Norfolk Voice 36

voice

norfolk

Jake Humphrey talks Break Charity and B2B 2016

1

Jo Lardent, Vertas Group, has the Last Word Plus... Member News / International / Policy / Events NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Features • Top tips for start-ups • Businesses and schools partner for success Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

MARCH/APRIL 2016

SEPTEMBEROCTOBER 2016

For more information about our tailored on and off the job training programmes email ncls.apprenticeships@norfolk.gov.uk or phone us 0344 800 8020 www.norfolk.gov.uk/adultlearning @NorfolkCLS Norfolk Community Learning Services

Contents 03

04/05

06

08/09

10/12

13

14/19

20/21

22/23

24/25

26/27

28/31

32/33

36/37

38/41

42/46

49

50

CONTENTS

Welcome!

Summer’s gone, but there does appear to be a feeling of confidence and optimism coming back into the business community. After some seismic political events, including of course the shock ‘Brexit’ vote, July was the flattest month I can remember. Maybe it’s the sun, or possibly there’s a feeling of ‘what the heck’ running through us all, but whatever made the difference I’m just pleased that we’re feeling more positive.

Devolution continues to be a topic that’s too important to ignore. Despite not perhaps meeting all our needs and requirements it will ensure that we have more regional control. It will be a step forward for Norfolk and the business community must not be swayed by the headlines into believing that you don’t need to be involved. You do – see page 10.

You need to be at our annual Business2Business Exhibition too! Bursting at the seams with new and exciting ideas for business, ‘B2B’ is no longer a ‘nice to have’ in your diary; it’s a ‘definitely must attend’. Why would you not spend a couple of hours finding out what’s out there for your business? But be warned - you’ll want to stay longer than you thought! Check out page 38 for more details.

MEMBER NEWS

Exciting times ahead. If we work together we will be stronger.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

CHAMBER POLICY

BUSINESS SUPPORT

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

THE BIG INTERVIEW

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBERSHIP & NEW MEMBERS

EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

Technology is dominating our world. Love it or hate it, to secure a competitive advantage you need to understand it. You need to know what your existing and potential customers want from you. A great way to keep up to date is to attend our annual technology event in September, see page 37 for all the details.

It’s vital for your future.

At The Norfolk Chamber we’re planning for the future too. We have a very talented strategic planner from one of our members working with us and he is challenging the very core of what we do relating to our customers. We’re always open to this type of challenge of course and if you have any ideas as to what we could do better to help your business, now is a great time to let us know.

Email me: cw@norfolkchamber.co.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

VIEW FROM THE BOARD

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER NEWS

FOCUS ON FINANCE

FEATURES

CHAMBER EVENTS

THE LAST WORD

CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

elinor.goodhead@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ADVERTISING

Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich NR4 6DJ Tel: 01603 625977 Fax: 01603 633032

John Neilson, Commercial Director Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 07813 874 970 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

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

DISCLAIMER: Distinctive Publishing or Norfolk Chamber cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Norfolk Chamber.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

3

Gold medal event coming up...

Following the Brexit shock it is good to see that whilst we had the predicted knee jerk reactions to the news, we seem to be settling down to getting on with business. The quick change of Prime Minister and a new look and shape of government has helped calm down some of the concerns which were getting debated on a daily basis in the national press. The brilliant success of team GB at the Olympics has proved that there is life after Brexit and that we can not only hold our own on a global stage, we can actually win, mixing at the top of the medal tables with the super powers of America and China.

What is amazing about team GBs success is the age of some of the medal winners, with gymnasts as young as 15 and cyclists still in their early twenties becoming joint holders of Britain’s greatest Olympians title. The level of dedication that these sports people have to perform at this level is amazing, and I would be surprised if they were not as equally successful whilst they were still at school.

Businesses and schools have a huge amount to gain from each other, whether it be supporting young people with their career choices, or providing opportunities for businesses to challenge their current thinking by listening to the voice and challenges of the next generation of customers. The Chamber is working with a number of schools and businesses as part of the Young Chamber initiative which I recommend you get involved with.

With respect to getting on with business, the Gold medal event of the networking calendar is again upon us, Norfolk Chamber’s B2B event at Carrow Road. If you have not already booked your stand, please make sure you register online for a free visitor ticket so you can get to know all of the excellent businesses that will be exhibiting. I am sure it will be a great day and I look forward to seeing you there.

Jonathan Cage

President, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Looking the business.

4

Jason Williams

Business Manager, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Norfolk Chamber shortlisted for ‘Excellence in Membership Services’ award.

After a great year for the Norfolk Chamber, we are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for this year’s ‘Excellence in Membership Services’ award at the 2016 Chamber Awards.

The Chamber Awards, now in its 13th year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

Business Manager Jason Williams said; “It’s great that the Norfolk Chamber has been recognised for all the hard work that the team has put in over the last year. We will build on this success going forward to ensure that our members get the best possible service from us.”

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Lately over 40 guests joined us at Jarrold Norwich for an informal evening of fun, fashion and networking! The evening started with a networking icebreaker, guests were split into groups and given the challenge of finding an ‘on trend’ outfit for under £250.

They had only 20 minutes to bring together their outfit so there was lots of dashing around the fashion floor! Jarrold had their summer sale with up to 70% off selected items so teams were able to create some truly stunning outfits!

Personal Stylist Alex Monument judged the outfits presented by the teams. The winning ensemble featured a purple Ted Baker dress with yellow shoes and clutch bag. After the excitement of the activity, Jarrold provided a delicious buffet and the wine was flowing throughout the evening.

Guests then heard from Suzie Abel, Beauty Buyer, who talked about how the beauty department has

grown over the years and has made Jarrold the flagship store for beauty in Norwich. Next, guests were treated to a beauty demonstration and fashion show from the Jarrold’s team. The fashion show featured rounds of casual, smart-casual and special occasion wear with both female and male models.

The evening was closed with a raffle prize draw with prizes from Jarrold, and an exclusive hour for guests to shop around the fashion floor. All guests left with a big smile on their face, and several left with a new piece for their wardrobe!

Chamber Welcomes...

In July, we welcomed Tina Bush to the Accounts Team. Tina will be supporting Louise with our accounts processes and administration.

On joining the Chamber, Tina commented: “This is the first job where I have been greeted by the team in such a friendly and happy manner. It is good to meet people who are content in their working environment. I look forward to working with you all for a very long time!”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ChamberNews Businesses explore how to attract and retain top talent.

Recently, Norfolk Chamber members gathered at The Library restaurant in Norwich, for our latest Business Breakfast which was based around employee engagement and how our region can attract and retain top talent.

After a short presentation on the Chamber’s Young People Campaign (see page 12), and another from the event sponsor, Kevin Bayes Great Yarmouth College on how businesses can get involved with and support apprenticeships, it was time for ‘Speed Safari Networking’.

Delegates are given a card with 4 table numbers on and 4 minutes at each table. Having received great feedback from previous events, we once again used this activity as an

opportunity for delegates to network with up to 35 different people in as little as 16 minutes.

Once guests had finished their full English breakfast, it was time to hear from our guest speaker Lynn Walters, from Pure Resourcing Solutions. Accompanied by undergraduate student Amy Andrews, Lynn provided a thought provoking presentation on how our region can engage employees as well as attract and retain top talent.

Does this sound like an event you’d like to attend? Bookings are now open for our next Norwich Business Breakfast on Friday 7 October 2016 - www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

Celebrating 120 years.

This year, 2016, sees the 120th anniversary of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled to have reached such a milestone.

Norfolk Chamber President, Jonathan Cage, congratulated Francis at the AGM meeting.

New President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) recently appointed Francis Martin as its new President, succeeding Nora Senior who stands down after three years in post. Francis, who will be the business group’s first President from Northern Ireland, was officially appointed at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting after serving as Vice President since 2013.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Francis is a Partner at BDO Northern Ireland, and has over 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and business advisory locally and international.

Formerly President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he was recently awarded Northern Ireland Dealmaker of the Year 2016.

The official date of our anniversary is marked by our Norwich Economic Breakfast and AGM on Friday 7 October 2016. On this date in 1896 we were incorporated as Norwich Chamber of Commerce, before later changing to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. We will be celebrating this occasion at the breakfast and AGM and hope you will be able to join us. To book your place visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events Notice has hereby been given that the 120th Annual General Meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce will be held at Open, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich on Friday 07 October 2016 with registration at 10am for commencement of the meeting at 10.15am. The agenda and all relevant documentation was posted on the Norfolk Chamber website 28 days prior to the date of the AGM.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

5

MemberNews Banner launches new procurement model.

New faces: (L-R) David Wheeler, Michael Henderson, Kodi Burch, Gavin Dearsley, Sinéad Brogan, Richard Sayer

Alan Boswell Group makes key appointment.

In a move to supplement Alan Boswell Group’s insurance offering, the highly experienced Risk Management Adviser Gavin Dearsley has been appointed to support the firm’s clients with their Health and Safety and Risk Management requirements.

6

Gavin, who joins from NFU Mutual, will work alongside Risk Management Adviser John Neil, helping clients to reduce their potential exposure to claims.

Gavin said: “I’m excited to be joining Alan Boswell Group at this time of growth. Providing risk management advice makes good sense for clients.

By helping them to proactively manage risks we can help them reduce accidents, incidents, claims and ultimately premiums.”

John said: “I am extremely pleased to be working with an experienced and highly qualified professional like Gavin, who will help me to develop the service we offer to our clients.”

Gavin’s appointment follows that of three other employees from NFU Mutual: David Wheeler has joined the underwriting department; Michael Henderson has joined the account handling team and Sinéad Brogan has taken up a role as a Business Insurance Adviser. Kodi Burch has also joined the team as a Business Insurance Adviser having held roles at several insurance companies in the region.

All four are now based at the Group’s head office in Norwich.

The Group expects to see an eight percent increase in staff numbers in 2016. This will support strong growth projections, with commercial insurance forming a key area for expansion.

Chris Gibbs, Managing Director, said “We’ve seen substantial growth in the company as a direct result of winning new business. We’re anticipating similar increases this year and we’re actively looking to hire the best executives we can find.”

Leathes Prior Solicitors sponsor Grand Parade.

Leathes Prior supported the Royal Norfolk Show this year by sponsoring the much loved Grand Parade of champion livestock and heavy horses.

Continuing on from last year’s support of the Supreme Ridden Championship at the show, the firm were delighted to be supporting the show for another year.

The Grand Parade gives exhibitors the chance to showcase their final livestock, offering more than 258 championship classes for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. The parade also acts as a salute to the farmers, exhibitors and their animals in Norfolk, as the award winning champion livestock and heavy horses are showcased.

Richard Costin

Managing Director, Banner

A Norwich-based provider of workplace supplies and services has launched an all-inclusive, managed services contract that comes with a guarantee to sell customers less.

One of the UK and Ireland’s leading workplace supplies providers, Banner intends to shake up the marketplace with its new Management Fee purchasing model, built to give the highest levels of support and transparency to procurement professionals operating in rapidly moving sourcing and purchasing environments.

Banner, which is the largest supplier to both the public and private sectors within the UK and Ireland, aims to challenge the norm by offering a monthly cross-category all-inclusive service fee. The fee can be charged to central budgets and will help procurement professionals to demonstrate on-going savings by including a commitment to reduce spend throughout the life of the contract.

Discounted healthcare plans for your employees. Visit www.norfolkchamber. co.uk for details.

Leathes Prior not only sponsored the event but also presented the prizes in the Grand Ring to the winners of each class on the day.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The firm has an increasingly strong presence in agriculture and equine across Norfolk and Suffolk with specialist Agriculture and Equine teams.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Advertising

How the Brexit vote affects Intellectual Property Rights.

It is worth reassuring IP Rights owners that there are no immediate changes to IP Rights in the UK and EU and therefore there is no risk of losing rights as a result of the referendum decision. Having said that, when the UK does formally cease to be a member of the EU, a number of important changes will occur for European Intellectual Property Rights unless separate agreements are made during the UK’s exit negotiations over the next few years. It is also likely that UK Plc will rely on its IP Rights even more than previously to protect its interests in the global market post-Brexit.

Rights that have only been used in the UK historically and whether or not the continuing EU Right could then be liable to attack after the UK has left the EU on the grounds of insufficient use in an EU member state. This is a complicated area of law and any EU Rights holders with use solely or primarily in the UK historically should seek professional advice immediately to ensure their ongoing rights are secured.

European & International Patent Rights European Trade Mark and Design Rights New EU trade marks and EU design rights filings will continue to include the UK as part of their coverage whilst the UK is still a member of the EU. It is only after the UK has formally left the EU that any new filings will only cover the remaining EU countries as things stand. When this happens, separate UK rights will have to be filed alongside new EU filings if protection is required in the UK and throughout the EU. Upon leaving the EU, owners of existing EU trade marks and EU design rights (including those filed between now and the time at which the UK leaves the EU) will be able to continue to benefit from rights ownership in the UK. The UK Intellectual Property Office is likely to introduce a transitional procedure to convert such rights into equivalent national UK rights. The professional IP industry bodies here in the UK have committed to help this transition to optimise the process.

There are, however, no confirmed plans yet for the mechanism by which these rights will be created and so the process for conversion (and whether or not any cost will have to be incurred by the owner) is difficult to predict.

There are also potential concerns over revocation actions for EU SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Contrary to the European Trade Mark and Design Right systems, The UK’s continuing membership of the European Patent Convention is entirely independent of membership of the EU. European patents will still cover the UK, European patent applicants will not lose any rights and patents already obtained via the European Patent Office are unaffected.

Similarly, International Patents filed through the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) system are also entirely unaffected. PCT applications will still cover the UK, PCT patent applicants will not lose any rights, and the UK leaving the EU will have no effect. One potential implication however is that the UK’s decision to leave the EU may delay or prevent the proposed European Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Courts from materialising, but this is purely industry speculation currently.

Summary The most significant change is that unless a new bilateral agreement is made, new EU Trade Mark and Design Rights filed after the UK has left the EU will only cover the remaining EU member states, and will not cover the UK. European and International Patent Rights are, however, entirely unaffected, although the future of the UK’s involvement in the Unitary Patent and as a host of the Unified Patent Court is harder to predict.

What to do now If UK businesses are exporting to, or operating in, EU countries (or have a desire to in the coming years) they should apply for new EU Trade Marks and/or Design Rights to protect their assets before the UK leaves the EU to save substantial costs and secure full coverage.

Current EU Trade Mark and Design Rights holders who have primarily or exclusively operated solely in the UK historically should take professional advice to ensure their ongoing EU Rights are not open to attack after the UK has left the EU.

Businesses should review their IP Portfolio, assess how leaving the EU will affect their IP Assets, and take any necessary actions to maximise the value of their IP post-Brexit.

Richard Jones MBA DipPC Business Relationship Manager for ip21 Ltd Please note: All information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing and provided purely for informational purposes. If you require professional advice as to the applicability of this information to an individual matter then please get in touch with the ip21 team directly.

7

A specialist Intellectual Property company that moves with the times At ip21 we pride ourselves on offering a full range of IP services, as well as IP advice and support tailored to the commercial benefit of our clients.

• Patents • Trademarks • Licensing • Design Rights • Litigation • IP Strategy • IP Valuation • IP Budgeting

Intellectual Property Specialists Offices in Norwich, London, Chelmsford and Bury St Edmunds Tel: +44 (0) 1603 457008 Email: info@ip21.co.uk www.ip21.co.uk

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Proeon Systems highlights disruptive technology.

Vicky Webber, HR Adviser, Lovewell Blake (centre) with Thorpe St Andrew High School Leader for Business and Economics, Rachel Clarke, and Assistant Principal, Greg Dewar

Norwich’s first enterprise adviser partnership formed between Thorpe St Andrew school and local firm.

8

A Norwich firm of accountants, business advisers and financial planners and a Norwich school have got together to form the city’s first ‘Enterprise Adviser’ link – designed to support schools to build sustainable careers and enterprise structures and build lasting links between the worlds of education and business.

The appointment is the first in the city under the Enterprise Adviser Venture launched earlier this year by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), part of a national programme designed to motivate and inspire young people’s career aspirations and improve their eventual employment prospects.

Vicky Webber, HR adviser at Lovewell Blake, has become the city’s first Enterprise Adviser at Thorpe St Andrew High School and Sixth Form. She will be working with senior staff at the school to advise on their employer engagement strategy, and helping the school build a better network of business contacts.

Greg Dewar, Assistant Principal, said: “All schools are realising that they need to build closer relationships with their local business communities.”

“Businesses like Lovewell Blake can offer us a much more detailed insight into the needs of employers, and guide us about what employability skills we need to be introducing to our students.”

Find out more about how Norfolk Chamber is bridging the gap between business and young people - visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/bridgingthegap

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

Local car wash supports Independence Matters fundraiser.

Thanks to the generosity of the car wash next door, Independence Matters Community Hub on Ipswich Road in Norwich is now significantly closer to its goal of buying a defibrillator.

Public access defibrillators (PADs) are known to 999 operators and can significantly increase an individual’s chances of survival following cardiac arrest, so they are of real value to the local community.

Staff at the Hub, which supports adults with learning disabilities and dementia, were approached by neighbours Ipswich Road Car Wash, who volunteered to donate a day’s takings to the cause.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The fundraising event took place in June and was co-ordinated by Hub worker Ann Beese. It was attended by the East of England Ambulance Service, who carried out free blood pressure checks while customers waited for their cars and gave advice on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Despite slightly disappointing weather the event was a huge success. A fantastic £1,233 was raised, and with further fundraising events planned it’s hoped the total needed to buy the PAD will soon be reached.

Proeon Systems held an open event at their facilities in Norfolk to showcase a technology collaboration with Danish company SAAB, known for their military communications and aircraft equipment, and BARTEC with their latest range in ATEX approved AV equipment.

Proeon presented an integrated solution to complement changes in offshore working practices providing multi level lines of communications to the beach.

Dr Dorian Hindmarsh, Proeon’s Business Development Manager, said “The offshore industry is really starting to look at operational costs both in Oil & Gas and Renewables sector, and with the application of the right kinds of technology, safety and quality improvement, significant cost reduction can happen.”

Proeon are now working with clients to offer bespoke packages with personal helmet mounted and remote HD ATEX cameras, PDAs and wi-fi communications, to provide direct lines of communication between workers offshore and the technical support and senior engineering team back on the beach.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

MemberNews Norfolk Business Coach launches employee engagement global scheme.

Mark Greenwood and some of the Double Nelson team set off

Greenwood&Bell: how we got caught up in a Double Nelson.

Mark Greenwood of East Anglian marketing agency Greenwood&Bell is one of the founders of a new charity cycle ride, the ‘Double Nelson’. The ride started at Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square on a Saturday morning in July at 6am. 140 miles and 14 hours later they pedalled up to Nelson’s Monument in Great Yarmouth.

standing at over £2,200 raised for the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s training ship Lord Nelson.

The ride was completed by ten cyclists including Chamber member Mark Greenwood of advertising and design agency Greenwood&Bell.

The money all goes to the Jubilee Sailing Trust who own and operate the Lord Nelson and Tenacious, the only two tall ships in the world designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side as equals. The more able bodied crew members work alongside the less able, resulting in once in a lifetime experiences that really do change people’s lives.

The charity cycle ride has raised more than double its original target of £1,000, with the final total now

Mark Greenwood said “We’re tired, sore but very proud. We want to thank everyone who helped, especially Greenwood&Bell clients, friends and family who have donated so generously”.

MIGSOLV launches reseller programme for Data Centre services.

Data centre operator MIGSOLV has introduced its first reseller programme - backed by specially discounted rates, comprehensive support and a quality guarantee.

The company is open for applications from companies interested in reselling its data centre (colocation) services. Resellers can find out more at www.migsolv.com/ our-clients/resellers MIGSOLV will provide appointed resellers with a comprehensive package of support including: n discounted rack prices to enable them to achieve good profit margins SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

The company is backing its new reseller programme with the promise that if, within 60 days, a reseller’s customer is unhappy with any aspect of its service, it will refund all related fees.

n a dedicated account manager n a dedicated support line n 24/7 onsite support for resellers and their customers n access to onsite facilities for customer meetings

MIGSOLV CEO Alex Rabbetts said “We’re excited to launch our reseller programme as the next phase of our company’s growth. There’s a great opportunity for forward-thinking resellers to enhance their offerings by providing our data centre services under their own brands.”

MIGSOLV are the newest Chamber Gold Patron.

Roger Pemberton Action Coach

With low employee engagement costing the UK £340bn a year, a Norfolk business coach has launched a brand new initiative helping East Anglian businesses to improve employee productivity.

Roger Pemberton is one of only nine UK ‘Engage and Grow’ businesses coaches – and the only qualified Action coach in East Anglia. ‘Engage and Grow’ is a new twelve week coaching programme helping business owners increase engagement and communication with their staff and customers improving productivity.

Whilst traditional training methods are the least desirable way people want to learn, ‘Engage & Grow’ impacts teams through twelve one hour sessions. All courses are individually designed to suit the requirements of the business, with the programme proving extremely effective across 13 countries.

Roger Pemberton hopes the engagement programme will take off in East Anglia, adding: “Businesses are facing a time of extreme economic uncertainty and this programme will help employers to boost productivity and improve communication with customers.”

Members have access to free weekly training sessions on topics such as social media, websites, leadership, networking and more…

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

9

Bank of England: UK entering period of Continued business support is significant change. needed for Devolution.

By Phil Eckersley, Regional Agent We are entering what is likely to be a period of significant change for our economy, with the vote to leave the European Union ushering in a new era for the UK’s relationship with the rest of the world.

Some of the adjustments to this new reality may prove difficult and many will take time.

And, while the Bank of England firmly believes that the UK – one of the most flexible economies in the world – can handle this change, there will inevitably be a period of heightened uncertainty as this process takes place.

The Bank published its latest Inflation Report in August which explained how the vote to leave the EU has resulted in a material change in the economic outlook.

10

In response, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unveiled a comprehensive package of measures to support the economy.

In the absence of much ‘hard’ data yet on the economic impact of the referendum, the evidence gathered by our regional agents was particularly important as the MPC tried to assess the state of the economy.

We are really grateful for the time that business leaders have given us recently as we’ve sought to better understand how they are being affected by this period of heightened uncertainty.

At challenging times like this, what is always striking is the resilience and versatility of our region’s business community. As circumstances change, companies will adapt to take on new challenges and embrace new opportunities.

We hope that the actions taken by the Bank of England so far will play a small part in helping them to do that.

The full article can be found on the Chamber website.

Chamber members can attend an exclusive lunch with a Regional Agent from the Bank of England on 16 September.

Visit our website to book now.

Phil Eckersley The Bank of England’s Agent for the South East and East Anglia

Devolution is about giving our region greater control over key areas of our economy such as spending on roads and transport links, housing, skills and social care.

The Norfolk Chamber Board strongly believes that the devolution deal offers our region a prime opportunity to secure funding to enable the local business community to deliver greater economic growth, jobs and a better future for Norfolk, whilst having the ability to make decisions at a local level.

The first formal public consultation period ended on 23 August. However continued support from businesses is still needed, prior to our local councillors making their decision in October, to ensure that the business voice is clearly heard and this golden opportunity becomes a reality.

Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber said: “We acknowledge that the deal on the table is not ideal, however we appreciate that this is the deal we must work with right now. The deal is only the starting point to help bring additional investment into our county – and we believe that this may lead to more opportunities in the future. It is therefore imperative that we take advantage of this opportunity to claim greater powers for our region and the ability to shape our own future.”

You can help make the business case, if you added your business voice to that of the Norfolk Chamber by submitting your own letter of support to Andy Wood, the Independent Chair of the East Anglia Leaders Group to be sent to the Secretary of State. (You can access a suggested letter template by using this link: http://tinyurl. com/hswq9m5) Norfolk needs additional funding – this is a route to get that funding and it is on the table now. Let’s grab it with both hands.

@BoESouthEast

First Young Chamber Patron announced.

We are delighted to announce that Norse are our first Young Chamber patron. As an organisation who shares our commitment to developing the talent of Norfolk’s young people, we are pleased to be working together to continue the success of our Young Chamber schools programme.

Young Chamber is a powerful way of getting businesses engaged with students and young people in Norfolk. This patronage will help us continue to expand the programme into new schools and offer more networking opportunities for all Young Chamber groups to meet.

Norse also have a representative

on our Young Chamber Board, to help shape and drive forward this programme.

Tricia Fuller, Group HR Director at Norse, commented: “We are extremely pleased to support the excellent work of the Young Chamber. Norse have always invested in the next generation of potential employees who are the future of any organisation. Young Chamber helps us establish our brand and to build on our desire to be the Employer of Choice. “

Young Chamber patronage can raise your company’s profile. Please contact Nova Fairbank for more information on 01603 729713 or email nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Tricia Fuller and George Nobbs celebrate with Norse apprentices

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

A new vision for Norfolk.

Norfolk Chamber wants to develop a new vision for transport and development infrastructure in Norfolk.

The starting point for our vision will be to split the current Chamber Transport, Planning & Development Group into two new dedicated groups. The first new group will be a Transport and Infrastructure Group (TIG).

The main purpose of TIG will be to look to develop a high level business/transport strategy. It’s remit will be to consider all modes of transport both public and private sector; looking at road, rail, methods of transport, such as car, cycle, heavy goods vehicles; and work with public transport operators, local authorities and key private sector stakeholders.

The strategy will look to what Norwich and Norfolk transport and infrastructure needs will look like in 30 to 50 years’ time from a business perspective.

ChamberPolicy Finance & Funding.

ETIP

Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber said: “The Norfolk Chamber Transport and Infrastructure Group aims to provide links between the business and public sector delivery agencies and help ensure that business is at the centre of development when considering the future improvements in Norwich and Norfolk.”

“We would like to explore innovative and possibly some more radical ideas that would put Norwich and Norfolk at the forefront of transport and infrastructure development.”

The first meeting of the group is scheduled for the beginning of October.

If you have some great ideas and want to get involved with the Chamber’s Transport and Infrastructure Group, please contact, Nova Fairbank by email: nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

“The Norfolk Chamber Transport and Infrastructure Group aims to provide links between the business and public sector delivery agencies and help ensure that business is at the centre of development when considering the future improvements in Norwich and Norfolk.”

Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber

Superfast Broadband – Why can’t we all get it?

Fibre Broadband (a.k.a Superfast Broadband) is a fast, cheap service for those lucky enough to get it - up to 80Mbps speeds, for around £30-40 per month - so why can’t we all get it? Why are the majority of companies in Yarmouth’s largest commercial area, the Harfreys and Gapton Hall, still waiting for this service?

The Government last month released a report telling us that investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure is vital to growth. The report set out a target of a minimum 10Mbps as a ‘Universal Service Obligation’.

That sounds good in principle, but the truth is that it is just not good enough in my experience.

In my day job, Managing Director of CSS Computers, we regularly find ourselves having to advise customers that there are IT services which they simply cannot have because their Broadband speed is too low. For example, cloud based or ‘Hosted’ services for email, backup, and data storage which have become the norm, need both fast and reliable Internet connections.

This is because providers, such as BT, prioritise domestic rollouts over commercial ones. By upgrading one broadband cabinet, they can provide hundreds of new connections in a residential area, compared to a few dozen in a commercial area. This helps towards the coverage statistics which state

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

By Peter Green

Member of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council and Managing Director of CSS Computers what percentage of the population is able to access ‘Superfast Broadband’.

Whilst the government have stated that priority should be given to Fibre Broadband rollout in commercial areas, I fear that without a real commercial imperative we will need this to be backed up by strong regulation to ensure that it happens quickly enough.

This is one of the reasons I have joined the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, so I can use the power of the local, regional and national voice of the Chamber to influence change.

If you’re interested in joining us on the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, email nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Increased funding! 25% cashback available for paid training, up to £1,500 per learner. Up to 40% cashback on Level 3 apprenticeships. Visit norfolkchamber.co.uk/etip

New Enterprise Allowance Run by DWP, this provides entrepreneurs a weekly allowance for the first 26 weeks of a business venture, a total of £1,274. To be eligible, you must be over 18, have a business idea, and be on some sort of benefit. Visit gov.uk/newenterprise-allowance.

Anglia Capital Group Entrepreneurs seeking startup and early growth stage investment capital for their businesses have the opportunity to gain 50% capital from angel investors and 50% from New Anglia Capital to create jobs in high-potential sectors. Visit angliacapitalgroup.co.uk.

Signpost2Grants Grants of between £2,000 and £20,000 are available to SMEs in the GCGP area who are looking to invest in new equipment, new machinery, improvements to their premises, or other capital purchases. The grants can be used to fund up to 20% of the total project cost, to provide businesses with the extra help they need to grow. Visit signpost2grants.co.uk.

StartUp Loans A government funded scheme providing advice, loans and mentoring to start up businesses. This is an opportunity to borrow up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate and access a free business mentor to help you succeed.

Visit startuploans.co.uk

Finance Providers Looking to compare finance providers? Visit www. businessbankinginsight. co.uk, created by HM Treasury, the British Chambers of Commerce, and FSB, to give firms a unique insight into what their peers say about the performance of finance providers.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

11

ChamberPolicy

Recruiting your future workforce.

Is your business ready to recruit tomorrow’s talent? Whilst the days of going to school may be in the past, the impact the current changes on the education system are having will affect your future workforce.

Through our Young Chamber events, we have a unique insight into the

gaps in understanding between business and education. Business people are shocked to hear some of the new pressures being placed on the education system, and realising how important it is to support them.

Do you remember talking about a C as a ‘pass’, or the introduction of A* grades? Now, as the start of the new school term is upon us, schools will be talking about 1-9 grades instead.

This is part of the government’s plans to ensure pupils can compete with the top performers in the world and secure the best jobs, replacing

the A to U system with a new 9 to 1 scale (9 being the highest).

The aim is to try and make our education system more rigorous, and in line with other high performing countries - the new ‘good pass’ is comparable to the standard aimed for by pupils in countries such as Finland, Canada, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Teachers will be judged on progressing all students up the numerical scale, rather than moving pupils over a narrow attainment borderline of a C.

Schools are also being measured on the outcomes of their students up to two years after they have left High School, which does not take into account the full picture of influences on a young person at the early stages of their career choices.

Businesses need to understand and support Norfolk’s schools to deliver a future workforce that are ready and capable to keep our economy competitive. Join us at November’s conference to learn more about how your business can attract and learn from the future workforce.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Find out more about how your business can attract the future workforce.

Book now for our conference on Friday 25 November - see page 38

Committed to Business

Free support for career events in schools.

Chamber Community Fund.

12 Your company can support young people in Norfolk by donating to the Chamber Community Fund.

To tie in with our ‘bridging the gap between business and young people’ campaign, and our 120th anniversary, Norfolk Chamber has promised to match fund every donation made.

Many schools across Norfolk have already benefited from free careers events organised by Norfolk Chamber that inspire, enthuse and motivate students to consider the range of employment options available to them and think about their future career path.

Five careers events that involved workshops, speed networking and exhibitions have been held with local schools, helping over 2,450 young people in Norfolk in 2015/16.

We are looking for more state schools who want to take advantage of free careers events organised on their behalf for the next academic year (September 2016 - July 2017).

We can tailor the event for each school and are flexible on duration and format of events. We can provide marketing materials and we

will liaise directly with a range of businesses to attend.

Participating schools would need to have a minimum of 250 students in Year 8 and above attend over the duration of the event.

GET INVOLVED University Technical College Norwich Tue 20 Sept Old Buckenham High School Wed 2 Nov

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

If your school wants an event, or your business wants to participate, please contact Philippa Bindley on 01603 729703 or email philippa.bindley@ norfolkchamber.co.uk.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

The aim of the fund is to provide grant awards to charitable organisations working within Norfolk with young people aged up to 25. The main goal of these grants will be to increase access to employment and training, and so improve the opportunities and career options open to young people across the county. Accordingly, grants of up to £2,000 will be available to support projects focussed on championing young people by working with those who are facing particular challenges in accessing employment or training, or developing their skills.

Eligible projects might include: n Providing training, leadership or volunteering opportunities for young people. n Projects that support young people who are NEET or at risk of exclusion to access training and develop skills. n Jobs clubs and careers support aimed at young people.

To donate visit norfolkchamber.co.uk/ donate

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

MemberNews It’s new and it’s Naked.

Peter van der Horst appointed Managing Director, KLM UK Engineering Limited.

KLM UK Engineering is a wholly-owned Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance subsidiary specialising in maintenance solutions for regional and narrow-body aircraft fleets.

Peter van der Horst started his career in 1985 with Martinair were he held several operational management positions followed by: Director Cargo Operations, Director Aircraft Maintenance, Director Technical Operations and VP Maintenance and Engineering. In 2013 he moved to KLM E&M and was appointed as VP Line Maintenance.

After a period of restructuring, Naked Element Ltd have revealed their new website. The site can be found at NakedElement.co.uk The blog section is crammed with tech articles, event reviews and musings from their apprentice Lewis plus brochures are all available online. You can also find Naked on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

He said: “I am very proud to be appointed Managing Director of KLM UK Engineering Limited. I hope that the knowledge acquired in my previous functions will bring a valuable contribution to KLM UK and its clients. Quality and predictability of an maintenance repair operations services provider are extremely important factors for guaranteeing the operational performance of an airline. Therefore my aim is to continuously improve and adapt our services to the expectations of our clients.”

Pure wins global award.

Pure has been presented with a global award in recognition of its outstanding track record of using its company intranet system to enhance its internal communications.

Looking for more opportunities at "Business in Portuguese" conference.

Monica Machado Translation Services was represented at the “Business in Portuguese” conference, organised by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce at Bloomberg, in central London.

Portuguese-speaking countries (Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and East Timor) to potential investors in the City of London.

It was an excellent opportunity to present Monica Machado Translation Services and make new contacts.

At the end of each panel, attendees were able to ask questions about current business in countries like Angola, Mozambique and Brazil, and different possible business opportunities.

The half day conference discussed business opportunities in

Show that you are part of our business network by putting our logo on your website, call 01603 729710 to find out more.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

The regional recruitment firm was crowned the ‘Radically Better Organisation of the Year’ at the annual Jostle Awards. The awards are open to organisations across 159 countries which use Jostle’s People Engagement intranet as a platform to share communications with employees across the business.

The Radically Better Organisation of the Year category is seen as the overall ‘best in show’ award and is presented to organisations which have demonstrated a consistent track record of achieving employee engagement through effective internal communications. Pure received the award for organisations of 200 employees and under.

As Pure is located in four counties across the region, with offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich, the Jostle intranet forms an integral

function in enhancing employee communication. The judges commented that Pure had demonstrated how the effective use of an internal intranet can be core to an effective employee engagement strategy, especially during periods of organisational growth.

Gill Buchanan, Director at Pure, said: “Jostle has been central to underpinning and supporting our continued focus on making Pure a great place to work, with a motivated and high-achieving team. It’s important for us to have a clear way of communicating internally and we have found Jostle to be a great way of doing this. Every member of staff contributed to this award as they all use the intranet to share news and announcements, host instant group discussions and to access all of our company information.”

Committed to Business

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

13

Advertising

Jamie Playford Licensed Insolvency Practitioner Leading Corporate Recovery

Exploring Options for Distressed Businesses

Just as you don’t need a hammer to crack a nut, you don’t necessarily need to cease trading or liquidate your business if it is struggling. We explore the other options available.

14

Administration If the directors choose to place a company into Administration, the directors essentially hand control of the company over to an Administrator (who must be a licenced insolvency practitioner).

In simple terms this is a kill-or-cure solution. The Administrator will attempt to quickly stabilise the business and bring it back to good health. The Administrator then has a number of options as how to deal with the company. In rare circumstances where the Administrator makes significant profits or asset sales under Administration, the Administrator may pass control of the company back to the directors. More commonly, the Administrator will either work with the directors to agree a CVA (see below) to allow the company to continue in the longer term. If a CVA is not viable, the Administrator will likely look for a buyer for the business. If none of this options can be achieved, the Administrator will start the process to close the company down in an orderly fashion, usually completing any ongoing work, selling off assets piecemeal and making staff redundancies. A company can spend up to a year in administration before a final decision is taken on its future.

Pre-Pack Administration A Pre-pack Administration is when a company enters Administration and where the Administrator, having already been involved behind the scenes, completes a very quick sale of the business once it enters Administration. The business can be sold to a third party, such as a customer or competitor, or in many cases the buyer will be the existing owners or management.

The benefits of pre-pack Administration are that an Administrator can effect a sale quickly, before

news of the company’s insolvency reaches the outside world, as this may reduce the value of the business, for example if orders are cancelled or if staff were to leave. Independent academic research has shown that pre-packs have saved many thousands of jobs and R3, the insolvency trade body, has advocated their place in the insolvency market when conducted properly.

However, the speed and secrecy of the pre-pack is the very reason that pre-packs have caused controversy in the past, since it has been argued that this means the business is not made available to the wider market to test what price might be achieved. Also, where a pre-pack sale is to directors or management, it appears that directors can walk away from debt and set up in the same business again the following day.

While there is a certain degree of truth to this, the onus is on the Administrator to justify why a full marketing campaign is either not preferred or not possible. To give creditors another level of comfort, there is also now a body set up by the Insolvency Service that reviews prepacks before they place, to give an independent view on the Administrator’s judgment.

Company Voluntary Arrangement A Company Voluntary Arrangement is a formal payment plan between a company and its creditors, which sets out how much the company can afford to pay back to creditors and over what timescale (usually 5 years). In order to take effect, a CVA must be approved by at least 75% (by value of debt) of the creditors who vote. As long as this is achieved a CVA can be put in place even if there are objections from the creditors holding the remaining 25% of the debt.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The directors retain control of the management of the company and the company pays a monthly sum to the insolvency practitioner, who will distribute the funds to creditors over the life of the CVA. Once the CVA ends, any balance still owed to creditors is written off.

Dissolution If a company can afford to pay off its debts but does not have a future as a going concern, then it may be possible for the directors to apply to Companies House to have the company removed from the companies register in a process known as dissolution. This might apply if, for example, a company finds itself struggling due to the departure of a key member of staff in a service-orientated business, or if a company’s only customer decide not to purchase from it any longer.

Dissolution does nothing to absolve the company of its existing debts, however all creditors of the company need to be notified of the dissolution application, and any creditor may object to the dissolution if they still have monies owed to them.

Leading Corporate Recovery specialise in providing practical and intelligent insolvency and business restructuring solutions. For free, confidential advice, get in touch with our team today: 0800 246 1845 / mail@leading.uk.com www.leading.uk.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

BusinessSupport Vertas Group Limited is the fast growing, sustainable and agile facilities management provider, operating in East Anglia. Vertas, alongside its subsidiaries; Verse Facilities Management, IEM Caterquip and Easilife Cleaning provide bespoke, multi-service soft FM packages to suit your business needs.

The Vertas Group delivers high quality, responsive services to our clients. We aim to truly make the difference by putting our customers and colleagues at the heart of everything we do; developing a close working partnership with clients to ensure they receive the very best service.

We can work closely with your business to provide vital building services, including: 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Printing Services Energy Management and Consultancy Facilities and Asset Management Landscape Design and Implementation Grounds Maintenance Handyman Service and PAT Testing Mobile and Static Security Guarding

3 3 3 3 3

Retail, Corporate Catering, Hospitality and Vending Educational catering for Primary and High Schools Mobile and outside event catering Commercial and Specialist Cleaning Graphic Design

For more information on how we can help you, please contact us via the following: 01473 263600

www.vertas.co.uk

@VertasFM

15

FIRST ENCOUNTERS

of the reception kind

0333 3448 774

info@meridianofficefurniture.co.uk www.meridianofficefurniture.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Advertising

Why the “My Way or the Highway” approach works.

16

When you’re the boss and the buck stops with you, it’s unsurprising that you’ve got some very clear ideas about how your business should be run. This vision will involve the big goals, the long term plan of how to achieve them, and even the little tasks that make up the long term plan. You know exactly how you want each step of your vision to be executed—nothing wrong with that.

That approach, the idea that the people in your company should do things as you’ve envisaged them, is known as “My Way or the Highway” and is often seen as an overly aggressive or even negative management technique.

But it works. And it doesn’t have to be negative or aggressive. You can get your way without having to show anyone the highway.

If everyone knows your plan, they’re all focused on the same goal. When people know the process they’re supposed to be using and stick to it, all work is carried out consistently and to the high standard you (and your customers) expect.

So how do you make sure your plan is clearly communicated and your processes are unmistakably outlined without coming across as a tyrant?

Two simple things: Communication and Collaboration.

1. Communication.

I’ve personally found that sitting down regularly with my department heads (and larger groups in more occasional meetings) to explain my general plan and vision for OpenCRM gives them an insight into how their roles and projects fit into these bigger goals.

They can then pass on the relevant information to their teams, giving everyone the knowledge that what they’re doing fits into a bigger journey.

When people know that they’re working to a plan, rather than just plodding along, they’re much more likely to view their own part of that process in a positive way.

Especially if the tasks they’re doing have been engineered in a way that is productive in terms of the overall plan and practical for their day-to-day job…and that’s where the second step comes in.

2. Collaboration.

In order to achieve the various goals you have for your company, you will undoubtedly have a clear idea of how the individual steps should be carried out by your team.

When I have a new process I’d like to introduce, the first thing I do is document my thoughts as clearly as possible. I then liaise with my team leaders to ensure that they agree with this process I’ve set out.

Sound odd for a “My Way or the Highway” approach? Yes. But after all, they are the ones on the ground and will be expected to sense check and deliver the objectives.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

If they do find one (or more) issues with my logic, revising my process plan doesn’t change the fact that the job will get done the way I want it to, it means that it can now proceed in a more practical and informed way.

But what if someone doesn’t like your plan at all?

There is always the possibility that someone will entirely disagree with my plan, either for the company or the process. This is where the “My Way or the Highway” approach can take an ugly turn if you’re not careful.

They know that “My Way” isn’t about being tyrannical, it’s about having a focused vision for the company. They also know that I’m not so precious about my vision that I can’t hear other opinions about it, I am always open-minded when I hear a good idea.

The “My Way or the Highway” approach works because it gives your company clear direction and method, but that only works if both the plan and the participants are well informed.

I personally have found that taking the time to listen to their concerns and opinions about my vision does wonders. If two people are able to discuss their disagreement, one can either persuade each other to their own opinion or at least make it clear that the other person’s voice has been heard.

In the past, when I’ve had an employee who strongly disagrees with my vision for the company, once they know that their opinion has been heard and potentially hear further details behind my reasoning, they’re far more likely to go along with my plan.

Graham Anderson, is the CEO and founder of OpenCRM, one of the UK’s leading customer relationship management systems

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

BusinessSupport At Lloyds Bank we recognise how important Tourism is to East England’s economy.

As part of our commitment to this sector we have created a Tourism Division with dedicated Relationship Managers and Card Acquiring Managers.

Suzie Stubbing

We are keen to ensure we are there to support these businesses when they feel the time is right to make important decisions regarding their future plans.

ss atnes.

Grew it a a

To reinforce our support we have partnered with Visit East Anglia to offer concessional rates for Card Acquiring Services for any VEA members.

We are also excited to be joining a number of other local businesses to be a part of the EDP Tourism awards.

Lloyds Bank and Lloyds Bank Cardnet are sponsoring the Best Food & Drink Tourism Attraction in Norfolk. Judging starts shortly and the winners will be announced in November.

Please contact me if you would like to know more at suzie.stubbing@lloydsbanking.com Further details can also be found at www.visiteastofengland.com/Our-partners.aspx

PROFESSIONAL BOOKKEEPING THAT YOU CAN RELY ON

• Quality Bookkeeping Services • Tax Returns • Limited Company Accounts • Payroll Services • PAYE • Plus many other accounting services

01603 812 568

Great results don’t happen by chance Our process-driven approach ensures we deliver the best results for you. Why risk your marketing budget with anyone else?

Call today for a no-obligation chat.

creativesponge.co.uk 01603 622766 Design • Branding • Digital

www.mabarton-bookkeepingandaccounts.co.uk 41 Central Crescent, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 3EP

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

17

Advertising

18

Outsourcing Facilities Management services Outsourcing the management of an organisation’s facilities has become increasingly more strategic through the changing, and often unpredictable, economic climate.

•

Soft FM, which covers premises cleaning, catering, waste management, reception duties and the various aspects of security.

Facilities Management (FM) now needs to contribute to a business’s success, help to deliver competitive advantage and to become the focus for issues surrounding best value and customer satisfaction within noncore, supporting services.

Innovative thinking should be fundamental to FM outsourcing, and at Norse we adopt a partnership, ‘shared-goals’ approach. Compared with the traditional contractor/supplier relationship, this offers greater flexibility, full commitment from both parties and increased satisfaction in jointly achieved benefits and results.

The private sector has long realised considerable benefits from outsourcing, not only in efficiency and cost-saving terms, but also in allowing their businesses to stay focused on their core activities.

Facilities Management essentially falls into two prime classifications:

Ensuring that the terms and conditions of outsourcing agreements’ work for all parties helps to ensure both the services provider’s the long term stability and sustainability, and the continuity and agreed level of service for the outsourcing organisation.

•

Managed professionally and using experienced service providers, outsourcing the wide range of FM services can offer organisations considerable financial and efficiency benefits.

Hard FM, which includes areas such as building and grounds maintenance, and servicing and maintaining equipment essential to the fabric of the premises such as air conditioning, plumbing, the electrical supply and lifts and building control systems.

t 01603 894100 e info@ncsgrp.co.uk w www.ncsgrp.co.uk

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Reaching Extraordinary Heights Contract and specialist services designed to deliver the pinnacle of excellence Keeping your organisation clean, safe and compliant can seem like a monumental task. Monthind Clean is here to make that task achievable.

With our range of professional contract cleaning, high-reach window cleaning, biohazard, and compliance services tailored to your own organisations needs, we’re confident in our ability to deliver a bespoke service to your business, day in day out, at every level.

Everyday Expertise Extraordinary Service For further information please contact: Colchester 01206 215300 Norwich 01603 710101 Gorleston 0845 618 0403

ISO 9001

ISO 14001

Quality Management

Environmental Management

Registered

www.monthindclean.co.uk

Registered

015

015

Find us on

Facebook &

Twitter

International Trade Training Courses.

Whether you’re just getting started at exporting, or looking for a refresher, these sessions will help you feel prepared to do business internationally.

Forthcoming dates and topics: October 2016 5th

Incoterms®2010*

November 2016

20

Doing business in Iran.

17th

Agents and Distributors*

17th

Inward and Outward Processing Relief*

Hear from our members what they think…

It has the second largest population in the Middle East after Egypt with around 80 million people. Over 60% are estimated to be under 30 years old and the workforce is highly educated.

EU trade with Iran currently stands at around $8bn and is expected to quadruple in the next 2 years.

The Iranian Government is keen to attract foreign investment, with foreign direct investment needed across all major economic sectors.

Import Procedures*

Courses marked with * form part of the British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Courses

Iran is the second largest economy in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia with an estimated nominal GDP of $397bn in 2015.

Iran’s economy is currently reliant on the oil and gas sector, though the country is looking to diversify its economy. Iran also possesses significant agricultural, industrial and service sectors. Iran has the second largest gas reserves in the world and fourth largest oil reserves. It has highlighted its desire to increase oil output to 1bn barrels per day in 2016.

2nd

Over a trillion dollars of investment in infrastructure is likely to be needed over the next 10 years. Key opportunities will also include the energy sector, automotive and airline manufacturing sectors. There may be an increased demand for consumer goods such as electronics and clothing.

Iran has opportunities in most sectors and these are likely to grow as the market in Iran expands. There are a number of key sectors in Iran that have potential for UK companies.

Norfolk Chamber invites you to our Doing Business in Iran event taking place on 25 October 2016 - see page 36 for more details and book now.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

“With regards to the recent course I attended on Export, I found it very informative and interesting. The trainer was clear, concise and helpful.

He delivered the content in an interesting way with lots of examples to relate to. I had no prior knowledge of International sales but felt this was a fantastic starting point for me and has increased my confidence within the workplace.” Sherri Adams, Stream Foods Ltd To book, visit norfolkchamber. co.uk/export

Use your 25% ETIP funding to earn up to £1,500 per learner on our courses today. Visit norfolkchamber.co.uk/etip

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

InternationalTrade

Chamber Foreign Exchange.

Following the Referendum result on 23rd June, Sterling has weakened by 11% against the euro and 15% against the dollar.

For companies trading internationally, fluctuating exchange rates can be difficult to manage and hard to budget for. Market volatility may erode or even eliminate profits and in a time of tighter margins and increasing raw material costs it is ever more important to protect yourself from exchange rate risk and make savings wherever possible.

Your business can take some proactive steps towards managing foreign exchange risk, whilst leaving the market analysis and interpretation to the experts.

Here are 5 top tips to manage foreign exchange risk post “Brexit”.

1. Plan for Risk Planning is the first step to manage your FX risk, and agreeing on a budgeted exchange

rate for the year will guide your transactions.

An FX Specialist can help to define this rate, enabling you to protect yourself from any potential adverse fluctuations.

2. Access your payments on the go You need to ensure you can react quickly to changes in the markets, and manage your payments effectively in or out of the office. Your free-to-access Chamber Foreign Exchange account will allow you to trade online in multiple currencies 24 hours a day, as well as provide access to you own personal dealer.

3. Ensure you are getting the best rates You want to be certain you are accessing the best rates in the most currencies, and also avoid any hidden payment charges along the way. Chamber Foreign Exchange leverage off the £22bn they trade annually to secure some of the most competitive rates in the market.

4. Fix the exchange rate With your policy in place it is time to review the FX tools that you can use to manage your exposure. Spot contracts, Forward contracts and market orders can work individually or together to form a tailored foreign exchange strategy. Based on your budgeted rate, requirements and timing, your FX dealer will work with you to form a strategy to best suit your business needs.

5. Take information from the most reliable source All Chamber Foreign Exchange Dealers are MSTA (Members of the Society of Technical Analysts) qualified. As experienced market traders they will use their expertise to ensure your company received the best information and guidance on the market, getting you the bet solutions for your business needs.

For more information get in touch with MoneyCorp on 0203 823 0526 or email chamberfx@moneycorp.com or visit the website www.moneycorp.com/chamberfx.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

21

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Advertising

The Insurance Act: What does it mean for you?

On 12 August 2016 the Insurance Act came into effect, heralding the most significant change to UK insurance for many years. The Act aims to modernise commercial insurance and has implications for insurers, brokers and the insured.

The Act’s key points:

of reducing any claim payment in line with the premium they would have charged or retrospectively applying of any restrictions in cover. However, if a failure of fair presentation was deliberate or reckless, the insurer can cancel the insurance from inception, repudiate claims and retain premiums. n Abolition of Basis of Contract Clauses – prior to the Act, any statements on a policy proposal form would automatically turn in to warranties in a policy. This is now abolished.

n The insured must now present the insurer with a ‘Fair Presentation of Risk’.

This means the insured must undertake a ‘reasonable search’ of their business and give the insurer a clear and wellsignposted presentation.

22

n If the insured makes a claim and did not make a fair presentation of risk but this wasn’t deliberate or reckless, then a Proportionate Remedy will apply provided the insurer would have offered a quote, otherwise the policy could be cancelled from inception, the claim repudiated and premiums be returned. If the insurer would still have

For advice on how the Insurance Act may affect your insurance arrangements please contact Hugh J Boswell Managing Director, Peter Foster, on 01603 723581

offered the insurance based on the new information, but additional terms would apply, insurers have the options

All change on the benefits front 6 April was a significant date for employers. Four changes came into effect: • £8,500 limit abolished. Benefit rules now apply across the board including the very low paid (with some limited exceptions).

• Dispensations abolished – I’ll come back to this.

• A trivial benefits regime was introduced. This applies where the cost of the benefit does not exceed £50. There is an overriding limit of £300 for close company directors. Importantly, items cannot be given in recognition of services performed so “employee of the month” awards, for instance, are outside the regime. However, the rules do apply to, say, birthday gifts.

• Voluntary payrolling of benefits was introduced … but that particular boat has already sailed for 2016-17 and I don’t recommend that anyone get on it. There is concern in the profession that the system isn’t sufficiently robust so ‘watch this space’ for the time being.

What were dispensations? They were the process whereby a large number of employees were formally excused the need to complete

forms P11D. The trouble was that many employers either misunderstood the rules, or didn’t know they existed.

Processing each form P11D costs HMRC Diane Deller, almost £10 so there needs to be some tax at Senior Manager the end of it. However, a great number of these forms produced no tax for the Treasury and The Office of Tax Simplification recognised this; hence the changes.

The problem with their abolition is that the system is even more reliant on employers ‘getting it right.’ They have to self-assess what is and what is not “wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the course of the performance of the duties of employment.”

Despite the imminent closure of HMRC’s Norwich office, there is still appetite for employer compliance reviews, which may pick up on the allowability of employee expenses.

If you have any queries on this, please contact me at diane.deller@larking-gowen.co.uk or call 01603 624181.

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

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FinanceFocus

Cornerways Nursery – A Business Based on Heat, CO2 and Trust.

Cornerways Nursery is a start-up within British Sugar, which has come to embody the core characteristics of a successful intrapreneurial business: creativity, determination, communication and an overall desire to challenge orthodox thinking. The result: a British success story!

British Sugar is the leading supplier of beet sugar in the UK. The company has evolved its processing to generate revenues from byproducts: soil that is washed from the harvested beet is dried, graded and sold to golf courses and football clubs as top soil; stones that are removed are used as road aggregate; beet residue is turned into animal feed and even water derived from processing, is sold to farmers. This is a company which knows how to maximise profit.

However it needed to utilise the remaining by-products – heat and CO2.

Arise Cornerways, a standalone operation developed by British Sugar, to break into the tomato market - utilising heat and CO2, both fundamental to the tomato growing business.

Cornerways is far from the core of business, with the new operation

requiring a completely different set of know-how. Despite the initial flurry of excitement and early expansion, Cornerways did however go through challenging spells and in 2013, needed some intrapeneurial spirit to rethink its operation - and quickly!

The answer came in the form of Patrick Harte, a young manager, who has turned the business around. Central to Patrick’s business model has been the need for ‘space’, to operate and evolve as he saw fit. Tomato growing was new and couldn’t be constrained by traditional decision making and business models. Patrick and the team needed to be allowed to take risks whilst the British Sugar board needed confidence in the operation – which could be an uneasy balance.

The result is an aggressive start up, which has not only turned the corner but has also recently branched into new markets, such

as chutney. It’s intrapeneurial spirt at its best.

Most mature businesses recognise the need to be innovative to stay ahead of the game. However, how do you foster an intrapreneurial culture – encouraging individuals to be innovative and take risks – whilst at the same time ensuring projects are properly controlled and KPIs are monitored?

Kaplan identifies intrapreneurship as an exciting element of business today. It holds the potential for considerable reward, a mechanism to harness talent and a means to ultimately grow a business. It can however be extremely difficult to create with established business culture often destroying the slightest glimmer of intrapeneurial spirit.

innovative culture and communicate this throughout. At the tactical level, we can develop managers to help support intrapreneurial individuals and we work with your potential future intrapreneurs – giving the skills and confidence to explore intrapreneurial initiatives.

To harness your potential for growth contact: Sarah Cordwell Head of Client Relationships, Kaplan Leadership and Professional Development 0785 2723525 Sarah.cordwell@kaplan.co.uk www.kaplan.co.uk/insights/ leadership-professionaldevelopment

Our programmes can support intrapreneurship on several levels. At the top, we help leaders understand how they can create an

“What do you need to be successful in an intrapreneurial business?

Ultimately, to be left alone to get on with it. But that is not really possible, so we have learnt how to interact”.

Patrick Harte, Cornerways Nursery.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

23

Advertising

24

Charity sector continues to grow.

The UK charity sector has grown immensely over the past twenty years with some estimates suggesting that it is now comparable in monetary terms to a medium-sized economy such as Bulgaria.

However, the growth is not just down to the sterling work of the charitable organisations themselves because business is increasingly playing its part, mainly through the rapid development of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

That work is becoming ever more important as cuts in public sector spending place more responsibility on not-for-profit organisations whose staff and volunteers seek to plug gaps that have emerged in areas including health, social care, the environment, education and arts and culture.

The growth of CSR, which is seen as a way of allowing companies to support communities in their areas, means that more and more businesses are raising funds for good causes and also helping charities by allowing their staff to volunteer in work time.

Many of their stories are routinely covered on the pages of Norfolk Voice as, working on everything from clearing out nature reserves to staging volunteer events, companies help raise the profile of charitable initiatives.

Such work has the recognition of the UK Government, which has announced its intention to increase paid volunteering days.

The move, part of the Big Society philosophy, will be supported by a new law that would require public sector employers and companies with more than 250 employees to give staff up to three days a year to do voluntary work.

However, good as the idea is, there are challenges, one of which is lack of awareness among the workforce.

Indeed, research published recently by the charity Business in the Community suggests that three quarters of workers in the UK do not know if their employer runs a volunteering scheme.

Approximately 70% of FTSE 100 companies have their own volunteering schemes, as do many smaller ones.

There are benefits for businesses that adopt such an approach and not just the satisfaction that they are supporting the community because freeing staff up to do volunteering helps them acquire new skills.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “Volunteering offers genuine mutual benefits. The experience both builds skills and motivates employees, while helping to make a positive contribution that meets community needs.”

One need that charitable work meets has been emerging over recent years, namely that of university and college students who are seeking to make their CVs stand out in a tough job market.

Volunteering is seen as a way of highlighting personal worth in submissions to employers and students collectively give 70 million volunteer hours a year to charities, according to a recent surve

“Volunteering offers genuine mutual benefits. The experience both builds skills and motivates employees, while helping to make a positive contribution that meets community needs.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

CorporateSocialResponsibility BUILD is a Norfolk based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities, to people with disabilities.

“A golden opportunity to share in a golden celebration” Norfolk’s BUILD Charity supports people with disabilities to access the social, leisure and learning opportunities that most of us take for granted, and in 2017 will celebrate our 50th anniversary. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of that golden celebration.

As a “Golden Guardian” your business can support us through sponsoring our events or activities, host a fundraising event, or engage your workforce with ours, through volunteering, mentoring or work shadowing.

We focus on ability and opportunity, not disability and disadvantage – but your support will help us do more.

01603 618029

www.buildcharity.co.uk

volunteer@buildcharity.co.uk

25

Support your employees to recognise the signs of domestic abuse Did you know that in the UK, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience domestic violence and abuse?

Over the last year alone, Leeway – which is Norfolk’s main specialist domestic violence and abuse support agency - has supported over 8,000 adults and children across Norfolk and Suffolk.

It’s not just about the emotional and physical cost to individuals – the financial cost to employers and services is high. It’s estimated that domestic abuse costs UK businesses in excess of £2.7 billion each year due to decreased productivity, poor performance, absenteeism and employee turnover.

Leeway can support businesses to meet their corporate social responsibility and health and safety at work remits and provide help to those who are finding it difficult to walk away from domestic abuse due to lack of opportunity, financial support or mental health issues.

By training your employees to recognise the signs of domestic abuse you can support our fight against this often hidden crime.

Domestic abuse training and consultancy We can tailor training to meet your business’s needs, whether it’s for your HR professionals or for managers and staff. As well as providing training, we can also support you to develop good workplace policies on domestic abuse.

For more information, email us at admin@leewaynwa.org.uk or call 0300 561 0077

If you or a friend are experiencing domestic abuse then please call Leeway’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0300 561 0077.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

www.leewaysupport.org

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Television presenter sets out to raise the profile of Norfolk children’s charity.

Television presenter Jake Humphrey has travelled the world to witness some of the greatest sporting occasions of recent years but it is perhaps events closer to home that have had the most profound effect on him.

26

Jake, an experienced television and radio broadcaster who is currently the face of Premier League Football on BT Sport, is the patron of the children’s charity Break.

Indeed, the presenter will represent the charity at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce’s B2B Exhibition 2016 which will be held on Thursday October 13 between 10am-5pm at Norwich City Football Club’s Carrow Road stadium.

During his visit, the celebrity will take the opportunity to tell delegates about the work of Break, which helps some of the most vulnerable children, young people and families in the area.

Jake, who was born in Peterborough but moved to Norfolk when he was six and still lives in the county with his family, said: “I did not want to be one of those celebrities that just supported charities on a sporadic basis.

“I receive lots of charity requests but I did not want to just pop in and sign a few autographs and pose for a few selfies then move on.

for the next four years, became its patron a year ago.

Break’s work includes providing children’s homes for lookedafter-children in their home local authority. The charity has six children’s homes in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and a therapeutic fostering service offering single placements to traumatised young people.

Young people leaving Break’s care continue to be supported by its in-house Moving On Team and, in addition to the mainstream homes, Break has a home for young people with profound learning and physical disabilities and two shortbreak schemes for children with disabilities.

Break provides a range of assessment and support services to children at risk through a Residential Family Centre in Lowestoft and community-based services across East Anglia.

“My Dad was chief executive of Age Concern in Norfolk so I asked him and he mentioned Break.”

Families’ House, based in Norwich, provides support and guidance to separating parents, ensuring that the children’s needs remain paramount and the Unthank Family Centre also supports children and young people providing assessments, working with schools, doing therapeutic work, training and development.

Jake set out to discover more about the charity five years ago and, having supported the organisation

Jake himself has a strong connection with young people having been a children’s presenter

“That helps raise the profile of a charity but I wanted my support to be more than that.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

with CBBC early in his career and fronting programmes including Newsround and Beat the Pack as well as the BAFTA-nominated Rule the School and Bamzooki.

He said: “I think that my connection with Break would have happened without my work in children’s television because of what I found about them after my Dad recommended that I take a look.

“I did not want to be someone who just made the odd appearance so I visited the homes to see the difference that Break makes to young people.

“They deal with children and families at some of the most vulnerable times of their lives and their work makes a real impact.

“Break transforms lives and that was important to me. They deal with many young people who come from broken homes, who have been moved from one place to the other and who maybe do not know much love. Break looks after them and do truly remarkable work.”

For all the time that Jake spends visiting the charity’s centres, he acknowledges that the biggest thing he brings to Break is publicity because of his celebrity status.

His rise to global fame really began when he moved into sports broadcasting. In 2005, he began hosting Sportsround, covering major international sporting

events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, football’s European Championships and both the Football and Cricket world cups.

He presented Football Focus in 2006, and went on to host other football programmes including BBC’s Match of the Day plus the BBC’s award-winning Formula One coverage and Sports Personality of the Year.

Jake said: “I can help Break become better known. With charities like Age UK, the British Heart Foundation or Marie Curie, people instantly know what they do but not as many people know about Break. ”I am fortunate to have 850,000 followers on Twitter, which allows me to spread the word about the charity.

“Cutbacks facing councils means that the work done by Break is becoming ever more important and I also think that cutbacks and the uncertainty after the Brexit vote means that more people say ‘we can afford a holiday but just at the moment we will not make that charitable donation.’

“Hopefully, I can persuade people to support Break because its work is so important.”

You can find out more about Break at www.break-charity.org, on Twitter @breakwriter, Facebook, and Instagram ‘Break Charity’.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

BigInterview

27

“The B2B exhibition is the showcase of the year for Norfolk businesses to engage with new customers.

I’m looking forward to meeting exhibitors and seeing firsthand the excellent enterprises Norfolk has to offer.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Come and meet Jake Humphrey at B2B 2016 Thu 13 Oct see page 38

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Business and schools There is a growing awareness of the importance of co-operation between educational institutions and businesses to prepare the workforce of the future.

28

Work experience is key.

By giving pupils experience of the workplace, businesses can play their part in ensuring that young people can make informed decisions long before their formal education comes to an end.

Reepham High School (RHSC) is another school that takes work experience seriously. All Year Ten pupils do work experience placements for the last eight days of the summer term, based with a wide variety of employers.

Playing its part is Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, through its Young Chamber membership package which allows schools to benefit from Norfolk Chamber’s reach with local and national businesses.

Sue Osborne, Careers & Work Experience Co-ordinator at the school, said: “The school has received very positive employer feedback about pupils’ enthusiasm, ability and engagement.

Young Chamber provides access for schools to local businesses to develop skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience, and offers careers advice through guest speakers, career events, forums, mock interviews and relevant activity.

NV took a look at some of the excellent work being done in Norfolk recently.

Find out more about the benefits of Young Chamber membership for your school: call us on 01603 729709.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

“We believe at RHSC that work experience is a very positive experience and gives our pupils the opportunity for involvement in the workplace, helping them to understand how the world of work operates and how it differs to school. It also provides good links with the community and the opportunity for local business to be involved in developing the workforce of the future.

“For the pupils it brings real benefits increasing their confidence and developing their employability skills.

Andrew Sherwood, HR Director, of Bernard Matthews Limited, said: “Bernard Matthews has developed a collaborative long term partnership with Reepham High School and

College, helping students to learn new personal and work based skills, to better understand and, therefore, improve their prospects in the work place. We have developed a series of activities such as mentoring with individual Year 11 students, work experience, supporting the Business Impact Day and presentations for 6th Business Studies students.

“Young people in high school education are the next generation of employees and as a potential employer of these young people we see it is imperative that they are in a good position to be as ready as possible for the world of work. Inspiring and educating students with the skills and confidence to do their best gives them a great sense of achievement.”

“Several of our Year 11 pupils for 2015-16 have gained excellent apprenticeships from their work experience placements in Year 10.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Feature

s partner for success.

Food for Thought.

Flegg High School has been working with Adnams, to set up a student-run horticulture project in school.

Adnams are committed to buying all produce that is grown by the students as long as it is of good enough quality and it will be used in their pubs and hotels.

First CPD-accredited Entrepreneurship programme for young people.

Norwich School have designed a unique programme, called Entrepreneurial Excellence, which starts Fifth Form students on their continued professional development (CPD) journey.

Given the challenge of extending the entrepreneurial offering to pupils at the school beyond the Sixth Form, Tom White, Head of Economics, engaged local business MoCo and The Entrepreneurial Excellence programme was born.

It is the first training of its kind aimed at 15/16 year olds which has received accreditation from the CPD Standards Office.

Amanda Rosewarne, Director of CPD Accreditation and Research at The CPD Standards Office,

said: “The Entrepreneurial Excellence course has been assessed by a rigorous third party assessment process to ensure that its content is fully appropriate for CPD purposes and delivered to the highest possible standard.”

Delivered over a six-week period, the content covered topics such as effective communication, teamwork, managing stress and creative approaches to problem solving.

Ruth Bullard, Director of Business and Enterprise, said: “The students have set up their own company in school, called The Great Growing Company.

Students have roles and responsibilities within the company, which includes a team that meets every Wednesday lunchtime and after school to do the practical gardening.

“The school has been growing a range of fruit, vegetables, salad items and herbs. A group of students worked with a representative from Adnams on a ten-week project in which they learned about their own employability skills and all the main aspects of what you need to do to set up and run a company including carrying out research and development, marketing and communications and finance.

“We are thrilled with the community support for this project, for example over 30 people gave up their Saturday morning to help us clear the beds ready for planting.”

The students have also been assisted by volunteers from the local community, and have greatly appreciated the advice and support of Arthur Fisk of Great Yarmouth in Bloom and the Allotment Holders Association. The project has also been supported by East Coast Growers who supplied some plants, seeds and fertiliser.

So far, more than 50 students have been involved in the programme.

“This is the best thing that I have done in school. I am not doing it because I have to, I am doing it because I really want to. I love it.”

Jacob

Pupils at Norwich School have undoubtedly benefited and there will be very few 15/16 year olds in the country that have a CPDaccredited course behind them before they even receive their GCSE results.

There will be very few 15/16 year olds in the country that have a CPDaccredited course behind them before they even receive their GCSE results.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

29

Getting your busines Starting a new business can be as exciting as it is daunting, and there are many websites and articles claiming to offer the best advice for you when starting out. However, we think that there is no better advice than from those that have actually gone ahead and done it themselves!

Here are a series of top tips from a number of our Norfolk members who have started a business themselves, so that you can learn from their experiences, straight ‘from the horse’s mouth’.

Prepare an elevator pitch Rehearse a 30-60 second verbal presentation that succinctly describes you, your business and market. This will give your confidence and save answering repetitive questions. This particularly important for businesses offering a product/service that is complex or serves nicahe markets.

30

Edwin Bailey,

Blossom Zone

Look after yourself A new venture is exciting, a real high – but it can also be stressful. The weeks before that first sale, or even immediate success, have a powerful effect on the mind and body. Look after yourself (good food, rest and physical activity) and take time off to recharge.

Tom Oxley, Bamboo Mental Health

Plan your website and go live quickly For most new businesses, your website will be used by customers and suppliers to check out whether you’re worth dealing with. Keep it simple, get it out there quickly and make sure it projects your professionalism and approachability. You can always add detail later.

Get connected Your network can enhance your net worth, but remember to get the right balance, because networking can sometimes just become not-working.

Kieran Miles, Kake Co

Beware Sharks There are plenty of organisations around that will wish to part you from your money, offering access to funds but at a price and/or without reasonable chance of success. Seek guidance and referrals before commitment. Cash flows out much more easily than it flows in.

George Kohler, Diesel Dynamics

Be Brave You will get knocked back but you just need to tell yourself that it isn’t personal and learn from any mistakes you did make. The most successful famous British entrepreneurs dine out on their knockbacks and mistakes.

Nichola Pergande, Church Street Events

Choose the right ‘vehicle’ Choose the right business structure, LLP, Ltd or sole trader. Really important to understand the financial implications of these.

Jackie Richards, Whole House Energy

Mark Greenwood, Greenwood&Bell

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Feature

ss off to a great start.

Be demonstrable In all that you do

Do your research

Demonstrate your skill, your knowledge, your levels of service, your reputation, your culture, your vision and your values. This will attract business opportunities to your door.

Do your research of the chosen field and then do it again, there is no point in starting up without knowing what you are getting into and how it can contribute into the marketplace.

Chris Batten, ASL

Nevv Moore, Harbour Radio

Build your social media audience before launch Post ideas, comments, and facts on your specialist subject.

Become the ‘go-to’ source of information. Show your passion to attract people who share it.

Huw Sayer, Business Writers Ltd.

31 Discipline Appreciate that, whatever you do to earn the money and regardless of legal structure, it’s a business you’re running so discipline yourself to take care of the business. Keep on top of the paperwork. If you don’t, the business probably won’t survive. You are responsible for everything.

Nicola, N Harvey Bookkeeping Service

Focus on customer excellence Customer Satisfaction is nowadays taken for granted, so you should be focused on exceeding expectations.

Focusing on customer excellence should therefore be high on your list of priorities and will reinforce you value added proposition.

Jonathan Madden, Joules Resource Management

Premises Some small start-ups may be able to work from home which will cut the cost of premises significantly. Furthermore, you will be able to claim tax relief on a percentage of the costs of heating and lighting. You may also be able to use a “virtual office” in which case you can have a separate phone number and the use of facilities for meetings.

There are a number of organisations that provide these. However, if you are planning to manufacture a product, you will need to consider the best option to house your production facilities.

Pass on leads that aren’t your core business Understand what your business provides. Don’t be tempted to say yes to everything just because someone has asked for it and is willing to pay. Pass on leads that don’t quite fit your offering onto your networking partners and they’ll return the favour soon.

Craig Davies, Target Cloud

Bewarecan Sharks New businesses become There are plenty of organisations around members of Norfolk Chamber that will wish to part you from your for just £99 foraccess the first year money, offering to funds but-at a price and/or without reasonable chance call us now on 01603 729704. of success. Seek guidance and referrals before commitment. Cash flows out much more easily than it flows in.

George Kohler, Diesel Dynamics

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

Susan Rumsby, Acorn HR Consulting

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Give your new business a boost Norfolk Chamber membership can help you in the early stages and beyond

Join the Norfolk Chamber today from £8.25/month We can help you:

Meet new customers

Tap into training

Find free legal advice

Make countywide connections.

We host over 70 networking events each year from business breakfasts to after-hours gettogethers for our 900+ business members.

Our members share knowledge and expertise with each other through regular free Chamber sessions. Topics cover: social media, marketing, sales, management, and much more.

Our unlimited 24/7 legal & tax advice lines are an invaluable service to help save you money in the long run. Plus, get free legal expenses insurance worth £670,000.

Raise your profile with ours

Receive helpful HR Resources

Develop International Trade

Our website attracts over 8,000 visitors each month. Find an immediate audience and promote your business for free on our website, social media channels and magazine.

No dedicated HR department?

ChamberHR includes a 24/7 advice line and a comprehensive database of documents, policies, and letter templates – free for members. Or attend our expert HR Forums.

Our dedicated international team offers advice on trade, logistics, and country documentation requirements.

And members enjoy 50% off export services.

To find out more and join online visit:

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk Or contact us on 01603 729704 or membership@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Influence key policy makers As a member you have the opportunity to join with other like-minded businesses to influence policy makers and ensure that the business voice is heard loud and clear at a local, regional and national level.

NewMembers Access Diagnostic Tests UK Limited 01263 731 168 www.ukdrugtesting.co.uk Medical (Pharmaceutical Manufacturers/Suppliers)

Harbour Radio 01493 923877 www.harbourradio.co.uk Technology

Shorthose Russell Limited 01603 706560 www.shorthose-russell.co.uk Marketing Services

Tulip Services 07949 989927 Home Services*

BMI Regional 07803 453648 Airlines/Airports

Jamieson Property Search 01328 822547 www. jamiesonpropertysearch.co.uk Property Agents/Management

Shout Out Ltd 01953 681895 Cliffbarns.com Facilities Management

Visual UK Ltd 01603 673911 www.vuksupplies.co.uk Sign makers

Colney Physio & Gorleston Physio 01603 813988 www.colneyphysio.com Health Services (inc Private)

Mpowerment Ltd 07714291928 www.mpowerment.co.uk Training Providers/Services

Sinogy Ltd 020 8144 5955 www.sinogy.co.uk Not Allocated

Wrightway Health Ltd 01603 274460 www.wrightwayhealth.co.uk Health & Safety Consultants

33 Cracknell Law 01603 957098 www.cracknelllaw.com Legal Services

Nu Image 01603 715671 www.nuimagedesign.co.uk Website Designers

Tessellate Design Studio 01603 734858 https://www.tessellate.co.uk/ Graphic Design

Your new business could be here for as little as £8.25 a month.

Call 01603 729704 to speak to our membership team today.

DJE Construction Ltd 01953 458260 http://djeconstruction.co.uk/ Construction (General)

PAB Languages Centre 01206 578757 www.pabtranslation.co.uk Translation Services

The Norfolk Coating Company 07990988324 www.norfolkcoating.co.uk Manufacturing (General)

Dynamique Consulting 07881538727 Business Services

S2 Computers Ltd 01603670682 www.s2-computers.co.uk Information Communication Technology (ICT)

The Solar Shed 01553 607 027 www.solar-power.co.uk Energy

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

MemberNews Delta-Simons takes part in National Volunteering Week.

Award winners in 2015 As part of National Volunteering Week, a team from Delta-Simons attended a volunteering session with park rangers from Hartsholme Country Park, a local park and nature reserve run by City of Lincoln Council.

34

Volunteers’ Week took place from 1-12 June and is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. Delta-Simons employees helped clear ragwort, a potentially poisonous plant to cattle and horses, to prevent further spread before it flowered and the seeds distributed. Under the 1959 Weeds Act, the park has an obligation to clear ragwort, which is poisonous to many animals.

In addition, vegetation clearance was carried out near a picnic area, removing fast-growing saplings to encourage larger trees to grow.

Hartsholme Country Park lies about three miles south west of Lincoln city centre and covers more than 200 acres.

Raise your businesses profile through free digital promotion – Upload your news, events and blogs to our website and social media channels, visit www.norfolkchamber. co.uk for more information.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

Celebrate business and enterprise in Great Yarmouth.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council have announced that The Spirit of Enterprise Awards are open for entry.

n Great Engineering/Manufacturing Award n Great Investment in Young People n Great Business Idea

The Awards evening is a high-profile celebration of all that’s outstanding in business and enterprise in the borough of Great Yarmouth, focusing on and recognising the achievements through innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and sheer determination of businesses of all sizes and from every sector.

n Great Customer Service Award

As well as receiving a handsome award, each winner receives free publicity for their business and an accolade to share for years to come.

n Great Family Owned Business

Your business could be the winner in any one or more of the following categories for 2016. From the entries, the judges will also choose their Business of the Year.

n Great Community Contribution Award n Great New Business Award n Great International Growth

n Great Business Growth Now in its ninth year, the prestigious awards ceremony will take place in the Assembly Rooms at the Town Hall on Friday 11th November 2016.

Visit www.soea.co.uk to enter. Entries close on 30th September.

Howarth Engineering’s new inspection facility is open.

Howarth Engineering have officially opened their new Inspection, Assembly and Storage facility in Rackheath.

greater control and accuracy over the components manufactured.

In turn, this has freed up space in the CNC machining unit to make changes to the layout to improve efficiency and for future investment in new machinery to develop the business further.

The company was successful in obtaining grant funding earlier this year from the local LEP and New Anglia Growth Hub which has allowed them to successfully expand the business.

The funding enabled them to purchase an additional property in Rackheath, to complement and assist their busy machining facility.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The expansion has allowed them to move processes to a clean, controlled environment away from the manufacturing site, allowing

The company has also been able to create the first in a range of new job roles over the coming year, including two new apprenticeships, to ensure the continued growth and future of Howarth Engineering, Precision engineering in Norfolk for years to come.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

AdvertisingFeature

Advertising

35

Keeping your business online.

Chris Gibbs, MD of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd, explains why businesses of all sizes should protect themselves against cyber-crime in the digital age It’s hard to escape from headlines about cyber-crime these days.

It seems to make the news every evening, with stories about breaches and data hacking being reported around the world. While it’s a worrying trend for businesses, there are steps organisations can take to protect themselves, aside from implementing appropriate security software. In fact, a number of insurance providers have developed innovative cyber cover to help businesses recover costs incurred after a data breach.

“The classic situation is where a website or business has been hacked,” says Chris Gibbs, Group Managing Director at insurance broker Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd. “We’re being asked about it a lot right now; it’s one of the main topics of conversation when we speak to our clients.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

“The truth is, anyone that keeps records can be affected – and that’s pretty much every business.

The core of your operations don’t have to be online either; even if you keep your customer records and accounts on your own system, hackers can still break in and capture your data. Even loss of hard copies counts as a data breach.

However it happens, your clients aren’t going to be impressed.

“But it’s not just traditional hacking that we’re seeing these days.

Ransom affects a lot of smaller businesses; hackers grab the website or capture their data and refuse to give it back unless the company pays a ransom. In a lot of ways the smaller firms are easier targets than the bigger ones because they’re more dependent on their website for marketing, and have less protection to prevent it happening in the first place.”

While you will still need to take appropriate steps to make sure your system is secure – adding anti-virus software and firewalls, for instance – insurance can be purchased to help you protect your company against the effects of cyber-crime.

“Cyber and data liability insurance has gained popularity in the past 12-18 months or so and has two parts. The first covers breach costs, which will help you to reinstate your data, rebuild your website and deal with the press, so you can announce what’s happened to the public. It may also help cover any compliance costs associated with working with the Information Commissioners’ Office.

“The second part is loss of revenue.

Essentially, this covers damage to your reputation and loss of income as a result, because people may

not trust you with their information anymore. Some modern insurance policies cover ransom too, so you can get your website and records back in order.

“I recommend that all businesses take a look at cyber insurance, no matter what their size. The pricing is often dependent on how many customer records you hold. Smaller companies that don’t have as many records will therefore have lower premiums than large companies, but they’ll get huge benefits if they ever need to use it. Plus you have total peace of mind that you’re covered if the worst happens.”

If you want to find out more about how cyber liability insurance can help your business, call Alan Boswell Group on 01603 218000 or visit: www.alanboswell.com

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Norfolk Health company joins Chamber. businesswomen judges national financial awards.

Wrightway Health is cementing its role at the heart of the Norfolk business community by joining the Norfolk Chamber

Wrightway Health Ltd is East Anglia’s largest independent Occupational Health provider. Whilst the bulk of their operations are in Norwich and Gorleston, Wrightway Health continues to expand across East Anglia.

Suzy Pettican

Managing Director of Reflection PR

Suzy Pettican, managing director of Reflection PR, has been offered a prestigious opportunity of judging this year’s UK Financial Services Experience Awards in London. The overall winner of Best Financial Services Experience Award was Virgin Money.

36

After setting up Reflection PR in 2009, Suzy launched an awards writing division one year ago, which now partners with national awards company ‘Awards International’.

Suzy has extensive experience of writing award entries over the past 10 years, and looked forward to the opportunity to see ‘the other side’.

With reported gloom in the economy and many companies putting expansion on hold, Wrightway Health is bucking the trend and cementing their commitment to serving the region.

Wrightway Health decided to join the Norfolk Chamber since it forms a hub for key businesses in the county. The Chamber’s member events give businesses straightforward access to one another and provide opportunities for networking that are unparalleled.

Occupational Health focuses on maintaining the health and well-being of employees, which in turn helps employers keep their staff at work. At a time when the UK’s productivity gap is at its highest level since records began, more and more employers are looking at how Occupational Health can help them meet regulatory health-monitoring requirements whilst managing staff sickness absence and ensuring employees are taken care of.

Launched by Dr. Lindsey Wright, a Member of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and Alison

Mackway in 2013, Wrightway Health Ltd (previously Abermed) has grown to offer Occupational Health services to a variety of local, national and international businesses, providing specialist services to a range of sectors, including energy, science and chemical, agriculture, transport, construction and healthcare.

Wrightway Health has five accredited doctors and a team of Occupational Health nurses and technicians available to offer medical assessments, sickness absence assessments, drug and alcohol screening, fitness to work medicals, health surveillance and bespoke Occupational Health assistance.

At a time of reported economic uncertainty with many businesses freezing investment, Managing Director Alison Mackway is upbeat about the economic future of Norfolk.

New responsive website for Abel Homes.

Norwich Data Centre marks 10th Anniversary. £1 million worth of Legal Expenses Cover included in your membership, visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk to find out more.

UK Internet Service Provider FreeClix is celebrating its tenth anniversary of Data Centre operations at its Norwich facility.

The FreeClix Data Centre was founded in 2006 and was the first facility of its kind in the region.

Considerable investment has been made in the last two years to upgrade the Data Centre.

Digital Marketing agency Bigfork were appointed by Abel Homes to build their new website, with help from Naked Marketing in regards to design input. Abel Homes wanted a website that was responsive as a large percentage of their website visitors use smartphones.

They also wanted the website to be easier to navigate and to increase online enquiries. Call to actions were put in place to help users know where to go to contact Abel Homes.

It is now provided with a fully N+1 redundant infrastructure, dual-fed substation with UPS autonomous power delivering 99.9% uptime since installation. It offers highly resilient Connectivity & Internet Transit from multiple carriers with separate points of entry. Its diversely routed border gateway protocol carrier network can provide internet transit speeds up to 1GB. The growing number of digital services used by UK businesses

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

and storage space needed but also reducing risk and improving energy efficiency strategies.”

and local government has boosted demand for secure spaces for them to host their physical infrastructure including servers and storage equipment that run application servers and data virtualisation.

Managing Director Pete Freeman said “Businesses are increasingly recognising the need to guard against their data loss risk as part of their business continuity and disaster recovery planning. Using a data centre enables organisations to not only deliver their IT strategy into the future, by delivering the server

The seemingly unstoppable rise in cloud based services which reduces the need for businesses’ own physical storage needs has not curbed the requirement for data centre space however.

Pete said “We’re actually seeing an increase in enquiries from organisations that need off-site disaster recovery or physical data centre space for legacy systems and services that can’t be migrated to the cloud.

“It’s a fantastic milestone to to have reached 10 years and and we’re looking forward to the coming months in which we shall be launching our new self-managed hosting platform.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

MemberNews Norwich Airport signs Autism Charter.

Norwich International Airport has become one of the first UK airports to sign the Autism Charter.

Poultec Learner Awards 2016.

Poultec Training’s annual Learner Awards ceremony was held at their headquarters at South Green Park, Matishall.

Jason Doyle, a Speedway Grand Prix rider, presented certificates to all 67 nominees, who had been selected from more than 3,000 learners who had completed qualifications with Poultec over the last 12 months.

Nominees were chosen by tutors where learners had excelled in their learning or overcome barriers in order to achieve their qualification.

Glass trophies were presented to the winners of each category by Jason, who congratulated each learner.

Jason shared with the audience of nominees, employers, parents and guests, the journey he has made in his speedway career; highlighting what can be achieved if you persevere.

Katie Adams of the Henderson Trust won the Young Apprentice of the Year Award, an award selected by the panel of judges from all nominated Apprentices under 24 years old.

Edward Bales, Managing Director of Poultec said on presenting the award: “The judges were impressed by the quality of work produced by Katie, which was of an exceptional level, way above what was required for the qualification.”

The ceremony, held in the grounds of South Green Park, was attended by more than 130 guests who also enjoyed afternoon tea prepared by South Green Park and assisted by Poultec’s own catering students.

Right Angle Corporate event specialists expand.

Norwich-Based Events Company Right Angle have opened their new Northern office, in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

The company already operate nationally and internationally but felt that by physically having an office in the North it would enhance the customer experience.

Right Angle Director Kate Gaskin said: “Creating a new Northern office gives us the ability to continue to offer our range of services to as wide an audience as possible and to be as close and responsive as possible. We are

Working with Autism Anglia, a number of airport staff have completed an autism awareness training programme and are recognised as ‘Autism Champions’. The airport will continue to work closely with Autism Anglia to ensure all staff understand autism and how they can better support passengers and family members who have autism whilst using the airport.

Richard Pace, General Manager of Norwich International Airport, said: “We are committed to making the airport experience an easier, speedier and less stressful one for all of our passengers.

Autism Anglia has been a valuable source of guidance and information for the airport, delivering training sessions and resources to our staff. The introduction of the Autism Charter and on-going training programme for our staff is another step towards improving the passenger journey through the airport” A number of resources will be made available at the airport going forward including leaflets and wristbands, with dedicated ‘Autism Champions’ available to offer support.

very excited about the expansion and the increased opportunities that this will bring.”

Regional Business Development Manager, Tess Ashwin, will manage the office and deal with the Northern enquiries for the business.

Raise your businesses profile through free digital promotion – Upload your news, events, blogs to our website and social media channels, visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for more information.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

The Autism Charter is a document which has been produced in collaboration with people with autism and provides a framework for making venues autism friendly.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

Jamie Price, Security Manager, said: “To further improve the airport experience, we are in the process of creating a ‘My Travel Card’ for passengers with autism to complete ahead of travel. This document will be available as a download from the airport’s website for completion prior to arriving at the airport in advance of travel to ensure we are aware of their needs whilst travelling through the airport.”

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

37

Diary Dates.

Networking Events Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast Where: Great Yarmouth Town Hall When: Thursday 8 September, 07:30 – 09:30 What: Join us for a morning of business networking over breakfast, as we hear from Rebecca Harris, Hoseasons who will discuss the on-going popularity of the ‘staycation’ and reflect on tourism levels in Norfolk and how this affects your business.

Members only.

The Laws of Extreme Business Success

38

Where: NUA Lecture Theatre, Norwich When: Monday 12 September, 17:00 - 19:00 What: Evening with Carl Bates, a global entrepreneur, speaker, author, mentor and director.

Currently based in South Africa, he is a dynamic entrepreneur from New Zealand who guides small to medium businesses and privatelyheld companies to achieve Extreme Business Success. He is passionate about empowering business owners to break through the barriers that confine them to a life of long hours, hard work and little reward. Open to all businesses.

Driving Innovation: A West Norfolk Business Breakfast Where: Best Western Knights Hill Hotel and Spa, King’s Lynn

When: Friday 30 September, 08:00 – 10:00 What: Join us for a West Norfolk Business Breakfast perfect for businesses located in the area, or those looking to broaden their network across the county with Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce members. As The BMW Group celebrate their 100th Anniversary, learn how their vision for the #next100 will drive forward innovation not only in the automotive world, but for all businesses. Members only.

Norwich Economic Business Breakfast & AGM Where: OPEN, Norwich When: Friday 7 October, 07:30 – 09:30 What: Join us for breakfast our popular economic Norwich Business Breakfast. With the opportunity to hear from high profile speakers and the chance to network with a number of influential Norfolk companies and business leaders, this networking breakfast is not to be missed. Shortly after the breakfast members have the opportunity to attend Norfolk Chamber’s Annual General Meeting. Members only.

Special Events Talking Technology 2016 Where: The Space, Norwich When: Wednesday 21 September, 08:30-13:00 What: An interactive half day event, exploring how businesses can be transformed by developing

digital skills and taking advantage of innovative technologies. The event will act as host to both local and national big name brand speakers including AirBnB and will include thought provoking seminars and practical workshops, as well as a networking lunch and exhibition. Open to all businesses to attend.

See page 37 for more details.

B2B Exhibition 2016 Where: Norwich City Football Club, Norwich When: Thursday 13 October, 10:00 – 17:00 What: The region’s premier business exhibition returns for its 18th year! Join us and over 90 exhibitors across two floors of the Norwich City Football Club. The best of the region’s businesses will be there demonstrating their latest products & innovations.

Alongside our fantastic exhibitors we also have an impressive line-up of sessions throughout the day, designed to help better you and your business. B2B is completely FREE to attend and worth every minute you’ll be there. If you are serious about business then you’ll need to be at B2B! See page 38 for more details.

Doing Business in Iran Where: Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road When: Tuesday 25 October, 14:30 to 16:30 What: Join us for our next FREE International trade event, this time we are focusing on doing business with Iran. With presentations coming from Middle East Association (MEA) and UK Export Finance we will explore;

For more information, to see a full list of events, or to book visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

how to enter the Iran market, what business opportunities there are in Iran, what to be aware of culturally when doing business in Iran and what trade missions are currently running in Iran. Free to attend for all businesses.

Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent Where: Mercure, Norwich When: Friday 25 November, 08:0010:00 What: Building on the success of our ‘An Audience with Norfolk Schools’ in 2015, this year we are turning the focus onto the business perspective. Across the morning you will hear from businesses, young people and a panel of experts about how to embrace young people in the workplace and the benefits for business. Open to all businesses.

HR Forums HR Forum: Modern Slavery Act and Employee Share Incentives Where: Holiday Inn Norwich, Ipswich Road When: Wednesday 9 November, 14:00 – 17:00 What: The session will explore what is meant by the term “modern slavery”; the risks of modern slavery to businesses; tips on how to draft a Modern Slavery statement; how to spot the signs of modern slavery; and what action you should take if slavery is suspected in the business or supply chains. The rest of the session will then focus on how you could make your reward package more attractive using Employee Share Incentives.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ChamberEvents

Talking Technology 2016 – Unlocking Digital Growth.

Hear from national and local brands

39

A shortage of digital skills in the workplace could be costing the UK economy £63 billion a year! The solution? ‘Re-skill’ the UK workforce to bridge the digital skills gap…

Returning for its sixth year, Norfolk Chamber is pleased to announce our most exciting and dynamic business technology event to date.

Talking Tech will provide the ultimate educational experience for businesses looking to utilise digital skills and innovative technology to boost productivity and profitability.

With over 150 businesses in attendance, an exclusive selection of exhibitors, 15 expert speakers, 4 practical workshops and plenty of networking opportunities, Talking Tech is set to be our most superior business tech event yet!

Experience first-hand how your business can grow through the power of digital technology, as you hear from an exciting line up of expert speakers;

Discover digital transformation through Big Data with BT and Axon Vibe, ‘bullet proof’ your business with Cyber Security 101 from Norfolk Constabulary and Barclays, and create a first class customer experience with Airbnb and The User Story.

After an exhilarating programme of content-rich presentations and workshops, be inspired by the tech stars of Norfolk, as they deliver a selection of 5 minute lightening talks, sharing their ‘ideas inspiring innovation’.

Non-digital industries are being transformed by utilising digital skills and innovations and the digital economy is now the fastest growing in the UK. Be part of it - book your place at Talking Technology 2016 NOW.

Where: The Space, Norwich When: Wednesday 21 September, 09:00-13:00 Book now: www.norfolkchamber. co.uk/TalkingTech16 Get involved: #TalkingTech

Workshops You’ll be able to attend up to two of the following 30 minute, expert led workshops: Be Better at...

Getting Seen Online Johnathan White, Traded Network

E-commerce Alex Tosh, Creative Sponge

Website Analytics Darren Lawes, Conversion House

Apps for Business Stuart Grant, Go Do World

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

What’s on?

Exclusive exhibitor 09.30 welcome from special guest Jake Humphrey The day kicks off with an official opening of the 10.00 exhibition - featuring special guest Jake Humphrey

B2B 2016.

With the exhibition fully underway, we will 11.00 announce the winner of the Best Stand Award

The region’s premier business to business exhibition returns for its 18th year! Join us and over 90 exhibitors across two floors of the Norwich City Football Club.

40

The best of the region’s businesses will be there demonstrating their latest technologies, innovations and business. Be there to meet them face to face and see what they have to offer you!

B2B is FREE to attend! Alongside our fantastic exhibitors we also have

Workshops Be Better at Networking 11.30 with Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road Your 20 Point Digital 12.15 Marketing Plan with Michael Townsend, SocialB

an impressive line-up of bitesize chamber sessions throughout the day, which are designed to help you better yourself and your business – usually only exclusive to our members.

B2B is worth every minute you will be there. If you are serious about business then you’ll need to be at B2B!

Growing Your Business 13.45 with Roger Pemberton, Action Coach Be Better at LinkedIn with 14.30 John Davy, Dojo Media Consulting

Book your FREE visitor ticket to receive the latest updates on B2B 2016 and to be entered into a prize draw: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/b2b

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent.

Building on the success of our event ‘An Audience with Norfolk Schools’ in 2015, we now turn our focus onto the business perspective.

Having heard from schools how they would like us to bridge the gap between business and young people, we are now looking at the importance of recruiting young talent and how this can grow and evolve your business or department.

‘Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent’ will help you discover why young talent is good for your business and learn how to develop the workplace in order to attract and retain young entrepreneurs.

Hear from businesses successfully working within schools to help develop students skills, and recruiting top talent. Hear from young entrepreneurs about how to harness disruption in the workplace and embrace new ideas.

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Join us on the morning of 25 November in Norwich for Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ChamberEvents

Building on the success of the Norfolk Chamber’s popular training courses, The Training Room delivers a more in depth approach to a range of key business skills. Covering subjects that are directly relevant to today’s business needs, The Training Room offers insight, skills and techniques that you will be able to apply directly to your work.

These NEW half-day workshops take place in the Chamber’s well appointed board room - The Training Room.

PLUS! 25% cashback on training with ETIP funding and a special discounted price for Norfolk Chamber members.

Step in to The Training Room - and step up your performance.

Make your LinkedIn profile work for you

The essentials of email marketing

When: Sep 15 2016 - 9:00am Who: John Davy, Dojo Media

When: Sep 30 2016 - 9:30am Who: Holly Stibbon, 101

The Chamber Sessions.

FREE weekly bitesize training over breakfast or lunch delivered by members, for members, at Norfolk Chamber’s Norwich office.

The art of networking When: Oct 20 2016 - 9:00am Who: Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road

Be Better at Exhibiting Sep 13 2016 - 8:30am

Be Better at Excel for Business: Secrets and Shortcuts Sep 20 2016 - 8:30am

Be Better at Measuring the Success of Your Online Marketing Sep 27 2016 - 8:30am

Presentation skills

Social media for business

When: Oct 25 2016 - 1:30pm Who: Su Ingle Media

When: Nov 4 2016 - 9:00am Who: Jonathan White, Desire Marketing

Book now at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk £125+VAT for members, £150+VAT for non-members.

Create profitable Google AdWords campaigns

Be Better at Business Blogging Oct 4 2016 - 8:30am

When: Nov 11 2016 - 9:00am Who: Matt Brown, One Vision

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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

Committed to Business

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

41

Advertising

Norfolk Showground.

The Norfolk Showground is the perfect setting to host a range of meetings and events. We offer a unique combination of open parkland and indoor space, from large scale events, to training workshops and business meetings, all set in 150 acres of landscaped parkland. We provide a flexible and versatile space perfect for any event.

The Norfolk Showground is a well situated event venue conveniently located on the A47 west of Norwich, close to the A11 and only 20 minutes from Norwich Rail Station, with unlimited, free parking.

Our professional team has the experience of hosting hundreds of events and meetings each year. We understand that your individual

42

requirements are integral to the smooth running of your event. We look at each event individually and provide information and advice on how best to organise your event. Whether you are at the early stages of scoping your event or have a definite plan, we are very happy to discuss your needs and advise on the options Norfolk Showground has to offer. Our knowledgeable events team have the ability, capacity and expert

knowledge to guide you through every aspect of your event ensuring that it is a success.

If you would like more information on the Norfolk Showground please contact the team on 01603 748 931 or email info@ norfolkshowground.co.uk for more details.

W: norfolkshowground.rnaa.org.uk

NORFOLK SHOWGROUND EXHIBITIONS EVENTS CONFERENCES For more information on hiring any of the rooms within the buildings or outdoor space, please contact: info@norfolkshowground.co.uk or 01603 748931

NORFOLKSHOWGROUND.RNAA.ORG.UK 22082016AdShowgroundNorfolkVoice.indd 1 NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

22/08/2016 10:59:07 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Events&Conferences f

f

d

ff

e

f

fT

f

Tffd T T Tf T f T PRICES FROMT f f

f

f f

f

f

d

f

e

d

£39.95f

f

f T f f T

f f f f f f f

f

f T ffff ff

ff

f

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS

f

PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED AND HAVE SOME FUN! In our winter wonderland marquee for the ultimate Christmas party

e

f

e

d T

Find out more t: 01603 759393 e: enquiry@barnham-broom.co.uk | www.barnham-broom.co.uk

d

T

43

Hold your event at the Green Britain Centre We host a range of meetings, events and conferences at our spacious eco-building – whether you’re looking for a meeting room for two or a venue for two hundred, we’ve got it covered.

Our dedicated team will make sure your experience runs smoothly.

Meetings • Events • Conferences Workshops • Training Sessions • Classes

To book your event please call us on 01760 726 736. www.greenbritaincentre.co.uk

Photo © Equal Lives

The Green Britain Centre, Turbine Way, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Advertising

Private Dining at Celebrate a vintage Christmas with

Benoit Viellefon & his Orchestra at

Saturday 10th December 2016 8.00pm - Midnight ~

Private dining at OPEN offers the very best cuisine using locally sourced Norfolk produce.

All served in the beautiful surroundings of our historic Bank Manager’s offices and dining rooms, you can be assured of absolute privacy when entertaining guests or clients.

For further information or to book, please contact either Pete Marron on 01603 252123 or Ann Tattam on 01603 252117.

Dress in style Christmas Dinner Live Music from the 1920, 30 & 40s Croupier & Casino Tables Vintage Photobooth

~

To book, call Ann on 01603 252117 or email conference@opennorwich.org.uk

~

OPEN | 20 Bank Plain | Norwich | NR2 4SF www.opennorwich.org.uk Facebook OPENNorwich | Twitter OPENNorwich

OPEN 20 Bank Plain Norfolk NR2 4SF UK E conference@opennorwich.org.uk W www.opennorwich.org.uk Follow us on twitter.com/OPENNorwich | facebook.com/OPENNorwich Reg Charity No: 1108712 Company Reg No: 5320333

44

Norfolk Voice Advert.indd 1

22/07/2016 15:18

Have you got the REACTIONS of a Racing Driver?

Always quick to react...

Exhibitions Graphics Displays Design Events ...on time, every time.

Visit us at the Norfolk B2B Exhibition and find out.

You could win a bottle of Champagne!

Norwich City Football Club, 13 October. Stand no. 66

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

www.image-display.co.uk

01603 408105

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Events&Conferences BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS EVENT AT S P R O W S T O N M A N O R

From just £29 per person Our Christmas party nights and New Years Eve Hogmanay Gala Dinner here at Sprowston Manor offers something for everyone!

Whether you are looking to hold an intimate dinner or a large festive feast for you and your friends and family, we have a variety of options for you.

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

New for 2016 we have ‘Vintage Christmas at the Manor’ on Friday 16th December.

Feel like Lord and/or Lady of the Manor or party like a servant, the choice is yours!

Please contact us for more information.

For more information, please call Claire on 01603 254293 or e-mail claire.fowler@marriotthotels.com Facebook.com/SprowstonManor

Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club Wroxham Road Norwich, NR7 8RP +44(0)1603 410871

@SprowstonManor

45

Murray Edwards College Cambridge

•

A convenient distance between Norfolk and London with easy access from the A14.

•

Free on-site parking.

•

Two conference centres with year-round availability.

•

High-quality AV and on-site technical expertise.

•

Sumptuous, seasonal and fresh fine dining menus and diverse conference menus.

• 12 en suite bedrooms available year-round and 220 bedrooms available in vacations.

Plus • Wine and dine in a venue with unexpected “wow factor” for up to 270 in the spectacular Dome dining hall.

• Enhance your event with a tour of our world renowned art collection.

• “Walk on the grass” in our beautiful, informal gardens.

Tel: 01223 762267 Email: events@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk Web: www.murrayedwardsevents.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Events&Conferences

Advertising

Norfolk’s most exclusive venue.

A magnificent Palladian house at the centre of a 25,000 acre privately owned estate on the north Norfolk coast, Holkham is the ancestral seat of the Earls of Leicester. In addition to offering a stunning backdrop for weddings, the setting offers an exclusive and prestigious venue for corporate events, including directors’ meetings, conferences, ceremonies, presentations, product launches, dinners, company parties and team building days.

Holkham is within easy reach of Norwich and Cambridge, with good road and rail links to London.

Where can you hold your event? The options are extensive, ranging from the panoramic parkland, various state rooms in Holkham Hall, marquee options in the park or walled garden and even Holkham Beach can be included in your plans.

For exclusivity, the newly-opened, dedicated events venue, The Lady Elizabeth Wing, adjacent to Holkham Hall is a unique and stunning, contemporary space which works flexibly for small or large numbers. It is the perfect venue to impress and entertain your guests. The Lady Elizabeth Wing is suitable for a variety of functions and behind the scenes are all the professional facilities that organisers and caterers need to ensure an event runs smoothly and efficiently.

46

The use of the Lady Elizabeth Wing can also be combined with the state rooms in Holkham Hall offering a juxtaposition of an historic backdrop against a contemporary setting. The Marble Hall is a spectacular introduction to the magnificent

building, with its ceiling rising to a height of over 50 feet and a screen of columns running around evoking ancient Roman grandeur and is a stunning location for a large reception with drinks and canapés. Elsewhere, the opulent Saloon, with its great master paintings and crimson wall hangings and the dramatic Statue Gallery with its collection of classical statuary, are perfect for entertaining.

and offers everything you would expect from a traditional, English inn serving delicious, locally sourced food, much of it grown and raised on the Holkham Estate. Other opportunities for accommodation are available through a network of north Norfolk hotels or for those looking for something a bit different, ‘posh camping’ under the stars can be arranged.

Small formal lunches and dinners can be served in the South Dining Room or Drawing Room, using our own recommended caterers who have been carefully chosen for the quality of the food, competitive pricing and friendly and helpful service.

Our highly experienced events team have successfully organised events for many companies and organisations, including Red Bull, Christies, Break Charity, Scira Offshore Energy, the European Landowners’ Organisation and Barratt and Cooke.

The estate-owned Victoria Inn is perfectly located on the coast road in Holkham village

To discuss the opportunities available, please contact Alan Miller, email a.miller@holkham.co.uk.

Norfolk’s Most Exclusive Venue A unique and contemporary indoor events space for weddings, corporate events, conferences, presentations, product launches, ceremonies, dinners and team building days.

The Lady Elizabeth Wing, Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB www.holkham.co.uk 16853_Holkham_NorfolkVoice_Ad.indd 1 NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

09/08/2016 13:08 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

MemberNews Printbox UK delivers new high-end football and travel magazine.

Printbox UK have been celebrating the summer of football with their new magazine production ‘Glory’.

Cecil Gowing Infant School stages ‘Wedding Reception’.

The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich worked closely with Cecil Gowing Infant School, Sprowston, on a project for 60 children (aged 4 and 5) who have been learning about all the activities required to plan and implement a successful wedding.

A week of planning culminated with a ‘wedding service’ at St Cuthbert’s Church in Sprowston, followed by the ‘wedding reception’ and disco at the Maids Head Hotel.

Christine Malcolm General Manager, Maids Head Hotel, said: “Talula, daughter of our Wedding Co-ordinator, Amy Elvin, goes to Cecil Gowing Infant School. The school approached Amy and asked if she would go there and talk to the children about wedding planning, as part of their wedding week. We decided that, rather than just a talk we would send team members to the school, including Amy, to assist

the children in their preparations.

In addition, to ensure that all the activities came together in a memorable celebration, we invited the children to the hotel to stage the wedding reception part of their big day, in our main function room, the 18th century Minstrel Suite.”

Amy Elvin, Maids Head Hotel Wedding Co-ordinator added: “It has been a wonderful project for us, the children have worked very hard in groups to plan all the traditional elements of a wedding reception, including transport, wedding clothing, speeches and wedding party roles, food and drink, table settings and place cards. Our Chef Elliott helped them make colourful cupcakes and Richard from the bar team made ‘mocktails’ at the school. It was also very special to work with my daughter Talula, who was the school’s wedding coordinator on the day.”

Lee Nash, Head of Design at Glory Magazine, said: “Glory is a new high-end football and travel magazine with an ethos to put the ‘beautiful’ back in the beautiful game. We travel the world in search of alternative football cultures in the most remote, exotic or unusual destinations. It’s designed for your coffee table – refined design, awardwinning photography and intelligent writing.”

Printbox UK was involved with ‘Glory’ from the outset and they asked what influenced Lee’s decision to work with them. Lee says “When launching a new product, you want EVERYTHING to be perfect. I’ve worked with Paul Youngs (Director of Printbox UK) for many years (I co-founded a design/advertising agency in Norwich and Paul handled all my print then), and he’s someone I trust implicitly. From paper stocks to the final weight of the magazine for postage costs, Paul advised throughout and was a massive influence on the quality of the magazine.”

Lee continues: “We’ve positioned it at the ‘thinking fan’. Not all

supporters go to the football just to get blind drunk and swear at the officials – with the increased popularity of away travel to European games there’s a growing market of fans who find themselves in far flung places and want to learn about the culture of the country as well as follow their team. Think of it as a ‘rough guide’ with a large dose of football.”

Recent success includes distribution in nearly 30 countries worldwide, Glory making an appearance on Soccer AM, the magazine and photography being showcased in upcoming exhibitions in France and London, interviews for Brazilian, French, German and Canadian press and an interview live on national Faroese Radio.

Aston Shaw’s Brett Manning shortlisted in Practice Excellence Awards 2016.

Brett Manning, Assistant Client Manager at Aston Shaw, has been shortlisted for the Practice Excellence Awards in the Trainee of the Year category.

The Practice Excellence Awards seek to recognise and celebrate the very best within the accountancy profession. Only firms and individuals that perform at a level of excellence are shortlisted.

In order to be considered for this particular award, entrants must be able to demonstrate their commitment and dedication towards learning, as well as showing a real passion and drive for success within their job roles.

Lee Stratton, Director and also Brett’s Manager, said: “Brett has been a fantastic member of the team since day one. At the stage he is at in his career it is very difficult to balance studying for an ACCA qualification alongside work and we have been thoroughly

impressed with how he has coped – exceeding in both aspects. I am more than confident that Brett would be suitable for this award as he deserves recognition for what he has achieved so early on in his career, especially balancing his studies with a demanding client facing role.”

The Practice Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place in central London on Thursday 20th October.

Brett Manning

Assistant Client Manager, Aston Shaw

Great networking opportunities at our breakfasts, informal evening events and business exhibitions. Visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events to book.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

47

Advertising

YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST

TO LET 10 Audley Court, Fison Way Industrial Estate, Thetford, IP24 1HT – – – – –

Gross internal floor area 2,470 sq ft (229.47m2) Surfaced car parking area to front of unit Annual rent £8,890 exclusive of VAT Available now EPC Rating: D

CONTACT US:

TO LET

Breckland Business Centre (Dereham), St Withburga Lane, Dereham – – – – – – –

Multiple occupancy business centre 99 sq ft - 1075 sq ft (9.2 m2 - 99.8 m2) Prestigious serviced offices Flexible terms, viewing highly recommended Centre of town location with access to A47 Private and public parking EPC Rating: D

01362 656378 / 656210 commercial.property@breckland.gov.uk www.breckland.gov.uk/businessproperty

48 TheVoiceSept16.pdf

1

20/07/2016

14:08

UEA MEANS BUSINESS HERE TO HELP YOU RESOLVE YOUR RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

FREE VACANCY ADVERTISING FACILITATED INTERNSHIPS

PARTNER WITH US

Advertise your roles for free to more than 27,000 talented students and graduates.

Get in touch to discuss your business needs to see how we can work together on a bespoke package of support.

The UEA Internship Programme is a flexible way to get to those projects or try staff out before you employ them yourself.

We take care of the advert, contract and payroll. We also have subsidies available to help with the costs.

01603 592527 access.talent@uea.ac.uk

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ViewfromtheBoard

Promoting digital business in Norfolk.

We’re talking this time to Lynsey Sweales, Chief Executive of international digital agency SocialB. She’s also Vice Chair of the Social Media Council at the Direct Marketing Association. Lynsey has been very active in ‘spreading the word’ for Norfolk!

In my experience, when you say you come from Norfolk people usually respond with memories of holidays or visits here, but they don’t necessarily have much awareness of the great things that go on here.

It’s not a whinge, and I don’t think they see us a backwater, but I am conscious of our suffering from a less than accurate perception.

I always do what I can to be an ambassador for us.

As well as speaking up for Norfolk in general I’m keen to talk about the digital sector. Throughout my career I’ve always made a point of being involved in a voluntary capacity within the sector I’ve worked in to try to give something back. I try to do it by praising and promoting our digital businesses and of course Norfolk. My role as a Board Member for The Chamber gives me a voice to do that.

And there is a lot to say! For starters Norwich is a Tech City.

And there’s the #Digital City initiative too. We are a really important cluster of cutting edge companies, and it’s important that that’s recognised. I use every

Chamber networking opportunity, and international ones as well, to champion our region and that businesses don’t have to head to London for digital / digital tech expertise.

There’s also Tech East which is exciting. I’m a firm believer in their mission ‘to accelerate the growth of the digital tech economy in the East, through promotion, excellence and support’. I believe that making people aware of that will be a great help to our region.

My business is an international operation, and we have offices here.

There are some challenges, in terms of communication, but we’ve overcome them and I regularly share that insight to encourage others here. I work hard to convey the message that, in the digital sector, location does not have to be determined by ‘traditional’ preconceptions. And that the East is a very good location.

I’m also very keen to promote our career potential for young people.

I want them to know that they don’t have to gravitate to London, or Manchester for example. There

Lynsey Sweales

Chief Executive, SocialB

are fantastic opportunities for them here. And they need to know Norwich is one of the country’s happiest places to live and work.

The Chamber network is a tremendous benefit in being able to promote all of our benefits and I’m constantly engaged in meetings and events to maximise it. It’s a great platform for both the business base argument, and the

Norfolk leads the way in supporting local producers .

The latest figures from YouGov show that Norfolk is leading the way in supporting local producers, with a whopping 42% of respondents saying they had bought local produce in the last week. This compares to a national figure of only 25%, with Suffolk coming in at 36% and Essex at 28%.

The research, commissioned by the East of England Co-op, shows that whilst only 52% of Brits think it is important that they buy locally sourced produce* (down from 79% in 2015) a fantastic 64% of Norfolk respondents think it is important.

However, there is still much to do; only 27% of those in Norfolk would expect to buy local produce

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

in a convenience store. The East of England Co-op is keen to highlight that it is a strong supporter of local producers, with over 2,000 locally sourced products available in their stores and an impressive £11 million having been ploughed back into the local economy last year.

career benefits for those starting work.

I’ve also been working with the team at The Chamber on our own digital channels. Bringing my experience in to play has been useful in enhancing The Chamber’s online engagement, and website outreach, to enhance the membership experience and to recruit new members.

MembersNews

To encourage more shoppers to buy local produce, the East of England Co-op ran Sourced Locally Fortnight recently.

The initiative highlighted the benefits of buying local produce: bringing additional money into the local economy, creating and safe guarding local jobs, whilst reducing food miles and providing fresh and tasty produce from local farmers and suppliers.

In Norfolk 25% stated that family influenced their opinion whether it is important to buy locally sourced produce, compared to a national figure of 15% and only 9% in Suffolk.

Other figures from the research show that:

Roger Grosvenor, Joint Chief Executive at East of England Coop, said: “During Sourced Locally Fortnight we wanted to shine a spotlight on local farmers and producers across Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, to encourage more shoppers to consciously buy local produce.”

Eggs (78%) potatoes (78%) and meat (73%) top the list of products Norfolk respondents would be most likely to buy local, if a locally sourced alternative was available.

72% of people in Norfolk would be most likely to buy local strawberries if a locally sourced alternative was available and 66% tomatoes

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

49

LastWord Name: Jo Lardent Position: Group Commercial Director Company: Vertas Group Following a successful career as a catering operations director, Jo Lardent moved into the sales arena in 1999 and has very successfully sold and mobilised catering and integrated service FM contracts in all sectors and spanning all disciplines.

Jo joined the Vertas Group in September 2014 (then known as Eastern Facilities Management Solutions Limited) with a wealth of commercial and business development expertise; thus enabling her to drive forward the new strategic direction for the business.

Since then, Jo has led her various teams in growing the business and welcoming many new prestigious clients to the Vertas Group; such as Jagex, the Inspiration Academy Trust and Southend Borough Council, as well as acquiring local businesses to strengthen the service offer and creating new joint venture ‘Verse FM’ and partnerships in support of the local economy and growth agenda.

Jo Lardent presenting awards at the educational Raising the Bar Awards 2016

Living locally and happily married with two daughters; Jo spends her week balancing the challenges of a demanding workload with that of a busy family.

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

I was a part-time sales assistant in the clocks and gifts department at Boots the Chemist in Crawley, West Sussex. I used to bike 5 miles for a 4-hour shift on a Saturday for no more than a £1 or so per hour (it was 1985!) then I biked all of the way back again.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

I would have to say it’s the unprecedented growth we’ve experienced over the last year.

Winning new contracts is absolutely fantastic and of course vital in running a successful business, however it presents a challenge for our support and operational teams to keep up with the demands of new mobilisations. For example, we have just won around £0.5m worth of work over the last week alone, this creates pressure for all the functions involved from bid stage through to mobilisation and successful operation.

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

I think it’s massively important that any high-level decision making

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

which affects a local economy should be made by the people who fully understand the local infrastructure. If I were Prime Minister I would certainly get behind Devolution as a way of allowing businesses within East Anglia to be better supported in transforming their local economy and creating greater opportunities for jobs, investment and growth.

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

It would have to be some sort of extreme sports practitioner – like a cable ski demonstrator. Otherwise, my more mellow side would be doing something involving my creativity, such as garden redesign and home furnishings.

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

Firstly, I’d like to think of myself as being very personable, always being approachable and respected by the people I work with and the clients I work for. Secondly, I would have to say optimistic; I always see the glass as being half full, being optimistic motivates our workforce to do their very best. Lastly I would say being consistent is a main quality of mine, it’s also one of our corporate

values and something I work hard to demonstrate on a daily basis.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

My biggest mistake, or one we took as a business actually ended up resulting in some really positive outcomes for the team. It was an opportunity which we put our heart and soul into, the opportunity would have doubled our business turnover if successful. Unfortunately due to reasons out of our control the opportunity fell through. It was too exciting not to go for and we gave it 100%. It showed me how dedicated and talented our team is and demonstrated what we were capable of – the whole process really set the bar for us as a business. Although the opportunity came to nothing and could have been considered a mistake – I certainly don’t regret it, it’s made us stronger as a result.

Who do you admire most in business?

There have been various individuals over time, however I would have to say my husband, Andy first and foremost; especially earlier in our relationship. There was always an air of healthy competition when it came to our careers and this

constantly made me strive for better.

Aside from this, there have been managers which I have looked up to and others which I have looked at as an example of ‘what not to do’ – I feel all of these contributing factors have made me into the driven businesswoman I am today.

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

Hedgehog, of course! Why? Because they’re just great! As a business we’ve recently pledged our support for the BBC Radio campaign #GoingTheWholeHog, encouraging our grounds maintenance colleagues to raise awareness when carrying out work in areas where hedgehogs reside, too many of them are being badly injured or killed because of careless gardening and they’re quickly becoming a protected species – so please, be hedgehog aware!

“What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Quite simply, never accept mediocrity.”

NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Business Insurance from the experts.

Our insurance advisers will work with you to carefully analyse your business, identify the risks and provide tailored advice to minimise and protect against them.

As an independent insurance broker we have access to a wide range of products, which allows us to provide you with the best solution for your business.

With professional advice we can often improve your cover and reduce your premium too.

Add this service to our outstanding in-house claims team and risk management solution and you have your ideal insurance partner.

Talk to us today on 01603 218000.

Speak directly to our team

01603 218000 www.alanboswell.com

Outsourcing Facilities Management services Outsourcing the management of an organisation’s facilities has become increasingly more strategic through the changing, and often unpredictable, economic climate.

Facilities Management (FM) now needs to contribute to a business’s success, help to deliver competitive advantage and to become the focus for issues surrounding best value and customer satisfaction within non-core, supporting services.

The private sector has long realised considerable benefits from outsourcing, not only in efficiency and cost-saving terms, but also in allowing their businesses to stay focused on their core activities.

Facilities Management essentially falls into two prime classifications: •

Hard FM, which includes areas such as building and grounds maintenance, and servicing and maintaining equipment essential to the fabric of the premises such as air conditioning, plumbing, the electrical supply and lifts and building control systems.

t 01603 894100 e info@ncsgrp.co.uk w www.ncsgrp.co.uk

•

Soft FM, which covers premises cleaning, catering, waste management, reception duties and the various aspects of security.

Innovative thinking should be fundamental to FM outsourcing, and at Norse we adopt a partnership, ‘shared-goals’ approach. Compared with the traditional contractor/supplier relationship, this offers greater flexibility, full commitment from both parties and increased satisfaction in jointly achieved benefits and results.

Ensuring that the terms and conditions of outsourcing agreements’ work for all parties helps to ensure both the services provider’s the long term stability and sustainability, and the continuity and agreed level of service for the outsourcing organisation.

Managed professionally and using experienced service providers, outsourcing the wide range of FM services can offer organisations considerable financial and efficiency benefits.