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norfolk Cover Feature
Cover Feature
Speed is of the essence in the digital revolution
Essential training for women who mean business!
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce MARCH APRIL 2015
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CONTENTS
Contents. 03
Welcome/Contents
16 19
Business Support
04 05
Chamber News
30 32
Finance
06
Members News
40
08 09
Members News
It is an interesting time for Norfolk business.
10 11
Chamber Policy
At the end of last year we had a number of successes with announcements from the Treasury concerning infrastructure and already this year the two LEPS covering Norfolk have been successful in securing additional funds.
12 13
Members News
14 15
International Trade
22 23
Members News
24 25
The Big Interview
26 29
Cover Features
The economy seems to be improving and interest rates remain low. Businesses are reporting high levels of new employment. So why is there so much caution around relating to investment, and why is the Norfolk business community only cautiously optimistic about the future? There are probably as many answers as questions with an uncertain election result pending, oil prices causing concern to the energy sector and finding the right skilled workforce an increasing challenge. In this issue we look at a number of the key issues which the Chamber feels are holding back the economy and areas where we feel with our members’ input a significant step forward could be made. Development of the A11 and A47 corridors – we have the road and the promises of more improvement but what are we going do different to turn the infrastructure into an economic benefit? Improvement to digital connectivity – most business would benefit from faster broadband speeds and the ability to use their mobile phones throughout the county. Is what is planned enough to meet the business community’s growing needs? Developing the talent of our young people – the business/education activity is not working effectively although there are pockets of good work. What can businesses do to really make a difference? Growing Norfolk’s global trade – we have world class businesses in Norfolk supplying most parts of the globe and increasing their bottom line. Why do so few businesses see this as a method to grow? What can be done to support them? We will be taking action on all these areas and hope you will support us. We are very excited to announce the launch of our new look website. It is bigger and better and will enable you as members to promote your organisations even more effectively. If you have not had a look yet... please do as soon as possible www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
33
10
Commercial Property
Norfolk Chamber Membership
34 35
Knowledge
36 38
Chamber Events
24
39
Members News
41
Members News
44
New Members
45
A Week in the Life of
46
The Last Word
37 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
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
Developing young talent.
Effective working.
Ian Hacon President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
In this edition, you will read about our Business Plan for Norfolk. One of the priorities under that plan is “Develop the talent of our Young People”. As I also sit on the New Anglia LEP (NALEP) Skills Board, I thought I would tell you how the board is moving this agenda forward. The Skills board was formed a year ago in response to the Skills Manifesto produced by NALEP. It is a business led board, and is a proper public private partnership. We have been busy implementing many of the recommendations of the Manifesto and will continue to do so. A recent example of this is the Employer Training Incentive that is managed by the Chamber with up to 30% grants available for training. From a recent Strategy day, five groups were formed to look at new and fresh approaches to the following challenges; n Advice guidance and inspiration – it’s clear that young people get their information about career choices from very different sources to how we did.
On a chilly January Morning around 70 delegates joined the Norfolk Chamber at the Comfort Hotel Great Yarmouth for a morning of business networking. The morning started off with a networking ice breaker that got the delegates laughing and created a really positive, buzzing atmosphere. Delegates then heard from key note speaker Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road on his 7 top tips to keep them more effective when at work and how to work to your full potential. Our next Great Yarmouth Breakfast is on Thursday 2 April 2015, see page 36.
Striking night out.
n Core skills – As well as the much publicised need for skills related to the ‘STEM’ (science, engineering , technology and maths) subjects, there is an ever increasing need to ensure individuals have the transferable skills that will allow them to adapt to different opportunities and roles throughout their career. These skills include employability and interpersonal skills as well as capabilities such as reasoning, problem solving and resilience. n Work Experience – very much linked to both of the above points, how can we further improve young people’s access to good quality work experience? Organisations that do this well have overcome the barriers and are reaping the rewards. Many of the young people are finding meaningful work from it. n Continuous Education – fostering a culture of continuous development in which individuals are prepared to continually seek to learn and employers are ready to invest in opportunities to allow the regions workforce to develop. n Delivery of Training – there is a need to ensure that education and training keeps pace with the ever-changing methods of communication and delivery in the modern world. We need to ensure that innovation in the way we work, and indeed live, is reflected in the way in which training is delivered. The Board also highlighted the role of forecasting and the continued importance of apprenticeships. If you want to find out more about the Skills Board or give us any feedback, please do get in touch.
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Over 130 members took over Hollywood Bowl in January for our annual Super Bowl Challenge 2015. Delegates took advantage of the friendly free networking before getting into the competitive mood as they fought to win the Super Bowl Trophy. Price Bailey managed to retain the trophy with a winning score of 728. In second place was Hugh J Boswell with a score of 684 and in third place was Cooper Lomas Recruitment with a score of 663. Our next After Hours event is a Quiz Night on Wednesday 22 April, see page 36.
CHAMBER NEWS
Employer Training Incentive.
Lessons to be learned... by Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
*25% cashback on paid for training - up to £1,000 per learner *Up to 30% back for level 3 Apprenticeships and Qualifications Training your staff can significantly enhance the growth of your business.
The issue of employment for young people is never far away from the agenda. It’s certainly in focus right now. The economy is showing positive signs, which is a good thing. The unemployment totals are falling, which is also a good thing. Except of course that could mean there is more competition for each job opportunity. That’s offset to a large degree by the business community’s excellent reaction to being encouraged to see what young people can bring to business. They bring for example knowledge and understanding of IT and the social media. For a small business that can be a real benefit. Now, without trying to dampen this optimism, it does need putting into perspective. Firstly, does it work? I can give you an insight into our experience at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. Over the last two years we’ve taken on five apprentices. For one of them, after a fair trial, it simply wasn’t right. Two of them are now full time employees, and the other two are set to become so. Statistically then, albeit from a small sample, it works. But, just like that now legendary puppy that’s ‘not just for Christmas’, an apprentice does represent a long term commitment. Let’s be
realistic, and fair, here. That young person will affect your bottom line. Now let’s take a step back for an even broader view. It’s a profound point but ultimately the single most important objective of being educated is to obtain paid work. The target is to be employable. To enhance the chances of hitting that target it’s vital for schools and commerce to work together. It’s a two way street, and to make the traffic flow in both directions there are some important lessons to be learned. Firstly, schools, and young people, need an awareness of what employment opportunities exist, and what will be required to meet them. Secondly, young people must have aspirations, and they must be supported and encouraged in them. If they become employees those who hire them must encourage them. If they decide to start up on their own, then business support must be available for them.
Now you can claim 25% cash-back against training undertaken - up to a maximum of £1,000 per learner - from a provider of your choice. Only available to Norfolk and Suffolk businesses Training Covered: n Apprenticeship (over 19 years of age) n Accredited qualification level 1 to 4 n Non Accredited Training n Cashback will not be given for: n Mandatory training n Businesses employing over 250 people It is a very simple process to access the cashback. Complete an application form, wait for approval then book your training. Once training is complete you will be able to claim your cashback. To request a form and for further information contact etip@suffolkchamber.co.uk or call Patricia on 01473 680600
Thirdly they must develop not only the specific skills required of them, but also the wider skillset and experience of ‘life’ to build up the resilience they’ll need when things don’t go right. Because of course, things don’t always go right. To sharpen further that focus, the key area I’m discussing here is the transition from education to work. It’s a pivotal moment in life. What’s needed now is for the education system to help young people by increasing their awareness of the world of work. And for the world of work to realise that it can be a better place when it recognises and develops the potential of young people. There’s a lot of great work already in place, and it shows. But, there is more to do and Chamber members are ready and committed to make it happen
ETIP Norfolk Launch
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
MEMBERS MEMBERS NEWS NEWS
Agreement is good news for Norwich plant. network and its various maintenance centres offering specialised, competitive services in terms of both costs and performance. As a result, KLM UK Engineering, a Group subsidiary that offers xpert MRO services for regional and narrow-body aircraft, based in Norwich, has delivered the first end of lease maintenance check on the GOL 737NG. Arjan Meijer, Managing Director at KLM UK Engineering, said: “We have been delighted to work with GOL on the first end of lease 737NG aircraft, which was both a complex and challenging project,and look forward to working on future projects with them during 2015 and the years ahead under our strategic partnership.”
AIR FRANCE KLM and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes signed an exclusive long-term partnership agreement to strengthen the commercial co-operation between the two groups, with additional work coming to Norwich as a result. The overhaul of GOL’s aircraft, as specified in the agreement, prior to its return to the leasing company is being handled by KLM UK Engineering. This is possible due to KLM UK Engineering being able to rely on the strength of its engineering
KLM UK Engineering Limited is a leading regional aircraft and narrow body MRO, wholly owned by AFI KLM E&M Network. Services include base maintenance, line maintenance, component sales, technical training and decommissioning of Airbus A320 Family, Boeing 737’s, Fokker 70/100 and BAe146/Avro RJ’s. KLM UK Engineering has been based at Norwich International Airport for 40 years and employs approximately 400 people, priding itself on having an experienced and skilled work force, delivering a superior service and high quality product at a competitive price.
Adapt wins British Sugar Innovation Project. The Adapt Low Carbon Group, an innovation management consultancy and investor, has secured a resource efficiency project with British Sugar – the UK’s leading sugar supplier. Adapt, part of the University of East Anglia, will research and advise British Sugar on opportunities for developing new products and technologies that could help future-proof the business. Adapt will also seek to identify ways to maximise British Sugar’s factory processing efficiency and capacity, and improve its carbon and water footprints. A key element of this will be finding sustainable solutions that will help British Sugar stay abreast
LSI Architects celebrates the career of David Thompson.
Members of the business and construction community from Norfolk, London and beyond joined LSI staff in celebrating the career of Senior Partner David Thompson, to mark his retirement, in an event at the Hostry, Norwich CathedraL. David reached the 20 year milestone at LSI and tribute was paid to the instrumental role he has had in LSI’s enduring success over the past two decades. David Andrews, Partner at LSI, said: “David’s legacy is one of great success with the practice this year named as an AJ100 Practice for the first time, as well as winning the AJ Award for the Best Employer in the Eastern Region…and shortlisted in the top five nationally.” “Locally, we were delighted to win the EDP Design & Development Award just a couple of weeks ago. David should feel justifiably proud of the central part he has played in securing these accolades.”
of market challenges as well as responding proactively to changes in production and export quotas for sugar and cereal-based sweeteners from 2017.
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“David made it his mission to develop the education and healthcare sectors when he joined the practice 20 years ago, and today we have some fantastic projects in both sectors such as the UEA and UTC Norfolk, major teaching hospitals such as Addenbrooke’s, and work in the Capital at Guys & St Thomas’, as well as frameworks for Private providers that are taking us from the south coast to Scotland.”
Rising to the challenges of a fast-moving world. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Watsons is a successful independent firm of property professionals. Working across East Anglia they offer a wide variety of property services including sales and lettings, valuations, surveys, block management and advisory services for commercial and residential clients. NV sat down with newly-appointed Senior Partner Ray Smith to see what makes him tick.
What did you want to be when you were younger? Like most young boys I dreamt of being a professional sportsman. I had trials for Suffolk schools playing football and cricket but sensibly decided to further my education. In the 1970’s I studied at Ipswich Civic College and found my chosen profession as a Chartered Surveyor. Initially I worked selling houses, learning my trade, crawling around in roof spaces and trying not to do any damage. Eventually, having qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, I came to work for Watsons in 1986.
What do you most enjoy about the job? The variety of what I do, properties I see and the people I meet. After all, where else would you be paid to be Phil Spencer? I love using the latest technology; having accurate well-crafted reports produced quickly at a competitive price is just as satisfying as the inspection itself. Our Survey and Valuation team has a reputation for producing high quality work, which gives me immense satisfaction. People know that when they come to us they will receive a great service. As a result our Valuation and Survey department is growing at an extraordinary rate. We can help residential homeowners, whether they are purchasing their first property, moving to cater for an expanding family or downsizing for retirement. Also our commercial clients have specific needs and we’re grateful to be a beacon of trust and reliability for their business ventures. We enjoy rising to the challenge. It is what makes the job so fulfilling.
What changes have you seen in the sector? Technology. Smartphones and tablets, coupled with the widening availability of high-speed internet, mean the profession is dramatically changing. We can stay in constant contact with clients and colleagues wherever we are, and expedite our work on the go. Previously laborious survey processes involving pen, paper and tape measures are increasingly being managed using tablet-based applications. Information for industry standard reports can now be collated more efficiently. Templates in the reporting software allow us to gather all the required information in a consistent way, with photographs and dictated notes automatically tagged and associated with the appropriate property. This technology helps satisfy our clients’ ever-growing demands to have accurate, up-to-date information in an easily assimilated format.
How do you feel about being made Senior Partner? I am proud and delighted to have been appointed. I am looking forward to a very promising future for the firm.
Ray Smith
What is the best thing about living and working in Norfolk? I would have to pick two things. Norwich is an amazing city with so much to offer for all walks of life. It has the benefit of being an urban hub of commerce and culture that sits comfortably in one of the most beautiful rural areas of Britain. The other being the North Norfolk coast, particularly the beaches of Holkham and Wells.
Yours is a high-pressure job - what do you do to relax? I love my sport. I watch plenty of football and I still play cricket, which keeps me competitive.
To find out more about Watsons visit watsons-property.co.uk or call us on the following numbers: Block Management 01603 761524 Commercial 01603 751578 Sales and lettings: Cromer 01263 515120 Holt 01263 711021 Loddon 01508 520082 North Walsham 01692 404658 Norwich 01603 619916 Sheringham 01263 823201 Valuation & Survey 01603 751577
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NORFOLK VOICE
Aston Shaw hires record number of apprentices in 2014. Aston Shaw, a leading accountancy firm based in East Anglia has enjoyed significant growth last year taking on 17 apprentices across all five offices. In 2014, the firm commenced an apprentice recruitment drive which propelled total staff numbers to over 90 employees. Mark Noakes, Director, said “At Aston Shaw we are confident in our approach and believe that nurturing young talent is beneficial to both the firm and the apprentice. We are able to mould highly driven young individuals to adopt the working methods and ethos we want and in turn, they get qualifications and invaluable experience. Each apprentice is allocated a mentor to work alongside on a on a day to day basis. This promotes the filter down of skills, expertise and experience as well as ensuring that the apprentice’s work is closely monitored. The vigilant training and support procedures in place
really help to build a strong team, within which the apprentice is fully integrated”. Nicola Crocker, 20 said “I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to others. It is a great way to gain experience and earn money whilst learning. Nowadays, it seems experience is worth the same if not more than a qualification – the apprenticeship scheme provides the best of both worlds. Apprenticeships can prove to be highly beneficial to businesses, with Government funding available to those who take them on. For the apprentices, it is reported by Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for business and enterprise that apprentices who study on an advanced level course earn approx. £147,000 more over their lifetime than those who don’t. In 2015, Aston Shaw have pledged to take on another 10 apprentices; the firm are passionate about creating jobs and giving local young people chances they might not necessarily find without leaving East Anglia.
Annual visit Apprentice secures new to Pantomime. role at traded network. Anrika Flatman a marketing apprentice specialising in social media and content marketing has successfully completed her one-year apprenticeship at Norwich based Traded Network supported by Norwich City College. For the fifth year running, Rogers & Norton Solicitors Ltd hosted an event at the Theatre Royal where 33 children were treated to a tea party with the cast and stars of the show, followed by watching the Pantomime Peter Pan. The Practice arranges and funds this visit as an alternative to sending corporate Christmas cards. The Leeds Building Society also donates goodie bags for the children to take away on the evening. Nelson’s Journey helps children who have suffered with bereavement in some form or another and are at a very vulnerable position in their young lives.
Anrika has now secured a permanent role in marketing at the company to deliver client satisfaction by publishing content articles that appear in search engine results and within social media. Anrika also supports local schools, charities and community clubs by helping them manage their free web profile accounts, by publishing latest news and events. Jonathan White Managing Director commented, “Anrika was our first apprentice we employed and we soon discovered that this approach offered us huge benefits in relation to the external training that was covered within the apprenticeship. We are extremely delighted to be in the position to give Anrika a full time
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marketing role at Traded Network, the results that Anrika produce for our clients are very encouraging.” Traded Network will continue to support the apprenticeship scheme by recruiting a new apprentice to specialise in Social Media in the New Year. This will be in addition to Taylor Fordham, who is currently completing an NVQ in business administration and is involved in business development. Please visit tradednetwork.co.uk to find out more about the services that we can offer your business across our three cost effective marketing platforms.
MEMBERS NEWS
Groundbreaking ceremony for SMS’s new manufacturing facility. attended, showing their support towards the investment SMS will be making in the borough. This move is fundamental to the future of SMS as it starts to outgrow its current facilities. The layout of the building has been precisely designed to SMS’s specifications and will have easy access for HGVs. The additional land bought will enable SMS’s manufacturing capabilities to increase as the business continues to expand its client base and product portfolio.
To mark the beginning of the construction of the new manufacturing facilities for Specialised Management Services Ltd (SMS) a ground breaking ceremony was held at the new site: Beacon Park Business Park, Great Yarmouth. The Directors of SMS, Dave Howlett and Liz Culyer, Managing Director of Wellington Construction, Paul Pitcher, and the Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Trevor Wainwright, gathered on the construction site to officially begin the build with a spade ceremony. In addition, Jon Harper of Allman Woodcock, Cllr Bernard Williamson, the cabinet member for transformation and regeneration, Robin Neve, Beacon Park Project Delivery Manager, Bruce Hart and Graeme Reeve of PRP Architecture, James Denny of Wellington Construction and Daniel Bycroft of Bycroft Estate Agents also
At the inauguration ceremony it was revealed that the new building will be called Starling House. It is named after the North Sea oil field for which SMS manufactured and installed its first ever hydraulic power unit (HPU) in 2006 for Aker Solutions (formally Aker Kvaerner Subsea). The HPU award was a milestone achievement for early SMS and marked the beginning of the manufacturing success the company enjoys today. Dave Howlett, Managing Director of SMS Ltd, said: “The relocation to larger facilities is vitally important to SMS in achieving their objectives as well as servicing the requirements for both existing and future clients. The ground breaking ceremony was an exciting occasion and signifies the start of a new and exciting year ahead.” Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “Many businesses in the energy sector supply chain are continuing to invest in the borough, indicating huge confidence in the local economy, the skills of the workforce, the port and business park facilities, and the Enterprise Zone status.”
Macmillan Charity Golf Day 2014. The Annual Rogers and Norton Charity Golf Day was held at Bawburgh, raising in its sixteenth year of supporting Macmillan a record amount of £9,075.00. The money was handed over to Shaun Campbell, the Area Fundraising Manager for the Macmillan Cancer Support. The cash was raised from entry fees on the day from 120 golfers together with a raffle and an auction of selected items plus many rounds of golf donated from clubs around the country. In addition, there was a donation from Barclays Bank. The photograph shows the cheque being presented to Shaun by Graham Knights from R&N, Abigail Knights from Barclays, Ellie Walpole (R&N) and Andrew Gooch from Bawburgh Golf Club.
“This year, the borough will celebrate 50 years of supporting offshore operations in the southern North Sea – and this investment by SMS Ltd proves that the sector has a bright future.” The construction is expected to be completed by November.
Bigfork improve Advanced Metalcraft’s site. Digital marketing agency Bigfork, were appointed to improve Advanced Metalcraft’s website. The company’s expertise is in steelwork and architectural metalwork and they required a website that both showcased their work and supported tenders. Strong photography was
used to visually show what Advanced Metalcraft do and the high quality of their work and a new projects page highlights the range of expertise the company has. Health and safety is the highest priority in the construction industry and all Advanced Metalcraft’s certifications and policies had to be easily seen in the new website. With a SilverStripe content management system, Advanced Metalcraft can easily update the website inhouse.
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NORFOLK VOICE
A second runway in the South East will benefit Norfolk businesses.
Heathrow debate
By Nova Fairbank
Gatwick debate
The Airports Commission’s consultation on its assessment of 3 proposals for additional runway capacity on the south east has now closed. The Commission estimated that is received over 50,000 responses from a broad cross section of individuals and the business community. The original Thames Estuary proposal was rejected by the Airport Commission in September 2014, which leaves three remaining proposals, two at London Heathrow and one at London Gatwick.
The proposals for Heathrow are: Option 1 - A new 3,500m runway to the northwest of Heathrow’s two existing runways. Option 2 - An extension to the existing northern runway by at least 6,000m to the west and allowing it to operate as two separate runways. Heathrow currently operates to 184 worldwide destinations, handles over 70 million passengers, of which more than a third transfer to other flights, and employs over 76,000 people. However it is currently operating at 98% of its capacity within a current limit of 480,000 flights per year. The cost of building a new runway would be in the region of £14-£18 billion and would be delivered somewhere between 2025 to 2029.
The proposal for London Gatwick is: To build a new runway, at least 3,000m in length - far enough away from the existing runway to allow for fully independent operation. Gatwick currently provides access to 193 worldwide destinations, handles 38 million passengers, of which on 5% transfer to other flights and employs 23,000 employees. The cost of their expansion would be between £5-£9 billion and could be delivered by 2025. Since the consultation period began in 2013, Norfolk Chamber members have had the opportunity to hear from both London Heathrow and from London Gatwick at separate breakfast debates.
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Ensuring the right air travel solutions are available to meet the varying needs of Norfolk businesses is important. The Chamber has facilitated key Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport Executives to meet with Norfolk business and hear their views. However, whoever is the winner of the outcome of the Airport Commission’s consultation, it is crucial that our regional airports, such as Norwich International Airport are able to benefit from expansion plans at either Heathrow or Gatwick, with opportunities to acquire aircraft slots, to help provide better connectivity in our region and boost economic growth.” Full details of the consultation will be published in the summer of 2015, alongside the Commission’s final report.
CHAMBER POLICY
‘Look at Norfolk. See Success’ message to local MPs.
The Norfolk Chamber’s high profile policy event ‘The MPs Event’ that focused on the theme of ‘Look at Norfolk. See Success’ was an overwhelming success in February at Dunston Hall, with over 160 businesses taking part.
cut youth unemployment, and also outlined the ways the coalition government has helped young people, from improving the county’s schools’ funding formula to “revitalising an old currency” in fostering apprentices.
Local Members of Parliament Chloe Smith, Simon Wright, Henry Bellingham and George Freeman focused on their personal areas of expertise with topics ranging from young people, international trade, business growth and mobile and broadband. Norfolk Chamber members were able to quiz them directly on these topics in the lead up to the May election.
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman gave a progress report on improving broadband and mobile phone coverage but admitted there was still a lot of work to do to deliver adequate speeds for businesses to function in the countryside “to make a much more vibrant rural economy”.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith gave an update on Norwich For Jobs, the drive she has led to
Norwich South MP Simon Wright told the conference that SMEs were an important
driver of the growth now taking place in the UK economy. West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham raised the importance of exports in cutting the budget deficit - and highlighted the fact only 20pc of SMEs in the UK exported compared to 25pc in France and Germany. Jonathan Cage from Create Consulting took to the floor to update delegates on the topic of growth corridors with an update on plans for the A47 and Jamie Burles, Abellio Greater Anglia talked about the local improvements to the rail network.
Chamber members call for a strong rail franchise to help support economic growth. Attendees were keen to highlight that as well as the need for clean trains and being able to guarantee a seat on the train, the next East Anglian rail franchise needed to be for a substantial period of time to allow the franchise operator to deliver a faster more reliable service; a good quality journey with more carriages and seats; and improved rolling stock. The need for significant investment to upgrade the track was also highlighted to Network Rail and the Rail Executive.
As part of the consultation process for the East Anglia Rail Franchise, the Rail Executive (Department of Transport) held a meeting at County Hall on Friday 16 January 2015. The event was attended by Network Rail, Passenger Focus groups, local authorities, Norfolk Chamber and members of the business community.
Passengers using the East Anglia rail network can have their say online by visiting www.gov.uk/government/consultations/east-angliarail-passenger-franchise The current consultation period is until 16 March 2015, with tenders being submitted in August 2015. The new rail franchise will be awarded in June 2016 and the contract will commence on 16 October 2016.
Nova Fairbank, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Improvements to rail infrastructure in Norfolk have lagged behind the rest of the UK for many years. To ensure Norfolk businesses remain competitive and create jobs, we need a faster more reliable rail service with a good standard of rolling stock. It is vitally important that the next East Anglia Rail Franchise is tasked to deliver against these needs. Those businesses who regularly use the East Anglia rail network need to feel confident that their train will arrive on time and that they can spend the travel time working in comfort. As such improved rolling stock, with power points and wifi are a must and the franchisee must work with Network Rail to ensure significant investment is made to upgrade the track – thereby enabling faster journey times. An improved rail service will help enable the Norfolk business community to deliver economic growth and jobs into our region.”
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Chelsea and Hampton Court plants to find home in Hillington. To allow the gardens to be enjoyed all year round, Crane Garden Buildings will also be donating summerhouses, which will provide quiet retreats for patients and visitors to the Hospice. One of Norfolk’s well known plant growers, Robin Tacchi Plants of Diss, have also offered to help the Hospice and will be donating plants for the gardens which, alongside Crane Garden Buildings plants will help to cover much of the 5 acre site.
It seems a strange time of the year to be thinking of the 2015 Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows, but Crane Garden Buildings are already helping to design The Norfolk Hospice gardens where the plants from the 2015 flower shows will be finding their new home. Crane Garden Buildings display at the flower shows will be permanently relocated at The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House. The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House has built a new Hospice in Hillington, King’s Lynn, not far from the Crane Garden Buildings factory in Narford. There is a critical shortage of palliative care beds in North and West Norfolk and the new Hospice plans to open eight much needed beds within the purpose built facility. The gardens and grounds of the Hospice are viewed as an integral part of creating peace and tranquillity at a very difficult time in patient’s lives. Crane Garden Buildings are hoping that the plants from
New offices for Printbox UK.
their display gardens at the 2015 Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows will help to provide beautiful gardens around the Hospice for the patients to enjoy.
The Crane Garden Buildings Designer, Peter Mortin BSc (hons) Hortic, will be designing the grounds, and planting the plants with the help of the joiners and carpenters from the Crane Garden Buildings factory. The Hospice is appealing for local volunteers to help with this massive planting scheme. If other companies feel that they can help in anyway with donations of plants or landscaping materials it would be great to hear from you.
Paul Robinson Partnership expands. After recently celebrating 40 years in business PRP has expanded with a new office in Norwich, complimenting the Head Office in Great Yarmouth.
Norwich based print management company Printbox UK has moved into new premises in the centre of Norwich following another successful years trading. Director Paul Youngs said: “Business is flying and profitable and Printbox UK has enjoyed a 30% increase in sales in the past 12 months. This move into new premises will allow us to continue to expand and recruit additional staff as new clients continue to come onboard.” Over recent months the company has also taken on a number of new clients from outside of the region as it’s reputation for cost effective print solutions grows and businesses see the advantages of single sourcing their printing.
With a team of 20, the Practice continues to work with many Clients on a National basis, providing architecture and building surveying services from large Commercial developments to smaller residential designs. The Partners, Bruce Hart and Simon Nicholas believe the office in Norwich will help to ensure all clients needs can be met across the county. Simon said: “We have been based in Great Yarmouth for 40 years and its at the heart of PRP, however, we work with Clients across Norfolk and nationally and felt this is the ideal time to expand into Norwich to open links for new business in and around the City”.
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The ethos of the Practice continues from Paul Robinson, now retired, maintaining that architecture should be about buildability and practicality. Bruce said: “Our goal remains to provide solid designs that are value engineered and cost effective. This method has allowed us to retain Clients over many years and ensure our success through-out numerous recessions.” The new office is based at Gateway, Unit 1, 8387 Pottergate and all clients and contacts are welcome to drop by and meet the new team.
MEMBERS NEWS
Norse Park and Ride bus driver receives passenger praise. TVC sponsor TTXGP winner Rob Barber.
Kevin Baker, a driver on one of the Norwich Park and Ride buses operated by Norse Commercial Services, recently received praise for coming to the aid of a female passenger who had collapsed. Laura Campbell, who was twelve weeks pregnant at the time, got onto the 17:00 bus to return to the Park and Ride site at Norwich Airport. As Kevin’s bus drew into the site Laura collapsed; she had become overheated and her blood pressure had dropped to a dangerously low level. “The bus driver was ever so helpful and lifted me up from the floor and sat me down on the nearest seat until I had recovered,” Laura said, “and he even offered to ring my husband on my behalf.”
“Unfortunately I never got this bus driver’s name at the time and I would really like to pass on my thanks and gratitude for acting so swiftly and professionally. He gave excellent service and helped me when I needed it, and I can advise that my 12 week scan the next day revealed that the baby is fine and has a good strong heartbeat,” she added. Paul Bonham, Commercial Director at Norse, said; “Kevin’s quick and caring reaction is typical of our drivers’ customer service attitude. It is not the first time that he has received praise from passengers for his helpful, ‘can-do’ approach and we are extremely proud to have him as a member of our team.” “We are also very pleased that Laura and her baby are doing well and hope she continues to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.”
2015 was already set to be an exciting year for TVC so they were all the more thrilled to be announcing their sponsorship of motorcyclist Rob Barber of father-and-son race team PRB Racing. With a career spanning nearly two decades and a spectacular track record, including winning the first Zero Emissions Race around the TT track in 2009, TVC are proud to be associated with such a prominent name in racing.
Rogers and Norton expand into Attleborough. Rogers and Norton Solicitors of Willow Lane Norwich have announced the acquisition of Nicholas Daykin Solicitors of Attleborough. The Practice will continue trading as before but under the Rogers and Norton banner and the existing staff will continue to be employed at Connaught Lodge, Connaught Road, Attleborough. Nicholas Daykin will continue as a consultant for the time being and Philip Kerridge
from Rogers and Norton will oversee the day to day running of the Attleborough office. Richard Etheridge, Managing Director of Rogers and Norton, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to acquire such a successful Practice in the centre of a thriving community. We look forward to offering Nick’s existing clients and new clients a wider range of legal services than was previously available without the need to travel further afield. We believe this is a “win win” situation for Rogers and Norton and clients of Nicholas Daykin & Co. and we very much look forward to meeting with existing and new clients over the coming months.”
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
International Trade Services. Many of you who know the International Trade Team at Norfolk Chamber will be fully aware of the documentation service that we provide, especially our online service ‘e-zCert’. But for those of you who don’t know us too well – we offer a lot more than just the documentation assistance. Our services are not just available to members of Norfolk Chamber – any exporting company in Norfolk can obtain our help and guidance, however members receive up to 50% discount on the cost of the services. Please see below a general overview of the other popular services that are available from the team:
Stationery We hold stocks of most of the blank forms that an exporter will need, such as Certificates of Origin, EUR1s, ATRs, country specific Invoices like C16s, Shipping and Dangerous Goods Notes, Incoterms Booklets and much more. No need to search the internet for suppliers, as we store them all here at our Norwich office, where you can either collect them, or we can send them out in the post to you the same day that you order.
Training We deliver a wide range of training courses relating to International Trade. Some of these courses are now accredited, so when a delegate sits on six of these session they receive a Foundation Certificate from The British Chambers of Commerce. Topics cover export documentation, letters of credit and other payment methods, customs procedures and much more. The courses are repeated twice a year, so if you can’t make one date, it won’t be long before we run it again.
Translations We have a huge database of qualified, registered translators who are regulated by either the Institute of Linguists or the Institute of Translators and Interpreters. Our service is renowned for its speed, with 99% of the work being carried out by email within a day or so. We can also arrange for an interpreter to be available to you for meetings, conference calls or events. Our rates are very competitive, so why not give us a try?
Letter of Credit Service
Import Certificates
Are you losing out on potential business by avoiding the use of Letters of Credit? This could be because you don’t understand their use, have heard worrying stories about payment being delayed, or simply have no idea how to use them. With the exception of full payment in advance, Letters of Credit are one of the most guaranteed forms of payment. We provide a service that takes your L/C and deals with everything on your behalf – you don’t have to worry about a thing. The service includes everything from arranging the shipment, preparing the documents and, where necessary, getting them certified and legalised, liaising with the bank all the way through to the final payment, which goes straight into your bank account.
If you are an importer of controlled goods, you are required to issue an Import Certificate. This is to make the UK Government aware that the item is coming into our country and track its whereabouts, so that it cannot get into the wrong hands and be used for something it shouldn’t. Norfolk Chamber can provide you with the forms that are to be completed by yourselves, which we will then check and stamp before sending copies to the relevant authorities here in the UK, as well as the country the goods are coming from.
ATA Carnets A carnet is a customs document that acts as a ‘Passport for Goods’ which are exported temporarily. If you are taking part in an overseas Trade Fair or Exhibition, you may be able to use a carnet to simplify the procedure of taking the goods through customs, without having to lodge large deposits of money to cover the duty. A carnet could also be used if you are taking Commercial Samples overseas for demonstration purposes. When you pay duty for temporary exports, it can take several months after the goods have returned, to claim this back from customs. The cost of the carnet is a one-off fee which is non-refundable, but it can be considerably less than the duty you would normally pay. It does, however, eliminate the hassle of getting through customs in the first place. New for 2015 – you can now apply for your carnet online using e-zCert.
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International Trade Events A series of events covering high growth markets, where you can learn about the business opportunities available to you and how to access them. Specialists will come and explain how to enter these markets and give you tips on the cultural issues that you should be aware of when communicating with potential clients in these countries.
International Trade Update You can subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, which comes straight to your inbox. This is where we highlight news articles that may be of interest to you and your business, regulations that you should be aware of, trade missions that are taking place, plus details of our own upcoming events and training courses. Further detailed information on any of the above services is available within the export section of the Norfolk Chamber website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. However, you can obtain individual flyers by contacting the International Trade Team on 01603 729712 or at export@norfolkchamber.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
International Trade Training Courses. Norfolk Chamber’s export training courses are proving very popular, with many delegates attending the courses to ensure they are fully informed of export processes. The courses have been specifically designed for staff involved in exporting and/or importing cargo to and from the UK. Forthcoming dates and topics: March 2015 11th
Surviving a Customs Audit (Afternoon)
12th
Incoterms ®2010* (Full Day)
April 2015 9th
Import Procedures* (Full Day)
May 2015
Norfolk Chamber’s FREE TO ATTEND “Expanding Overseas” series of events, sponsored by Lovewell Blake, completes with Kuwait on 17 March 2015
Agents and Distributors* (Morning)
Key Sectors:
6th
Inward and Outward Processing Relief* (Afternoon)
7th
Creating an Export Strategy (Full Day)
The following sectors have been identified as important. If you supply in any of these sectors find out how easy it is to export your product:
If you would like further details such as the content of these courses, please take a look at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk To book your place, please email export@norfolkchamber.co.uk
3.45pm – 6.00pm followed by networking and refreshments
Dates and Topics Tue 17 March 2015
Expanding into Kuwait
Kuwait forms 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.
6th
Norfolk Chamber in association with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is now able to offer ten nationally accredited export courses (marked with * above). The set will be accredited by the BCC and offered as a family of short courses, delivered over full and half day sessions. They are individually and collectively relevant to SMEs who wish to improve the skills and competences of their staff. Candidates achieving Pass or Merit in any of the courses will receive a certificate in each area, and those who pass six courses will achieve a nationally recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.
Timing
Automotive, oil and gas, retail, infrastructure, education & training, healthcare, financial and professional services and power (including renewables)
At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD
For more information on this event, take a look at: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/featured-event/ expanding-kuwait
Trade Missions. Trade missions can provide an excellent opportunity for exporters to explore business opportunities in overseas markets and to meet with local business contact. Attendees receive in-market support and advice from staff based at Overseas Business Centres/British Embassies.
Benefits include subsidised market research and networking events which are a great opportunity to establish contacts. To see what missions are taking place and for more information please see Export Britain website www.exportbritain.org.uk
Norfolk Chamber members can get up to 50% discount on International Trade Services
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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Making us proud to meet and exceed your expectations Professional IT support, consultancy and business telecoms At Breakwater IT our commitment is to our clients and we work hard to provide reliable and honest solutions for your business. Our latest survey results show that our average account rating of 4.81* surpasses the industry average of 4.54. We value the feedback our clients provide and look forward to offering this high standard of service to businesses wishing to utilise our IT solutions including support, consultancy, telecoms and more. *Results from Autotask, 2014. Rating out of 5.
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Moving your Office to the Cloud. ADVERTISING FEATURE Microsoft Office is the software that drives your business; Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel will undoubtedly underpin communications across your company. But perhaps you haven’t yet harnessed the flexibility of Office 365, software that includes the indispensible applications your business operates from, but with all the benefits of being powered by the Cloud. More than 1 billion people use Microsoft Office products, including your suppliers, customers and partners. Your business will benefit from utilising Office software and the file sharing conformity it enables, but now might be the time you are considering an upgrade to a newer version of Office. Office 365 is purchased as a subscription, alleviating any upfront payment. Each individual can make use of the Office desktop applications on 5 Windows PCs or Macs, at home or at work – saving money when compared to the conventional, per device, licensing. Once you have switched to Office 365 you will no longer need to think about upgrades, as 365 is always up to date. Office is connected to the Cloud, meaning you will permanently have the latest version of the Office desktop, with updates made routinely and discreetly. As you find more of your business is conducted outside of the office, with personnel in the field
n Online meetings: hold scheduled or ad hoc online meetings for up to 250 participants n Online document storage and file sharing: get 1TB of space in the Cloud to store, backup and easily share files n Private social networking and collaboration: Set up a social network that helps your company stay connected, share information across teams and make faster more informed decisions n Technical support: have confidence knowing that your Office 365 subscription comes with expert technical support and employees working from home, you will want to ensure documents and data can be accessed remotely. Office 365 enables you to open, edit and work on all devices, even those that don’t have Office installed on them. All documents will be at your business’s fingertips with Office apps for iPad, Windows Phone, iPhone and Android phones. You will enjoy the benefits of Office 365 being powered by the Cloud, including: n Business-class email: gain large 50GB mailboxes that can send messages up to 25MB in size
This can cause you to lose Power!! Are you able to keep your business running if the power is lost?
n Simplified IT management: reduces your IT infrastructure, content lives safely in datacentres with continuous backup and disaster recovery liabilities. Wherever your business might be operating from¸ online or offline, Office 365 enables you to get the work done with the most up to date versions of the files and applications required. Get in touch with Breakwater IT today and have a chat about how Office 365 could work for your business. Contact us on 01603 709300 or visit www.breakwaterit.co.uk
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MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
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BUSINESS SUPPORT
Business Data Management Solutions
Improve your office working environment Anglian Archives are specialists in all aspects of professional paper document off site storage and data management including electronic media tape/ disk back up rotation and scanning of documents including large format scanning for architectural plans and similar. Anglian Archives are able to provide cost effective tailor made solutions for all data storage and management requirements including rapid file and box retrieval as needed via a bar coding system. Additional services include secure document shredding, cataloguing and scheduled destruction of your files to whatever date you set. We work with a number of blue chip companies across the private and public sector in a vast array of industries from construction and engineering, to financial and insurance, to solicitors, surveyors and architects, to local government and public services, to education and training and many in between! We pride ourselves in our quality of customer service and flexibility so why not put us to the test?
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Advertise your business in Norfolk Voice Covering all of the major business areas in Norfolk (Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King´s Lynn & Lowestoft). Contact Kurt Blakey on t: 0845 887 3826 e: kurtblakey@distinctivegroup.co.uk
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MARCH/APRIL 2015
PAGE19 PAGE19
NORFOLK VOICE
The Workplace Health Challenge. ADVERTISING FEATURE
If you struggle to fit physical activity around your workday, you’re not alone. Many of us spend more than half of our day at work, a lot of that time sitting in front of a computer, so it makes sense to make the most of opportunities to be more active during the day. Finding even twenty minutes during lunch or choosing to take the stairs instead of the lift can make a difference to your health, and can help towards achieving the Chief Medical Officers recommendation of 150 minutes physical activity a week. Recent evidence by the Department of Health shows that physically active employees take
With funding support from Norfolk County Council’s Public Health and South Norfolk Council, Fit4Work is a free workplace health scheme that provides employers access to a wide range of opportunities to engage, inspire and help improve employees’ overall health and physical activity levels. Active Norfolk’s Fit4Work Project Officer works with employers to create a holistic workplace health improvement package. That can be anything from organising on-site sports activities to boost morale and teamwork, signposting to relevant health related services, conducting a comprehensive Health Needs Assessment, or simply getting a team together to compete in Fit4Work competitions. And it’s all for free. 27% fewer sick days, are better motivated, and ultimately more productive. But if the idea of a lunchtime walk or taking the stairs doesn’t get your pulse racing, there is a wealth of ideas and options to motivate you through the Active Norfolk Fit4Work programme.
Contact Active Norfolk today on 01603 731 569, and find out how Fit4Work can help you find the motivation and inspiration to build more physical activity into your day.
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Employee sick days cost UK businesses £29 billion annually.
How can FitWork help my business?
Employees that are physically active:
Fit4Work is a workplace health programme that can help improve the health and wellbeing of your employees.
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Active Norfolk’s Fit4Work Project Officer will work with your organisation to create a holistic workplace health action plan based on your individual employees’ needs. This can include organising sports activities, addressing specific health issues, or getting involved in fun Fit4Work competitions.
n are better motivated n less likely to suffer from major health problems, and n more productive
01603 731 569 www.activenorfolk.org/fit4work
Supported by
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARD SCHEME The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the Government and the armed forces. The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme recognises those companies who are an armed forces friendly organisation. The recognition scheme is a tiered award scheme with Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Bronze Award holders are self-nominated by employers who pledge their intention
to support Defence, and take a positive stance towards Reservists who are either existing or prospective employees. Bronze Award Holders seek to promote an Armed Forces friendly position, and are open to employing Reservists and supporting their training and mobilisation commitments.
Silver Award holders demonstrate support for Defence, employing at least one
Reservist, actively communicating and upholding a positive stance to their employees via established HR policies and procedures. Silver Award Holders support Reservists by showing flexibility to plan for and allow them to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments.
Gold Award holders proactively advocate and support Defence, communicating their commitment both internally to employees and externally to the wider community, through established policies and examples of support. Gold Award holders demonstrate significant support for Reservists, enabling them to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments.
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme or to sign up to the Corporate Covenant please contact Kristina Carrington, Regional SaBRE Campaign Director on:
t: 01245 244817
e: ea-empsp@rfca.mod.uk
NORFOLK VOICE
Business boost needed for Norfolk children’s hospice dream. nook business network to give something back to their local community. We already have great support from the business community, of which we’re incredibly grateful, but there are countless other businesses out there that we’ve yet to engage with and hope this new scheme is an attraction for them.
The nook business network is a corporate scheme which will help EACH deliver a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk. The scheme has been developed to encourage local companies to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support from the charity.
“We won’t be able to realise our vision without the support of all elements of the Norfolk community - individuals, community groups, schools and of course the business community will play a vital role in this.”
Whether a small, medium or large business, EACH is calling upon you to join other companies to create a Norfolk network to help those who need it most. Fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibilities, picking your charity of the year for 2015 and setting your staff goals to improve team work are just some of the motivations to join the nook business network.
purpose built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk a reality.
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We’re looking to Norfolk’s businesses to help make our vision of a new
“Many businesses in the county rely on local people for their income, so it would be great if they were able to invest time and effort into the
Students visit centre. Alex Rabbetts, CEO MigSolv, said: “I was thrilled to host a visit from one of the area’s top-performing technology schools and hoped the experience was invaluable to the students. As well as providing a fascinating tour of The Gatehouse students also got the opportunity to understand the relevance of the data centre, which plays a pivotal role in our digital lives.”
All companies which sign-up to the nook business network will get a dedicated account manager, charity information and appeal updates to share with staff, social media interaction, a nook appeal e-signature banner and logo to use on correspondence and materials, certificate, award and company name and web link on the dedicated EACH nook business network page.
Norwich Sunblinds raises £755.
“Everything we do on our tablets, smartphones, wearable tech, laptops or anything in the Cloud goes through a data centre and back to a device. It was an intriguing session, a glimpse of the digital future, that I hope inspired many of them to think about exploring careers in IT or technology,” continued Rabbetts.
MigSolv welcomed City Academy for a visit to its state-of-the-art Gatehouse data centre on Barnard Road, Norwich MigSolv, the specialist data centre consultancy, welcomed a class of A-level computing students from City Academy Norwich, the specialist digital technology and English school to see its state-ofthe-art data centre on Barnard Road, Norwich.
Jez Thompson, leader of learning at City Academy Norwich added: “We have always embraced innovation while being transformational with education at Norwich City Academy. The Gatehouse has a rich history in Norwich and the opportunity for our students to see its change into one of the country’s leading purpose-built facilities was one we couldn’t turn down. “Our computing curriculum has always embraced the constant change in industry and strives to marry technology advancements with the underlying academic principles of Computing Science.”
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Fiona and Lesley from Norwich Sunblinds presented the December 2014 Charity cheque to Chris Elliott of The Benjamin Foundation for £755.00. The Benjamin Foundation is a great Norfolk Charity founded in 1994, helping children, young people and families with issues like homelessness and to repair broken family relationships.
MEMBERS NEWS
Expanding insurance firm appoints new Client Services Manager. the management team at Hugh J Boswell throughout my career and it has always been an organisation whose traditional values have impressed me. It’s a business that knows where it’s going and I am proud to be part of its future.” He adds: “Hugh J Boswell’s strong involvement within the community is a factor that appeals to me and I’m looking forward to introducing myself to this part of the world and helping businesses in the area.” Mr Marler brings a blend of corporate experience with him, including a 23-year career at Aviva in various roles and two years at an insurance broking firm in Essex. Independent insurance broker Hugh J Boswell has appointed Mr Phil Marler, as its new Client Services Manager. Mr Marler’s role will be based in the broker’s Norwich office and will involve overseeing the company’s personal insurances and claims departments, as well as looking after his own portfolio of business clients. Founded in Norwich, Hugh J Boswell Insurance Brokers has a rich history and this expanding firm has been protecting the business community since 1906. Mr Marler who lives in Ellingham, Norfolk said: “I have had a long association with
Hugh J Boswell’s Managing Director, Peter Foster, said: “Hugh J Boswell is a company that prides itself on employing passionate staff that go over and above for our clients and Phil meets this criteria. We are looking forward to seeing him implement his skillset within the company.” This year will see the company further integrate with businesses based in the Suffolk region and Hugh J Boswell is also looking to develop its Education and Marine Trade specialisms. With offices in Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and London, Hugh J Boswell supply commercial insurance and risk management solutions to East Anglian and national businesses.
Continued expansion at Fosters Solicitors. Fosters Solicitors continued the expansion of its Private Client and Personal Injury teams with the recruitment of three new lawyers. Solicitor Maya Ribbands and Paralegal Lisa Glynne have joined the Wills Trusts and Probate team working out of Fosters Norwich office but also assisting with the increasing number of clients in Wymondham and Lowestoft. Both Maya and Lisa bring a wide range of skills to the Department. Lynn Satchell returns to Claimant Personal Injury work after eight years working for two large insurers, bringing with her an in-depth knowledge of the Claims Portal System.
Hamlet Centre Trust ‘Our Story’ Film.
Norfolk charity The Hamlet Centre Trust gives unstinting support to families facing challenges most of us would find unbearable. So JMS has been excited and energised by the commission of a charity video to ‘tell the Hamlet Centre story’ as part of the Trust’s major awareness and fund-raising initiative for 2015. Far from the traditional tugging-at-theheartstrings appeal, everything in the film emphasises the personal, purposeful and positive, work of the Trust. So the programme opens with hand-drawn animation produced by our Motion Graphics designer Hugh South, taking the viewer from rural Norfolk right into the city centre with The Hamlet Centre at its heart, but ensuring that en route we pass animations of real-life staff and Norfolk landmarks, making a colourful and descriptive introduction to the main film shot on location at the centre. For this, JMS crew filmed across two days in the Summer, following the staff, children and young adults, capturing unrehearsed and insightful snapshots of life in the Centre, and interviews with parents and key staff about the great work taking place there every day. In December the programme premiered at a special awards ceremony hosted at The Forum in Norwich, where it met with praise from all the families and staff involved. And from Pauline Morgan Chief Executive Officer, we received the simple but immensely gratifying note: “The feedback is fantastic – everyone loves it!”
FEBRUARY/MARCH MARCH/APRIL 2013 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
THE BIG INTER Homecoming for Lindsey as Aviva continues on its transformational journey. Lindsey Rix
When Lindsey Rix joined Aviva last September as Chief Operating Officer of its UK & Ireland general insurance business, it represented a welcome homecoming to her native Norwich, where she was born and grew up.
Chief Operating Officer of UK & Ireland General Insurance business for Aviva
Having lived in London for 15 years while working in senior management roles in the banking industry, Lindsey and her husband decided that it was time to return to Norfolk with their two very young children. Lindsey said: “I was born in Norwich and lived here for my first eighteen years. I did a music degree at King’s College London then went into banking in London for 15 years.” “But I always regarded Norwich as home. Having had two children in three years, my husband and I felt that this was the place to bring them up. For us, it was about quality of life and living in Norfolk offers that.” Lindsey entered the insurance sector at a challenging and opportunistic time for both the industry and Aviva. Insurance companies face several key challenges: traditional business models are being challenged by digital innovations in an era in which technology is ever more important, and
repairing customer relationships and trust in the wake of the meltdown that hit the financial services industry in 2008, to name just two Lindsey said: “The insurance industry is undergoing dramatic change which makes it a fascinating and exciting business in which to work.” “Much of the change is based around the effect of technology because consumers are now accessing their insurance providers online.” “The industry is very competitive and, to succeed, we have to understand how and where people want to access their information, be it from websites, Apps or on their mobiles.”
“We have to be more versatile, go to where our customers are rather than simply presenting them with products and expecting them to find them.” Last year Aviva launched the MyAviva app, which allows its customers to view and amend their insurance policies across life, general insurance and private medical insurance in one place. Lindsey said: “Technology is proving transformational for the industry because it is giving the power to the customer, which is as it should be.” “However, it is not just a question of coming up with new products and selling them through
It is not just a question of coming up with new products and selling them through digital channels; At Aviva we believe it is even more important to build relationships with customers, something which the industry perhaps has not always been good at.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
THE BIG INTERVIEW
RVIEW
By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com
The Marble Hall, but its official name is Surrey House and is situated in Norwich city centre on Surrey Street. Surrey House was built as the headquarters for the then Norwich Union, opening in 1905 and is still a working office today. It was designed by local architect George Skipper and boasts a grand marble entrance hall, decked out in marble originally destined for Westminster Cathedral. Surrey House is recognised as one of the twelve major heritage buildings in Norwich. Surrey House was refurbished in 2006. The marble hall has once again taken centre stage as the main entrance to Aviva’s office complex.
digital channels; At Aviva we believe it is even more important to build relationships with customers, something which the industry perhaps has not always been good at.” Although the focus of the 2008 financial crash was the banks, Lindsey believes that there are nevertheless lessons to be learned for the insurance sector. She said: “What we saw during the financial crash was a breakdown of trust with the customer, something that was particularly pronounced within the banking sector but which also had a knock-on effect on the broader economy, including the insurance industry.”
“There is an opportunity for Aviva to set the future shape of the insurance industry, from making insurance less complex for our customers to using technology in new ways to get them back on their feet as soon as possible when accidents happen. That’s what we do and what we do best.” “Challenging the status quo is hugely important to the transformational journey on which Aviva has embarked.” Part of that journey is the leading role that the company plays in the life of the local community, according to Lindsey.
She said: “Being part of the community is important to us as a company. I’m based in Norwich and we have approximately 5,000 employees here.” “It is incredibly important that Aviva is an active member of the local community, delivering on our social and economic responsibilities, for example as we do by being a Living Wage employer.” “Norwich and Norfolk have a bright future and I’m determined to ensure that Aviva plays its part in securing that by working closely with our people and the community around us.”
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Speed is of the essence in the digital revolution. Broadband is getting quicker for most businesses as Norfolk enters the super-fast digital age but, for all the progress, there do still remain some concerns.
said: “There is so much potential for business but broadband is not moving fast enough. “We use a specialised education provider so our students have fast broadband when transferring big files, which often happens with the games designers, but when they leave us and go out into rented office space it is not as good. “They want to stay in Norfolk and set up the businesses which will invigorate the local economy but, using games design, as an example, they end up thinking they have to leave Norwich and go to London or Dundee, whereas they could run a national and international business from Norfolk.
One is that the roll-out is still not fast enough, another is that the digital sector still seems to be male-dominated. According to those supporting the development of the sector, both need to be addressed if real progress is to be made.
“There are plenty of advantages in living and working in Norfolk – the quality of life is good and the cost of setting up a business is favourable – but if they do not have fast broadband they are at a disadvantage.
What most people agree on is that broadband is being improved in Norfolk; £17.9m extra funding will see 90% of properties in the county attain access to high-speed fibre-optic broadband. According to the man at BT in charge of connecting Norfolk, the county will have greater coverage than France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Bill Murphy, BT Managing Director for Next Generation Access, said: “Norfolk is in a leading position in terms of fibre broadband.” The immediate target is about attaining 90 per cent coverage but BT’s further ambition is to reach 99 per cent by 2018. By the end of
2017, a further 25,000 mostly rural homes will be connected to the super-fast network, on top of the £41m deal in 2012 to improve internet speeds for 174,000 homes and businesses. However, for people like Peter Green, Managing Director of CSS Computers Ltd, in Great Yarmouth, much remains to be done. He said: “The problem is that a lot of companies wish to introduce new projects which need fast broadband but cannot do so because it has not been rolled out quickly enough.
There are plenty of advantages in living and working in Norfolk – the quality of life is good and the cost of setting up a business is favourable – but if they do not have fast broadband they are at a disadvantage.
“There is still a need to develop better internet access and it is not just a concern for rural areas. Take the Gapton Hall Industrial Estate at Great Yarmouth as an example, where some companies are still without super-fast broadband. “Even in Norwich, a key economic area, it is only within the past six to twelve months that some companies to the north of the city received the fast broadband. “What is needed is for BT to roll it out quicker because otherwise new projects will be delayed, which has a knock-on effect on the local economy.” Similar concerns are expressed by Sarah Steed, Business Director of Norwich University of the Arts, who
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“Some of the large companies have grown tired of waiting and struck their own deals for superfast broadband but smaller ones cannot do that. Things are improving but if we are to bring on the new talent we need better broadband.” Nicola Bray, of Maze Media, in King’s Lynn, also argues that much remains to be done. She said: “Being from King’s Lynn and based here I am familiar with the issues faced in this area particularly. “On a personal level regarding our business we don’t really have a massive issue with speed as we have fibre and, if we wanted, we can add fibre to our second line and multiplex for 80Mb/20Mb or thereabouts. “However, I understand there is a big issue and need for greater need for better broadband on the industrial estates in this area, as BT have no incentive to upgrade those and the businesses there have to pay a lot of money monthly for a leased line. “Considering how many businesses are based there, and this will be the same for many industrial estates across Norfolk I’m sure, this just seems crazy. Our business would simply not be able to work efficiently without fast broadband. Without access to this it is surely going to prevent businesses moving to certain places in Norfolk and affect inward investment. “I know certain villages around here - Terrington and Marham among them - have recently received fibre and friends who live in these places think that Christmas has come early! I have friends who often work from home and they have said if they moved they couldn’t buy a house in an area if the Internet was rubbish so it’s such a huge and important part of many people’s lives now.”
COVER FEATURE
Recruiting more women a pressing concern Another key issue is evidence that developing digital skills is a greater problem for women than men and that in Norfolk, only 7 per cent of women are self-employed compared to 14 per cent of men. New Anglia LEP has launched an Economic Equality initiative aimed at addressing the lack of women in the workforce with digital key to its success. Together with Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils, New Anglia secured £41,300 of Government money from the Women and Broadband Challenge Fund, which aims to help female entrepreneurs start and grow business online. Over the past six months, the funding has provided training sessions with an aim of helping 100 women across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Over the last few months Norfolk Chamber gave lots of local business women the opportunity to get up to speed with broadband at a series of special events across Norfolk. Called ‘Faster Women’ the events offered free advice, training and workshops to increase knowledge of social media and websites and to help find out how superfast broadband could help grow their businesses. Some of the attendees said: “We found this course very helpful and look forward to improving your website” – Lianne Smith, Mummy’s Little Bundle and “Simple advice which means I know what I need to do to maximise my online presence” – Julie Garner, Everything Outdoor. n Improving Digital Connectivity is one of the Chamber’s campaigns for the coming year see page 29 for more details
Workshops have been co-ordinated by Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce with training expertise provided by Green Shoots Learning, based near Ipswich.
FEBRUARY/MARCH MARCH/APRIL 2013 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
A Business Plan for Norfolk LOOK AT NORFOLK. See success.
Development of A11/ A47 growth corridors There has been some good progress recently relating to the improvement of Norfolk’s infrastructure. The dualling of the A11 is complete, and what a joy it is to drive down it now. Funding is allocated for the NDR and with 2 March being the deadline for the Planning Inspectorate to submit their recommendation to the Secretary of State, we are lobbying strongly for the go-ahead to be given before the election in May. In the Autumn Statement commitment was made for funding to improve parts of the A47. We also have the commitment to improve parts of the railways which service our county with a new rail franchise contract for East Anglia commencing in October 2016, the opportunity to shape what is included in the franchise.
The Norfolk business community has continued to lead the way on quality and innovation across many products and services for decades. There has, however, been an issue of visibility and being recognised as a dynamic growth business location by past government bodies who are tasked to provide the local infrastructure and support needed to achieve this growth. In the past Norfolk has been its own worst enemy, working in silos and the public and private sector not really understanding each other. Over the past ten years, and with greater momentum over the past four years, this has started to change and the results have been phenomenal. At last Norfolk is seen as a growth location, a great place to live and be in business. Not just by the businesses in Norfolk but those outside the county. In 2003 a research project identified that 47% of business outside Norfolk felt it was an ‘unsuitable place to do business’ with 25% not really knowing anything about what Norfolk business have to offer. It would be interesting to know what the percentage is in 2015, I would guess a better picture, but we cannot be complacent. Norfolk needs to continue to punch above its weight and with a new government on the horizon the business community needs to be really clear what it needs to grow. We do not want the public sector putting restrictions on us
and we are more than capable of running our own businesses but what we do need is a level playing field so we can compete not just in the UK but globally. The Norfolk Chamber has pulled together a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’, accessible on our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk, to help us identify the opportunities and barriers facing Norfolk businesses and a number of actions which need to be taken by the collective Norfolk community. We have utilised data from the NALEP, GCGPLEP, Norfolk Local Authorities, British Chamber of Commerce and our membership. The list of what is needed is significant but we are starting to tick a number of key needs off the list, for instance the dualling A11, and the promise of ‘jam on its way’ for other key projects. The Norfolk Chamber Representative Council have identified four key issues which the Chamber network will campaign for over the next three years and work with its partners to achieve. Other issues will of course be covered on an ad hoc basis but these are the ones we feel will have the most impact on Norfolk’s economy i.e. jobs, and the Norfolk business community.
Norfolk Chamber Campaigns are (not in order of priority): n
Development of the A11/A47 Growth Corridors
n
Improve digital connectivity
n
Develop the talent of Norfolk’s Young People
n
Grow Norfolk’s Global Trade
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But so what? Infrastructure on its own does not create jobs, it is the business community who do and so the next challenge we face is to ensure that any further barriers are removed and new opportunities created.
Hear what our members are saying on this issue: “I am always shocked at the financial disadvantage manufacturers based in Norfolk are at when compared to their counterparts in the Midlands. We as hauliers can see exactly the extra cost burden put on local firms because of the length of time it takes to get to a motorway using the existing single carriageway A47. Therefore, we would welcome as a major boost anything which improves this vital arterial link for Norfolk businesses.” Peter Brown Managing Director, Jack Richards & Son
Businesses like ours, who trade nationally, are relying on the development of transportation and digital infrastructures within Norfolk to remain competitive in the national marketplace. It is also vitally important we continue to attract new businesses to the county. Improving communication links will go a long way to help us compete with the likes of London and Manchester. Peter Foster Managing Director, Hugh J Bowell Insurance
COVER FEATURE
Improve digital connectivity
Grow Norfolk’s global trade
The pace of change and the increasing need for fast reliable connectivity of broadband and mobile is mind blowing. Only a few years ago it was high tech engineering, ICT and digital companies who were demanding betting connectivity – now it is every business large and small that needs to communicate with their customers.
It has been proven that one of the most effective ways to grow a business both manufacturing and service is to trade internationally. Norfolk has a significant number of exporters who continue to grow year after year as they expand their products into new markets. Exports are core to the Chamber’s business as organisations who want to send goods outside of Europe require the Chamber to stamp their documentation. We see companies growing through international trade but the number is no growing very fast.
Poor digital connectivity is Norfolk’s new Achilles heel. Significant investment has been made and is continuing to be made across Norfolk but for the businesses like the Norfolk Chamber improvements can’t come fast enough. On an average day in January at 12.30pm our download speed was 0.07mbs and upload speed was 0.5mbs and we have looked into everything we can to improve this. There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel for us as we are not on the list for any improvements. There are too many businesses having the same issue so it is important that we not only secure what is called high speed broadband i.e. 2Megabits per second (24Mbps) for the majority of businesses but also get even faster speeds available for the businesses who need it. The Mobile coverage across Norfolk is just not fit for purpose and we need to work to get this improved across the county
Hear what our members are saying on this issue: “Faster broadband would mean that we could change the way we communicate with clients, really start to benefit from cloud computing which in turn would give us far more flexibility with the ability to use remote working far more effectively.” Ben Handford Director, Naked Marketing
“I don’t think anyone would debate that broadband improvements can bring a real tangible benefit to digital businesses like ours. We can all work faster and smarter with 21st Century connectivity at our disposal.” Alex Morris Corporate Director, Lambda Films, Video Production & Marketing
Develop the talent of Norfolk’s young people The support for schools on business/education was improving a few years ago, but I am sorry to say it has taken a large and disappointing leap backwards in recent years due to Government changes in policy. We understand that these policies are being reviewed so it is a good time for the Norfolk business community to be more effectively involved. Many of Norfolk schools have retained their links to business and are doing a really job for their students helping them to understand what is needed from the world of work and the opportunities locally. However it is very patchy and as there is not a business person I have met who is not passionate about supporting Norfolk young people, actions need to be taken to make a real difference and sooner rather than later. Norfolk Chamber under its branding Young Chamber will be making this agenda a key priority for 2015 as it is our young people’s lives we are talking about here.
Hear what our members are saying on this issue: “All our people are important to our business but employing young people is about bringing through new talent. We are a long established firm with many of our people spending their entire careers with us having joined us as trainees. Our philosophy is to bring them through the ranks, building up their experience and providing them with successful and rewarding careers.” Simon Watson FCCA Partner for Lovewell Blake LLP
There are so many opportunities being missed both from current exporters and new exporters due to lack of information or the right contacts. This can and needs to change if our Norfolk businesses are to maximise their opportunities so a number of changes must happen .
Hear what some our members are saying on this issue: Omex Agrifluids is very much an “export driven” company as we are exclusively targeting export markets around the world – in agriculture/ horticulture with speciality fertilisers and related crop nutrition products. Despite the ups and down of export markets, we have built a resilient business as it does not depend wholly on any single export market. We have witnessed the damage caused by financial crashes, droughts/floods, wars etc so we have deliberately tackled markets in over 65 countries to overcome many of these difficulties which can affect our export markets. We have also discovered since 1992, individual export markets require a long term commitment to identify suitable distributors, conduct trials, complete registration and finally deliver product - with the process taking several years in some cases. Despite these difficulties, Omex Agrifluids benefit from the loyalty of our distributors and customers to a respected “British” brand from Norfolk. Peter Prentis Export Director, Omex Agrifluids Ltd
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NORFOLK VOICE
Making digital sales overseas – What a #VATMOSS mess! 1 January 2015 saw the introduction of a new VAT regime; taxing electronic services sold to consumers in the place where the customer resides, rather than where the supplier was based. Sellers to EU consumers and trading under the UK VAT threshold of £81,000 are impacted in the same way as are those operating anywhere in the world. This change in approach by the EU is a significant development.At its heart is a simple concept – one should pay VAT in the place where the consumption of the service takes place.The digital services change is but the start and plans are afoot to extend to all supplies to consumers in another country, including goods. Standing in the way of such a concept is actually the VAT system itself, which was designed around an ‘origin’ system. For taxpayers in a particular country, all they had to do was worry about the VAT rules in their country. Now one needs to be a VAT expert on the numerous different interpretations of a common set of EU laws; in fact, in 27 other countries. There are many different VAT rates across the member states, and many different interpretations, so having this knowledge before you decide what VAT to charge is significant for what may be a very, very small business.
The EU believes many sellers sell through platforms and marketplaces. Many of these do not act as legal sellers and operate as agents. Nevertheless, the EU has legislated to make the platforms liable to pay the VAT rather than the legal seller. Many platforms are resisting changes, others are reluctantly complying.
Wayne Neale, Head of VAT
This concept, of making sellers in other countries liable for tax on digital sales, has also been enacted in South Africa and it will be implemented in October 2015 in Japan. Other countries are considering it. The USA, the biggest market of all, is trying to impose these types of obligations internally and is bound to then consider overseas sellers to US consumers. One thing is for certain – being a seller to overseas consumers is not going to get any easier!
For more information contact Wayne Neale at Larking Gowen on 01603 624181 or at wayne.neale@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.
Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Pensions Auto Enrolment The Pensions Regulator has commenced sending letters to small businesses, who are also employers, informing the proprietors that they need to register a ‘point of contact’ within a certain deadline in order that they can provide information regarding ‘Pensions Autoenrolment’. Within the subsequent 18 months, the employer will need to enrol with an employee pension scheme, assess their staff entitlement to contribute to the scheme and commence deductions from employee wages by the ‘staging date’. The staging date being determined by the PAYE scheme reference. Your staging date can be found on http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk. Qualifying employees will need to be automatically ‘opted in’ to the pension scheme and then given the opportunity to ‘opt out’. The ‘opt out’ is not permanent with qualifying employees being automatically opted in again every three years. Employers will
also be required to contribute to the pension on behalf of their employees as an additional cost on top of their gross wages. The Pensions Regulator has the power to levy penalties for noncompliance and employers are required to submit a statement to the regulator stating that they have complied with these new regulations. Even businesses that only employ a husband and wife through a small limited company will be affected. Employers therefore need to assess how this affects their business, employees, software needs and cash-flow and make provisions in due time to avoid any issues with the regulator.
Wayne Goddard FCCA ACA (Director of Newman & Co. Chartered Accountants)
4b, Church Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4DD T: 01379 640640 | E: diss@newmans-online.co.uk
W: www.newmans-online.co.uk
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FINANCE FEATURE
Pensions – number of non-compliance fines surge. The latest information from the Pensions Regulator indicates an increase in the number of fixed penalties being issued for non-compliance with the new pension rules. With a significant number of smaller businesses about to embark on the workplace pension process, it’s important to know how the changes will affect your company so that it can be adequately prepared. The figures that have been released by the Pensions Regulator in their most recent compliance report highlight the fact that in the last quarter of 2014 there was a substantial increase in the number of fines levied. Between October to December last year, the regulator handed out fines to 166 companies (each firm receiving a £400 fine). This compared with only three that were issued in the three months prior to this. Throughout this period, they also handed out compliance notices on 1,139 occasions. These notices warned businesses to remedy a breach or they would risk being fined. In the preceding period they only issued 163 compliance notices. There is likely to be a further rise in the level of fines over the next few months as the deadlines (staging date) for many medium sized
companies to comply approaches. Employers have been provided with five months in order to notify the regulator that they have implemented the rule changes. However, for many companies pensions are an area they have not had to deal with before. This has meant that some have been unprepared for the effect of the changes and have left a large amount of the administration work to the last minute.
The extra burden of auto enrolment All this has come at a time when businesses that have gone through the auto enrolment process are already feeling the extra burden in administration and many are already seeking to review their processing. Recent research conducted on 400 UK employers found that 76% are noticing the extra workload associated with the auto enrolment process and that 45% of respondents are likely to review their processes within the next year
ADVERTISING FEATURE the bare minimum but nine months is a more realistic timeframe whilst remembering that the longer that you leave it the fewer options that will remain available with regard to pension providers. Many more businesses will come under the new pension rules this year. If this is going to have an impact on your business, it’s important to know exactly what you have to do to ensure that you don’t fall foul of the rules or miss your staging date. One of the most crucial aspects is to try not to leave everything until the last minute. Business administrators should ensure they have all the necessary information to hand well before the deadline. If you are still unsure as to what the process is regarding auto enrolment, then we have a team of financial service experts who will be able to guide you through the entire journey. For more details about auto enrolment visit www.alanboswell.com/autoenrolment
Getting started on your auto enrolment obligations early It is clear, from this evidence, that businesses are underestimating the time they need to prepare for auto enrolment. Six months is regarded as
For an informal chat about your auto enrolment requirements please call David Perry on 01603 218388 or Dee Smout on 01603 218027
YOUR AUTO ENROLMENT COMMITMENTS ARE NOT GOING TO DISAPPEAR... BUT TIME IS Alan Boswell Group can help you integrate a new pension scheme with the minimum of upheaval. Download your FREE guide to auto enrolment at alanboswell.com/autoenrolment
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Alan Boswell & Company (London) Ltd is an appointed representative of Alan Boswell & Company Ltd which is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority.
Norfolk Voice Advert - fines.indd 1
09/02/2015 12:18:19
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
Pension and Wealth Management Specialists
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“Let’s get on social media.” Think first! Many organisations rush in to Social Media as the answer to their marketing prayers. As with any new opportunities, though, take a moment to think through your approach. Firstly, what are you trying to achieve? Good communications can support your business, but only with a strategy in place aligned to your business goals. Social media should undoubtedly form a key part of this strategy. Take time to listen to online discussions before diving in. Start your social media journey by understanding your audience, seeing what works and be willing to learn. Define a clear, measurable approach from the outset and monitor progress. Ensure you put appropriate processes and staff policies in place. Social Media presents a great opportunity, but the greatest benefit will accrue to those who approach it strategically. For more contact Mancroft Communications on 01986 788011 or visit www.mancroftcommunications.co.uk
Providing PR and communications services to deliver your business goals. l Strategic PR & communications advice and support l Stakeholder, community and political engagement l Corporate reputation management l Media relations l Social media advice and strategy
If you have something to say, we’ll make sure you are heard.
For bespoke PR and communications contact us on: 01986 788011 info@mancroftcommunications.co.uk @mancroftcomms www.mancroftcommunications.co.uk
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NORFOLK CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Member 2 Member Offers.
Norfolk Chamber Membership. Free Training Sessions
Whether you are a large established organisation or an expanding enterprise, Chamber Membership provides you with access to essential services designed to help your business develop.
The Chamber hosts a weekly free training session delivered by our members, for our members. These run over a number of different topics from Branding, Sales, Social Media to IT Security.
Business Protection and Saving Money At the Chamber we understand that saving money is vital to any business, so to help make your money go further we’ll give you access to a number of business services designed to do just that. This includes n Free 24/7 Legal, Tax, VAT & HR helplines.
We support all businesses, of all size and sector, through the different stages of their business life. Our carefully negotiated range of services are selected to help your business develop in the following key areas:
Raising your profile The Chamber provides a range of opportunities designed to help you promote your business to members and the wider Norfolk business community. Our website is there to be used as a PR platform by our members to promote themselves and what they are doing. This can be from news updates to events and training you have valuable, offers to other chamber membership and blog posts to highlight your expertises within your sector.
Great Networking & Learning Opportunities By attending our events we give you the unique opportunity to meet businesses of all shapes and sizes from large cooperate to the small/ micro. With variety of networking events and high profile conferences throughout Norfolk, we create opportunities for you to make invaluable contacts, grow your business and build new, lasting commercial relationships. These range from networking breakfasts, evening social events, HR forums and large business conferences.
n Free legal expenses insurance worth up to £670,000.
With the new website launched the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce want to put more focus on profiling members to rest of the Norfolk Business community. This means that whatever is uploaded to our website will get a higher visibility and increased views. This also means that we An exclusive benefit to Chamber members from a sellers perspective; All members are given the opportunity to advertise the services and products to all of the Norfolk Chamber members for a fixed amount of time. The only criteria are that it has to be an exclusive offer, that normal customer do not receive. From a Customer Perspective; These exclusive offers, will not be something that you can get from a day to day basis, so next time you are looking to purchase a product or a service, have a look at our member 2 member offers.
n Free dedicated HR database of downloadable documents.
Offers uploaded onto our website, will be linked/ tweeted around the social media and in some cases they will even be displayed here in the Norfolk Voice.
n Discounted AA Business Car Insurance
Here are some of our current exiting offers:
Have a voice in Norfolk and influence policy The Norfolk Chamber is the collective ‘voice’ of business across the Norfolk region, representing the views and interests of our Members at local, regional and national levels. Our lobbying activity is shaped by our Members through our policy committees, area councils and regular surveys, ensuring that we accurately represent the interests of business across Norfolk. Our policy meetings can also bring you face to face with key decision-makers including local authority leaders, MPs and Ministers
25% Off Our Exciting Menu! Below Decks Restaurant Join us at The Below Decks Restaurant @ The Comfort Hotel Great Yarmouth and enjoy 25% off your total food bill until 1st May 2015. Offer available until: May 1 2015
Discounted Export Services We have a dedicated international team to advise you on all aspects of international trade, logistics and country documentation requirements.
Introductory corporate rate at Barnham Broom Hotel
Services include, export documentation, translations, training Courses and much more All export services are available at up to 50% discount to members.
Take advantage of our introductory corporate rate at the 4 star luxury Barnham Broom Hotel and let us showcase what we can offer the Business Traveler. Just £59 B&B per room per night standard room - single occupancy Offer available until: Mar 31 2015
The Norfolk Chamber launched its new website at the end of February, take a look at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
Retention of skills key to future energy success.
Why you should use video for marketing.
reaction of companies based in Aberdeen to substantially reduce headcount, is short sighted. Emma Bishop Chair of WEN and Business Consultant
In the 90’s there was a downturn in oil and gas, which saw significant numbers of people leave the industry and not return, escalating the issue of an already limited workforce.
So, we have all heard about the decline in the Oil Gas price over the last few months and we’re well aware of the existing problems for the UK Continental shelf (UKCS), including growing operational costs, reduced production efficiency and the difficulties recruiting and retaining a competent experienced workforce.
With a skills shortage already in the East of England, a further reduction would make it harder for companies to bounce back. A focus needs to remain on retention of key skills and personnel in the industry and where possible, weathering the storm.
These however, have now been exacerbated by the ongoing fall in oil prices, and with a need to stabilise the industry, the UK faces a challenging time ahead for the oil and gas industry.
Companies could use this as an ideal opportunity to review working practices, systems and people to encourage a resourceful approach to ensure sustainability of operations for when the oil price increases. Because it will increase.
So how does this affect the East of England, as it is a key hub for the energy industry in the UK. With Aberdeen significantly reducing staff and contractors, cancelling projects and drilling programmes, this has a knock on consequence for the supply chain that provide products and services to O&G Operators, some of which are based in East Anglia. This all being said, the bubble was always going to burst at some point, and there is a great opportunity for resourceful companies to be innovative. The biggest asset companies have are people. Yes, there are systems, processes and procedures, however people need to understand how to use and maximise the effectiveness of these to make a real difference to the bottom line. In my opinion, the knee jerk
Key stakeholders I work with have been looking at mergers and acquisitions of smaller companies and now is also an ideal time for smaller Independent privately owned operators to invest in Southern North Sea assets. As production continues to reduce and operating costs increase, abandonment and decommissioning activities become more commercially viable. There is an increasing prospect for companies to lend their expertise in this area, and gain experience, as inevitably, these skills and knowledge are going to be required in the future. I would finish off by saying, survival is about adapting to your environment. We can guarantee the only constant is change and therefore being flexible and thinking outside the box is paramount.
Crisis in our supply chain. What we have seen in recent news stories, such as Premier Foods, Heinz, Mars and Tesco, is not Lean; it is bullying by a larger Organisation of their Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s.) They have no consideration for the well-being of the supplier, nor for the long-term relationship. There are two distinct patterns to the present crisis: payment delays and fees to continue being regarded as a future supplier. The former is an attempt to use the SME as a cheaper way to create cash flow Estimates show that the cost of late payments has grown from £18billion in 2008 to about £46 billion today. The latter is a more worrying trend, because SME’s will want to keep their business and dare not complain. Lean Management tackles this issue where as suppliers are regarded as members of an
extended family. You establish a long-term partnership whereby you both work to identify cost savings, to achieve a mutual benefit. In some organisations an employee from your key supplier would be part of a new project team within your premises and vice-versa. The logic was that without adequate measures of quality, business drifts to the lowest bidder; lower quality which wills inevitable result in higher costs.
Keith Betts Director, Lean Management Training
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Michael Brook About My Business Video
There are so many benefits to using video to promote your business now. One vital statistic worth bearing in mind is that you are 53 times more likely to appear on Google’s first page with video than if you don’t have a video.
Creating a personal feel to your products/services Did you know products supported by video are 95% more likely to sell than products or services not supported by video? Video allows you to communicate directly and personally with your target audience. Many of our clients tell us, that when meeting customers for the first time after they watched their video or series of videos that customer often comments that they feel they already know them.
Dynamic Content When you come across a page that has video in the right place, so people can view it without scrolling down, you are much more likely to stay and watch the video then you would be to sit and read a page full of text.
Where you can place your video You can use the video of course on your own webpage. You can then post that same video with links back to your webpage (an important marketing tool) on many social media channels. You may also be a member of a professional body or membership organisation and be able to place your video on their webpages. Another surprising fact about video is that in actual fact it is very cost-effective. There is an upfront cost of creating a video. Unlike printed media where your adverts will expire, the video you produce can run and run and be used time and time again in many different places. Most of those places on which you would place your video will be free! Michael Brooks is delivering a chamber session on ‘Be Better at Video Marketing’ on 12 May 2015 for more information see page 38.
KNOWLEDGE
Why we chose Norwich for our digital business.
3 tips to get you started with your blogging strategy.
We chose Norfolk as the home for our thenfledgling digital business in 2009. With the benefit of hindsight, we know it was the right decision to make; and a similar vote of confidence in the county was echoed by Tech City UK just last week. Check it out yourself here, it’s really quite fascinating - www.techcityuk.com/wp-content/ uploads/2015/02/Tech%20Nation%202015.pdf
A regularly updated business blog can drive traffic to your website, increase customer loyalty, increase brand exposure and provide an information resource for your internal team. To help get you started with your blogging strategy, here are our top tips.
In that report, Norwich was named as one of 16 key clusters in the UK that are driving growth and jobs in the digital and creative sectors. The city’s strengths, according to the report lay in advertising, software development and telecomms. Not only that, but it reports that nearly 15,000 people in the region are employed in the sector.
A successful blog requires an investment in time and ideas from all corners of your business. Your blog will need a good mix of articles related to your industry and core products/services, analysis and commentary on recent industry events and posts related directly to your business (staff achievements, charity fundraisers etc). The key aim of a business blog is to educate and inform your readers – remember that your readers will be looking to learn something from your posts and once they find your content useful, they will be more inclined to return in the future.
What’s really significant is that this helps identify the Norwich that we all know. A vibrant, modern, cosmopolitan city that fosters an environment that brings out the best in people. I truly believe that the creative companies within our four walls should be really proud of the bar they set; because it’s noticeably higher than most. But there’s still work to be done to ensure that the region raises its visibility as a technology cluster; but this provides a really encouraging springboard. This won’t happen overnight, and it’s got to come from us - the very people that make this area special. Anyone who lives and works in the city has long known that its a hotbed for creativity, with a great, supportive business community. The businesses in the region are also supported by two excellent Universities and a string of enthusiastic and engaged colleges. For us, a keen engagement with young people is key in order to keep innovating. I think it’s critically important that young people view the county as an attractive place to work with positive job prospects and career potential. What I really love about working in this industry is that it is without boundaries. We really enjoy being based in Norfolk, but we have clients in Scotland, London, Amsterdam, Cambridge and even the Caribbean. The improvements to infrastructure and connectivity only serve to make this reach across local and international boundaries even simpler (I for one have thoroughly enjoyed a few trips up and down the new A11 lately!) So now more than ever, any business, particularly those in digital have an onus to expand their horizons and will find opportunities coming from all kinds of directions.
Alex Morris Lambda Films, Video Production & Marketing
1. Understand why you blog
these days. Focus on providing useful content that meets the needs of the end user ad is well optimised and your content will drive traffic to your site.
3. Encourage users to share and engage Use your social media profiles, website and email campaigns to broadcast each post and make it visible. If a reader engages with the post in the comments section or via social media make sure you respond and get involved with the discussion. Even if you receive negative comments or feedback, don’t shy away from the discussion. Michael is delivering a chamber session on ‘Be Better at improving your Digital Strategy’ on 19 May 2015 for more information see page 38.
2. Think about your readers first but don’t forget about the search engines
Michael Townsend SocialB
Writing content to please the search engines is an outdated tactic that doesn’t get you very far
The importance of trade training. One mistake made in International Trade can cost thousands of pounds, not to mention the time lost and frustrations, but most mistakes are so easy to avoid. They occur because staff have not been trained, but have learned on the job, or done it the way it has always been done. Therefore existing bad practices are repeated, and procedures and knowledge are out of date. Out of date procedures are often costly. Duties and rules may have been reduced for importers. Are you aware of recent changes? Would you employ an accountant who was not trained, or a machine operator who was not trained? Of course not. Yet many firms employ people to look after their International trade without any training. International trade is different from domestic trade. There are HMRC rules, rules of overseas customs, different methods of moving the goods, along with special packing and the movement documents, not to mention insuring the goods in transit. Then we need to pay for our imports or get paid for our exports. There are several methods of payment. Before all this, there is the costing. You need to know what costs you will incur, and how to recover them. Done properly exporting is often more profitable than home sales, and debtor days outstanding are often lower. – every director’s dream!
If you are an importer do you know how to take advantage of duty concessions and other concessions from HMRC? It may all sound a lot to bother about, but for properly trained staff it is not difficult, and the incentives of better bottom line and improved cashflow must not be ignored. Our led trainer is one of only 3 people in the country to have been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Export & International Trade. This was in recognition of his services to export and training. We deliver the BCC Accredited range of courses as well as others needed by exporters and importers, and we also offer in house bespoke training tailored to your precise needs delivered at your premises. Talk to us – let us help you turn that dream of better bottom line and better cash flow into a reality.
MARCH/APRIL 2015
Mike Strawson
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NORFOLK VOICE
Diary Dates 2015. NETWORKING EVENTS
WHAT: The essential supply chain event for the region where you can pre-book appointments with key buyers matched to your business, actively seeking your services. Book, plan, pitch. Open to all businesses. See page 37 for full details.
Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast WHERE: Great Yarmouth Race Course, Great Yarmouth WHEN: Thursday 2nd April, 07:30 – 09:30 WHAT: Join us for a morning of networking to meet new people, connect over an ice breaker and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Members only.
HR FORUMS HR Forum: Employment Law Updates
After Hours: Quiz Night! WHERE: The King’s Centre, Norwich
WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich
WHEN: Wednesday 22nd April, 18:00 – 20:00 WHAT: Let the Norfolk Chamber give you a great conversation starter to break the ice. Join us for an evening of networking in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere as we challenge you in a test of your local and general knowledge in our Quiz Night! With a round on Norfolk and on local businesses who knows you may be an answer to one of our teasers! Members only.
West Norfolk Business Breakfast
WHEN: Wednesday 4th March, 14:00 – 17:00
Norwich Business Breakfast WHERE: Norwich City Football Club WHEN: Thursday 14th May, 07:30 – 09:30 WHAT: Join us for a morning of networking to meet new people, connect over an ice breaker and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Members only.
WHAT: This HR Forum will focus on the impact of recent European and UK case law decisions addressing the calculation of holiday pay and provide strategic advice for HR professionals tasked with handling this difficult issue, as well as guiding them through the new right of shared parental leave and the implementation of this regime in practice. Sponsored and delivered by Howes Percival LLP. Open to all businesses.
WHERE: Best Western Plus Knights Hill Hotel & Spa WHEN: Friday 8th May, 08:00 – 10:00 WHAT: Join us and Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in West Norfolk for a morning of cross county business networking over a delicious breakfast. This breakfast will be a fantastic opportunity to network with your neighbours and make new contacts. Members only.
CHAMBER SESSIONS
SPECIAL EVENTS Meet the Buyer 2015 WHERE: Norwich City Football Club, Norwich
Free training delivered by members for our members at the Norfolk Chamber office in Norwich. See page 38 for full details.
WHEN: Thursday 19th March, 10:00 - 16:00
For more information and to see a full list of events visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Blast with networking at Norwich Breakfast. Join us for a morning of business networking on 14th of May in Norwich. Meet new people, connect over an ice breaker and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Learn key developments from our topical speaker. The event is exclusive to members only. We had continued success with our previous breakfast events as they nearly always get fully booked months in advance. It brings a great atmosphere and gratifying experience as 80+ Norfolk Chamber members from different local businesses get together in Norwich to do business over breakfast. Members already heard from, Jeff Henry, Chief Executive of Archant who was speaking about the ever changing world of media at the Norwich breakfast in February. After the speaker the delegates will have a chance to ‘safari network’ and move round the tables to meet new people and do business. It is inevitable as members always will make new contacts.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
CHAMBER EVENTS
Raise awareness for your business.
Meet the Buyer is the essential supply chain event for the region where you can prebook appointments with key buyers matched to your business, actively seeking your services. With our specialist matching software you will be able to make your appointments with buyers that specialise in the product and service that you seek to provide for. Now it’s your chance to pitch your services to Norfolk’s key buyers. Take the opportunity also to gain expert advice on sales topics from workshops, see the exhibitors and make new contacts over networking lunch!
You will have 10 minutes 1-2-1 face time with buyers! The website is now live and you can book your appointments to meet all those important buyers! We have 90 supplier bookings of which 450 appointments are booked already. What is more, we are adding more buyers on our website every week.
Book your appointments now on www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/ mtb. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to talk with prospects matched to your business.
Learn how Apprenticeships can benefit your business. Norfolk Chamber in association with the National Apprenticeship Service is hosting a business breakfast to help explore how apprenticeships can benefit your business.
At the event you will hear directly from businesses who currently employs apprentices, young people employed as apprentices and the National Apprentice Service who will explain how it all works. Many businesses now see apprenticeships as a brilliant way to support the recruitment and training needs of their business – why not join them!
The breakfast takes place on Thursday 21 May in Norwich, for more information please visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
CHAMBER EVENTS
Better your Business through Chamber Sessions. Expert advice, professional trainers and free attendance combine to create the Chamber Sessions.
Tuesday 12 May, 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Video Marketing Discover the benefits to using the psychology of video to promote your business. These benefits range from the technical and statistical to the behavioural and emotional. In this Chamber Session, learn how your business can use video marketing to communicate your messages and ideas with Michael Brook, About My Business.
Free weekly training sessions delivered by our expert Chamber members for our Chamber members every week at Norfolk Chamber offices 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.
Tuesday 19 May, 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Improving Your Digital Marketing
THE CHAMBER SESSIONS SERIES 6 Tuesday 10 March, 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Google Adwords A high Google ranking is essential for many businesses and Google AdWords PayPer-Click (PPC) advertising is the closest thing to being able to guarantee a page 1 ranking on Google. Matt Brown from One Vision will explain how businesses can find competitive advantage by including online advertising within their marketing toolkit. Thursday 26 March, 12:30-14:00
Be Better at Customer Care Everyone knows what good customer service looks like, but do you know how to manage it throughout your business, and turn “good” into “excellent”? Fiona Temple of OPEN Contact will help you understand the purpose of customer care and how you define it for your organisation.
THE CHAMBER SESSIONS SERIES 7
This session is aimed to get delegates thinking about how their website and more importantly their business/ brand is found, viewed and perceived online. Michael Townsend of Social B aims to cover topics including PPC, SEO, Social Media, Website Content, Blogging, Website Analytics and more. Thursday 21 May, 12:30-14:00
Tuesday 28 April, 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Email Marketing
Be Better at LinkedIn
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.
If you think LinkedIn is just another social network, then you are missing a great opportunity to represent and promote your company. John Davy, Dojo Media Consulting will explain creating company pages dos and don’ts, linking company and employee pages for powerful results and much more. Thursday 30th April, 12:30 – 14:00
Be Better at Crisis Communication Learn how to control a story, before it controls you, why company reputation means more to your business than you think and how to save your company from the media pit bulls when the mud is flying. Learn by example, learn from Kate Morfoot of Jungle Communications.
Tuesday 2nd June, 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Effectiveness It’s increasingly important that we learn to establish the right priorities and stop imposing such unrealistic demands on ourselves. There is a lot of information on how to be more effective and they often focus on getting things done, however the key question you need to be asking yourself is “Why am I doing this in the first place?” Join Ian Hacon of Yellow Brick Road as he explores top tips for better effectiveness.
For more information on FREE training for members and to book your place visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
MEMBERS NEWS
Metalfrog Presents new social website with former Dragon at ICC Arena. Chris said “ It is an honour, a privilege, and also slightly nerve-racking, to be standing and presenting with such a prolific and influential person as Theo. The Ryman team and my company have become a great partnership, which has extended from simply being #SBS Winners, into creating the brand, the official badges, and the website. We have worked with (what was) Ryman Group for over three years now, and I am delighted that I can call Theo and his senior management team ‘friends’.
Norwich-based Metalfrog Studios Limited Presents New Social Media Website to Business Entrepreneurs at ICC Arena in Birmingham Last Friday, Chris Wheeler, Managing Director of Award Winning Digital Marketing Agency, Metalfrog Studios Limited, presented a new interactive, responsive website, live on stage at the ICC Arena in Birmingham, with Serial Entrepreneur and Head of the newly formed Theo Paphitis Retail Group, Theo Paphitis. Chris and Theo delivered a live demonstration of the site and showed its instant positive search engine impact upon winners of Theo’s Small Business Sunday Twitter initiative, to over 1000 business entrepreneurs. The Metalfrog team has created a fantastic, bespoke web centre for the Winners to enable them to privately blog, add offers for general viewing, receive business tips, advice from Theo
himself, and much more besides. The designers and developers, alongside the social media management and marketing team, at Metalfrog Studios have been working on this project for six months. This is the second version of the site Chris has delivered with Mr Paphitis.
Theo said: “Chris and his team have done an amazing job on this website, working well with my team at Ryman. Chris has always had my admiration as someone who always delivers, for me and for other clients he has, and I would not hesitate in recommending him and Metalfrog to anyone. I am impressed.”
JMS Group help Affinty Water Have you got customers save water. the Midas Touch? Pole agreed that we could have him for the day. We also found Ian, our sleepy water-waster who was happy with the prospect of being slapped around the face for as many takes as required to get the shot. A rare breed indeed.
JMS were approached by Campaign Works to produce a public information video about water-conservation for their client Affinity Water. Armed with a storyboard involving slapping someone with a fish and the knowledge that they liked the cinematic style of “Sean Of The Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” director Edgar Wright, we set our production team on the hunt like blood hounds to sniff out suitable actors, locations and most importantly – props. For the actors we knew we needed someone with a stereotypical Fisherman appearance to deliver the slap, and the iconic white beard and weathered red cheeks were found with Chris. More renowned for playing Father Christmas than Captain Birdseye, we were lucky to be shooting late summer, and the elves at The North
Finally we came to sourcing the perfect fish. One of our team enquired at a local supermarket “What fish would you recommend to slap someone round the face with?” The friendly but surprised Fishmonger selected a large fish from the icy display and demonstrated how the fish slap would play out on his rather shocked passing colleague. Our now excited researcher asked “Do you think it would lend itself to being covered in Vaseline, or makeup to bring out its natural features?” On receiving blank, confused stares from the Fishmonger and his colleague our intrepid researcher retreated rather quickly to the safety of the biscuit isle. Anyway after test shots were complete we decided it best to proceed with a rubber fish afterall, and found a suitable one which was actually a dog toy… who knew! So on the day of the shoot, the crew, actors and rubber fish all performed well, Chris rose to the challenge and delivered the slap with stony faced precision, furrowed brow, and perfect comedic timing that matched Ian’s shocked performance. The star of the show though was obviously the fish.
At Norwich Castle we need to raise £14,500 to re-gild the frame of one of our rarest and most famous paintings, The Paston Treasure, before it goes on display as the centrepiece of a major international exhibition. Visit artfund.org/arthappens-norwich if you’d like to donate – and bag yourself some great rewards as a thank you for your support, including an exclusive tote bag, a beautiful photo-book or a VIP day that takes you behind the scenes at the museum. The Paston Treasure is a Norfolk masterpiece of international importance. It was painted by an unknown Dutch artist at Oxnead Hall in Norfolk around 1670 and portrays some of the treasures collected by the famous Paston family. See The Paston Treasure for yourself in the Treasure, Trade & the Exotic Gallery at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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NORFOLK VOICE
COMMERCIAL PROPER TY
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TO LET Breckland Business Centre
TO LET 4 Rutherford Way
– Serviced offices ranging from 73 sq ft (6.8m2) to 1208.40 sq ft (112.26m2) – Excellent town centre location – Available now, viewing highly essential – EPC rating: D
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01362 656378 / 656210 commercial.property@breckland.gov.uk www.breckland.gov.uk/businessproperty
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01603 227966 / 7 www.nps.co.uk
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
For more information please call Jill or Jenny on 01603 227966 / 7 www.nps.co.uk
MEMBERS NEWS
Norwich business to sponsor Leon McKenzie’s first title fight. Norwich based business telecommunications provider, Comms Supply, has revealed that it will be the prime sponsor of Leon McKenzie’s first title fight on 14 March. McKenzie, a former Norwich City striker whose two goals at Ipswich in December 23 2003 sent City to the top of Division One, made his boxing debut on 29 June 2013 is unbeaten his professional fights so far. In March 2015 he will be competing for the International Masters Super Middleweight title at York Hall in London, with his opponent still to be announced. “We are extremely proud to be sponsoring Leon as he works towards this crucial next step in his boxing career,” says Karl Alderton, founder and managing director of Comms Supply. “I’ve followed Leon’s career both as a footballer and boxer and have always been impressed by his honesty, integrity and focus as an individual and a sportsman.
“Leon was kind enough to support us with our fundraising efforts for Norfolk charity The Benjamin Foundation last year so it’s great to be able to return that favour,” adds Karl. “We’ll be routing for him every step of the way and are looking forward to seeing him compete in March.”
Iconic site.
Leon McKenzie said: “I am grateful to Comms Supply for sponsoring what I am sure is going to be a great fight, especially with it being my first title fight. Norwich was really important to my football career and is now playing a major part in my boxing career: I’m so pleased that I have a business from Norwich supporting me. “It’s also fantastic that so many people from Norwich are planning to attend the fight,” continues Leon. “I am glad I can still retain my links with Norwich and Norfolk from my time playing for Norwich City Football Club.” Demonstrating the level of support that exists for Leon McKenzie in his former home of Norwich, Rob Butler from BBC Radio Norfolk (@bobrutler) is organising a coach trip to see the title fight at York Hall.
Working for London creative agency Accord Group, JMS were commissioned to produce a looping film for Canadian travel experts Canadian Affair, to broadcast on London’s iconic One Piccadilly and Euston, Victoria and Waterloo stations. The campaign was a big success. You can see a short video of the films in situ on the vimeo link.
Innovative fundraising agency purchased for Charity BackRoom. A pioneering Norfolk infrastructure organisation has added fundraising to the range of services offered by its trading arm, Charity BackRoom and the services it can now offer to charities, voluntary groups and other not-for-profit organisations. Voluntary Norfolk has acquired the business of Blue Tree Fundraising including all of its existing contracts and commitments. Blue Tree Fundraising is a well established fundraising agency which particularly focuses on raising funds for small and medium-size not-for-profit organisations. The services offered include researching and writing grant applications or appeals letters to grant making trusts. For organisations that don’t have their own fundraising staff or much capacity Blue Tree Fundraising can help with raising funds at minimal cost. Brian Horner, Chief Executive of Voluntary Norfolk, said “Charities and voluntary groups have been through a difficult few years. Raising funds has
become increasingly challenging for many. We are delighted that we will now be able to offer a service tailored to meeting the needs of such groups which will help them continue their vital work in their communities” Matthew Adam, of Blue Tree Fundraising, said: “From the early days of Blue Tree we could see there was a definite need for high quality professional fundraising at a low cost, to enable smaller charities to tap into the services they were normally priced out of. This need continues to grow and we have found in Voluntary Norfolk a particularly entrepreneurial and outwardlooking organisation which will allow us to expand to help even more people.” Through its Charity BackRoom trading arm Voluntary Norfolk already provides a range of back office services to charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises. These include HR support and employment law, DBS checks, payroll and accounting, and health and safety.
MARCH/APRIL 2015
PAGE41
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NORFOLK VOICE
NEW MEMBERS
New Members. Associated British Ports
Grosvenor Casino
Maids Head Hotel
01553 691555
01493 850444
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Offshore Services
Leisure & Tourism
Hotels
www.abports.co.uk/kingslynn
Azure Interiors
www.grosvenorcasinos.com
Gumleaf Ltd
www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk
Monica Machado
07733 333069
08458 120120
01223 969744
Furniture Manufacturers/ Suppliers (inc office)
Clothing - All
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www.azure-interiors.co.uk
www.gumleaf.com
www.mmachadotranslation.co.uk
Gutter Force Ltd Center Parcs Elveden Forest 08448 267715
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01508 490999
www.gutter-force.co.uk Gutter Cleaning
Naked Element Ltd 01603 383458
www.nakedelement.co.uk Software Developers
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Iceni Wealth Management Cliff Park Schools Trust Ltd 01603 661523 Education
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International Projects Dragon Security Systems 01603 783958
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RTA Global Ltd 0191 7070 101
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01603 753 340
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The Change Matrix Ltd 07949 992 444
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Lindon Trading Ltd Eastern Edge Ltd 01502 509305
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Luminous PR 07966 291216
www.luminouspr.com Frank Rosenberg MBA 07850 399659
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www.norfolkwoodburners.co.uk Heating/Plumbing Suppliers
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF
A week in the Life of... Emma Morgan – Assistant Accountant
Monday
The weekend seems long gone by the time I get into the office on Monday morning! While taking a back up of our system I manage to make a cup of de-caff tea and download the bank statement for reconciliation. We have a weekly Chamber meeting at 9am on a Monday to talk about what we’re doing during the week and what impact it might have on other staff members. It’s accounts week so after the Monday morning meeting I get straight to work on the first draft of the accounts which takes most of the day. I also record some cheques that we have received in the post and leave the office a little earlier than normal to pay the cheques into the bank on my way home.
Tuesday
Today starts with the continuation of the draft accounts ready for the CEO to approve. I also need to process a Direct Debit collection (we collect Direct Debits on the 1st and 15th of the month for subscription invoices). Thankfully I have Darcy (one of our apprentices) working with me today so I’ve asked her to make a start on credit control phone calls.
Wednesday
I need to meet with Philippa from the Events team today to review the events budget for the month. This results in a couple of small changes to the accounts and once they’re dealt with I pass the accounts to
the CEO. In the afternoon I catch up with emails that I’ve received this week, reconcile the PDQ machine receipts and process invoices from suppliers. I also manage to find an hour to do some work on the budget for next year and also the reforecast for the Year End position.
Thursday
I spend the morning working with Jack from the Membership team processing the subscription renewal invoices. Once we have printed all the invoices from the system we then have to ensure that any of the Direct Debit renewals are updated on our system to ensure we collect the right amount of money and the payment schedule on the invoice is followed. I spend the afternoon making credit control calls and posting out statements to customers.
Friday
First thing in the morning I reconcile the bank account with a de-caff tea. The accounts have been agreed and signed so I can tick that off my to-do list. Next up on the list is some extra analysis on costs which our CEO has requested. This doesn’t take too long and the rest of the day is taken up with processing invoices, checking statements, credit control phone calls, sorting and filing paper work on my desk and finishing off sending out customer statements. Before I go home I re-write my to-do list with the things that I’m rolling over to next week and I look forward to getting home and curling up with my cat Juan and a large glass of wine for an evening of awful TV with my hubby!
Emma Morgan
SaxonAir commences commercial flights. SaxonAir have welcomed the first Nextant 400XTi light jet onto their operating fleet. The aircraft is operated under SaxonAir’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) and will be available for commercial charter alongside flights undertaken on behalf of the owner. This aircraft is the first of the latest 400XTi variant to be delivered into Europe, which sees it operating alongside six of the earlier successful XT variants, and the first of the type into the
UK. The operation comes just months after SaxonAir were awarded the exclusive sales representation rights for Nextant Aerospace products throughout the UK and Ireland together with general coverage into many other areas of Europe. The spacious feature packed cabin incorporating fingertip climate control, sculpted wide 4-axis lateral tracking club seats and an espresso machine has proven incredibly popular with passengers. Using the latest technology including modern Williams International engines enables the 400XTi to fly further and fastest then similar aircraft, yet offers a much quieter cabin and a significant reduction in operating costs. “We’re really pleased to add the Nextant to our fleet alongside our already very popular Hawker 400XP. Our current customer base will be able to benefit from the Nextant’s outstanding
range whilst also enjoying the same high levels of comfort. The Nextant has a charter range in excess of 1700nm opening up destinations such as Istanbul,” said Lee McGahan, SaxonAir Charter Manager. The project to gain approvals in the operation of the Nextant has come about from a collaboration of various departments and specialists within SaxonAir’s group of companies. In excess of 6,000 hours go into the remanufacturing of each aircraft and the type has now proven its capabilities on a global scale – with the combined fleet reaching a 50,000 flight hour milestone. SaxonAir’s private charter fleet now consists of the Citation Mustang, Hawker 400XP, Nextant 400XTi, King Air 350 and two Hawker 900XP aircraft alongside various Eurocopter helicopters.
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
The last word. Name: Stuart Rimmer Company: Principal & CEO Job Title: Great Yarmouth College Biog:
Stuart joined the College in summer 2014 as Principal and Chief Executive Officer to lead Great Yarmouth College (GYC) Previously Director of Quality and Enterprise for 7 years at Lancaster and Morecambe College and prior to that at Newcastle College, Stuart, 39, leads GYC as it undergoes its £6.2m make over and remodel of facilities due for completion in September 2015. Students’ progression on to full-time careers, apprenticeships, or degrees at Great Yarmouth College must take top priority. “All students must have a clear, planned, focused and secure progression and should develop resilience, wellbeing and character while they’re at GYC to set them up for a life in the workplace.” Great Yarmouth College – turns over £13 million per year and has around 350 staff. It was voted the highest rated college in Norfolk and Suffolk for employer satisfaction - would focus on developing even stronger relationships with businesses across Norfolk and north Suffolk by offering training, full-funded opportunities and the development of a new corporate business club with incentives for businesses to engage with the college.
What was your first job and what was the pay packet? It was loading boxes in a warehouse for £2.50 per hour. I thought it was great as I always got overtime.
What do you always carry with you to work? These days it’s my mobile phone to run calendars, email etc. Technology is great but I wonder if it would be sometimes better to switch it off and just focus on people not constant communications.
What is the biggest challenge facing your business? The same as most businesses; a rising cost base and limited scope for growing income. As a mainly publically funded business we accept we do need to innovate but the under resourcing for years has left limited capacity for development and research. As a business the ability to deliver the highest quality product in the way people need it is crucial. For us that’s education and I truly believe it changes lives.
If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business? Simplify the tax systems. Raise the bottom rate of tax to over £20,000 and simplify NI and in-work benefits so they don’t penalise employers for taking on new work or employees for earning more and progressing. Too much resource is wasted by business in navigating difficult employment tax regulation.
What can you see from your office window? Students of all ages learning and switching on to the business world in our new look refurbished campus.
If you could do another job, what would it be? Be a performance coach for business, sport and people looking for change at an individual level. I run a small coaching practice in leadership and wellbeing. I love watching people develop, be challenged and see new possibilities. That’s what the main college job is about too, just on a bigger scale.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
As a business person, what are your three main qualities? I’d like to think being able to think strategically, having an operational drive to make things happen and a fierce resilience to overcome the inevitable bumps in the road. For the real answers you’d have to ask my team.
What was your biggest mistake in business? Taking a quick ‘too good to be true’ deal when working at the textile manufacturer and importing a quarter of a million low quality Chinese made baseball caps without a buyer lined up. They lost a fortune and filled the warehouse and offices for months. It taught me a lot about the simple maths of business and how cash flow is important.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Get a good mentor, get a good plan, get on with it.
Who do you admire most in business? Anyone in small business who takes on an apprentice. They have to generate their own work every single day, run their business and they still find time to give back with supporting someone on their journey. That’s worthy of admiration.
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