry, as they discuss the career pathways into this industry.

Network, make new contacts and get informed.

Sponsored by Ashton KCJ.

SPECIAL EVENTS. Click and Connect Where: Kings Centre, Norwich When: Thursday 25th September, 08:00 - 13:30 What: See page 42 for details

The B2B Exhibition 2014 Where: Norwich City Football Club, Norwich When: Wednesday 15th October, 10:00 – 17:00 What: See page 42 for full details.

After Hours: Gizmos and Gadgets

The Business Conference 2014

Where: John Lewis, Norwich When: 18 September 18:00 – 20:00 What: See page 43 for full details.

Where: OPEN, Norwich When: Friday 21 November, 08:00 – 14:00 What: See page 42 for full details.

West Norfolk Business Breakfast Where: Dukes Head Hotel, King’s Lynn When: 03 October, 08:00 – 10:00 What: Join us and Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in West Norfolk for a morning of cross county business networking over breakfast.

A unique opportunity to network with your neighbours and make new contacts. Sponsored

by The Skill Service. Members only event.

Norwich Economic Business Breakfast Where: Dunston Hall, Norwich When: 10 October, 07:30 – 09:30 What: Join the Norfolk Chamber for this economy themed business breakfast which has a unique opportunity to hear from Phil Eckersley, Agent, Bank of England and Dave Ramsden, Chief Economic Advisor for the Treasury and Head of the Government Economic Service, HM Treasury. Sponsored by Steeles Law. Members only event.

Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast Where: Great Yarmouth Racecourse When: 13 November, 07:30 – 09:30 What: As part of National Oil & Gas Skills Week, join us in Great Yarmouth for a morning of

Look the Business is back.

HR FORUMS. HR Forum: The Secrets of a Good Investigation Where: Dunston Hall, Norwich When: 10 September 14:00 – 17:00 What: In this HR Forum Birketts will look at the ‘secrets’ of a good investigation and how this can reduce financial and reputation risks to the organisation whilst ensuring that the reports produced stand up to the scrutiny of potential legal proceedings. Sponsored and delivered by Birketts. Open to all businesses.

CHAMBER SESSIONS Free training delivered by Chamber Members, for Chamber Members at the Norfolk Chamber HQ, Norwich. See page 43 for full details.

The ultimate business fashion event is back, bigger and better for its third year on 21 August, at a new venue, Jarrold. This event is designed for those that prefer making connections in an informal, relaxed networking setting.

Learn top tips from Andrew Thorpe, Jarrold’s Finance Director, on how to compete in a fast changing, ever competitive world. Then join the Jarrold experts in beauty and fashion and browse some of the best brands the British high street has to offer.

Update your wardrobe and your contacts in one evening. For full details visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Chamber members can add their events to the Norfolk Chamber website for free.

Find out more by visiting www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or calling the Membership Team on 01603 625 977

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CHAMBER EVENTS

The New Economy: Sustainability 2014 Conference.

Get busy with the Quizy!.

In June, our members enjoyed an evening of informal networking with a competitive twist in our Pub Quiz. Teams created a vibrant atmosphere at the King’s Centre in our latest After Hours Event. Host Nicky Price, BBC Radio Norfolk declared the winning team to be The King’s Centre.

Over 400 delegates registered to attend The New Economy: Sustainability 2014 Conference on the 12 June at the John Innes Centre.

With higher footfall than ever before and a completely sold out exhibition, keynote national names shared their journey to a more sustainable business inspiring others.

The half day conference delivered by Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers was sponsored by New Anglia LEP, Adapt Low Carbon Group and BMW Listers, and supported by PWC. Dr John French, Chief Executive of Adapt Low Carbon Group hosted the conference and introduced the impressive line up of sixteen national and local industry experts.

Carmel McQuaid, Head of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer and Beth Hart, Head

of Product Development & Technology at Sainsbury’s were amongst the list of national speakers. Local businesses Liftshare and Marybelle Diary showcased how they were leading the way in sustainability in the region.

Our next After Hours event is Look the Business on 21 August for more details turn to page 40 or visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Delegates not only left with a greater sense of the need to adapt sustainable business practices, but they left with the ‘how to’ from the practical workshops.

Cross-County Networking in West Norfolk.

‘Fantastic conference organised really well with superb speakers’ Rachel Paul, Consult East ‘An inspiring event with many opportunities to meet both speakers and organisations to learn more and network.’

Stella Rice, New Anglia LEP

Effective Networking with Norfolk Chamber.

Our May Norwich networking breakfast was buzzing as over 100 delegates arrived to learn about Effective Networking. Chris Liles, a personal skills coach, talked delegates through ‘The Elevator Pitch’ – an easy guide to pitching your business in less than 30 seconds.

In May over 70 Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Chamber members attended our standing room only business breakfast. Taking place at Knight’s Hill Hotel, the breakfast was buzzing with conversation from the cross-county networking.

Delegates heard from the two LEP’s that border West Norfolk and West Norfolk Borough Council.

Join us for the next event, ‘Norwich Economic Business Breakfast’, on the 10 October at Dunston Hall. Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

The next West Norfolk Breakfast is on 3 October, full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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NORFOLK VOICE

Click and Connect: Making your business better connected.

B2B is the place to be!.

Now in its 5th consecutive year, our online and social media showcase in September will ensure you make the right connections with your audience through your online activity.

day showcase will give you practical advice, demonstrations and help with your online strategy, whatever your current level of online activity.

Whether you’re thinking of exhibiting or attending the region’s premier business to business exhibition on 15 October at Norwich City Football Club, its clear being there is a must.

Learn how to increase your exposure and traffic.

Stands for the Norfolk Chamber’s B2B exhibition this October are being booked by businesses from across the region and exhibition space is already over one third full.

Sponsored by Swains Plc Voice & Data Solutions, Click and Connect, September 2014, has been created specifically to bring you up to date and up to speed with digital marketing and communications.

We’ve assembled a top team of national and local expert speakers who will provide you with insight and tips on a range of practical issues aimed at enhancing your existing online activity, and reviewing its success.

Online activity and social media change all the time. As the digital world develops, becoming ever more essential to the marketing mix, you need to be asking yourself – How future proof is my customer service plan? Will my business be ready to cope with the growing number of customers looking to Twitter and Facebook for customer service?

Am I on the same digital platforms as my target audience? Does anyone read my blogs, follow me on Pinterest or Google+, or appreciate the content I post on my website?

We’re in a world where interactivity and connectivity are essential and this essential half

Develop loyal fans, generate leads and improve your search ranking.

Grow business partnerships, improve sales and gather market intelligence.

Discover how to reach out and communicate on a personal level with your target audience.

Engage with networking opportunities, workshops and the Click and Connect exhibitors.

Visitors are securing their free advance tickets, meaning there’s an engaged audience genuinely interested in meeting exhibitors.

David Palmer, Green Duck is happy to explain why exhibiting at B2B worked for them.

It’s a must-attend event. Click, connect and book your place today.

Click and Connect, Thursday 25 September, 8.00-14.00 at the Kings Centre, Norwich. Open to members and non-members of the Norfolk Chamber, special early bird ticket prices are bookable now.

For full details, and to book click on www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/ clickandconnect or connect by scanning QR code using your smart phone.

Exclusive exhibition space available – raise your profile and promote your business to an audience looking to enhance their online activity. But be quick – only a handful of exhibition spaces available. Starting from £175+VAT.

To book your stand or to secure your FREE ticket, visit our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/b2b If you’re exhibiting, have you booked at attend our FREE Chamber Session called Be Better @ Exhibiting? See page 43 for details.

The Business Conference 2014.

The essential conference for Norfolk businesses is back in 2014 and will be a celebration of the Norfolk Chamber’s theme for 2014 – ‘Look at Norfolk, See Success’.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “Businesses learn from other businesses and in Norfolk there many amazing examples of successful businesses. At this conference we will be profiling Norfolk’s most innovative businesses not only to share their experiences but to demonstrate just how dynamic and innovative the Norfolk business community really is.”

The

The Business Conference 2014 features a speaker line-up of both large and small businesses who have something unique to share and will include the EDP Business of the Year – and there is still time for you to be that business (see details on page 27).

This half day conference takes place on Friday 21 November at OPEN, Norwich and forms the ultimate networking opportunity. The conference is followed by networking lunch and forms a very influential delegate list. Tickets are bookable now at early bird rates. Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/businessconference

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Better your Business through Chamber Sessions.

Expert advice, professional trainers and free attendance combine to create the Chamber Sessions. Free weekly training sessions delivered by our expert Chamber members for our Chamber members every week at Norfolk Chamber HQ in Norwich.

Available at both breakfast and lunch to suit your diary, the sessions cover a range of subjects all aimed at enhancing your business. Learn direct from those in the know about key ways to further your personal development and better your business.

We have an exciting line up for Series 4, starting this August. Topics range from market research to face to face networking and there’s a special session for those exhibiting at B2B this autumn, all about improving performance called ‘Be Better at Exhibiting’ on 30 September.

THE CHAMBER SESSIONS SERIES 4 Thursday 14 August 12:30-14:00

Be Better 1 year on Be inspired to go to the next level with your business, Jo Brown of QMS International will offer valuable advice for those small businesses looking to move forward and become successful Tuesday 19 August 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Google Analytics Mark Ellaway of Bigfork Ltd gives his top tips on how to use Google Analytics to measure, monitor and track the efficiency of your online campaigns and get the best results in your marketing efforts.

Thursday 28 August 12:30-14:00

Tuesday 30 September 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Talent Spotting

Be Better at Exhibiting

Business development ultimately comes down to the people you have working with you, but how do you get this right? Chris Batten of Pro-Select will guide you through how to attract, develop and retain the right talent for your business.

Are you exhibiting at B2B this autumn? Make sure you get the most you can out of exhibiting with Ermine Amies’ of Sandler Training top tips on how to create a pre-show strategy for success, making follow-ups much more effective and generating a consistent flow of traffic to your stand.

Thursday 4 September 12:30-14:00

Thursday 2 October 12:30-14:00

Be Better at Email Marketing You can improve your return from email marketing by understanding and acting upon client behaviour. Holly Stibbon of 101 Smart will explain different targeted techniques and how to use these to get more from your campaigns.

Be Better at Google Adwords

Tuesday 9 September 08:30-10:00

Appearing on page 1 of Google search results is essential and can be improved using Pay-PerClick advertising. Matt Brown from One Vision will showcase Google Adwords including practical tips on account set-up, keywords and optimising campaigns.

Be Better at Closing the Deal

Tuesday 7 October 08:30-10:00

Back by popular demand, Elliot Symonds of Jarrold Training will discuss the top closing techniques used and which work best in different situations.

Be Better at Market Research

Tuesday 16 September 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Creative Marketing How can you be creative with your marketing while remaining consistent to transmit the right message to your customers? Learn from Carole Osborne, Osbornenash.

Tuesday 23 September 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Face to Face Networking You put on your badge, step into a room and it’s full of people but what next? Jeffrey Pellin of Jeffrey Pellin Consultancy explains how to network successfully and to make yourself memorable.

Researching your market can give you the competitive edge. Will Herschel-Shorland of Insight Track will provide practical hints on how to use this to identify new opportunities, minimise risk, and to forward plan.

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our attendees thought of Series 3 “Fantastic content, I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learnt from this session” Lizzy Gaskin, Right Angle Events “Thought provoking and informative, real work application made it an excellent time.”

Iain Murrell, Price Bailey

Gizmos & Gadgets.

Join us on 18 September for a new exciting evening event for the After Hours series filled with all the technology know-how you could ever need in business (and pleasure) at John Lewis.

With Google offering you their new gadgets to try, Sony providing you with an evening’s entertainment of themed games and challenges, and HP taking you through their latest technology innovations aimed at cost

reduction, it’s not to be missed for the gadget lover.

Held at John Lewis, Norwich this is a unique opportunity to marvel in the modern world of technology whilst networking with like-minded businesses in a relaxed and informal setting.

Make all important connections and get informed. Sponsored by Customised Ltd. For full details visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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NORFOLK VOICE

MEMBERS NEWS

A degree of criminology gives edge to market research firm.

Norwich-based market research consultancy Insight Track is expanding its research management team with the appointment of Caroline Botwood as a Research Manager.

Caroline was formerly a Research Manager in Aviva’s Customer Insight team, and is eminently well qualified for a career in pursuit of elusive marketing insights with her degree in Criminology and subsequent MSc in Knowledge Discovery!

The role is a newly created position as the business expands to meet the needs of a growing client-base, with organisations seeking

to differentiate their brands, and drive customer satisfaction, through marketing based on a sound understanding of customer behaviours, perceptions and expectations.

Caroline is relishing the opportunity to bring her skills and experience to bear for clients of Insight Track saying: “Having worked ‘client-side’ myself in marketing research, I have a strong empathy for the needs and challenges of clients at time when marketing teams are under ever greater pressure to demonstrate the ROI of their marketing budgets”.

Energy sector growth boosting ambitions.

Will Herschel-Shorland, Managing Director, mirrors Caroline’s enthusiasm, saying: “Caroline’s bluechip background and client-side experience will be a great asset to our research management team and her rounded perspective will be widely appreciated by our clients.”

Expertise bolsters Bidwells’ planning services.

For the past 12 years, Simon has worked in environmental planning consultancies across the UK. He specialises in environmental assessments including Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal. He also has considerable expertise in Socio-Economics Assessment.

Simon is currently working on a number of Environmental Impact Assessments across the East of England.

Continuing growth in the region’s energy sector is helping to fuel the ambitions of a Norwich-based firm as it seeks to tap into new markets overseas.

Simon Elliott joins Bidwells as Principal Planner to help deliver a range of environmental planning services to clients across a number of sectors.

James Alflatt, Associate at Bidwells, said: “Changes to the EIA Directive will bring increased obligations for developers and planning authorities with the result that the EIA process may be more complex, costly and increase the risk of legal challenge.”

Wellton Energy, based at the Henderson Business Centre in Norwich is celebrating a rapid growth in the business over the last 12 months bouyed by a host of new leads which it said has seen it secure opportunities in the oil and gas industry totalling $45m (£27m).

With changes to the EIA Directive in the pipeline, Bidwells is augmenting its existing knowledge and experience in this specialist area to meet future demand. The firm is already IEMA EIA Quality Mark accredited and has a great depth of EIA experience across a variety of development sectors.

“To be one step ahead in having the specialist resources to deliver these services, we are delighted to enhance our expertise with the appointment of Simon who has extensive experience in co-ordinating and producing Environmental Statements for complex development projects across the UK”.

The EDP Future 50 firm provides sales and marketing support to small and medium-sized energy firms, which are often either unwilling or not in a position to have their own teams. And as it continues to grow, it is set to see fee income rise to between £250,000 and £300,000.

One of the UK’s leading property consultancies is strengthening its Planning Team in response to an increasing workload and to meet the growing need for specialist expertise in relation to forthcoming changes to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.

Chamber members can add their events to the Norfolk Chamber website for free. Visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or call 01603 625 977

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TAKE A BREAK

Ridley Pinstripe.

Sudoku Jul-Aug It’s 11.15am on a Wednesday morning and the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd are in semi-darkness. Have been for the best part of three days.

The problem is that our lights are not working so we‘re sitting in gloom (it‘s the start of summer so the rain has been driving against the office windows for the best part of a month) and the production line has ground to a halt, threatening a big gangle sprocket order from one of the ‘Stans. They love their gangle sprockets do the ‘Stans.

It’s not just the lights, either. The computers are dead and the lifts are out of action - two secretaries have been missing for two days now; some speculate that they are stranded between floors three and four but no one has thought to check.

Basically, we are a company in crisis and the reason we have no power is that the board is saving money following our annual results which showed profits up by 40 per cent.

A crisis indeed; one of the shareholders has already had to sell his yacht and there have been heartbreaking reports of holidays in Florida being cancelled. One of the directors even threatened to hurl himself into his fish pond, seriously threatening his beloved colony of rare fish imported from Bali.

Obviously, it’s not fair to expect the shareholders to suffer in this way so to get things back under control, the company carried out an immediate review of costs.

One result was that it dispensed with the big electrical contractor we have used for years in favour of a bloke who lives round the corner from the plant and did the wiring for the Finance Director‘s outdoor whirlpool.

Upshot the guy was in over the weekend doing some routine maintenance (reports suggest that he was changing a plug), when, according to the security man, he stuck his finger in a live socket, burnt out the system, gave a startled

squeak and hurriedly nipped home to ’get his screwdriver’.

Answers in the next edition

He has not been seen since. His wife says that he’s out fishing but the security lad reckoned he looked through the bloke’s front window and saw him hiding behind the sofa. Apparently, his hair was frizzier than before and one pupil was spinning.

Sudoku Answers May-Jun

The lights are only part of the problem due to the board’s enthusiasm for economies.

For a start, we’ve cut back on office furniture expenditure and embraced hot-desking bigtime.

There are 125 office staff working here (well, I say working…) and the company has reduced the number of desks to cut costs. To 27.

Cartoons

The theory goes that the desks are not all needed when folks nip out (toilet, coffee machine etc) but when I nipped out for yesterday I came back and peered through the darkness to find the office virtually empty except for a secretary perched uncomfortably on the windowsill and three clerks fighting over the one remaining stool.

And Aged Agnes, whose mandatory retirement date was accidentally overlooked by HR and is now 112, has collapsed twice inside ten minutes.

Looks like a coronary. If this carries on much longer, someone will have to call a doctor.

Ridley

“You were my imaginary friend and we had some great times. But I haven’t heard from you since I was five years old and now you show up and expect me to give you a job.”

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NORFOLK VOICE

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

A week in the Life of...

Rachel Rogers – Events Co-Ordinator, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Monday

It’s a busy week ahead, I’m leading on two events and the Sustainability conference is just 4 weeks away. The morning starts off with our weekly Monday morning staff round up to run through what everyone is doing this week. Our weekly events team meeting follows. I spend some time finalising marketing for the conference and sending out a press release.

The last part of the afternoon is spent printing delegate packs, badges and setting up for the Chamber Session tomorrow morning.

Tuesday

On Tuesday I’m in bright and early to get ready for our Chamber Session, Be Better at Strategic Marketing. I set up and then host the in-house training session. I spend time writing the signage brief and getting quotes together for our Sustainability conference. We have a Norwich Business Breakfast on Thursday, I email all delegates a confirmation email with agenda and delegate list. I confirm the final arrangements with the venue, speakers, sponsors and featured charity. I write the minute by minute running order and finalise the staff briefing.

Wednesday

The morning is spent brainstorming with the events manager for our social media conference in September. I then finalise arrangements for tomorrow’s breakfast, I put together a pack list and pack my car with everything needed for the morning.

Rachel Rogers

Thursday

It’s another early morning as I arrive at the Norwich City Football Club for our Norwich Business Breakfast. The event is fully booked with over 100 delegates booked in to attend. I arrive at 6.30am to unload the car and set up for the breakfast. I’m on reception welcoming delegates, briefing our speakers, sponsors, hosts and featured charity. The breakfast kicks off and I’m on timings to ensure all runs to plan. After the breakfast, I pack up and head back to the office to unload. I’m in the office briefly for a photo shoot to launch our B2B exhibition in October . I then drive to Hethel Engineering Centre for a meeting with Opito to discuss our November 13th business breakfast in Great Yarmouth which falls on Oil and Gas week.

Friday

Friday is spent working on post event marketing and administration from yesterday’s event, I finalise the budget and send out invoices. I prepare for our Chamber Session next week and work on the marketing strategy for our Sustainability Conference. Lastly, I finalise the agenda for the Representation Council and Gold Patron dinner in June and email all delegates an agenda along with the menu choices.

LSI Architects wins AJ100 best place to work in the East of England.

LSI Architects has been named the best place to work in the East of England by the Architects’ Journal at the annual AJ100 awards ceremony.

The AJ100 awards ceremony is among the biggest nights of the year for architectural practices, and the practice has been included on the prestigious AJ100 list of the largest and most successful firms in the UK for the first time, placing 86th. The practice was also shortlisted for the New Member of the Year Award, and narrowly missed out on the UK Employer of the Year Award.

The AJ stated that an employee at the practice had said that “well thought out, sensitively designed architecture and a very enlightened attitude towards employment wellbeing” makes LSI Architects the best place to work in the East of England.

The practice rated particularly highly in the areas of employee benefits and the work

the firm produces. When responding to our survey, another employee backed up a large percentage of the employee’s feelings about the practice, saying “They do some great work and really look after their people.”

David Andrews, a Partner at the practice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been named the best place to work in the East of England by the Architects’ Journal. We are immensely proud

of our people, and we know that the incredible work that they do is integral to the success of the practice, so we do everything we can to make sure they have a business that supports them and gives them opportunities to develop and succeed. We are also delighted to be included as an AJ100 practice for the first time, and can be extremely proud that, while we didn’t win the overall employer of the year award, we were very close to doing so. We firmly believe that our focus on people, as well as design, is a huge contributor to our success.”

The AJ awards were held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London, and were attended by the biggest practices in the UK, including global names such as Foster and Partners and BDP. This award is the latest award in a successful period for the practice, and is a further signal that the practice is set to enjoy an exciting future.

EXHIBITION

The

15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EXHIBITION – BOOK YOUR STAND TODAY! #NorfolkB2B14

@norfolkchamber

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

We are living through a revolution!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

... we are here

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You control the revolution; it is in your hands and you can now see for the first time what that has created.

For some time we have had different ways that you can get a legal service and this perhaps is now more uncertain than before. In the legal market there are a number of changes as companies jostle for position with what has often been referred to as “Tesco Law”. When you log on to the internet there is a whole host of companies offering different ways to receive this.

This can be confusing.

As a legal service, ‘The modern barrister’ is able for the first time to remove that middle process, but it offers an effective, cost efficient and high quality solution that builds your confidence on a very well-known reputation: the barrister.

Barristers until this time have kept quietly in

the back ground. Burrows Law Chambers gives you the barrister and is pioneered by a barrister wanting and creating that choice for members of the public. The choice of now being able to use ‘the modern barrister’ has come from understanding consumer choice. Barristers are known for their sharp wit, specialisation, highest quality, direct and solution based accuracy.

Barristers are also known for being the highest qualified in the country.

What is clear amongst directors, employers, entrepreneurs, and individuals is that they are looking for a service that has a resounding foundation within the legal profession and who knows about law. Trust is a huge part as is receiving clear and transparent communication.

Through Burrows Law Chambers and those that are selected to work as a barrister within our Norwich/national based company, you are receiving counsel advice of the highest order with a convenient approach. We encourage you to tap into a resource to set your case up against the other side in a punchy and practical way. That revolution is still in your hands, but you may just want to try Burrows Law Chambers to see if that could be where the revolution becomes the status quo. www.burrowslaw.co.uk and enquiries@burrowslaw.co.uk and 0845 154 8620

FEBRUARY/MARCH JULY/AUGUST 2014 2013

PAGE47

NORFOLK VOICE

NEW MEMBERS

New Members.

A F S Animal Care Ltd

Daisy Alley

01842 765634

01953 600803

www.afsanimalcare.co.uk

www.daisy-alley.com

Agricultural (Goods/Services)

Arts & Crafts

Albion Franchise Acquisitions Ltd

Inspection Verification Bureau Ltd

01603 662132

01493 412180

www.afaconsultancy.co.uk

www.ivbltd.co.uk

Consultants (Business/Management)

Offshore Services

Anglia House Business Centre

Inspired Change Ltd

07799 465044

01603 895605

www.angliahousebusinesscentre.co.uk

www.inspired-change.co.uk

Venues / Conferences / Function Rooms

Consultants (Business/Management)

Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services

Centre 81 01493 852573

www.centre81.com Charities

0845 241 2171

www.leewaynwa.org.uk Charities

Creative Sponge Ltd 01603 622766

www.creativesponge.co.uk Marketing Services

North Walsham High School 01692 402581

www.northwalshamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk Education

Customised Limited 07793 892421

www.customised.uk.com Electrical Installation

Sarodan Consulting Limited 07885 578331

www.sarodanoffshoreequipment.com Consultants (Business/Management)

Signs Express Norwich 01603 762680

www.signsexpress.co.uk/norwich Sign makers

Watsons 01603 619916

www.watsons-property.co.uk Surveyors

We Are Spark Consulting LTD 07791 838 515

www.wearesparkconsulting.com Training Providers/Services

Women in the Built Enviroment 01603 580071

www.wibe.org.uk Construction – General

Prosper HR Services 01603 217587

www.prosper-hrservices.co.uk Human Resources Consultants

Find out about the benefits of being a Norfolk Chamber member. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or email membership@norfolkchamber.co.uk

EXHIBITION

The

15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EXHIBITION – BOOK YOUR STAND TODAY! #NorfolkB2B14

@norfolkchamber

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name: Samantha Clifford Company: Barnham Broom Hotel Job title: Sales Manager My love for hotel life began when I spent 3 months of my gap year with my Brother and his family in California. He at the time was General Manager of a hotel in San Diego on the Waterfront. Inspired by his passion, I came back to Norfolk and enrolled at City College Hotel School.

In my third year, I was lucky enough to win an internship with Orient-Express Hotels and after graduation was offered a role in Sales in the Head office in London. I travelled to many wonderful countries and spent time in South Africa, New Orleans, Australia and Europe.

After 18 years with Orient-Express, my Norfolk roots beckoned my young family and I. That was when I discovered Barnham Broom Hotel. The moment I walked through the door, I knew I belonged. It was fate! As Sales Manager of this unique 4 star luxury retreat, my role is very interesting and varied. The offerings of short spa and golf breaks, business travel, conferencing and special events mean that I am meeting different markets continuously. The passionate and friendly team at Barnham Broom, supported by a dedicated General Manager, Jonathan Ellse, look forward to welcoming all members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

What did you want to be when you were young?

Several things actually - from a Vet/Equestrian to a Hairdresser - later on a Model and then on to a Fashion Buyer - a bit all over the place really

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

My elderly Mum and Dad because it is time to give back!

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

Mobile phones

What could you not live without?

Space and Tranquility

What makes you angry?

Impatient Drivers or those with road rage

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

Florida Keys

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

A cup of Coffee

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?

Be kind and fair and see the best in everyone

What is the best thing about Norfolk?

The skies

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

A Wild Dolphin because I would be in a warm climate and I love swimming

EXHIBITION

The

15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EXHIBITION – BOOK YOUR STAND TODAY! #NorfolkB2B14

@norfolkchamber

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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