Norfolk Voice 28

voic e

norfolk Opening up a world of opportunity for our young people

Cover Feature

Big Interview

Chamber website proves itself as a key benefit for members

Confidence is in the air at Bernard Matthews

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Commited to Success

MAY JUNE 2015

Email: carole.randall@anglia.ac.uk Email: carole.randall@anglia.ac.uk

Tel: 0845 196 4310 Tel: 0845 196 4310

CONTENTS

Contents.

03

Norfolk business confidence is still growing although at a slightly slower pace. The member news stories throughout this edition, show that lots of Norfolk businesses are being positive about their future and are shouting about their successes.

As you will see in one of our key feature stories, Norfolk Chamber is all about our members and we are really proud that our new website provides the opportunity to showcase the very best of Norfolk and is designed to help our members to raise their profile across the county and beyond (see page 24). The website statistics are increasing, with monthly visits to the website now in excess of 7,500 per month. All member news stories are linked back to that members’ online directory entry, so it is has never been easier, or more effective to use the Chamber website as one of your organisation’s marketing tools. If you have not yet had a look at our re-vamped website... please do as soon as possible: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk As previously outlined in last edition, the Chamber’s key campaigns for this year are: n Development of the A11 and A47 Growth Corridors

Welcome/Contents

16 21

Technology Feature

04 05

Chamber News

28 31

Business Support

06

Members News

34 39

Conference Feature

08 09

Members News

10 11

Chamber Policy

12 13

Members News

14 15

International Trade

22 23

The Big Interview

24 27

Cover Features

32

Knowledge

33

Norfolk Chamber Membership

40 43

10

Chamber Events

24

45

Members News

46

New Members

47

Members News

48

A Week in the Life of

49

Members News

50

The Last Word

43

n Improvement to Digital Connectivity n Developing the Talent of our Young People n Growing Norfolk’s Global Trade.

In this edition we start to open up the world of opportunity available to our young people and hear from some of our Chamber members on a few of the ways the business community can help young people into work (page 26).

The Chamber is also really excited about our ‘Bridging the Gap…between Education and Business’ breakfast event. We are holding it at The Space on Thursday 21 May 2015. This is a chance to bring together the local business community, young people and education/training providers to highlight the importance of young people in business and to emphasise the benefits of apprenticeships. The event is open to members and non members and I hope to see lots of you there!

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

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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

MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Experience of work.

Norfolk tourism isn’t just for 12 weeks.

Ian Hacon President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

In this article you will read about our Young People Campaign. I wanted to share with you my recent and ongoing experience of offering work experience. I know many students simply do not get offered meaningful work experience and many employers think it’s a lot more difficult than it actually is.

For those of you that don’t know, my company, Yellow Brick Road only started last year, and currently has just the one employee, me. I met a young lady called Kate at an event and we chatted about her desire to follow a career in coaching or counselling or similar. Kate is in the final year of her philosophy degree at the UEA. We have yet to establish a big enough client base to sustain any extra resources but as you can imagine in a young business with a very busy founder there is much to do.

A few weeks later Kate started working for me one day per week.

I wanted to make the experience meaningful to Kate and useful to me, so I set her to work reviewing the content, logistics and timing for the London master class I had coming up.

She then came with me to London to participate in the course.

She followed up by looking at evaluation and feedback and further more, the content and administration. Of course she did not do this all alone, I did give plenty of advice support and guidance, but she did take on a clear project she took ownership of.

Kate added so much value to that project for me and had insights due to her different life experiences to me, in particular the insight of someone much younger. I think this is really overlooked with work experience, young people grew up with the technology and social connectivity that I think I’m okay at, but am no master. Of course the cross over from the subjects of philosophy and psychology also helped.

There have been so many positives for me in the experience. I will let Kate add her thoughts in her own words; “No matter how much you learn from your time in education the reality is, that nothing can replace the value of learning within the workplace. My time with Ian has provided life experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. Don’t underestimate the impact you as a business could have.”

– Kate McCormack So if you think giving someone some work experience is too complicated and not worth the effort, I would urge you to reconsider.

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This was the theme for our Great Yarmouth breakfast in April where 55 businesses attended, hearing from Brand Manager at Visit Norfolk, Pete Waters and Great Yarmouth Business Grosvenor Casino who gave delegates an insight into the presence tourism has in Norfolk and specifically, Great Yarmouth.

The breakfast had plenty of networking opportunities before delegates sat down to enjoy icebreakers plus a Safari move later on for them to make new connections.

Event sponsors, Norse Commercial Services, gave delegates a brief history of the company and what they are currently doing to help boost tourism and keep the area of Great Yarmouth tidy and enticing.

Pete Waters talked about what Norfolk has to offer and some of the challenges they and the county are facing and stressed that we need to boost tourism all year round and boast about what we have on offer as a county out of the summer season.

Trevor Saunders then gave a business case on how businesses in Great Yarmouth are working together to increase visitors and what can be done better.

Join us at our next Great Yarmouth breakfast on 10 September, visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

Key supply chain event drives more business for Norfolk!

Businesses from all over Norfolk made their way to be at Meet The Buyer in March, an important supply chain event.

The event was run by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and supported by Norfolk County Council, Archant, Norse, Empresa and Suffolk Chamber.

In a vibrant environment 200+ suppliers gathered at the Norwich City Football Club ready to pitch to key buyers of the region. Suppliers were matched with buyers requirements using Norfolk Chamber’s bespoke software system, allowing them to pre-book appointments and have time to do their research. Suppliers had a unique opportunity to pitch their products and services in 10 minute appointments.

Michelle Dunger, a supplier from Hales Group commented “a fabulous event, organised and seamless in detail. Quality networking, being able to meet the ‘real’ people who make the decisions. I will certainly be back next year.”

While not at appointments suppliers had a chance to make a great selection of contacts as they were able to visit the business support exhibition, attend expert led workshops and network over lunch.

The key success of the event is the positivity from both suppliers and buyers and their enthusiasm of new connections that they have made.

For more information and find out upcoming events visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Members test their knowledge. introduce them to new connections. Winsor Bishop finished as the ice breaker winners, having their business card named the best in the room.

Once the quiz had started the competitiveness flourished through 4 rounds, including some general knowledge, a Norfolk themed round and a movies and images round.

Over 50 of our members teamed up at The King’s Centre for a test of their local and general knowledge, all battling to be crowned Norfolk Chamber’s Quiz Night Champions.

The evening started with a networking ice breaker where we mixed up the teams to

Mixed team GGS, Tactile Solutions and Anglian Business Cleaning walked away with the title after a tie breaker question had to be used between themselves and team Lovewell Blake.

All teams ranked high on the score board with none earning below 75 points, but our winning team won with a total score of 80 out of the available 94 points! With plenty of networking and our special guest host Nicky Price of the BBC, it was a relaxed evening enjoyed by all. n Take the chance to try your cocktails making skills at our next After Hours: Cocktail Hour. View page 43 or visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

National Apprenticeship Awards 2015.

The National Apprenticeship Awards recognise excellence in businesses that grow their own talent through apprenticeships and the apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces. You can find out more about the awards by visiting: www. apprenticeawards.co.uk. n The closing date for entries for the 2015 awards is: Friday 22 May 2015 at 5:00pm.

MAY/JUNE 2015

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MEMBERS NEWS

Abellio Greater Anglia’s first upgraded Mk III carriage now in service.

The first of Abellio Greater Anglia’s intercity Mk III carriages to be upgraded as part of the operator’s £12m refurbishment programme for its intercity trains is now in service

new taps; re-painting of the carriage interior saloon and vestibule panels, walls and ceilings.

Exterior painting of all carriages is also being undertaken as part of a separate programme already underway.

The work is being carried out at a specially prepared facility at Abellio Greater Anglia’s Crown Point Depot in Norwich by the company’s partner for the project Vossloh Kiepe. The first full set of refurbished carriages is due to enter service in the Spring, with the full programme completed by the end of the train operator’s current short franchise in October 2016. A number of carriages will be modified to enable more Standard seats to be provided - over 2,500 a day or over 600,000 a year.

This carriage was the first of the 119 to be upgraded and forms part of the set of carriages on the 09.30 Norwich to London Liverpool Street service.

Abellio Greater Anglia Managing Director Jamie Burles and regional stakeholders were at Norwich station to welcome the first upgraded carriage at 09.00 prior to the departure of the 09.30 service.

The significant refresh will see all of the train operator’s Mk III fleet enhanced, with

KLM UK Engineering wins award.

improvements throughout for both First Class and Standard carriages including, plug points; new LED lighting; new carpets; new tables; new seat covers; upgraded environmentally-friendly controlled emission toilets with new floors and

Abellio Greater Anglia’s Managing Director Jamie Burles said: “This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to raise service standards on the Great Eastern Main Line.”

Business commits to year of fundraising.

Local insurance brokers and financial planners Alan Boswell Group (ABG) have announced they will be supporting ‘Break’ as their Charity of the Year for 2015.

Break, a Norfolk based charity has been providing a diverse range of specialist residential and community based services for vulnerable children, young people and families across East Anglia for more than 45 years.

KLM UK Engineering has been awarded Apprenticeship Employer of the Year for Large Company (over 250 staff) by City College Norwich at their annual Apprenticeship Awards.

Andy Mackay, Operations Director, said: “We are extremely honoured to have received this award and look forward to our continuing cooperation with City College Norwich and, in the future, the new Norwich International Aviation Academy.”

Photographed left to right - Arjan Meijer KLM UK Managing Director, Andy Mackay KLM UK Operations Director & Corrienne Peasgood Principle City College Norwich.

Alan Boswell Group have committed to sponsoring two dragons in this year’s GoGoDragons! Heritage Trail around Norwich City centre before the dragons are auctioned off for the charity and will also be taking part in Break’s other events.

Additionally the Group will be hosting a golf day at Costessey Park for corporate guests and hoping to improve on their own performance in the annual ‘Boswell Cup’, an inter-business football tournament held at Carrow Road in May. Various raffles, cake sales and dress down days will boost the coffers in what, the Group hope, will be another bumper year in terms of charitable giving.

Director of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers, Heath Alexander-Bew, said: “Raising money for charity is a really simple way of helping our local community whilst building team spirit. It is a

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

classic win-win situation and we’re really pleased to be able to support Break during one of their biggest fund raising years ever.”

Martin Green, Project Manager at Break, reiterated Heath’s comments “We’re obviously thrilled to have Alan Boswell Group commit to their fundraising events this year on behalf of Break and are looking forward to a successful partnership.”

GoGoDragons! is a Wild in Art event brought to Norwich by Break charity. You can find out more about GoGoDragons! by searching for GoGoDragons! on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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Norfolk Copiers Ltd. supply an extensive range of mono and colour products from leading manufacturers including Kyocera, Konica Minolta, Olivetti, Develop and Utax.

SERVICING We provide service and supplies for leading makes of MFP’s including Kyocera, Konica Minolta, Olivetti, Develop, and Utax. Support is offered remotely, on-site, or in our workshops in Drayton, Norwich.

CONSUMABLES We supply original and generic consumables for a wide range of office printing equipment.

Competitive pricing means we will always try to better or match the price on these products.

CONTACT Visit our website: www.norfolk-copiers.co.uk Email contact: mail@norfolkcopiers.co.uk Postal: 4 Drayton Ind. Estate, Taverham Road, Drayton, Norwich, Norfolk. NR8 6RL

TELEPHONE: (01603) 861363

NORFOLK VOICE

Norfolk recruiters listed in nation’s top 25 bestto-work-for employers.

In an anonymous survey, 88.6% of staff – average age 30 – said their managers were excellent role models. Only nine companies scored higher nationally.

Cooper Lomaz, was ranked 15th for both team relationships and opportunities for personal career development, and 17th for pay and benefit satisfaction.

“It’s lovely to get that external recognition of our team-centred ethos.” said Mr Fletcher.

“We are thrilled by the way everyone helps each other and takes great care to support new staff, assisting them with training and their understanding of the job.”

A national survey has ranked Norfolk recruitment specialists Cooper Lomaz as the 22nd best small company to work for.

Inclusion in the prestigious Sunday Times top 100 list has delighted bosses at the business, which has offices in Norwich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds. Founded a quarter-century ago, Cooper Lomaz turned over £14m last year, expanding employee numbers from 44 to 65.

Mark Fletcher, Operations Director at Cooper Lomaz, said: “It’s the best award we have ever been given as a business. It is a great endorsement of how much effort everyone at Cooper Lomaz puts in to making this a fantastic place to work.”

“We pride ourselves on having a great perks and incentives package and a brilliant working environment in state-of-the-art offices,” said Mr Fletcher.

Cooper Lomaz has a strong track record of promoting from within. Mark Fletcher and newlyappointed Managing Director Richard Mould both started as consultants.

“Cooper Lomaz Recruitment has big ambitions for the future, so it will come as no surprise that we expect a lot from our people.”

“We are currently recruiting for our Norwich office, so if you’ve got what it takes and want to work for an top award-winning company, get in touch,” added Mark Fletcher.

Norfolk’s Rinse & Recycle Campaign launches.

Norfolk’s residents have really got behind the recycling effort and with the new types of rubbish being accepted at the Costessey plant it means thousands of tonnes of more rubbish can be recycled.

Two issues remain and they are around contamination - either food or liquid remaining in carton/bottle/tub or the rubbish being ‘bagged’ up. The ‘Rinse and Recycle’ campaign aims to tackle this issue to ensure as much rubbish as possible can be recycled.

Norfolk’s Recycling Revolution continues to go from strength to strength with the latest campaign push focusing on rinsing the recycling before putting it in the bin to be recycled.

Herbert Woods invests £300k to Dazzle.

It’s supported by a colourful poster campaign and a new 3 minute video JMS produced for Norse (see below) to show how the plant works and the importance of cleaning out the rubbish before putting it in the bin.

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Herbert Woods, a leading Norfolk Broads holiday operator located in Potter Heigham, has launched a new cruiser to its fleet of boats - ‘Dazzling Light.’

With a £300K investment into producing two of these cruisers, taking six months to build on-site, the newly built Dazzling Light cruiser is a 44 foot, eight berth vessel, and was the first one of two entering the water from the end of March 2015.

Amanda Walker, Marketing Director of Herbert Woods said: “We are committed to keeping up with our programme of investment to ensure we have the best cruisers available.

“Our skilled workforce have enabled us to build all the boats at our headquarters at Potter Heigham in Norfolk. This means we can control every aspect of the building process and make sure it is done to our exact standards.”

John Packman, Chief Executive Officer at Broads Authority, said: “The Authority is committed to supporting the hire boat industry and the tourism economy of the Broads and I’m really delighted to see historic companies like Herbert Woods are embracing new technology, investing in new boats and attracting new customers.

This is another example of how the Broads has become a destination of quality.”

MEMBERS NEWS

Freebridge makes Sunday Times best companies list.

West Norfolk based housing and community organisation Freebridge, which debuted at number 55 on the Times Best Companies List in 2014, has once again made the list for 2015.

The process assesses companies on themes such as Leadership, My Team, Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Giving Something Back and My Manager.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive, said: “I am so pleased to learn that we have, once again, made the Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For list for the second year in a row.

Freebridge has also been rated a One Star accreditation meaning the organisation is ‘very good at employee engagement’

“Our placing on the list is very much down to our employees, who make Freebridge such a great place to work. I would like to thank our employees for their ongoing support and all that they are doing to meet the needs of our customers, which is our most important business priority.”

Through the Best Companies process, Freebridge employees were able to share their thoughts on the organisation through a confidential survey. In addition, Freebridge also completed an extensive questionnaire which provided an overview of its working practices and culture.

“We have found that there are real business benefits from being part of the Best Companies process. Being one of the Best Companies to work for has helped us to recruit new employees, improve employee engagement and ultimately deliver customer satisfaction.

US2U Consulting goes back to school.

“It is great to have one of the best companies to work for here in West Norfolk as it supports our vision of A Better West Norfolk.”

Lord Heseltine visits new Anglia Growth Hub. The Government’s adviser on local growth Lord Heseltine visited Ipswich to meet the New Anglia Growth Hub team, based at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on the waterfront.

Being an active part of the community is extremely important to US2U Consulting and recently they have been helping year 11 students at Sprowston High School in Norwich to experience what a job interview feels like.

Part of the ‘Inspiring the Future’ initiative (www.inspiringthefuture.org), the work is designed to prepare them for the workplace and provides a great opportunity to put into practice their skills and knowledge of what it takes to secure a job in today’s competitive employment market.

“It’s tough to get a job when you first leave education so having the ability to impress a prospective employer in an interview is a must,” said John Miller, Director of US2U Consulting.

Established last summer by New Anglia LEP, the Growth Hub is a one-stop-shop for business support and funding information. It is one of several Growth Hubs set up nationally to give business owners a clearer route to business support.

Lord Heseltine has called for more powers to be devolved from London to the regions to help local business leaders access help and support they need to grow.

During his visit, Lord Heseltine met with five local businesses who the Growth Hub has helped to grow by signposting them to specialist providers of business support. He spent time talking to each of the businesses to learn more about the ways they had been supported.

Crossing a range of sectors, the businesses were Aponic, an innovative hydroponics company from Sudbury, Howard Nurseries who are a plant wholesaler near Diss, Seers Medical, a manufacturer of therapy and medical beds in Debenham, Orbital Media, a leading social media and digital agency in Stowmarket and The Naughty Sheep who are a quality jam,

marmalade and chutney artisan factory located in Ipswich.

John Stenhouse, Growth Hub manager said: “It was great to be able to show Lord Heseltine first-hand the businesses we have helped in our first year. We’re committed to supporting all businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk across all sectors and at any stage of development and the team of advisers will travel to any business to offer face-to-face support.”

To find out how the Growth Hub can support your business, call 0300 333 6536 or email growthhub@newanglia.co.uk

MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Chamber members report positivity across Norfolk’s business community.

At recent meetings of the Norwich, Great Yarmouth and West Norfolk Chamber councils, the members all reported that overall there was a good level of positivity across the business community.

In Great Yarmouth, the offshore renewables industry received a boost with the Government approval for the £2 billion East Anglia Offshore Wind Farm, which is expected to create up to 3,000 new jobs; the Inspiration Trust’s Free School, Trafalgar College was given the go ahead; and the New Premier Inn opened with the creation of 20 new jobs and is expected to contribute approx £5.9 million to the local economy.

In Norwich, a new broadband voucher scheme has launched. If you have a Norwich postcode your business can access these Connection Vouchers of up to £3000 for faster better broadband which will be made available on a first come, first served basis; several of the group members reported recruiting additional personnel; and retail footfall was increasing.

Across in West Norfolk the Borough Council highlighted their plans to invest in housing and local facilities to ensure there was more to attract younger generations into the area. The Vancouver Quarter advised that footfall was up in the centre and everyone was looking forward to the forthcoming Hanse Business Convention and Festival, taking place between 15 – 17 May 2015.

Anglia Log Cabins are winners at King’s Lynn Mayor’s Business Award.

Anglia Log Cabins were the deserved winners of the Norfolk Chamber sponsored Customer Care Award at the King’s Lynn Mayor’s Business Awards.

The award was presented at a gala dinner at the Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn.

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Presenting the Customer Care award was Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council, she said “Anglia Log Cabins clearly demonstrated that high standards of customer care are the norm and they did not appear to realise that a lot of the service they provided as ‘standard’ would be constituted as exceptional customer care to most people.

They consistently went the extra mile - small details such as: additional planting to make the landscaping around the cabin look better; left-over materials turned into benches; and donations of books, Kindles and other IT equipment to school raffles etc are just a few of the extras supplied over and above what they have been contracted for.”

CHAMBER POLICY

Chamber continues to move forward with its 4 key campaign areas.

Members of Norfolk Chamber’s Representation Council met recently to discuss the 4 key Chamber campaign areas: n Development of the A11/A47 Growth Corridors n Improved Digital Connectivity n Develop the Talent of Norfolk’s Young People n Grow Norfolk’s Global Trade The group heard updates from: Alan Pain, Regional Director for the UKTI, who outlined UKTI’s plans for the East of England and the need to increase first time exporters, as well as supporting existing exporters to access new overseas markets; Karen O’Kane, Programme Manager for Better Broadband for Norfolk, who provided an update on the roll out progress of better

broadband across Norfolk; and Paul Wright, Apprenticeship Strategy Manager for Norfolk County Council who highlighted the need to

bridge the gap between the world of work and education.

We have a new look, exciting website – visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Chamber Economic Survey: growth continues, but pace slackens in Q1 2015.

Norfolk key findings in the Q1 2015 Quarterly Economic Survey: n After strong increases recorded in Q4 2014, almost all the Norfolk balances for both manufacturing and services weakened in Q1 2015 n In Norfolk’s manufacturing, domestic balances for sales and orders were reduced n In services, the domestic balances were mixed; domestic sales was down but domestic orders increased n The manufacturing and service sector export balances weakened in Q1 2015 n Both manufacturing and services firms have lowered their investment intentions for training, as well as plant and machinery Nova Fairbank, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Despite the pace slacking from the previous quarter, Norfolk’s business community

continues to work hard to succeed; to bring jobs, economic growth and prosperity to our region.

The manufacturing sector reported reduced sales and orders both for the UK and overseas markets and has advised of lower rates of recruitment this quarter. Confidence in turnover and profitability were also down and raw material prices means that many manufacturers are expected to increase their prices. On the more positive side, the sector expects to recruit more, cash flow improved and more companies were operating at full capacity.

The service sector was more confident of its exporting abilities, with sales and orders both increasing, but there were mixed results for home sales and orders, with sales being reduced and orders increasing. The number of companies trying to recruit was down and with rising costs, the service sector also expected to have to raise their prices. Despite this, confidence in turnover and profitability improved.”

John Longworth, Director General of the BCC said: “It was not a huge surprise to see slightly

weaker numbers at the start of the year, after a very strong fourth quarter for many firms. Crucially, our survey demonstrates that businesses remain optimistic, though they expect to grow at a slightly slower rate over the coming months.

Our conclusions are by no means a cause for alarm, but they are a salutary reminder that the UK still faces obstacles on the path to sustainable, long-term growth. Unless support for exports and business investment is placed at the heart of government, consumption and government spending will continue to drive an economic recovery that is unbalanced and unsustainable.”

Full details of all the QES figures for Norfolk can be found under QES in the Policy section on the Chamber website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk.

JULY/AUGUST MAY/JUNE 2011 2015

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‘We liked it so much we bought it’.

Careers event a great success.

East Norfolk Sixth Form College and Women in Energy (WEN UK) joined forces to organise the first ‘Introduction to the Energy Industry for young women’ event, as part of National Careers week.

Twelve local students attended the day, where they visited energy companies including AID Industrial, Fugro Alluvial, Gardline Geosurvey, 3Sun and Seajacks with the support of Dexters recruitment and the Sixth Form.

WEN team members toured with the girls who met a number of successful female professionals working in the industry.

Great Yarmouth based True Traders have bought local courier consolidators Diamond Logistics Norwich after being the largest customer of the company for over a year.

Previously owned by Kevin Baker, Diamond Logistics Norwich is a Multi-Carrier Solution for parcels. It utilises national contracts with most major courier and logistics companies, which allow significantly lower rates than can be achieved individually.

True Traders is a family run online retailer that specialise in building, garden and outdoor products.

Managing Director Michael Bezance explained the investment, saying: “Given how Diamond Logistics Norwich have changed the way we work, and the potential within the company, once the opportunity presented itself to us it was a very easy decision to make.”

“For True Traders to continue our rapid growth we have to compete with the big online retailers like Amazon, Tescos, B&Q etc, and Diamond Logistics Norwich has allowed us to do just that. The business has reduced our costs, while significantly increasing levels of service both for the customer and from the courier. We liked the company so much we just had to buy it!”

New Managing Director of Diamond Logistics Norwich Tom Bezance said: “Kevin has done a great job with the company so far, but we felt that with the resources within True Traders we stood a very good chance of growing the company rapidly.”

“The ‘MultiCarrier Solutions’ service can benefit many local small and medium sized businesses, taking away a lot of the cost and hassle of sending parcels and allowing them to spend more time growing the business. This is already a proven formula for True Traders for both UK deliveries and abroad.”

This event not only gave the young ladies valuable exposure to the local energy industry but provided a networking opportunity, demonstrated progression routes and provided tips in order to facilitate successful and long-lasting careers within a currently maledominated and challenging industry.

The day was a great success, with the feedback from students showing that the energy sector is a great opportunity for females.

Women in Energy will be running more of these events. If you would like to be involved and support, or at school or college and would like to attend, please contact www.wenuk.com or tweet @womeninenergyuk

Customised are award-winning.

Kris Gamble, Director and Co-Owner of Customised, has won Dealer of Distinction and ‘Installer of the Year for 2014 from HDL UK. HDL UK are a leading supplier of innovative building automation and building control systems.

Customised continues to work closely with HDL, with several exciting HDL home automation projects under way.

Ever wondered how wind turbines are constructed?

Airvolution Energy Ltd’s wind project at Ysgellog Farm in Anglesey won the category for Outstanding Green Energy Project at the Wales Green Energy Awards.

The company’s Ysgellog Farm wind turbines were recognised mainly because of its commitment to retain economic benefits within Anglesey during the construction period.

This is what the company would like to create for its two-turbine project near Sporle which will be decided by Breckland District Council following the planning application submission in February last year.

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MEMBERS NEWS

CSS Computers raises thousands for Norfolk charity. important work with young people, children, adults and families in Great Yarmouth and throughout Norfolk. CSS Computers held several fundraising activities throughout the year including a golf day and support at their Open Day event.

Great Yarmouth’s leading IT support company, CSS Computers Ltd, has raised more than £4,000 for their 2014 charity of the year, The Benjamin Foundation.

To celebrate its 25th year in business, CSS Computers wanted to raise funds for a local charity to celebrate its quarter of a century in business.

Business owner and MD, Peter Green was born and raised in Great Yarmouth so wanted to work with a charity close to home and helped the local community.

The company chose to work with Norfolk based charity, The Benjamin Foundation because of its

Peter said: “We are really proud to have donated significant funds to such a worthwhile charity. After visiting The Benjamin Foundation’s supported accommodation for homeless young people, Apsire in Gt Yarmouth, I saw first-hand the valuable work the charity carries out in our community. And also how our donation will really help these people. As we celebrated our 25 years in business in 2014, we felt we wanted to give back to the very community that has supported us for all these years.”

Spokesman for The Benjamin Foundation, Chris Elliott, said: “We are delighted with CSS Computers’ support and the money they have raised will help us to continue the work we do in Gt Yarmouth and the county. We support around 2000 people a year at locations right across Norfolk and when businesses such as CSS support us, the funds go directly to helping these people deal with challenges that life throws at them. We want to extend our thanks and gratitude to Peter Green and all that helped to raise this amazing amount of money.”

Graduation event is held.

Ideal Home Show commission for Zing!

It’s a pivotal year in the Ideal Home Show’s more than 100 year history, with 2015 seeing it return to Olympia for the first time since 1978.

A change of venue brings a whole new set of challenges for an event of any size, not least one the scale of the Ideal Home Show.

Blue Sky Professional Development held their annual Student Graduation at the Assembly House, which coincided with their second birthday.

As a result, the show management team were keen to quickly assess visitor experiences and to do so, chose to partner with Zing for their 2015 spring event insights.

Students, their families, tutors and guests joined Kate Woods and Beth Russell, Directors of Blue Sky, for an evening of drinks, canapes and the presentation ceremony.

Zing Director, Lisa Holt said “We are thrilled to be working with award winning event organiser Media 10 on such a prestigious event in such a landmark year. Our approach incorporates our unique iPad research pods, which mean we’re able to provide daily visitor experience feedback during the show and we’ll supplement this further with post-show online research.”

John Cunningham, Head of Qualifications at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), gave a speech and presented the successful students with their certificates.

Kate reported that 41 students had successfully achieved their qualifications across all 3 levels this year, an increase on last year.

levels 3. 5 and 7 to students from across East Anglia from their offices in Norwich.

Blue Sky Professional Development delivers Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) qualifications in Leadership and Management at levels 3 and 5, and CIPD Qualifications in Human Resources and Learning and Development at

Next year’s graduation will see the first ILM level 5 students receive their certificates as well as CIPD Foundation Awards in HR/L&D Essentials, the latest qualification to be added to Blue Sky’s programmes.

Ideal Home Show Marketing Manager, Jo Bowry said “We chose to work with Zing because of their multi-layered approach to research, which suits our need for both on site and post show surveys at the show this year. With the show in a new venue, our customer insights will be more valuable than ever before to ensure we are delivering the high level of visitor experience that the show is renowned for and we are pleased that Zing are on board to help us deliver this.”

MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

ATA Carnets – something all exporters should explore.

Julie Austin, International Trade Manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, explains this important procedure, and how the Chamber can help you.

When you’re travelling, an ATA Carnet cuts out the red tape for you at border points. You’ll also avoid the need for cash deposits in the country of temporary importation.

Sarah Chrebelska, Pixel Power Ltd

The ATA Carnet can be used for multiple trips, because it’s valid for a year, and it covers over 60 countries.

It covers a myriad of goods too. Within those three categories of Commercial Samples, Professional Equipment and Exhibitions ATA ATA Carnets are one of the International Carnets can cover computers, repair tools, Services provided by Norfolk Chamber of photographic and film equipment, Commerce. To start, let me explain musical instruments, industrial exactly what an ATA Carnet is. A machinery, vehicles, jewellery, Carnet is a document allowing clothing, medical appliances, Members of the importation of certain aircraft, race horses, old Norfolk Chamber goods to countries without masters, prehistoric relics, are entitled to paying customs duty. Back ballet costumes and rock in 1961 the World Customs group sound systems to Organization (WCO), name just a few! then known as the

40%

Customs Cooperation There are some restrictions, Council (CCC), adopted Discount on our standard rates. but the team here at the a convention for the Members of other Eastern Chamber can help if you ‘Temporary Admission Chambers can benefit from have any queries. of Goods’ to a country, 10% Discount.

We’re well equipped to advise hence the birth of the ATA you. In fact Norfolk Chamber Carnet; the initials ‘ATA’ being of Commerce has been chosen a combination of the French and to represent London Chamber of English terms “Admission Temporaire/ Commerce on advice, guidance and Temporary Admission.” issuance of ATA Carnets in the East of England.

The fact that the ATA Carnet relates to temporary admission is important. For example, As part of our constantly consider these three issues that, as an exporter, developing services to members in you’re likely to face on a regular basis n Taking samples with you on your overseas sales trips n Participating in Overseas Trade Fairs or Exhibitions n Taking professional equipment overseas All of those situations mean that you need to, effectively, export goods and equipment, but only temporarily, because you’ll be bringing them back. The ATA Carnet works as a ‘passport’ for the samples and equipment, allowing you to take them into your country of destination, free of duty and tax for up to one year. It works as a guarantee to the customs authorities of the country into which the goods are temporarily imported that any duties or taxes will be paid to them if the conditions under which they allow them into the country are breached.

Remembering that the arrangement is for temporary exporting, and the need to adhere to the terms, is therefore vital. But, the benefits of an ATA CARNET are significant.

Firstly, you can move goods and equipment around for those key reasons of taking samples with you on a sales trip, setting up an exhibition and carrying equipment.

general, and in this case exporters in particular, we’ve introduced a new facility for 2015.

You can now create your own Carnets electronically via the e-zCert service, and submit them online to the Norfolk Chamber for processing. This means there’s no charge for preparing the Carnet and no need to send the original documents to the Chamber.

We see e-zCert as the way forward for export documentation, and now that the system has been upgraded again, it’s never been easier.

There’s no need to post your documents to us or physically visit our office because you can apply for your documents online.

Broadcast equipment manufacturers, and longtime Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members, Pixel Power Ltd regularly use our export services, and they’ve readily embraced the new system.

Here’s what Sarah Chrebelska, their Shipping Administrator, has to say.

“You’re guided through the ATA Carnet form in a really simple, intuitive way and are prompted with help all the way through. If you do encounter any issues, the Chamber are always on hand to provide friendly assistance…the online service has made it much so easier.”

Businesses all over the country are using e-zCert to save time and money. And now it’s another benefit of Chamber membership.

What’s more, members of Norfolk Chamber are entitled to 40% Discount on our standard rates.

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

For more information, a quotation or if you have any questions, please contact us by phone on 01603 729712, by email at export@norfolkchamber.co.uk or visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk The ATA Carnet is an invaluable aid to companies marketing abroad, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

If you do encounter any issues, the Chamber are always on hand to provide friendly assistance… the on-line service has made it much so easier.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade Training Success.

International Trade Training Courses.

The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce organises a wide range of Training Courses which have been specifically designed for staff involved in exporting and/or importing cargo to and from the UK. Whether you are an Export Sales Manager, Export Administrator, Shipping Clerk, Financial or Shipping Manager from Manufacturers, Exporters to Forwarding Agents, we have courses that will help you and your company succeed.

Forthcoming dates and topics: May 2015 6th

Agents and Distributors* (Morning)

6th

Inward and Outward Processing Relief* (Afternoon)

7th

Creating an Export Strategy (Full Day)

June 2015 18th

Letters of Credit / Methods of Payment* (Full Day)

25th

Understanding Exporting* (Full Day)

July 2015 2nd

Caroline Randall receiving her Certificate

Norfolk Chamber, in association with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), offers ten nationally accredited export courses. The set are 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.

Our latest achiever of the Foundation Award in International Trade is Caroline Randall, Business Systems Manager at Pumptronics Limited in North Walsham who says: “I would highly recommend the Norfolk Chamber of

Commerce and the courses on International Trade Training. I had very little experience within Exporting & Importing. They listened to my needs, selecting the correct courses ensuring my needs were met. Now completing all courses I have a solid understanding in International trading.

I now feel competent in this comprehensive governed business, especially Letters of Credit and Incoterms® 2010. The tutor (Mike) was exceptionally experienced and very informative.

The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provided an excellent service. Each time I received a very warm welcome, and made my visits to Norfolk Chamber a pleasurable one. Anyone considering either 1 or more of the International Trade Training course book it and benefit!”

For more information on the courses offered please go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Stand proud - be a case study.

e-zCert Workshop

Courses marked with a *, form part of the British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Courses, which can result in a Foundation Certificate.

If you would like further details such as the content of these courses or to book a place, please take a look at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

We are looking for local members who would like to share their export experiences.

Case studies provide the audience with first hand knowledge of how easy/hard it is to open up in a particular market, as well as advice and tips on what to look out for.

If you are interested in profiling your Company in this way please contact Julie Austin at julie.austin@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Norfolk Chamber members can get up to 50% discount on International Trade Services

MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Embracing technology will maximise efficiency in the workplace.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

These days, businesses are more reliant than ever before on technology to help improve communications and to maximise efficiency in the workplace.

The increased use of the internet, email and mobile technology has revolutionised the way companies operate and made IT a crucial factor in building and maintaining a successful company. Yet still, even today, too many companies think of technology as a necessary evil rather than truly embracing all the opportunities it can create to make organisations more resourceful and productive than they have ever been before.

In the past, companies may have been able to get away with paying lip service to IT but in the current, fast changing, modern world this will no longer be possible. Now, with the convergence of voice and data and the much greater reliance of mobile communications, it is crucial for all businesses to urgently develop a co-ordinated IT Strategy.

Over the last 10 years we have witnessed a remarkable shift in the way that businesses operate, but this change just lays the foundations for the new technology and solutions that will surely emerge over the next decade. At every level, faster and more accessible communication will be key. With globalisation, the increased use of home workers and the more flexible working environment;

access to information needs to be seamless and instant.

to information from wherever there is an internet connection.

Whilst the notion of the “paperless” office may not be an absolute reality in the true sense, the need for systems that can allow staff to access a wide range of documents, wherever they may be in the world, will only increase in the future. In an ever more competitive environment, customers will be drawn to businesses that make communication an effortless and satisfying process. Good technology, used properly, will reflect well on your business and can help motivate your staff by taking some of the drudgery out of their day to day tasks.

Technology, therefore, must be embraced by all of the decision makers in a company and their views properly coordinated to enjoy all the benefits it can offer. Don’t think of IT simply as a cost but more as a real opportunity to drive change and bring more efficiencies into your business. Currently, many organisations are still too reactive and fail to think strategically enough about how the world is evolving and how their business is evolving with it. As we are now in the 2nd decade of the 21st century, it is certain that the speed of change will only increase and certainly not slow down.

Increasingly, websites that were previously used merely as a shop window will become more tightly integrated with other back office systems.

In the airline industry you don’t just book your flight online but also choose your seat, order your meal, “check in” and get live data from the airports about when your flight is due to land.

The mutually dependent relationship of business processes and the internet will continue to become more important as web use increases.

Clients will want to have full visibility of every part of their interaction with your company and consequently easy access to information and the sharing of knowledge will be critical.

Of course, with the increasing need for compliance legislation and for business continuity planning, technology can also provide a crucial back up in the event of an unforeseen disaster. With the proper storage of electronic data and the re-routing of voice and data over the internet, many companies can in effect be lifted from one location and taken to another with minimal disruption. This is where Cloud Computing comes into its own, allowing access

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Just look at how the use of smartphones has accelerated over the years, look at how social media has grown and is being adopted by businesses, look at the importance of SEO (search engine optimisation) and unfortunately the ever present and greatly increasing threat of IT security. Who would have thought these things would be so important to all businesses even 5 years ago? It makes you wonder - exactly what will we be discussing in 10 years’ time?

Maybe now you can see why getting a Strategic IT Road Map for your business is not a “nice to have” but in the modern day and age is simply a necessity. My advice is don’t be afraid of technology though – just welcome it with open arms before your competitors do!

By Peter Davies, Chairman, Breakwater IT

TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

Windows® 10 – anticipating the new dawn of operating systems.

ADVERTISING FEATURE Your business is on the cusp of being able to harness the capabilities of the latest operating system developed by Microsoft®, Windows® 10.

With a provisional release date of this summer, Windows® 10 is eagerly awaited by many as a system that supports the rapid innovation and changing needs of the corporate world.

Microsoft® themselves affirm that Windows® 10 has been designed differently, its features born of intensive testing, with their senior engineering and marketing leaders actively listening to months of customer feedback. The reaction from customers resonated with agreement – any new product had to provide enough value to compensate for migration and deployment costs.

So what is the value Windows® 10 will offset, and more, any investment you make? It’s a system that embodies the modern business, designed to tightly integrate with the cloud and embrace mobility. Factor in the important details that this release is simple to use, and its look and feel is consistent across PCs, tablets and phones, and it’s certainly emerging as a significant business asset.

As a business you need to ask yourself questions when investing in a new product.

It seems that Windows® 10 intuitively has the answers you are looking for, as it shows all the signs of being: n Compatible: most Windows® 7 hardware should work well with Windows® 10 n Secure: enterprise-quality security to protect your data and information n Flexible: adapts to all devices, from PCs and phones to tablets and tiny gadgets, with a seamless, familiar experience n Collaborative: integrates the Cloud and PC. Works with Office Online and Outlook.com to ensure you can work on files with anyone, anywhere n Smarter: features a new browser across all devices, a handy solution for all the things you do online. Enables notes to be taken directly on web pages

The abilities of Windows® 10 appear compelling, and a couple are possibly indispensible: Mobility, perhaps the most useful quality of the current age. In Windows® 10, mobility is further enhanced, with the system’s cohesive relationship with the cloud. Data can be accessed from any location, making realtime communication with colleagues and stakeholders easy.

Security is reassuringly built into the core of Windows® 10, with features designed for the world’s largest enterprises and governments, providing benefits to companies of all sizes.

Breakwater IT is a Cloud Accelerate Microsoft® Partner, demonstrating our proven record for deploying Microsoft® solutions. Our team look forward to discussing the benefits of Windows® 10 with you and supporting you through this upgrade.

Contact us on 01603 709300 or visit www.breakwaterit.co.uk

Norfolk Voice is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.

Technology & New Media Is Critical To Business Growth & Efficiency.

Do you find yourself getting frustrated, repeating tasks and feeling that you're constantly fighting with your own systems? Improving efficiency by simplifying the complexity within commercial IT Systems with easy to use solutions that are not only intuitive and fluent, but also fun and effective to work with form a basis for creating solutions that you love to use!

We're all familiar with websites.

However, the online presence of a business needs so much more; incorporating multiple social media platforms is essential. But where does this stop? More importantly, how much time does this require when you should be focussing on dealing with clients and the running of your business? This is where our Intranet technology becomes a vital part of your business.

The proliferation of 'modern' technology and new media can tie your business in knots, damaging the potential for growth through wasted time and effort.

Early adoption of efficient systems is essential to maximise potential. How do you distribute and keep track of information such as CRM, HR or Training? Do you find yourself producing unnecessary reports? Our Intranet software creates an intuitive, community based environment as a central hub for your business. How much time is wasted finding a colleague just to give them a simple message?

Your systems can take the strain and deliver that information for you, instantly. Rapid, easy communication alongside easy administration by your own staff creates systems which enhance your abilities, reduce costs & time, whilst keeping everyone 'in the

loop' with accurate and current information. Morale and teamwork is naturally improved by reducing inefficiencies and stress.

Understanding what can be achieved with a well designed system is something to be experienced rather than just read about. Have a chat with Tactile Solutions, arrange a demonstration and feel the difference for yourself.

Unit 2, Longs Business Centre 232 Fakenham Road Taverham Norwich NR8 6QW Sales: 01603 959083 or Rob Kay: 07939 837409 Email: enquiries@tactile-solutions.co.uk Website: www.tactile-solutions.co.uk

Tactile S lutions

MAY/JUNE 2015

PAGE17 PAGE17

NORFOLK VOICE

TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

Comms Supply - how technology is critical to SME growth and efficiency.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Since I first started working in business telecoms, around ten years ago, technology has changed our sector so dramatically that it’s almost unrecognisable.

For SMEs these technological advances offer a wide range of exciting opportunities to change the way they work for the better.

In the last few years we have seen the introduction of a variety of fantastic solutions for SMEs that really can improve efficiency and costeffectiveness as well as helping businesses build a reputation for quality and responsiveness.

Tools such as Microsoft 365 and OneDrive are allowing businesses to manage their data in the Cloud. This mean that expensive servers are no longer essential and data backup and security is controlled automatically – no more back-up discs at the end of the week.

But within business telecoms, one of the major things we’re noticing is how hosted solutions are transforming SMEs. A hosted telephone system, which you may know as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is

when someone else hosts the equipment that you need, rather than you having to make space for it in your own building; again you’re working in ‘the Cloud’.

Not that many years ago, VoIP was still seen as a risky alternative to traditional phone services but, thanks to improvements to broadband speeds and rapidly developing software improvements, there are now a range of affordable and reliable hosted solutions.

So how do hosted solutions make a difference?

We’ve worked with a Norfolk based holiday business for the last three years; advising them as they’ve grown from a single brand with a couple of offices in Norfolk to multiple brands with 20 offices across the UK. They now have people based throughout the UK, including some working from home.

Adopting a hosted telephone system has enabled this business to adapt and develop its working practices as the company has moved into new areas.

One of the most important issues for a consumer brand is that the customer experience is of a consistently high quality. With 20 companies gradually coming together under one roof it was inevitable that opening hours would vary.

For example, customers could phone one office

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

on a Saturday to book a holiday but others would not have Saturday openings. The hosted solution was configured to ensure that, if a local representative was not available, calls would be directed to a real person at an alternative location to ensure the customer got a warm welcome, rather than an answerphone.

With such dramatic growth, our client has now opened a new group office which is open for calls from 8am to 8pm. Whenever possible customers should be able to reach a local representative, so during local office opening hours calls go to the relevant office first. However, when lines are busy, calls are automatically diverted to the group office so there is no waiting or answerphone. When local offices are closed, all calls are diverted to the group office, allowing the brand to provide customers with longer opening hours.

At any point the hosted solution can be configured, allowing our client to respond to changes and unforeseen circumstances. For example, if a local office should be flooded, the client can choose whether to divert calls to a mobile or the group office.

Hosted solutions are flexible, cost effective and really do have the ability to transform the way that ambitious SMEs do business. It’s one area of technology that can benefit every type of company.

For seamless communications solutions talk to Comms Supply Networking Desk Phones

supply

Hosted solutions

Open & Honest Communications

Internet

Mobiles

We take time to get under the skin of your business so we can recommend the right technology solutions to help you work more efficiently and support your business growth. We understand that solutions should be cost effective so we’ll listen carefully and create a bespoke plan to suit your needs.

To find out how we can help your business work smarter‌ Call: 0333 2020 900 Email: info@commssupply.co.uk Visit: commssupply.co.uk

supply Open & Honest Communications Follow us

@commssupply

NORFOLK VOICE

Need made to measure software?

Then call Naked Element.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We live in a digital age that can present bewildering technological challenges as well as immense opportunities for businesses. That’s why it makes sense to call in Naked Element.

Naked Element is a software services provider specialising in the development of web and mobile applications to help companies of all sizes improve their communications and processes.

Run by directors Paul Grenyer and Matthew Wells, Naked Element works across mobile, web and cloud platforms and provides a comprehensive service delivering software solutions across all aspects of your business.

arranging ongoing technical support, adding new features and improving existing ones, They apply many years of experience to everything that they do.

Paul has a broad knowledge of all areas of software development and, having worked in organisations ranging from start-ups to large investment banks and insurance companies, is used to working with people at every level.

Naked Element has successfully carried out made to measure projects for companies ranging from SMEs to large enterprises and operates in all sectors, including the public sector.

Paul and Matthew take each client carefully through the process,ensuring that they realise maximum benefit from the work being done and are fully involved in key decision making.

Once the initial work has been completed, Naked Element continues to work with its clients,

naked E

L

E

M

E

N

If you wish to find out more about Naked Element, contact info@nakedelement.co.uk, www.nakedelement.co.uk, 01603 383458

What does made to measure, enterprise software and cross platform mobile apps really mean?

T

We design and build made to measure, enterprise software and cross platform mobile apps.

Here at Naked Element we design and build made to measure, enterprise software and cross platform mobile apps.

What’s more our entire business has been built upon the quality of the work we produce as well as our collaborative partnerships with clients. This means that our clients not only get what they want, but what they need and what’s truly best for their business.

Matthew is an experienced software architect, solution designer and software developer with more than 20 years experience across many different technologies. More recently he has been focusing on mobile technologies and Rapid Application Development frameworks for the web.

Matthew Wells

Paul Grenyer

ne THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Made to Measure – everything we design and build is truly bespoke. The market has shown that the one-size-fits-all approach to software development can no longer provide a solution for many of today’s business needs.

Enterprise Software – is the term used to describe purpose-designed business orientated software solutions that are designed to satisfy the needs of a particular company as well as individual users. Our enterprise software can stand alone, or be integrated with your existing software so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Cross Platform – imagine Apple and Android as two different countries with two different languages. Most people (developers) from either country will speak the native language, or mother-tongue of that country. Naked Element live (create software) in a third country that has its own language that is understood by both the other countries, halving the effort of working in both countries at once.

www.nakedelement.co.uk @nakedelement t: 01603 383 458 e: info@nakedelement.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

What’s your Postcode? - The question your customers love to answer.

ADVERTISING FEATURE If your business captures address details from customers – via a website, over the phone or in person – you’re missing a couple of tricks if you don’t start by asking “What’s your Postcode?”

Using a Postcode to find an address is…

Fast: it saves time for your staff and customers by allowing them to jump straight from a Postcode to an individual address. In your business, that might mean even more productive staff or more customers completing your forms.

Accurate: there’s no need to type-in the full address so there’s no risk of typos. We all know some names – like Wymondham or Happisburgh – don’t always lend themselves to being spelt correctly.

Poorly addressed mail can take longer to be delivered and may reflect badly on your business (if my address is incorrect, what else did they get wrong?)

The technology that provides this feature is available in several forms – as a simple widget

which can be built-in into your website or software, or as a stand-alone app which runs on your desktop. It can even correct the existing addresses you have in your database.

Their customers include small start-ups, FTSE plcs through and public sector organisations – plus even one of the world’s best-known postal authorities.

Norwich-based firm Allies have specialised in addressing since 1987 and have over 1000 businesses using their cost-effective “postcode to address” technology.

To try out the feature for free, or to simply find out more, call 01508 494488 or visit

www.alliescomputing.com

Business is better with

and Use on 5 PCs and Macs Each user can use the Office desktop applications on 5 Windows PCs or Macintosh computers, at work or at home.

01603 673160

Always up to date With Office connected to the cloud, you always have the latest version of the Office desktop applications with unobtrusive updates.

info@cloudspark.co.uk

Use Office on your smartphone and tablet Access your documents and make edits on the go with Office apps for iPad, Windows Phone, iPhone, and Android phones.

Access your documents anywhere Office saves to your online storage by default, so your files are automatically backed up and linked to you virtually anywhere you go.

cloudspark.co.uk

MAY/JUNE 2015

PAGE21 PAGE21

NORFOLK VOICE

THE BIG INTER Confidence is in the air at Bernard Matthews.

Every chief executive likes to announce new jobs early on in his or her tenure so it was with great satisfaction that Bernard Matthews boss Rob Burnett was able to confirm 90 additional posts in Norfolk.

The announcement in January was an important one because it signalled the company’s continuing return to growth after undergoing tough times in 2013, which led to job losses and a painful restructuring.

Rob, who took over in the summer of 2014, believes that 2015 could be the year that

Bernard Matthews really turns its fortunes around after the firm posted a £20.3m loss in November 2013 and cut its workforce as it struggled with mounting costs caused primarily by rising feed prices The new jobs created in January are needed to meet the demands of the company’s South Site factory in Great Witchingham, which will be open all year for the first time in six years after the business secured a series of deals with major retailers.

The deals will see the company supply a mixture of turkey crowns, turkey joints and whole birds, with its South Site running for 52 weeks a year instead of the 12 weeks in previous years, and the additional jobs range from processing positions to butchery and warehouse work.

Rob said: “The key word in the jobs announcement that we made in January was ‘permanent’ because it showed the confidence that we are feeling as a company.”

“Our main aim is to grow the company but we have to ensure that that growth is sustainable and we can do that because the new contracts that we have secured run over a number of years, which gives us the stability we need. That means that we can take on permanent staff.”

“The announcement signalled that we are on the right track for growth and because of the nature of the new deals we know that will continue.”

The key word in the jobs announcement that we made in January was ‘permanent’ because it showed the confidence that we are feeling as a company.

The company, which is based at Great Witchingham, recruited Rob from food producer Hain Daniels, owner of brands including Linda McCartney, Sunpat, Johnson’s Juice and the New Covent Garden Soup Company.

He had been chief executive at Hain Daniels for 12 years and, before that, held general management roles at Albert Fisher, including managing director within its seafood division and group commercial director.

Rob, who took over at Bernard Matthews from David Joll, who had been acting as executive chairman, said: “When I arrived in July last year, the recovery was already under way and the accounts for the year to June showed that.”

“We have continued that progress and are continuing the recovery to profitability. We are

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

achieving that through innovation, which has already seen us bring out a number of new products this year with more to come.”

“It is essential that we continue to deliver those new products – you cannot stand still in business - and one of the things that I have ensured is that my head of R and D reports directly to me to ensure the right focus and level of authority in the company.”

THE BIG INTERVIEW

RVIEW

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

Ron Burnett Chief Executive, Bernard Matthews

“That commitment to innovation, which runs throughout the company, has allowed us to not only introduce the products already launched this year but to have more to come for Autumn and Christmas, which we have not announced yet but about which we are very excited.”

Under his tenure, the company has also made moves to improve its performance by investing in a brand re-launch to make the Bernard Matthews name more appealing to shoppers with whom it might have fallen out of favour.

Although the Bernard Matthews brand has a long and proud heritage, it has taken a buffeting in recent times and Rob believes that the time has come to freshen it up.

For all the re-launch is necessary, Rob respects the name’s heritage. He said: “The key thing with a brand is that it must be instantly recognisable – Cadbury’s Diary Milk has been purple for a hundred years – but, in my personal opinion, that instant recognition has not been the case with Bernard Matthews recently.”

“We had strayed too far away from what we were known for and the re-launch of the brand through marketing and new packaging will seek to make sure that people instinctively know what Bernard Matthews is about.”

“I am confident about the future of the company.”

MAY/JUNE 2015

PAGE23

NORFOLK VOICE

Chamber website proves itself as a key benefit for members.

Getting the word out is crucial for businesses of all sizes, whatever the sector in which they operate, and that means taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.

Few opportunities make more sense than the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce updated website at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk, which is playing its part in helping members to raise their profile.

The site, which is proving increasingly popular with its slick graphics and easy-to-use navigation, acts as a showcase for members, offering them a wide range of services for their businesses, each one of which allows the member to reach more people.

Best of all its FREE to use for Chamber members.

Some of the key benefits are: The opportunity to upload news/events/blogs, show multiple images and embed videos, all of which give members the chance to show to the wider Norfolk business community the latest updates from their company. It also allows

members to highlight themselves as experts within their sector as well as showcase their opinions on topical issues.

Upload with your own login details, which saves time and allows members to add the Norfolk Chamber website into their existing marketing plan.

Every article uploaded to the website has the potential to be viewed by on average 7,500 potential customers and clients a month. The average number of visits to the website is constantly going up as the addition of content makes it more attractive to search engines.

Automatically share material with social media channels. The Norfolk Chamber has a good social media following already, meaning

that each article uploaded will be viewed by additional thousands.

Be automatically put forward for editorial in the bi-monthly Norfolk Voice magazine. With a readership of 9,500 – 10,000 the magazine is another great chance for members articles to be read by potential customers and clients.

All articles are highlighted on your company directory page. The directory is the most viewed section of the website and each directory page acts as a ‘shop window’ for the member.

Having their articles highlighted on this page will only strengthen the chance of visitors then contacting that member.

But don’t just take the Chamber’s word for it; businesses who are using the site are delighted with the benefits it brings.

Chris Perry, Managing Director of Swarm Apprenticeships, said: “As a small business operating in Norfolk, being able to have a platform to promote ourselves to our target market is vital to grow our brand recognition and increase general awareness of Swarm to the local business community.

“Using the Chamber website, I have been able to successfully upload our news, blogs and events that would be of interest to the business community but, more importantly we have had real results come from it in terms of enquires and requests for apprenticeship support. If you’re not using it to promote your business, then you should be.”

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Huw Sayer, of Norwich-based Business Writers Ltd, which joined the Chamber in February 2015, said: “The site works for us because it gets us in front of a new audience, many of whom will not have visited our own website.”

“We use it to post articles on subjects that might interest people, such as innovation, communications and broadband.”

“We hope people will find the information useful but also that when they need a business writer or a communications consultant, they will remember what they read and come to us.”

“For Business Writers Ltd, it is another way of getting our name known in addition to using social media platforms. We have already had people sharing our Chamber posts on Twitter and LinkedIn, which is good for the Chamber because it drives people to their website and good for us because it raises our business profile.”

COVER FEATURE

Francesca de Lacey, Operations Director and Deputy Managing Director of JMS Group Limited, of Hethersett, Norwich, said: “JMS Group makes commercials and corporate films for businesses throughout the UK, but in January 2015 we joined Norfolk Chamber to raise our profile locally.”

“In just a couple of months, our local profile has risen in terms of views to our Vimeo Channel and visits by local businesses to our studios.

Having the opportunity to promote our latest news and video work on the Chamber website has given JMS Group a fantastic platform to reach out to those businesses who might otherwise be unaware of us.”

“We update as regularly as we can, aiming for 1 new story every week to keep our profile as fresh as possible. The ability to include our eyecatching images and HD videos increases our ability to reach our target audience and the layout and feel of the site is really user-friendly.”

“We’re particularly impressed by the ease with which site visitors can see all our Knowledge articles, news and showreels in one easy-access page on the Directory, providing deeper insights into the breadth of our skills. It’s also a great benefit that the Chamber promotes our news stories from it’s website to Twitter and Facebook, widening our audience even further.“

The ability to include our eyecatching images and HD videos increases our ability to reach our target audience and the layout and feel of the site is really user-friendly.

Paul Youngs, Director of Printbox UK, said: “I probably look at the website a couple of times a week.”

“We use if for keeping up to date with local business news, booking events and also for publishing our PR or promoting our special offers.”

“We always get a good response to the offers and will quite often pick up new business direct from our presence on the website.”

FEBRUARY/MARCH MAY/JUNE 2013 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Opening up a world of opportunity for our young people.

Developing the talent of young people is a key campaign for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as it seeks to support organisations bringing along the next generation of workers.

A recent report from the BCC highlighted the challenge. Developing the Talents of the Next Generation found that 57% of employers cite a lack of skills such as communication, resilience and team working as the main reason why young people are unprepared for the world of work. The survey found that a lack of focus on employability and enterprise in educational institutions (53%) and a lack of careers advice (46%) impacts on young people’s prospects.

The Chamber is proposing a number of measures to improve the way educators and businesses work together, including:

The Chamber is campaigning for the Government to do more to strengthen the links between schools and colleges and businesses and is working to raise awareness of programmes such as apprenticeships.

As part of the campaign, Norfolk Chamber will host a breakfast on 21 May in Norwich to explore how apprenticeships can benefit Norfolk businesses.

exhibition, networking breakfast and feedback from businesses and young people as well as plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

The event will be held in association with the National Apprenticeship Service, and bring together businesses, young people and education/training providers, with the main aim of engaging businesses who are not currently employing apprentices. There will be an

The Chamber is also part of a ‘Young Chamber’ pilot scheme with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), whose aim is to bring about better access for businesses into schools to provide careers advice and practical support such as writing CVs and mock interviews.

n focusing schools not just on ‘teaching to the test’ but also employability and life skills to help ensure that young people have a smoother transition into work n making schools more aware of local business needs and helping to build healthy relationships with their local business community n helping students to build up knowledge of business to prepare for the world of work or entrepreneurship

Norfolk Voice canvassed some views of Chamber members from various sectors in Norfolk on how best we can help young people into work:

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce For too long, many of Norfolk’s young people haven’t had the preparation or opportunities they need to succeed. We are determined to change the system and ensure that businesses, educators, and government shoulder the burden when it comes to preparing young people for work.

We often hear from businesses struggling to plug skills gaps, who express frustration that young people lack the soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. We need to work better to create a pipeline of talent, ready to become the next generation of team players, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Retail

Tourism

Retail today is about excelling in every area of the customer experience, and that includes relationship management, technical knowledge and not being afraid to use your personality. The market place is global, not local, so young people entering into this sector have amazing opportunities to develop brilliant careers if they focus on professional training, going above and beyond expectation for the customer and living and breathing the brand they choose to work with. To give yourself an edge, I would strongly advise learning a different language, and learning how to negotiate with different cultures.

It’s a great industry to work in where travel is often a necessity, and cultural differences educate you regularly.

We have a different approach to recruitment than most. We recruit for attitude and personality then mentor and train for the role. We have people of all ages working with us and of those working at Elveden Forest, almost 30% of the team are aged between 16-24 years. Everyone who works at Center Parcs has the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification which gives them the tools to progress.

Caroline Williams CEO

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Sophie Fulford Managing Director, Winsor Bishop & Pandora Norwich

We offer work-based Apprenticeships and Diplomas at level 2 and Level 3 which are fully funded and supported by us and often these programmes are the first steps in establishing a career for our young employees.

James Barrett Center Parcs Elveden Forest General Manager

COVER FEATURE

You can visit the Chamber website to find out more about the Young Chamber scheme.

The Chamber is running guest blogs to show how young people benefit local businesses.

If you wish to write a blog, you can submit it to nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Accountancy

Oil & Gas

The Accountancy profession continues to offer young people a great opportunity to continue learning and pursue a career. Whilst some firms may focus more on graduate recruitment, many regional firms take on an annual intake of A level and graduate recruits.

Both recruits can ultimate study towards becoming a Chartered Accountant or a Chartered Certified Accountant.

Studying whilst also working not only means you earn a salary, but you can use your work experience to help with the exams and vice versa. Once qualified, there will be a number of opportunities to progress your career.

In the absence of having careers advice in schools, young people need to find ways of engaging with prospective employers and vice versa.

The energy sector is a growing area in this region and there are many career opportunities, technical and nontechnical, for young people to consider in the sector.

Neil Orford Partner, Lovewell Blake

Good qualifications and a positive attitude are equally important to employers so it’s important that young people do their research and also be enthusiastic about themselves and what they have to offer.

Mark Goodall Area Manager, Aker Solutions

Education

Engineering

In terms of people coming into the education sector as professionals, the picture is mixed. The increasing availability of on-the-job training and initiatives such as Teach First are proving effective recruiters and the status of teaching is benefitting as a result, but the instability caused by political interference creates more anxiety than is healthy or necessary.

On Friday 13 March, we at Warren Services held our annual Open Day as part of the National Apprenticeship Week and I believe it was one of our most successful yet. We had some really high calibre youngsters come in who had decided that they wanted to look into the possibility of doing an Apprenticeship. Many of these youngsters would have, in the past, gone on to do Sixth Form and possibly University, even if they were ill-suited to continue this path.

In terms of young people coming out of education and into the workplace, the establishment of a portfolio of relevant experience and adaptability are key.

Those who are proactive about creating opportunities for themselves are looking at the path ahead of them in different sectors with much optimism.

Fortunately, many students now realise that Advanced Apprenticeships are a good start to employment and further education.

Steffan Griffiths HeadMaster of Norwich School

As well as students, we also had teachers from the Brandon and Thetford Academies. This contact is crucial as they can influence and encourage pupils to look into all opportunities instead of just following the expected path.

Richard Bridgman Chairman Warren Services, National Apprentice Ambassador, Member of NewAnglia LEP Skills Board.

Bridging the gap.

One school working to bridge the gap between students and business is North Walsham High School, which runs a scheme for 135 young people.

Students form a 2½-year link with people from a wide range of careers - from aviation and science to housing and insurance.

Mentors come from large companies such as Aviva, Lafarge, Victory Housing Trust, Premier Inns, KLM, Victory Housing Trust and the John Innes Centre, as well as a host of smaller local businesses. They offer support and advice on qualifications, skills needed to progress towards their ambitions, and to help motivate and inspire them.

School assistant head Paul Clark, who coordinates the scheme, said: “To see so many busy professional people prepared to make a two and a half year commitment to help young people, on a voluntary basis, is tremendous.”

“It is almost impossible to put a value on the opportunity for our students to meet so many high-powered people from the wider world outside school.”

“We know from the students who started on the scheme a year ago just how valuable they are finding it, and it is noticeable how much more confident they have become.”

“Helping young people be ready for the world of work, and to realise that they can have higher aspirations, is such an important part of their education, alongside our core task of helping them to achieve the qualifications they will need.”

The scheme is unique in Norfolk, and the school are eager to attract anyone who would like to contribute as either a mentor or financial supporter of the initiative.

If you are interested, you can contact Paul Clark (left), or Kerry Shepherd on 01692 402581, or by email to pclark8nrm@nsix.org.uk or KShepherd3mrl@nsix.org.uk

MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

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Birketts’ employment seminar: We need to talk.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

In our next Early Bird seminar series we examine the common pitfalls and risks associated with holding pre-termination discussions with underperforming employees.

Since the introduction of ‘protected conversations’ in July 2013, employers have had some limited statutory protection when raising the prospect of termination during discussions with employees. In our experience the extent of this protection is often misunderstood, leading to a high risk of a successful unfair (often constructive) dismissal claim and giving the employee a much stronger position in negotiating his or her exit.

consider the circumstances when an employer might legitimately rely on discussions being held ‘without prejudice’ and therefore inadmissible in subsequent litigation.

We will also provide delegates with an update of the latest employment law developments.

Jeanette Wheeler Partner and Head of Employment

How confident are you, or your managers, in conducting what is often a highly sensitive conversation? How well do your performance management processes provide you with the back-up you need in order to achieve a smooth exit? Do you understand what is meant by putting ‘undue pressure’ on the employee to accept a proposed settlement package?

Drawing on real-life scenarios, we will review the extent of the statutory protection and also

Excellence in Practice

The seminar begins with registration and light breakfast from 8.00am. Presentations start at 8.30am and will conclude at 10.00am, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Wednesday 3 June: Norwich Thursday 11 June: Great Yarmouth Tuesday 16 June: Norwich Wednesday 17 June: King’s Lynn Book your free place online: www.birketts.co.uk/events

Greg Jones Employment

Excellence takes determination and commitment. Our Lawyers combinine the crucial balance of technical skill with the commercial demands and personal needs of our clients.

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BUSINESS SUPPOR T

The team at Anaco have had a busy 12 months…

With Air Conditioning projects from Bristol to Bath & Nottingham to Norwich Adam Goodson Managing Director commented that: “We are now approaching our 15th year in business and whilst the local market has seen a few quiet years we feel that we are ideally placed to see and benefit from a resurgence of business within Norfolk.

We have been working all over the country for numerous clients who want peace of mind for their Air Conditioning and Heat Pump installations.”

Transport – improvements are we on the right road?

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1st January 2015, customers have been actively looking to change their systems for more energy efficient alternatives.” Service and Maintenance manager Simon Farrow commented that: “With finance options and increased performance from newer systems the payback over a new system can be achieved in a relatively short period.”

This year has started with several bespoke projects with cooling and temperature control schemes for a mushroom farm and storage for vital aircraft components.

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These projects have seen the first Smiggle store in the UK benefiting from Anaco’s design and installation skills, as well as a new Caffe Nero retail premises within the new Queen’s T2 Terminal at Heathrow airport. All completed within program and under the difficult constraints encountered when working under strict Health and Safety regulations.

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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).

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MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

KNOWLEDGE Jonathan Newman, Town Centre Manager, Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership

Social Value - its growing importance to 2015 business.

Peter Hawes Managing Director, Norse Commercial Services

We’ve heard a lot about ‘Social Value’ since the introduction of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, and we’re going to be hearing a lot more about it over the coming year.

Central government now requires all public bodies in the country to consider how the services that they commission and procure might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area.

By this I mean that if a public body is commissioning a service, it must evaluate how the proposed supplier or contractor puts back into the community some form of benefit (added social value) per £1 of its contract.

This is in part indicative of the increasing acknowledgement of the importance of social responsibility amongst both private and public sector organisation, but it also offers innovative ways of protecting front line services in budgetpressured times.

What the legislation does mean is that any business wanting to provide goods or services to a public body will, from now on, need to show that it has a robust Social Value policy.

For the full article go to: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge

Retention of skills key to future energy success.

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.

services to O&G Operators, some of which are based in East Anglia.

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.

For the full article go to: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge

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

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.

Emma Bishop Chair of WEN and Business Consultant

Cause for optimism in Great Yarmouth town centre.

Jonathan Newman Town Centre Manager, Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership

In recent weeks there has been some cause for optimism in Great Yarmouth town centre.

Footfall, which like many town centres has been in a steady decline for a number of years, was actually up against the previous year in the six weeks to Christmas. This increase in footfall was echoed in sales performances reported by those retailers willing to share their numbers; Palmers Department store traded 10% up and stated it was the best Christmas trading the flagship Great Yarmouth store had seen for a number of years. This resurgence in shopper numbers has continued into early 2015 with a 3% increase being experienced year to date, ahead of the 1.2% for the East and -1% for the UK as quoted by the national footfall monitoring company Springboard. Whilst it is hard to identify any singular reason for this mini recovery- an improving national economy will increase consumer confidence and spending – the twin threats to town centres and high streets of out of town retail and on-line shopping remain large.

However, the use of on-line for shopping could be seen as a potential benefit to town centres as national retailers seek to provide ‘click & collect’ services for their customers and the likes of Ebay striking a deal with Argos to provide this service for their on-line shoppers.

Perhaps the biggest cause for optimism is the recent announcement by Great Yarmouth Borough Council of a £1 million investment in Great Yarmouth town centre. Confirmed in the 2015/16 budget at Februarys Full Council meeting the one off £1m will be aimed at creating a better impression of the town centre.

For the full article go to: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge

Why innovation in the digital creative sector benefits all.

The UK’s digital creative (DCI) economy is worth £76.9billion, up from £71billion in 2012, and now account for 5% of the UK economy. 1.71m people are employed, in this sector which generates £146k every minute, and is growing faster than any other service export. Although London remains a major hub, the regions are growing rapidly – the fastest being the Eastern region which has grown by 27% over the last 3 years. This is particularly good news, as creative business generates wealth and jobs in its clients’ businesses, as well as its own.

The story of the Norfolk’s digital creative sector began with a number of, now mature, businesses, originally borne out of the city’s financial sector, which still count major international, financial clients on their client roster. Whatever the origins of these businesses, they have survived and grown, through tough economic conditions, by developing superior products as market leaders in their fields.

Foolproof, Proxama and Brandex all have international presence, but use Norwich as their development powerhouse, because of the

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creative talent and economic infrastructure the city has to offer.

For the full article go to: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge

John Last Vice-Chancellor, Norwich University of the Arts

NORFOLK CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Chamber membership offer for new businesses.

Highlighted Service – Chamber AA Breakdown Cover Discount.

If you are a Chamber member and have either company cars or personal cars that are used for business, then you can save hundreds of pounds a year on your breakdown cover.

n The service is a vehicle-base cover, so you’re covered no matter who is driving.

Up to 63% discount! n In partnership with the AA, we’ll help keep you motoring at an exclusive competitive price, just for Chamber members.

n As a Chamber member, you can also access discounts for specialist vehicles including taxis, mini cabs, hire vehicles, minibuses, motorcycles, courier vehicles and vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes.

n Chamber Roadside Assistance is more than just an introductory offer. You’ll benefit from the same generous, exclusive member discount each near.

To get you exclusive code to received this discount, just email membership@norfolkchamber.co.uk

n Essential car users can be added to your Chamber Roadside Assistance policy. If you reimburse a member of your staff for business use of their car, you can cover their car under your company policy. n Sole Trader? You’re catered for under ‘essential car user’, so you can benefits from up to £63% off AA standard UK Business Breakdown cover.

Spring clean - get rid of your old IT-equipment with this super offer.

Repairs, recycling and IT support specialist forage4it is giving you the chance throughout the months of April and May to have 10 items or more collected from your factory, office or business premises FREE of charge.

If your business is less than 18 months old then you can join the Norfolk Chamber of commerce for just £8.25/ month for your first 12 month membership.

Included in this is: n Promote your business for FREE by uploading news/events/articles/blogs to our website.

• Average 7500 visitors a month

For the life of the offer we will INCLUDE an itemised data destruction certificate (normally £0.50 per item) (see T &C’s on www.forage4it.co.uk)

• Shared over Twitter, Facebook, Google to another 7000 followers • Put forward for free editorial in the Norfolk Voice magazine

Offer Runs until the end of May

n Access to our weekly FREE training courses n Access to our great networking events n Access to a number of FREE and discounted business services, including:

FREE mystery shopper visit tailored to your business.

Are you looking to improve your customer service skills and grow sales and profits?

Shopper Anonymous specialise in customer experience feedback that enables businesses to adapt behaviours which impact significantly on profit and customer experience.

• FREE Legal and HR Advice • FREE Tax, VAT & PAYE Advice • FREE Legal Expenses Insurance (worth up to £670,000)

Chamber Member OFFER

n Use our logo on your own website to show you are part of the wider Chamber business network

First 10 businesses to email judy.randon@shopperanonymous.co.uk will receive: One FREE mystery visit report tailored to the specific requirements of your business

To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/membership

& One FREE consultation reviewing your results and the actions needed to improve customer service and sales

Or contact our Business Manger Jason Williams on 01603 729704 or Jason.williams@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Need more information? - visit our recently updated website – www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Getting your Conference off to a good start.

Are you the lucky one that has been selected to organise meetings or conferences for your company?

We are assuming conference organising is not your primary role but an additional task on top of the possible 101 other things you have on your plate! That being the case, we have prepared some tips that may make the process that little bit easier for you, save you some valuable time and have you looking like a professional conference organiser!

Target Audience: Who are you marketing the conference to? Define your target audience as this will make achieving the goals of the conference a lot easier and will determine your approach to planning the event.

Date and Venue: Determine the date of your conference well in advance. Decide how many days the conference will run for and the hours each day. Do a venue inspection and determine whether the venue will be suitable for your conference. Once you have decided on a venue or supplier you must make sure that the banqueting manager is able to supply everything necessary.

Budget: An effective budget is crucial to the success of the conference. Work out your costs, establish your budget and then make sure you stick to it. Allow 10% of your budget to cover unforeseen expenses.

Marketing & Advertising: Consider how you will promote your conference. Will this be

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

through press releases, direct mailings, business websites and e-zines, advertisements in specific magazines and journals. Publish proposed programmes on the conference website as well as the names of any speakers that you have secured and Keep the website up to date.

Print Media: Plan all the stationery that will need to be printed – conference folders, programmes, name tags, brochures, signage etc.

Conference Kit: Conference delegates usually receive a “conference kit” which may contain various things over and above the event schedule and presentation notes, a pen and notepaper. Other extras may include branded lanyards, product sample, vouchers etc Multi-Media Equipment Hire: Determine what equipment is included in the venue hire. If the venue does not have audi-visual equipment, source a company that hires out conference equipment and that installs it as well.

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Travel and Accommodation: Do you have conference packages that include accommodation as well as travel arrangements. Are the rooms suitable for delegates? Do they provide internet facilities and a desk to do work?

Good questions to ask are:

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n Is there enough space in the eating area for all the delegates at once? n What if it takes longer for the delegates to take their seats in the conference room than expected? n What if the audio-visual equipment fails to work? Will there be a technician on stand-by?

Christmas party nights and our New Years Eve Spectacular here at Sprowston Manor offers something for everyone! Whether you are looking to hold an intimate corporate dinner or a large festive feast for you and your co-workers, we have a variety of options for you!

Private function space is available as well as join in party nights.

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MAY/JUNE 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

CONFERENCE FEATURE

A complementary blend of business accommodation and meeting space.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Opened in July 2014, the Centrum building has quickly established itself as a prestigious business venue, and a hub for networking meetings, with visitors from on and off the Norwich Research Park tapping into the facilities on a daily basis.

Karen Brown, Operations Assistant at Norwich Research Park explains what makes the Centrum such a popular venue for clients:

The Centrum is a stunning building set in 230 hectares of parkland in the heart of Norwich Research Park but what distinguishes it from other centres is its complementary blend of business accommodation and meeting space.

Part of a substantial investment in Norwich Research Park by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Centrum is designed to deliver innovation from the research base to business and generate economic growth and job creation in the region. As such, the ground floor is dedicated to encouraging networking and collaboration by offering an exceptional environment where Park residents and visitors alike can develop ideas and make new connections.

The upper floors offer state of the art laboratories and offices. Available on flexible terms, space is ideal for growing companies who wish to enjoy the benefits of being located alongside the innovative businesses and cutting edge research institutes already located at the Park.

These design considerations have resulted in a vibrant atmosphere, and with free parking, Wi-Fi and a central reception, the Centrum’s networking spaces and bistro cafÊ have become a real destination of choice.

Since we opened last July, we have hosted a wide range of events including breakfast meetings and evening seminars for a broad

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

range of clients, all of whom are keen to create the right impression.

In addition to being ideal for informal sessions and networking events, the Centrum also has six hi-tech meeting rooms which can cater for anything up to sixty people, and benefit from the latest AV and video conferencing technology.

In the summer, we will be opening a new exhibition in Centrum which depicts the history and future vision for the Park. Using digital and print media, it promises to be a really exciting installation, and illustrates how versatile the space is.

Centrum was designed to be hub for the research and business community, and with the support of the BBSRC, we have created a facility that embodies innovation, knowledge exchange and collaboration. In my role, I am the first point of contact for businesses who wish to be part of this network and use the Centrum as a meeting place and venue. It is wonderful to see first-hand so many organisations enjoying the benefits that meeting in a collaborative location can bring.

I look forward to welcoming many more as the development continues to grow in popularity.

To find out more about why Centrum is the ideal place for meeting and networking events contact Karen Brown on 01603 673 601 or visit www.norwichresearchpark.com

Join us at Where research, innovation & business meet

The ideal location for your next meeting or event.

For more information call 01603 673 601 or visit www.norwichresearchpark.com

Your perfect conference venue is right on your doorstep At Holiday Inn Norwich conference - North, we have a large range of meeting and function Your perfect venue is right onrooms your doorstep perfectly catered to suit your event requirements and needs. From full service meetings to At Holiday Inn Norwich - North, we have a large range of meeting and function rooms large corporate events hosting up to 600 guests, we offer modern and state of the art spaces perfectly catered to suit your event requirements and needs. From full service meetings to making your event effective and spot on. large corporate events hosting up to 600 guests, we offer modern and state of the art spaces If you’re your hosting a meeting, function, team building event or looking for the making event effectivecorporate and spot on. perfect wedding venue, look no further.

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PAGE39

NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER EVENTS

Diary Dates 2015.

NETWORKING EVENTS After Hours: Cocktail Hour WHERE: Mr Postles’ Apothecary, Norwich WHEN: Friday 5th June, 18:00 – 20:00 WHAT: Back for 2015, join us for an evening of networking and cocktails, following its previous popularity we are bringing back the chance for you to try out your cocktails making skills, have a drink and make some great business connections in a relaxed setting. See page 43 for full details.

Norwich Business Breakfast

Digital and Technology Event WHERE: Norwich WHEN: Thursday 24th September, 08:00 – 14:00 WHAT: This essential half day digital and technology event will bring national and local expert speakers together to explore the advances in the modern world. Open to all businesses.

HR FORUMS HR Forum: Fit for Work WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich

WHERE: Sprowston Manor, Norwich

WHEN: Wednesday 17th June, 14:00 – 17:00

WHEN: Wednesday 8th July, 07:30 – 09:30

WHAT: In this interactive session, Ashton KCJ’s employment team will explore the potential benefits of Fit for Work together with the range of employment law issues caused by sickness and incapacity. The session will identify the pitfalls employers should avoid and lessons to be learnt from recent cases on disability discrimination, stress at work and absence management.

Sponsored and delivered by Ashton KCJ. Open to all businesses.

WHAT: Join us for a morning of networking to meet new people, connect over an ice breaker and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Members only.

SPECIAL EVENTS Bridging the Gap… Between Education and Business WHERE: The Space, Norwich WHEN: Thursday 21st May, 07:30 – 11:00 WHAT: A breakfast event to highlight the importance of young people in business to emphasise the benefits of Apprenticeships. This event brings together local businesses, young people and education/training providers to provide a lively discussion. Open to all businesses.

Wisbech Hog Roast & Quiz.

CHAMBER SESSIONS Free training delivered by members for our members at the Norfolk Chamber office in Norwich. See page 42 for full details.

Join the Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce for an evening of informal, crosscounty networking, followed by a hog roast and general knowledge themed quiz at Elgood & Sons Ltd, Wisbech on Wednesday 22 July.

The relaxed setting is the perfect opportunity to promote your company and make valuable new contacts with like-minded business people from across the region, whilst putting your brain power to the test!

Prizes will be on offer for not only the winning team, but also for most comical answers and of course the illustrious booby prize! n To book your place at this event visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Free to attend.

For more information and to see a full list of events visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Project Management at its best.

Make the best of your networking opportunities by joining Norfolk Chamber over a delicious breakfast at the Norwich City Football Club in May.

The breakfast will feature guest speaker Mark Reeson, Director of Project Management of M R Project Solutions Limited, who will deliver a presentation on top tips on successful project management and highlight the ways to adapt to the modern culture to achieve the best results. n Join us at this Norwich Business Breakfast on 14 May, full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

“ We loved the fact that there was such

a wide range of businesses taking part.

And seeing so many visitors was excellent because we have a wide customer base.

B2B was an all round, positive business experience. We’re looking forward to being at B2B 2015.”

TABATHA BUNTING, BUSINESS SUPPORT AFFINITY

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NORFOLK VOICE

Grow through Chamber Sessions.

Covering a wide range of topics, our expert members are here to deliver you free, weekly training to help your business and yourself grow through their top tips.

Learn direct from those who live and breathe their topics daily through their work. Available at both breakfast and lunch to suit your diary, held in the Norfolk Chamber Norwich office, don’t miss out on these free opportunities to better your business.

THE CHAMBER SESSIONS SERIES 7 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.

Tuesday 19 May, 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Improving Your Digital Marketing 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 16 June, 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Email Marketing

Be Better at Excel for Business: Secrets and Shortcuts

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.

Tuesday 2 June, 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Effective Working 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 effective working.

Introducing the secrets of using Excel for business. Michael Holness of Us2U Consulting will start by looking at data and formulas, but focus on avoiding the time-consuming mistakes people often make.

He will look in depth at the features of Excel that could give you the edge in business.

Tuesday 23 June, 08:30-10:00

Be Better at Pension Planning This session is designed to give attendees a better understanding of how auto enrolment will affect their business and staff. Dave Perry of Alan Boswell Group will provide a simple step-by-step guide to what will need to be achieved and the timescales required to deliver.

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

CHAMBER EVENTS

After Hours Series.

The Norfolk Chamber After Hours series is a perfect opportunity for those who are not a morning person. Join us for fun, informal & relaxed evening networking after work. The activities will make networking effortless and are an ideal way to break the ice.

Bringing together the local business community, this series is the ideal environment to get you making new connections and catch up with existing contacts. Book your place to maintain and expand your network. Only £18+VAT. Cocktail Hour DATE: Friday 5 June 2015 TIME: 17:00 – 20:00 VENUE: Mr Postles’ Apothecary, Norwich ABOUT: Back for 2015, join us for an evening of networking and cocktails, following its previous popularity we are bringing back the chance for you to try out your cocktails making skills, have a drink and make some great business connections in a relaxed setting.

Look the Business

Chamber Winter Olympics

Super Bowl Challenge

DATE: Thursday 20 August 2015

DATE: Wednesday 4 November 2015

DATE: Thursday 28 January 2016

TIME: 17:00 – 20:00

TIME: 17:00 – 20:00

TIME: 17:00 – 20:00

VENUE: Jarrold, Norwich

VENUE: Norfolk Snowsports Club, Trowse, Norwich

ABOUT: The Ultimate business fashion event is back for its fourth year! This year it’s back at Jarrold where you can learn how to keep warm and stylish through the cold winter months and maybe see if you can create the most on trend outfit on a budget!

ABOUT: Join us for a winter themed evening of relaxed networking and enjoy a taster ski session and some fish & chips to warm you up. As always this event will provide you with a chance to try yourself at something new. Already a pro at skiing, then why not come along and show your peers how it’s done.

VENUE: Hollywood Bowl, Riverside Leisure Complex ABOUT: Join us for the most popular event in the After Hours series, with the past 7 years being a sell-out you will need to book a team for this event early to avoid disappointment. Network in a fun atmosphere, bowl with your peers and make new contacts as you compete for the coveted Super Bowl Challenge trophy.

For more information and to book your place visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

MAY/JUNE 2015

PAGE43

PAGE TITLE

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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Rewarding excellence in British business Rewarding excellence in British business

Chamber Awards 2015 – Open for Entry

Chamber Awards 2015 – Open for Entry

Recognising and rewarding excellence in British business, the Chamber Awards is one of the UK’s most contested and prestigious business award programmes.

Each year,isfrom Recognising and rewarding excellence in British business, the Chamber Awards oneAberdeen of the to Plymouth, organisations of all sizes and from all sectors compete for the coveted titles and UK’s most contested and prestigious business award programmes. Each year, from Aberdeen the £10,000 cash prize on offer. Free entry for members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce. to Plymouth, organisations of allfee sizes and from all sectors compete for the coveted titles and Non-members entry £195 +VAT.

the £10,000 cash prize on offer. Free entry for members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce.

Visit www.chamberawards.co.uk now to view the 2015 Awards and to start your entry.

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To view the categories to enter, #chamberawards Visit www.chamberawards.co.uk nowand to view the visit 2015www.chamberawards.co.uk Awards and to start your entry.

To view the categories and to enter, visit www.chamberawards.co.uk #chamberawards Sponsored by

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NORFOLK VOICE

NEW MEMBERS

New Members.

3sun Academy

Equal Lives

Pepper Health Coaching

01493 666266

01508 491210

07747 847272

www.3sungroup.co.uk

www.equallives.org.uk/

www.pepper-coaching.co.uk

Training Providers/Services

Charities

Coaching & Mentoring

Amari Plastics Plc 01603 787777

norwich.amariplastics.com Manufacturing (Plastics)

Anaco Air Conditioning 01603 757800

www.anaco.ac Air Conditioning

ARG Bookkeeping 01953 857877

www.argbookkeeping.co.uk Bookkeeping

Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd 01953 458420

01603 760 060

www.fireworks-ltd.com

www.proxama.com

Fire Fighting & Safety Equipment

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Green Home Energy Solutions

www.buildingpartnerships.co.uk Property Development

Business Writers Limited 020 7193 4806

www.business-writers.co.uk Communications

Drayton Insurance Services Ltd 01603 264358

www.draytoninsurance.co.uk Insurance Companies/Brokers/Adjusters (all types)

sarahtrotaalchemy

01603 713816

01953 488766

www.greenhomeenergysolutions.co.uk

www.sarahtrotaalchemy.com

Energy

Coaching & Mentoring

Spacetotrade Ltd Hollinger Print Ltd

07964 537 123

01603 309000

www.spacetotrade.co.uk

www.hollinger.co.uk

Business Services

Printers

Building Partnerships Limited 01603 664665

Proxama Solutions Ltd

Studio Spark Kili Management Services Ltd 07833 246742 Consultants (Business/Management)

01603 610091

www.studiospark.co.uk Graphic Design

Mayday Office Equipment Services Ltd 01603 481995

Tactile Solutions Ltd

www.mayday-online.co.uk

01603 431435

Office Supplies/Equipment

www.tactile-solutions.co.uk IT Services

McDonald Hall Limited 07770 470 454

The Skills Service

www.mcdonaldhall.co.uk

01733 863696

Project Management

www.opportunitypeterborough.co.uk Construction (General)

Norwich Puppet Theatre Trust Ltd Easton and Otley College (Easton Campus Norfolk) 01603 731200

01603 615564

Varo Consultancy Ltd

www.puppettheatre.co.uk

07795 412459

Leisure & Tourism

www.varoconsultancy.com

www.eastonotley.ac.uk Educational Service

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Coaching & Mentoring

MEMBERS NEWS

£70,000 training boost for Norfolk Schools.

Teaching Assistants and those working in schools across Norfolk will receive extra support with their learning thanks to a £70,000 funding boost.

Norwich-based training provider Qualified Education, have partnered with City of Westminster College to offer those working to support children and young people in schools the opportunity to access funding of £70,000 through the 24+ Advanced Learning Loans.

Those wishing to improve their knowledge and skills to increase the level of support they offer pupils and schools will be able to do so without the need to pay the course fees upfront. This makes accessing learning and the attainment of a qualification much easier for those working in schools.

All UK learners starting Level 3 qualifications who are aged over 24 will be able to access a 24+ Advanced Learning Loans and will not have to repay anything until they have completed the course and are earning over £21,000.

Georgina Sexton, Centre Director at Qualified Education, said: “We’re committed to raising standards and improving outcomes for Norfolk’s schools. The 24+ Advanced Learning Loans will enable us to offer vocational qualifications to more teaching assistants in the area. The more skilled the workforce in our schools, the greater quality of support to a child’s learning and development.”

Norfolk Businesses raise funds for hospice.

Sky reaches out to Norfolk advertisers.

member winning a bottle of champagne.

Second place went to Aquaterra winning Cinema City tickets and third place to NCHC winning a Hotel Chocolat goodie bag.

A raffle also proved popular with superb prizes including a silent auction offering a made to measure or off the peg jacket or suit from Wensum Tailoring. These were snapped up by a team member from Smithfield Foods and TRO with all proceeds going to EACH.

One of East Anglia’s leading recruitment specialists, Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure), hosted a fun-packed annual charity quiz night, raising £2,107 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH) The evening saw businesses gathering at Dunston Hall Hotel in Norwich to raise money for the East Anglian charity dedicated to providing support to families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Teams such as ‘My drinking team has a trivia problem!’ from Victory Housing and ‘Booja Bubbles’ from Booja Booja turned Einstein for the evening to answer brain-busting questions, however, it was Team Energy Resources, that claimed the quiz crown with each lucky team

Joseph O’Sullivan, Manager of Pure’s Norwich Office, said: “The quiz night was a huge success which is largely down to all the fantastic businesses that came along to support such a worthy cause. We’re delighted to have been able to raise such a wonderful amount for EACH. I would like to thank everyone that attended, donated and contributed generously to the event and hope they can join us again next year.”

Carol Plunkett, Fundraiser at EACH Norfolk, said: “On behalf of EACH, I would like to thank all participating businesses and Pure for their support. All care provided from the hospice is free and available 24/7 and we rely on fundraising initiatives like this to continue to care for local life threatened children, and support for their families, helping them to make the most of life, no matter how short. “ Pure is committed to its charity partners across the region and has raised £83,304.68 to date.

David Sanderson and Lisa Webb of Sky Media joined JMS Group at The Forum in Norwich to explain the benefits of Sky’s AdSmart TV advertising platform to local advertisers, and its accessibility for brands of all sizes.

The half-hour presentation is a must-watch for any brands considering advertising on television, especially those considering TV for the first time.

For more information on Sky AdSmart – skymedia. co.uk/sky-adsmart or contact Lisa Webb on 0207 032 2835.

To find out more about commercial production for advertisers of all sizes contact Francesca de Lacey at JMS Group on 01603 811855.

MAY/JUNE 2015

PAGE47

NORFOLK VOICE

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

A week in the Life of...

Sam Brown – Events Assistant Apprentice

Monday

I start the week by checking through all my emails and the event bookings before our Chamber round up at 9am. I then follow this with a meeting with my apprenticeship assessor to go through a review of my progress so far in my apprenticeship.

This week I am running a HR Forum so I start prepping for the coming Wednesday including the 48 hour email, sending final numbers to the venue and testing the PowerPoint Presentations.

I finish off my day setting up our boardroom for the next morning’s Chamber Session event.

Tuesday

This morning we have one of our free weekly Chamber Sessions so the office is joined early by our members all ready to learn some new top tips. I open up the session at 8:30am and return for the close at 10am. I follow up the event with thank you emails and analysis work on the attendees and feedback received.

The afternoon is spent doing delegate packs and badges for the HR Forum and updating our events board with the figures for delegates booked onto different events.

Wednesday

I start off today with my weekly 1-2-1 meeting with my line manager to keep updated on my work and to sign off any new material.

It’s the day of my HR Forum today so I spend my morning preparing and packing for the event before setting off to Dunston Hall at 12:30 for set up. Our sponsors for the HR Forum take the floor once the event kicks off and the event runs smoothly till the end of the day.

Thursday

My day today is dedicated to the post event work for yesterday’s HR Forum.

This includes thank you emails, invoicing and plenty of analysis. I manage to get some time at the end of the day to work on marketing for my other events.

Friday

I spend this morning sending the 48 hour email and closing bookings for our Chamber Session the following week.

The rest of the day is spent finishing off small tasks and working on our upcoming After Hours evening networking series. I finish off my week working on my apprenticeship work before heading home for the weeked!

Sam Brown

KLM UK Engineering gain accreditation.

New website design for Norfolk Car Club.

KLM UK Engineering has been awarded the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) Accreditation for Aircraft Disassembly.

Digital marketing agency, Bigfork have redesigned the website for the Norfolk Car Club which provides new Volkswagen cars and vans for members to drive on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Building on the existing EASA Part 145/147 & FAA 145 Approval and the UK Environment Agency Approval, KLM UK Engineering operates a purpose built disassembly facility delivering a quality product.

Norfolk Car Club vehicles are operated by Co-wheels – a not for profit community interest company which is establishing a network of car clubs across the UK.Norfolk Car Club is supported by Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department for Transport and other partners. The aim of the club is to help: n Reduce your transport costs

Norwich based KLM UK Engineering, which is part of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, has more than 40 years’ experience in aircraft maintenance.

n Provide you with greater access to transport

KLM UK Engineering operates a five-bay heavy maintenance facility, a disassembly and recycling centre, a network of line stations and a technical training college. As such, KLM UK Engineering offers support for the entire aircraft lifecycle.

The new website is responsive to ensure that it can be viewed across desktops, tablets and mobiles and has an improved navigation to make it easy for customers to find their nearest Car Club car. You can see the site at www.norfolkcarclub.com

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

n Reduce your transport related carbon emissions

MEMBERS NEWS

RS Occupational Health marks anniversary.

‘Superman’ joins the Swarm team.

A leading occupational health company has marked the first anniversary of its acquisition by a Houstonbased global employee health services provider.

RS Occupational Health was acquired by DISA Global Solutions Inc. in a multi-million pound deal which added significantly to its already strong position within the UK occupational health sector.

RS Occupational Health, which operates a clinic in Great Yarmouth, continues to experience growth across its chosen marketplaces including oil and gas, construction, engineering, manufacturing and the public sector.

Swarm welcomed Chris Reeve as he became the newest member of the Operations team at Swarm HQ in Wymondham.

Chris, known to colleagues as Superman, has been involved with Swarm unofficially for more than a year as he came to the end of his enterprise apprenticeship working with Robert Aston, the founder of Swarm.

Now, due to Swarm’s growth he has officially has moved over in a dual role in supporting the operations team and growing new business opportunities.

Chris Perry, Swarm’s Managing Director, said, “As a Swarm apprentice, Chris Reeve really embodies the enterprising characteristics of Swarm and as such, he has already proven his ability to encourage businesses in taking on young people to support their organisations.”

“There really is no better way to encourage businesses to take on apprentices when the person they’re talking to is an apprentice themselves.”

Chris Reeve said, “I am delighted to officially join the Swarm Apprenticeships team. Since becoming an apprentice I’ve become extremely passionate about the brand and the direction in which the organisation is moving. I’m thoroughly looking forward to getting stuck into the role and getting to know more people in the local business community.”

DISA Global Solutions Inc. Vice President, Sales & External Operations Colin Woods said: “This acquisition has been our springboard into the global marketplace due to RS Occupational Health’s strong reputation, diverse service offering, and the knowledge of their employees.”

“Combined with the RS Occupational Health’s multiple locations and DISA’s existing operations in the UK, we have combined our strengths to position ourselves favourably as a major player in the North Sea region and continue to collaborate on expanding services nationwide.”

“We are excited about the future of our organisations and the work we have ahead of us.”

RS Occupational Health founder Dr Andrew Goodge added: “As we mark the first anniversary of the sale, it is clear that the move has delivered everything we believed it would.

We have outperformed our predictions and gained clients to whom we would not have been in a position to supply a service previously.”

Co-founder Fiona Willis said: “The level of investment and support from DISA has enabled RS Occupational Health to grow beyond expectations. DISA have remained committed to our core values of quality and customer service. The wealth of sharing of expertise between our organisations has brought many benefits and opened up opportunities both here in the UK and the USA.”

OMG! JMS helps launch new magazine.

When new magazine OMG! needed a set of TV commercials to promote the launch of their weekly magazine for women, they turned to JMS to make it happen.

Being new to TV, they wanted a company that could guide them through any potential pitfalls with Clearcast (the body responsible for approving commercials for broadcast) and produce a series of commercials very costeffectively using a simple sonic ident and a strong call to action. The commercials needed to echo the brand, bring a smile to the viewers face and create a strong recall when it came to seeing the magazine in stores.

Incorporating images from the magazine and some eye-catching headlines, the six

commercials will be playing out across the UK on a variety of terrestrial and satellite channels.

MAY/JUNE 2015

PAGE49

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

THE LAST WORD

The last word.

Name: David Squire FCILT Company: Managing Director Job Title: First East England (Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex) Biog: Born in Wirral, attended Wirral Grammar School and started work at age of 16 for the then state owned National Bus Company.

Progressed through various roles, becoming their youngest depot manager at the age of 21.

Worked for various bus and coach operators following de-regulation and worked in a number of areas of the country including Cheshire, North Wales, Manchester, Yorkshire and London.

I spent 10 years working for Arriva in Yorkshire and Great Manchester, becoming Head of Operations, I then joined municipally owned Network Warrington as their Managing Director, where I achieved Investors in People, Customer Service Excellence and OHASAS 14001, at the time the first UK Bus operator to achieve this award. Our levels of customer satisfaction soared and we won a number of industry awards.

I joined First in Summer 2013, becoming MD of First Eastern Counties in November of that year when I moved to the city. I’ve overseen the transformation from a regional structure to a locally managed operating company, stakeholder engagement is key and we are seeing the benefits of increased ridership and customer satisfaction

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

I’m originally from the Wirral, I left school in 1978 at the age of 16 to join my local bus company as a management trainee, in those days I was weekly paid (in cash!!), my first take home pay was £18, I went home very excited and my Mum took £10 for my keep!!!

External influences - the biggest being traffic congestion, which affects my customers by delaying buses, no two days are the same, however, we have to attempt to run to the same timetable each day, the unpredictability of it is quite dramatic, however with the benefit of real time displays at bus stops and through our First Bus APP, we are starting to address these issues and are able to provide our customers with the information they need to make an informed choice.

What do you always carry with you to work?

My sense of humour! It is important to get through the day with a smile, I believe in positivity, if you are happy it rubs off on those around you.

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

Seriously tackle red tape, I know this has been looked at before, however, there are literally hundreds of rules and regulations that we have to abide by.

What can you see from your office window?

Today…a car park (I’m on the Lansdowne Road industrial estate near the airport), but by the time that this is published it will be the city centre roof tops, as we are moving our Head Office and Norwich Depot management into Castle Meadow where we will be completely on top of our Norwich operations on a daily basis.

If you could do another job, what would it be?

I’ve spent my entire career in buses and coaches (37 years), I love it to bits as its a people industry, my Mum always wanted me to be an architect, but I’m not particularly creative, so I would guess that it would be another people industry, maybe working for an airline as travel is my passion outside of work.

As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

Empathy (as a people business, we are often privy to tragedy in our employees personal lives), attention to detail (as there is always a devil lurking) and the ability to use best practice to solve issues, having worked for a number

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

of companies over the years, there are lots of innovative ideas about, we shouldn’t be too afraid of trying new things, all it takes is a little courage and an instinct.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

As a youngster, not listening to someone who was very experienced because I though I knew better, it’s a hard lesson but the key is to recognise it and change your behaviour and attitude to suit.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Have belief in yourself and your abilities, be prepared to make mistakes, but recognise them and learn from them, take risks but give yourself an “out” if it goes wrong, and always, always keep your sense of humour!

Who do you admire most in business?

The traditional answer is Richard Branson!

However, mine is Willie Walsh, moving from Aer Lingus to the mighty BA was one hell of a challenge, to then add in to the mix taking on Iberia, sorting out the cost base, maintaining quality and dealing with the tragedy of 9/11 that completely shook the airline and wider world is pretty inspiring, apart from his well publicised spat with Mr Branson, he gets on with the job, I’d say that is pretty inspirational.

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