NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT 2016
COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
SPONSORS The Norfolk Chamber team is very grateful for the support of all its members throughout the years and hope that this will continue for many years to come, because the Chamber is its members. We would also like to thank all Board members and Presidents who have steered the Chamber through some pretty interesting times. We are particularly grateful to these special members for sponsoring our 120th Anniversary event.
Barclays
MLM
WLP
Barclay’s were founding members of the Norfolk Chamber and remain members to this day – a relationship spanning 120 years.
“As we celebrate our own milestone of our 50th anniversary we are proud to support the Norfolk Chamber’s 120th Anniversary event. MLM are passionate about Norwich and the local economy and the Norfolk Chamber support our local industry.”
WLP are pleased to sponsor the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate 120 years of commitment to business.
Barclays is a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank offering products and services across personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK and the US. With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries and employs approximately 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide. For further information about Barclays, please visit www.home.barclays
Established in 1966, MLM is one of the largest privately owned engineering, environmental and building control consultancies in the UK. MLM are currently operating from 13 offices in the UK and have an international presence in Europe, Scandinavia, South America and the Middle East. MLM Norwich offers the complete range of services in; Environment Planning and Development, Buildings and Infrastructure, Compliance and Sustainability. We pride ourselves on being “great people to work with” and are innovative and passionate about what we do and the services that we provide. Our belief and commitment within our team has been recognised by achieving a ‘One Star’ status in the best companies’ survey. For more information on MLM please visit www.mlm.uk.com
Whilst WLP at 25 years are a way off that target Managing Director Norman Wilson said: “When we found that we shared a key anniversary with the Norfolk Chamber it was natural for us to support them by sponsoring their anniversary event. Over our 25 years we have had strong links with the chamber. We have found events, training opportunities and the chance to network a good way to support local companies in their pursuit of improvement and growth.” For a quarter of a century, WLP has been privileged to provide support and advice to a wide-ranging host of local businesses. Watching our clients prosper and grow thanks to our knowledge and guidance has proved enormously rewarding. Our clients’ success is ultimately our success - a maxim we continue to uphold. Here’s to the next 25 years. Visit www.w-l-p.co.uk
NORFOLK CHAMBER PATRONS
2 NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
WE’VE REACHED A MAJOR MILESTONE! “This year, 2016, sees the 120th anniversary of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled to have hit such a milestone. This supplement explores our history, looks at where we are today, and where we plan to go in the future.
Our young people, our infrastructure, increasingly our technology and connecting like-minded people have consistently been the issues that have driven us. Because they are vital for business.
Throughout it you’ll see the common thread of our being there for, and being committed to, business. Over those 120 years, through the good times, and the bad, in peace and in war, we’ve lobbied for and supported local commerce, striving to realise its potential and helping to create the best environment for it to thrive.
It’s been fascinating to see how across the years, despite, and in some cases because of, changes in business life, Norfolk Chamber has been a constant campaigner of important issues. And how those issues have always been a challenge and an opportunity for the business community.
To gain a better understanding of the Chamber we have been exploring our history. It’s enabled us to unearth a greater knowledge and understanding of the organisation and the people who have made us who we are. Those people are our members. We are our members, and it’s their consistent innovation, dedication and involvement that’s defined these 120 years of commercial zeal.
We hope you find this supplement interesting, informative and in places entertaining. Most of all we hope you find it inspiring. Norfolk Chamber is there for its members and we look forward to working with you to continue to make Norfolk a great place to work, live and inspire our young people.” Caroline Williams, Chief Executive and Jonathan Cage, MD Create Consulting, President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
CONTENTS 2 Sponsors
10-11
4-5
120 years of commitment to business
12-13 Transport and Infrastructure
6
Presidents of the Chamber
14-15 Technology and Digital
7-9 Timeline
16
Young People
Chamber in 2016
3
COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
120 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO BUSINESS George Moore Chamberlin of Chamberlin & Sons department store, supported the region’s industry throughout it all.
Some key moments! Our story begins in 1896. Queen Victoria was on the throne, and the Empire was still in place. It was unthinkable, 120 years later, not to celebrate our milestone anniversary. There was an obvious place to start. In keeping with our long tradition of encouraging education and supporting young people we had been involved with the creation of the University of East Anglia in the early 1960s, and we turned to them to help us research our past. We tasked research assistant Adam Dean, hired through the UEA’s Undergraduate and Graduate Internship Programme, with the vast assignment of unearthing highlights from our 120 year history. Starting his work in June 2015 Adam spent nearly 3 months tirelessly reading through over a century’s worth of meeting notes, press cuttings and articles to discover the changing face of Norfolk business, and our role within it. (He found our FUN FACTS too!)
Here’s just a snapshot of some of the important moments the research uncovered.
Chamberlin & Sons itself aided the war effort as it produced vast quantities of waterproof material for use by the army, as well as suits for soldiers in service and after demobilisation. It was held in such high esteem that the Admiralty claimed the bulk of Chamberlin’s output during the war. The wartime work of Chamberlin & Sons totalled close on one million garments. An incredibly shrewd and successful business man; it is with great pride that Norfolk Chamber’s legacy begins with JJ Colman. President 1896 - 1899
1896 Our first President – Jeremiah James Colman Jeremiah James Colman is remembered as a principal figure in the local and national business community of his time. He pioneered a revolutionary system by establishing schools, programmes of medical insurance, housing and entertainment for his employees at Colmans.
And, he is recorded as the driving force behind the Chamber’s formation. His THE FIRST father had in fact been HOLIDAY CAMP prominent in the first IN THE UK WAS Chamber, making it even OPENED IN 1906 more appropriate that AT CAISTERthis commercial giant ON-SEA was instrumental in our formation. Find information about all our Chamber’s Presidents since 1896 on www.norfolkchamber/120th The Chamber of Commerce was preceded by the formation of the The Chamber and Norwich Mutual Marine (Insurance) Association in 1843 and later the first World War I Chamber of Commerce in 1847 with Whilst battles raged in Europe the the objective to “always be ready effects of a world war took its toll on to suggest petitions and memorials, business. Commerce was affected by whenever needful: would ensure an the loss of markets in territories held by effective representation of our local the enemy. Businesses looked for help in necessities; and at all times secure dealing with lighting restrictions against the attention of the authorities to zeppelin attacks. Restricted opening whom it might appeal”. Although this hours added more pressure and led to first Chamber proved to be a shortshortages of necessary resources. lived venture it’s possible to see the emergence of values that we still hold The cumulative effort of the Chamber, dear today! its members and its then President, The Norfolk Chamber is actually a comparatively recent conglomeration of the Norwich Chamber, Great Yarmouth Chamber and West Norfolk Chamber. It was a move to be better equipped to fully commit to, and meet the evolving needs of, the Norfolk business community.
Militarily the Chamber was the first in the country to call for conscription in 1915. Commercially we were responsible for issuing important Certificates
FUN FACT!
4 NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 the Chamber’s importance rose suddenly as businesses had to negotiate the requirements of wartime. Sir George Moore Chamberlain President 1899 - 1921 of Origin for those trading with neutral nations so as to ensure British commerce did not indirectly aid the Central Powers.
1939 and World War II erupts The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 was a devastating blow to what had proved a short peacetime. Commercially it meant that manufacturing industries were directed towards producing materials for the war effort.
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
It was a moment that helped define the Chamber’s involvement with and commitment to education and young people. It was to begin our long-standing relationship with the University of East Anglia. Several of the Chamber’s Presidents were heavily involved in the founding of the institution in the 1960s. Eric Mackintosh, of the confectioners John Mackintosh and Sons, and son of John Mackintosh ‘the toffee King’ and the brother of Harold, 1st Viscount Mackintosh, would become the first Chancellor of the UEA. Boulton & Paul hangar at Mousehold Heath
On the home front the retail sector suffered terribly from enemy action. Norfolk Chamber had two Presidents during the war; Joseph Worssam of Eastern Counties Omnibus Co. Ltd. and Percy William Jewson of Jewson Ltd.
Richard Quintin Gurney of Barclay’s was also heavily involved in its formation, both financially and in terms of business. He was Chamber President, from 1959-61, and was Lord Mayor 1961-2.
Raymond Frostick also played a key role in the UEA from its inception, before later becoming a President FUN FACT! of Chamber in the GEORGE MOORE 1980s. The Norwich CHAMBERLIN Junior Chamber, of PRESIDENT 1846which he played a 1926 WAS CREDITED central part, had WITH BEING THE been established FIRST MAN TO RUN in 1960 and took A HUNDRED YARD IN great interest in the TEN SECONDS University project from the start.
Boulton & Paul’s made their outstanding contribution to the war effort. Having established a name for themselves in WWI under Chamber President William Henry Ffiske, when they had built the UK’s first all-metal aircraft in 1917 they were once again in the forefront. However, like many companies they did not escape the Norwich Blitz unscathed and were one of the firms directly targeted by the German Luftwaffe.
Frostick sat on the UEA Committee holding numerous meetings in 1962-3 to raise necessary funds. This culminated in a grand ball with 400 attendees at Earlham Hall, the profits of which purchased the silver mace presented to the Chancellor. It’s still used today.
As were the retailers. Buntings, where M&S now stands, was severely damaged by German bombing in the Norwich Blitz of 1942. The nearby Curl Brothers buildings were completely destroyed. In a gesture that typifies commercial co-operartion in times of hardship Jarrold & Sons helped the company by offering an entire floor of their own premises on which to continue doing business.
Buntings
FIND OUT MORE! These key dates in our history are just a glimpse into the research we’ve undertaken. To share more of the facts we’ve found, and to commemorate our 120 years, we have launched a dedicated area on www.norfolkchamber. co.uk/120th You’ll find it’s packed with interesting details in key areas such as: a page dedicated to our Presidents from 1896 to present an area looking at the key industry sectors for our region and the leading businesses connected with Chamber images relating to Chamber Presidents and Norfolk business spanning 120 years a chance to find out more about the upcoming events happening throughout the celebratory anniversary year.
The Directors of the leading stores including Bunting’s, Bond’s and Jarrold & Sons were all members of Chamber and indeed had been, or were later, Chamber Presidents.
The Chamber and the UEA In 1958, prior to UEA’s establishment, Chamber President Andrew Ryrie, vice-Chairman of Reckitt & Colman Ltd, held the strong belief that the region required an institution that could support and meet its needs for more industrial manpower.
Richard Gurney President 1959 - 1961
More details on www.norfolkchamber/120th
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COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
Chamber’s History of Presidents Current President Jonathan Cage next to Presidents Board.
Jeremiah James Colman
Quintin Edward Gurney
1896 – 1899
1936 – 1938
(J & J Colman)
(Barclays & Co.)
Widely renowned for his philanthropy, was a leading light in the local and national business community.
Advocated increasing employment opportunities for women, and by the 1960s 50% of the staff at Barclays on Bank Plain were female.
Sir George Moore Chamberlin
Eric D. Mackintosh
1899 – 1921
1949 – 1951
(Chamberlin & Sons)
Chamber’s longest-serving President overseeing 21 years in office. He was also one of its most formative, having tripled membership to 110 by 1920 and he led the business community through the troubles WWI presented.
(John Mackintosh & Sons) Personally donated £5,000 to the founding of the UEA and his brother gave twice that, with the confectioner company itself giving £100,000, in doing so topping the list of the initial donors.
William Henry Ffiske
William Oliver Copeman
1926 – 1928
1951 – 1953
(Boulton & Paul)
Campaigned successfully against the city’s inflated business rates, seeking ‘economy with efficiency’ in local public spending. The resulting expansion of business would reduce unemployment, and the fall in unemployment would increase the market for business.
(John Copeman & Sons)
Launched Mace convenience stores in 1954, a name still familiar on the highstreet today and influential as one of the first franchise operations in the UK.
To see the full list of Chamber Presidents dating back over 120 years visit: norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th @norfolkchamber #Chamber120
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NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
Timeline 1890–1930s 1896
Norwich Chamber of Commerce incorporated on 7th October with Jeremiah James Colman as President.
1924
1916
Great Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce reformed with 57 members after disbandment of earlier Chamber. Affiliation to the Association of British of Chambers of Commerce (ABCC) granted.
50 strong American delegation hosted by the Chamber in Norwich following International Advertising Convention in London.
Photo of delegates dinner. Certificate of incorporation.
1896
Gurney’s, amongst twenty other local banking firms, consolidate to form Barclays & Co. Norwich President, Edward Gurney Buxton, and Great Yarmouth President, Charles Sommerville Orde, among the signatories.
1914 Certificate of consolidation.
Illustration of Great Yarmouth President's chain.
1935
Chamber lobbied for phasing out of Norwich tram system.
WWI places the Chambers responsible for managing business restrictions such as lighting, opening hours and making up for loss of markets in enemy held territories. Responsible for issuing ‘Certificates of Origin’.
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COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
Timeline 1940–1970s
1942
1953
Chamber rallied business after Norwich Blitz supporting retailers. Jarrold & Sons offered a whole floor of their own store to affected Curl Brothers.
1951
1945
Great Yarmouth Chamber established ‘Town Reconstruction Committee’ after WWII. Leading the national revival movement for hotels and catering in seaside towns.
1947
The Great Yarmouth Chamber lobbied Ministry of Food on poor variety of food in the town compared to inland. Leading to the production of the ‘fish finger’ in the town’s Birdseye factory.
Lord Mayor, Eric Sidney Hinde, President of the Norwich Chamber from 1955, plays a central role in organising the city’s Festival of Britain festivities.
Great Yarmouth Chamber organises support in the aftermath of the North Sea Flood. Highlighting attractions still open for business.
1963
UEA opened. Chamber Presidents are instrumental in its foundation, and generous with funding. President Eric Mackintosh donates personally. Corporately, Mackintosh and Sons become the biggest contributors on the initial list of investors.
Festival of Britain trophy. Archive image of UEA Ziggurats.
1978
Czechoslovakia Ambassador visits West Norfolk Chamber.
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th @norfolkchamber #Chamber120
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NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
Timeline 1980–2016 1984
2002
2014
Great Yarmouth Chamber merges with Norfolk Chamber.
Norfolk Chamber hosts visit from Prime Minister David Cameron to the region.
Norfolk Chamber moves to its current offices at the Norwich Business Park.
2014
Dualling of the A11 completed with Chamber being instrumental in driving this campaign.
2015 2010
2010
Norfolk Chamber was involved in the creation of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
Norfolk Chamber supported the successful ‘Save RAF Marham’ campaign.
2013
Chancellor of the Exchequer announced ‘Norwich in Ninety’ Rail Taskforce at Chamber event.
2016
Break ground on Northern Distributor Road (NDR) which Chamber has campaigned for on behalf of the business community.
Norfolk Chamber relaunches Young Chamber.
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COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
THE CHAMBER CAMPAIGNS THEN AND NOW
YOUNG PEOPLE From our beginnings in 1896 the county faced a number of difficulties specifically affecting young people. It was immediately apparent to the founding members that it was important for the Chamber to address the matter of education and skills training. A tradition we’ve continued.
THEN 1886 Founding President Jeremiah James Colman’s strong belief in welfare schemes was a driving force in the Chamber and he was a pioneer in education reform, establishing a school for the children of employees. He believed that free education was in the best interests of the children. Notably it was another twenty years before primary education was made compulsory in the UK. By 1910 the issues surrounding young people had become more specific. A Mr Lions from the Board of Trade spoke passionately to the Norwich Chamber’s AGM of ‘blind-alley occupations’ and that of ‘exclusive boy labour’. This referred to the circumstances under which boys of 14 were employed for jobs consisting of a single simple task in a large-scale division of labour. By the age of 19 the boys were no longer hired for these occupations with the jobs given to a new group of 14 year old workers on lower wages.
skills of young boys. Norwich Chamber offered prizes and certificates for evening literacy and commercial classes and members were encouraged to donate prizes and ensure their clerks could leave the office in time to make the classes. The accredited qualifications were also considered favourably when it came to considering staff promotions!
1914-18 The First World War led to unprecedented changes in the workforce. Since over FUN FACT! 60% of students 1931 AIM OF CHAMBER in peacetime “TO INTEREST THE were over 17 YOUNGER BUSINESS their general MAN IN THE PROBLEMS enlistment saw CONFRONTING a decrease in INDUSTRY GENERALLY numbers.
& EQUIP HIM FOR HIS PROPER PLACE IN THE INDUSTRIAL WORLD”
The £50 spent on their public education had been essentially ‘thrown in the gutter’ as their experience was so specific and yet uncomplicated as to be useless. Their jobs quickly become obsolete and generations of young boys were left unskilled and unemployed.
The importance of foreign languages became more prominent and classes in French were implemented and promoted by the Chambers. It was of course the language of Britain’s wartime allies in France, but also the language of many of the elites of Russia and Britain’s Balkan allies. The need for such business fluency in young people was heightened by the loss of the markets controlled by the enemy.
The Norwich Chamber campaigned vehemently against such practice and, rallying schools and employers, the members worked to improve the
1924 Norwich Chamber Juvenile Employment Committee established giving careers advice to 14 – 18 year olds and to prospective employers.
10 NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
Junior Chamber of Commerce established in Great Yarmouth in 1928; Norwich in 1960 and Kings Lynn in 1968. 1976-78 Great Yarmouth Junior Chamber established links with Dutch town of Zwolle and received a ‘Doulton Minton Trophy’ for European cooperation and 10,000 tulip bulbs planted in St Georges Park.
NOW We’re still passionate about supporting young people to help them to develop their talents and achieve their aspirations!
Bridging the Gap Our research has showed that many businesses think more can be done to better prepare young people for the workplace. Key areas that need addressing are improving ‘soft skills’ such as communication, team working and resilience, as well as better careers advice and engagement with business in schools. We believe it is a shared responsibility between business, education and government to address this. We are therefore committed to bridging the gap between business and education, by increasing collaboration between the business community and education providers, to improve young people’s transition to work.
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
2016 Your Future Career Events These events are very much part of our strategy of engagement. We’ve already held them at at Sprowston High School, Flegg High School, Attleborough Academy, and Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival and are looking to work with schools across Norfolk.
NORFOLK CHAMBER COMMUNITY FUND
During February/March 2016 Norfolk Chamber was in contact through its Your Future Careers days with 2,376 young people and helped 712 register onto the national apprenticeship website. Aylsham Young Chamber member The Chamber campaign ‘Bridging the Gap between Business and Young People’ is a positive call to action to: n Increase collaboration between education providers and businesses. n Support young people to gain the skills and knowledge to help their transition into work. n Influence government education and skills policy, representing the interests of businesses, education and young people
Check out www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for more details
Investment in Young People (IiYP) Business has a crucial role to play in developing a young person’s understanding of the world of work and in helping them to gain the all-important employability skills needed to help them be successful in their future career. The Chamber is delighted to announce that we are now able to offer Norfolk businesses the opportunity to gain the prestigious national ‘Investment in Young People Award’ (IiYP).
Is your business interested in getting involved? Get in touch: bridgingthegap@norfolkchamber.co.uk or 01603 729709
Young Chamber Young Chamber is a membership offer to schools and colleges, providing bespoke services linking them to their local business community. Through Young Chamber our aim is to deliver the following: n Increase the number of Young Chamber schools and colleges in Norfolk benefitting from high quality interactions with their local business community. n Increase the number of pupils interacting with businesses across Norfolk. n Increase the number of volunteer hours from business people supporting schools n Develop Young Chamber Student Councils within secondary schools and colleges Does your school want to be involved? Get in touch bridgingthegap@ norfolkchamber.co.uk or call 01603 729709
Inspire our Young People This national award will recognise and celebrate the important work done by companies that help young people gain employability skills and prepare them for future employment. By gaining this award, and proudly displaying the IiYP business mark, it will make your business stand out as an employer of choice, demonstrating that you are making a real difference to young people’s lives in your local community. The IiYP mark is exclusive to companies that have been successful in meeting the required standard.
To tie in with the Norfolk Chamber’s ongoing campaign encouraging the growth and advancement of Norfolk’s young people, we’ve established a fund with the Norfolk Community Foundation to support young people locally. The purpose of this fund is to create opportunities for the younger generation and help them flourish in employment. This is a key priority for the Norfolk Chamber in our anniversary year. The aim of the Norfolk Chamber 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. Grants of up to £2,000 will be available to support projects focused on championing young people by working with those who are facing particular challenges in accessing employment or training, or developing their skills.
Norfolk Chamber will match pound for pound up to a combined total of £10k all contributions, large and small, made into this fund To donate please visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
Visit www.youngchamber.com/iiyp to find out more and to complete the online application form.
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COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
THE CHAMBER CAMPAIGNS THEN AND NOW
TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
significant impact on the development From the earliest days of of shipbuilding and railway companies. the Chamber, when railways were high on the agenda, From its 1916 revival to 1927 The Chamber promoted the development we have sought to achieve of the Great Yarmouth Quayside and improvements in our region’s highlighted inadequacies of space, infrastructure. By giving storage, lighting and transit local commerce machinery, resulting in the installation of new one concerted cranes to improve voice we have FUN FACT! rail links, new lobbied at the AT ONE PARTICULARLY lighting and FRAUGHT 1930S CHAMBER highest levels greater coMEETING REGARDING operation over in keeping TRAMS IN NORWICH A MR the use of with HALDENSTEIN FLOURISHED space. our first A STUFFED BLACK CAT principles. In 1976 there BEFORE THE AUDIENCE was much AND DECLARED “THE Our roads, concern about TRAMS ARE AS DEAD AS rail links and the number of THIS CAT. IT WILL NEVER ports are all firms relocating COME TO LIFE, NOR key issues in from Yarmouth to WILL THE TRAMS” Aberdeen, following the Chamber’s the northward shift in strategy.
bypasses, and against the closure of railway lines under the ‘Beeching Axe.’
NOW 2014 The Barton Mills to Thetford stretch of the A11 dualling was opened. Campaigning, of which the Chamber had been a forceful contributor, had started in 1984 – and opened in 2015. 2016 Our lobbying still creates results. In March 2016 Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visited the site of the Northern Distributor Road (NDR). He said, “I have been told so much
seafloor exploration.
THEN 1903 William Hurry Palmer, Chairman of the Great Yarmouth Chamber was a ship broker. He and the Palmer family had
1965 Hamilton Harris of King’s Lynn Chamber is involved in a considerable focus on infrastructure, with the Chamber lobbying successfully for the town’s northern and southern
12 NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
Start of NDR
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
Chamber members lobby for improved rail services
about this site so I’m delighted to have been able to see it now that the work has started on it..” Ongoing – A47: Jonathan Cage, the current President of Norfolk Chamber, sits on the A47 Alliance committee. Norfolk Chamber has challenged Highways England on why some of these improvements are taking so long: “We previously raised the Chamber’s concerns regarding the delays in bringing forward the A47 improvements, in particular at Burlingham. Norfolk Chamber will continue to work with the A47 Alliance to push for improvements
A47 needs investment which can make it a quicker journey and also make the road safer.” At a recent Chamber event Liz Truss MP encouraged delegates to learn from the earlier campaigns to help push for A47 improvements: “I would suggest
Norfolk MPs lobby for Ely North Junction
we work with all the businesses in this room to make as much noise as possible…What was really successful with the A11 campaign was we had businesses by the side of the road saying ‘We need this’.”
needs significant investment both by the Department of Transport and Railtrack.”
Ongoing – Rail improvements: Norfolk Chamber has been lobbying local MPs and central Government to deliver the ‘Norwich in 90’ promise for a better quality service. Also to improve the Norwich to Cambridge rail line, and Ely North Junction, to help West Norfolk get half hourly services into London. Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said: “We are fully in support of the Great Eastern Rail Campaign, investment is well overdue in the Eastern region in both rail infrastructure and rolling stock. The franchise operators do their best with aged trains, carriages and infrastructure giving them a clean and a paint every few years. However what they can’t do with paint is to increase the speed, frequency and general reliability. This
Ongoing – Great Yarmouth Third River crossing: Neil Orford Lovewell Blake and Vice President GY Chamber Council, said: “The Great Yarmouth Chamber Council are calling for the Chancellor to support critical infrastructure in the area to help the growing energy sector, particularly to support the Third River Crossing. If the Government can commit £3m in funding in 2016, to complement what has already been secured from the Local Growth Fund, it will secure the essential next stage of the project.” Ongoing – local infrastructure schemes: The Chamber will continue to support local business to ensure Norfolk infrastructure is fit for business such as working with the Norwich Bid on improving accessibility to Norwich. More details norfolkchamber.co.uk
“The Chamber will never give up in order to achieve what it believes to be right for Norfolk and its business community.” Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber
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COMMITTED TO BUSINESS FOR 120 YEARS
THE CHAMBER CAMPAIGNS THEN AND NOW
TECHNOLOGY & DIGITAL
Edward Gurney Buxton President 1921 - 1925
Technology is now more of a driver in industry FUN FACT! and commerce 1880s Chamber BY 1929 IN businessmen were than ever before. NORWICH & among the first to As its importance NEIGHBOURHOOD take advantage of the has increased THERE WERE opportunities of what the Chamber AROUND 7,000 was dubbed ‘telephonic communication’. In fact TELEPHONES has continued some of the earliest trial its tradition of lines were between London embracing it, educating and Norwich. its members about it, and Nevertheless by the early 1920s there working towards putting it to was still a great deal of mistrust about profitable commercial use.
THEN
telephone use and mainly it was seen as a nuisance, with its vulgarity outweighing its utility - in many ways a precursor to later sentiments about mobile phones! In 1922, delegations from the Great Yarmouth Chamber, under Edward Walter Taplin (Beer), and the Norwich Chamber, under Edward Gurney Buxton, went to the Norwich Telephone exchange to discuss issues regarding telephone use.
TECH EAST launch 2016
14 NORFOLK CHAMBER 120th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT
norfolkchamber.co.uk/120th
“The digital world is changing daily, and Norfolk firms have a track record as global innovators and leaders. However, the infrastructure they rely upon is failing to keep pace. Many offices, business parks and road and rail routes lack both mobile and broadband connectivity. Unless we set the bar high - and ensure Norfolk companies have access to world-class digital infrastructure - we will be outcompeted by others around the globe.” Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber
NOW We’re in the digital age, and Norfolk Chamber has continued to embrace and champion the development of technology for and within local businesses. 2001: The Chamber’s consistently successful B2B Exhibitions introduce the use of latest technology to its members, through its members, in addition to updated information through its digital channels. 2014: Chamber annual technology events address vital issues such as being ‘mobile ready’ for proximity marketing, master data management and social media. 2016: Tech East has recently been set up with the support from the Chamber to ensure this region is set to become among the top five tech clusters in the UK. This dynamic plan is aimed at promoting digital tech excellence in the east, galvanising the sector by speaking with ‘one voice’ and to excel by sharing best practice. It seeks to deliver a further 5000 jobs, and generate an extra £650m GVA of growth in the east. Ongoing: The Chamber will continue to make its members’ voices heard, loud and clear. Today, there is every need to continue the lobbying for which we are justifiably famous. The reality is that Government is in danger of perceiving that their work in Norfolk is enough for now; it isn’t. Participation in the global online economy requires access to highspeed broadband, which needs
substantial investment in the network infrastructure. Norfolk continues to lack behind other areas of the UK relating to digital connectivity, let alone its global competitors. Faster and more reliable broadband and mobile services are essential if we are to grow our local economy. Every business now relies on technology, but our advanced engineering and creative and technology sectors are particularly at a disadvantage. If we are to develop our businesses, and recruit and retain the best people, pressure must be put on both the
broadband and mobile providers to provide a service which is fit for purpose. We will ensure that Government sees the situation in perspective. When we secure the resources we need we will be able to realise the true potential of Norfolk’s businesses, and make an even more valid contribution to the national economy. These vital issues are high on our agenda, and we will continue to apply that pressure until we get the solutions you need.
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NORFOLK CHAMBER IN 2016 COMMITTED TO BUSINESS NETWORKING
COMMITTED TO SAVING YOU MONEY
COMMITTED TO INFLUENCING CHANGE
Norfolk Chamber is well known for staging a host of exciting events, designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the Norfolk business community. Learn new skills and grow your business through our networking and training events.
Running a business can be challenging and costly so we take away the worry by providing you with expert help and advice at low-cost or no cost
Norfolk Chamber identifies key issues of importance to its members and which have a significant impact on the Norfolk economy. Together with its members the Chamber will campaign until positive solutions are delivered – however long it takes!
100+ events held 5000 delegates attend
Free Legal & HR Support Free training sessions And many more discounted business services
Develop the A11/A47 Growth Corridors Improve Digital Connectivity
COMMITTED TO RAISING YOUR PROFILE
COMMITTED TO REACHING NEW MARKETS
Grow Norfolk’s Global trade Bridge the gap between Business and Young People *All stats are annual
FIND OUT WHAT YOU’RE MISSING!
Raise your profile in Norfolk and reach new customers by adding news, events, offers and blogs to our website. Have it shared through social media and considered for our bimonthly magazine.
Trading overseas can be complex, so whether you are breaking into a new overseas market for the first time – or you’re already an experienced exporter keen to develop your international operations – you’ll find all you need at the Norfolk Chamber
10,000+ website visits per month
6000+ export documents processed
7000+ twitter followers
70% Certificates of Origin use e-zCert
2700+ Chamber Linkedin group
200+ languages translated
Visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or call 01603 625977 or email membership@ norfolkchamber.co.uk