Norfolk Voice 17

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norfolk Branding Norfolk Is the perception of the county changing?

How much do businesses need Europe?

100 Companies that are creating the Green Economy in Norfolk and Suffolk

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

JULY august 2013

NORFOLK VOICE

MIGRATION SOLUTIONS LTD

We Might Have Saved The Vicar!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

In 1932 the Reverend Harold Davidson of Stiffkey was defrocked because of his unfaltering efforts to save hundreds of vulnerable girls from a life of prostitution.

He spent half his time in the streets of Soho in London and the other half in his Norfolk parish and became known as the ‘Prostitutes’ Padre’.

He was defrocked after he was found guilty of ‘immoral conduct’ in five separate charges. How did this happen? The Bishop of Norwich hired a private detective to follow him around London and, despite finding no creditable evidence, he was still charged and found guilty.

Reverend Davidson vigorously protested his innocence and, to try to prove it, became a seaside performer using outlandish acts including pretending to be roasted on a spit and appearing as Daniel in a den of real lions! (Rather unfortunately for him, this last act went fatally wrong when he trod on the tail of one of the lions, which turned and mauled him to death!)

The point of this story is that in 1932 it was incredibly difficult to prove either the ill-fated Reverend Davidson as guilty or for him to prove his innocence. Today, life is very different indeed.

CCTV is everywhere – in fact, it is estimated that in 2013 there are in the region of 1.85 million CCTV cameras monitoring public spaces in the UK, (around 1 for every 34 of the 63.2 million population). That’s quite a lot of cameras!

If the CCTV cameras had existed in 1932, it would almost certainly have proven Reverend Davidson’s guilt or innocence.

Most CCTV pictures are recorded and normally stored for around 90 days. This gives the police and other authorities time to trawl through pictures for evidence that might relate to a crime, or indeed to eliminate innocent people suspected of a crime. This recording of CCTV needs to be stored somewhere and this, generally, is where data centres can play an important role. If we make some pretty basic assumptions about CCTV records, that they record a medium quality image at 1 frame per second, (normal TV is around 25 frames per second), and that we retain the recordings for 90 days, each camera will need just over 300 gigabytes of disk space for the recordings.

Multiply this by the number of CCTV cameras and we find that every 90 days 55,500,000,000 gigabytes of storage is required for CCTV alone in the UK.

If this storage was to be located in a poorly conditioned environment, an area that was at risk of fire, or worse, where it could be tampered with by an unauthorised person, the risk of degradation, or loss, is significant and could be catastrophic for those that might rely on it. It is the same for the data that supports businesses today. Almost every business, no matter how large or small, is in some way reliant on electronic data. It may not be CCTV images, but it might be a website, email systems, payroll, accounts or a stock control system – or maybe just where letters that are written to customers are created on a word processor and stored. The loss of this data would, in most cases, be catastrophic and could easily cause the failure of a business.

This is where data centres are important. Data centres are purpose built environments that have been designed to provide the right conditions for the storage to be operated and are secure, resilient, (i.e. always available), and highly

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

efficient. Business, any business, should, in today’s world where we rely heavily on electronic data, consider placing their data in a purpose built data centre. Unless running a data centre or computer room is your business, why take the risk? It isn’t just a risk not worth taking, but it could also save you money too!

If you would like to know more about how using a data centre would offer you better security for your business and save you money, why not email YourDataCentre@MigSolv.com

CONTENTS

Contents.

03 04 05

Chamber News

07

Chamber News

08 09

Members News

12 13

Chamber Policy

14 15

International Trade

16 17

The Big Interview – David McNally

We also look at the importance of Europe for our regional businesses and ask key local companies how important this trading market is to their business.

Our Big Interview features David McNally, a familiar face for football fans. As CEO of Norwich City Football Club, David has been instrumental in Norwich’s success in securing another season in the Premier League. We find out from David what his views are concerning heading up a top football club.

Esther Evans, Managing Director of STM Transmail, is our Last Word candidate. She took charge in 2011 after a merger with Northampton-based Shirlplass and has seen the business go from strength to strength. The company has recently launched a new ecommerce platform, making it one of the foremost online suppliers in the packaging industry.

Please do take advantage of all our media channels to get your good news stories out there and help show just how dynamic Norfolk can be and read about members’ news in this issue.

8

19

Knowledge

21

Commercial Property – Optimism in property sector

26 29 How Norfolk is perceived by the rest of the country is a key question, and one we look at closely in this issue. In the past, surveys have revealed the image of Norfolk, to those outside the county, is not seen as a dynamic business location. However, there are set to be radical changes within Norfolk including improved road links via the A47 improvement and A11 dualling, faster broadband speeds, superb supply chain opportunities in the energy sector, the massive investment in the Norwich Research Park, to name but a few. We hope to show that Norfolk is on the up and there are plans in place to ensure that its image will be a good deal more positive in the years to come.

Welcome/Contents

Cover Story – Branding Norfolk

30

Finance – Funding programme seeks to unlock innovation

34

Chamber News

35

Corporate hospitality – Sector has ‘potential for growth’

37

Members News

38 40

9

Chamber Events

41

Membership News

44

Members News

45

Take a Break

47

New Members

49

Members News

50

The Last Word

16

Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

All editorial and general enquiries: info@norfolkchamber.co.uk Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich NR4 6DJ Tel: 01603 625977 Fax: 01603 633032

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING John Neilson, Commercial Director Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 887 2343 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Norfolk Voice cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Norfolk Voice.

CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

JULY/AUGUST 2013

PAGE3

NORFOLK VOICE

Norfolk: bigging up the brand.

Chamber talks turkey!

DAVINA TANNER President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

I moved to Norfolk just over six years ago but, prior to setting up home here, I’d visited regularly so was really familiar with the area. It’s fair to say that our county, and particularly its capital city of Norwich, has changed a great deal over recent years.

But the positive changes I see haven’t come at the expense of our heritage and history. I think that Norfolk people have a great respect for the past as well as understanding that we need to continue to evolve in order to remain a thriving community.

Not so long ago, the perception was that people escaped to Norfolk for a quiet break or decided to down-shift their careers in favour of a more relaxed pace. The great thing about Norfolk today is that you can have a fantastic career and a wonderful quality of life without compromising on anything.

Our county offers excellent job opportunities in a wide range of professions: from sciences to the creative industries. We host world-class arts events and exceptional exhibitions; our retail offering is second to none in the East of England; our chefs are world renowned and our theatres attract some of the most talented performers in the world.

Norwich is seeing a new phase of regeneration with the St Stephens masterplan beginning to take shape. The fact that London developers, Soho Estates, have chosen to partner up with local property development company FW Properties to reinvigorate Westlegate House says a great deal about the future of our city.

Norfolk is a place where people want to be and, as a business community, we need to do everything we can to ensure that continues to be the case. Whilst we must protect our heritage and uniqueness, by offering innovative products and services which are underpinned by great quality and customer care, we can continue to build the Norfolk brand.

Bernard Matthews has become the latest Norfolk company to become a Chamber Gold Patron.

Bernard Matthews Human Resources Director Andrew Sherwood, pictured here with Chamber CEO Caroline Williams, said: “Bernard Matthews is committed to supporting the local economy. We look forward to further demonstrating this by becoming a Gold Patron of the Norfolk Chamber and playing a more active role in the business community in Norfolk.”

Davina Tanner

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER NEWS

Be part of the Green 100.

One year on from Archant’s inaugural Green 100, the definitive list of sustainable businesses is back – and it’s even bigger and better.

This year’s Green 100 is expanded to include companies from across Norfolk, as well as Suffolk – covering the whole of the New Anglia LEP region and the list will be fully revamped to include newly emerging markets and trends.

As a reflection of this cross-county initiative, the Green 100 is being sponsored by both Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Green 100 celebrates the extraordinary diversity and strength of the Green Economy across New Anglia. Whether providing a key service or producing a product sustainably, or developing the innovative products that help others to do so, the Green 100 businesses are demonstrating that a sustainable future is already a reality across East Anglia.

This definition has deliberately been kept as wide as possible, reflecting the innovative excellence of local firms – whatever form that takes. All submissions will be assessed by an expert panel but the application has deliberately been kept simple.

Essentially any organisation that is helping to develop the Green Economy (within business

The launch of the inaugaral ‘Green’ campaign

operations and beyond) is eligible to apply to be part of the Green 100. This could mean anything from carbon reduction, through sustainable best practice in service provision, to innovative product development or investment in the natural environment.

100 will provide a strong peer influence on other businesses.

Where organisations have already been recognised – with an environmental award or through accreditations such as The Carbon Trust Standard or Suffolk Carbon Charter – this too will be taken into account.

Green 100 was launched on Thursday 4 July 2013 at the East Anglia Daily Times Business Awards, over the next few weeks, full details of the submission process will be available on the following websites:

All Green 100 members will be profiled by Archant through regional media outlets. As Pathfinders of the Green Economy, the Green 100 businesses will be highlighted as a source of inspiration for others across the region and the

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk www.suffolkchamber.co.uk

If you think your organisation deserves to be seen as one of the drivers of the Green Economy, then let us know why.

www.newanglia.co.uk

www.greensuffolk.org

www.edp24.co.uk

www.eadt.co.uk

Chamber stimulates debate for businesses.

The aviation capacity debate landed in Norwich at a business breakfast on 7 June. The Norfolk Chamber, working in collaboration with the British Chambers of Commerce and Heathrow Airport, invited delegates from across Norfolk to listen to the debate and discuss this topical issue at a local level.

carried out by Heathrow and stressed that the Heathrow hub was the last opportunity to open up the UK to the rest of the world. With planes leaving Heathrow every 45 seconds, they are currently operating at a 98% capacity and need to expand to meet the growing needs of business.

Clare Harbord, Corporate Affairs Director at Heathrow Airport, presented recent research

Mark Gaskins, Business Development Director at Lawtronic, presented the perspective of a local

business and highlighted that local businesses want and need to grow their global repeat business. He argued that connectivity was key to growing business, face to face meetings are still the most effective way of making connections and the ‘growth mentality’ Heathrow is suggesting should be taken up by all businesses to ensure a successful future for the UK.

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER NEWS

Lack of financial confidence Youngest is harming SME growth. recruit? n 39% of SMEs reported using any form of external finance, the lowest recorded by the report. n SME confidence that their bank will agree to a future lending request dropped to 40% in Q1 2013, from 43% in Q4 2012. n Amongst ‘would-be loan seekers’, 40% said they had felt that ‘discouragement’ had stopped them applying for a loan. n For those with any appetite for future borrowing, 27% cited access to finance as a major barrier to running businesses in the next 12 months. The current economic climate (43%) was still seen as the biggest barrier to running a business.

Commenting on the independent SME Finance Monitor for Q1 2013, Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The latest figures from SME finance monitor are concerning

because they show a continued deterioration in companies’ confidence when dealing with financial institutions. It is disheartening to see that the availability of external finance remains a barrier to growth for many businesses.

Although it is understandable that first-time applicants remain among the least successful when applying for loans, many of these will be young and fast-growing firms who aren’t getting the funding they need to expand. This is why we need to see a swift delivery of the British Business Bank with both the scale and the infrastructure needed to help dynamic businesses to grow.

“Locally there are a number of new financial initiatives to help small and medium businesses supported by the New Anglia LEP with new opportunities being added all the time, which will put our businesses in a strong position to go for growth.”

Apprentice support.

Improvements at rural rail stations create a warmer welcome for passengers.

Rail stations on Greater Anglia’s rural routes are looking brighter and more welcoming to passengers as repainting work is completed by the train operator.

39 rail stations in the Rural North area have received a new coat of paint in Greater Anglia colours to smarten their appearance and create a more pleasant environment for passengers as they wait for trains.

The stations benefitting from some TLC are: Acle, Attleborough, Berney Arms, Brandon, Brundall, Brundall Gardens, Buckenham, Cantley, Cromer,

Norfolk Chamber board member Bobby Burrage and his wife Fiona, from The Click Design Consultants, proudly showed off eight week old Stanley Thomas at their visit to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce recently.

The Norfolk Chamber has secured funding from the Skills Funding Agency to set up a Chamber Apprenticeship Broker Service to help local businesses employ 40 apprentices aged between 16 -18, by the end of October 2013.

Diss, Dullingham, Eccles Road, Elmswell,Great Yarmouth, Gunton, Haddiscoe, Hoveton & Wroxham, Harling Road, Kennett, Lakenheath, Lingwood, North Walsham, Oulton Broad North, Manea, March, Reedham, Roughton Road, Salhouse, Sheringham, Shippea Hill, Somerleyton, Spooner Row, Thetford, Thurston, West Runton, Whittlesea, Worstead and Wymondham.

Greater Anglia has already completed a programme to re-paint the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft as well as at major stations, including Ipswich, Norwich and Colchester.

Greater Anglia’s Customer Services Director, Andrew Goodrum, said: “Investment in facilities at stations is important to meet our customers’ expectations of good customer service and to encourage more people to travel by rail.”

There are a number of different apprenticeship schemes now operating in Norfolk. The role of the Chamber will be to lend a helping hand to businesses to help them identify the most appropriate scheme and providers to meet their needs and get more young people into jobs.

Chamber CEO, Caroline Williams, commented: “We are passionate about helping provide links between Norfolk’s young people and the business community and this is one way we feel that we can really help.

“This contract with the Skills Funding Agency will provide us with additional means and impetus to work closely with our members to enable our young people to be employed as soon as possible and for them to provide the much needed resource to our businesses using the excellent training providers we have in Norfolk.”

If you’re interested in an apprentice, please contact Chris Perry at the Chamber on 01603 729707 or email chris.perry@norfolkchamber.co.uk.

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JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

PAGE7

NORFOLK VOICE

Eaton Vale boosts camping experience.

Chest beating optional.

As part of the scheme, young people from different backgrounds can spend a residential week away from home during spring, summer and autumn where they will work with local businesses and community organisations to design and deliver a social action project on an issue that matters to them.

The new tented village at Eaton Vale, which cost £40,000 to build, can accommodate 70 visitors. It comprises a number of purpose-built chalets with a kitchen and sleeping quarters.

The NCS programme will cover six weeks, with 60 young people coming to the site every five days with six staff. During their stay, the youngsters take part in a wide range of activities such as archery, ice climbing, raft building, mountain biking, backwoods cooking, orienteering, shelter building, abseiling and kayaking.

Left to right: Chloe Smith MP; Richard Lang, Operations Manager at Eaton Vale; and Eaton Vale instructor Joel Watkins.

Eaton Vale Activity Centre, in Norwich, has expanded its facilities with the creation of a new tented village.

The village was built primarily for the arrival of 400 youngsters from Cambridgeshire as part of this year’s National Citizen Service (NCS) visit.

The NCS is a government-funded initiative that provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all 16- and 17-year-olds in England.

Richard Lang, Operations Manager at Eaton Vale Activity Centre, said: “It’s encouraging that the Government is investing in young people through the NCS and this will have a hugely positive influence throughout the region.”

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, said: “It is great for Norwich to host big NCS projects like this. This is really a rite of passage for all 16-and-17-year-olds that gives them the chance to develop skills for work and life beyond school, while taking on new challenges and adventures, making new friends and contributing to their local communities through volunteering and social action projects.”

For ten weeks this summer, Norwich’s streets, parks and open spaces will play host to a 53-strong troop of life-size colourful gorillas to raise funds for charity.

Named GoGoGorillas!, the live outdoor art project will see visitors and residents follow a trail of five foot tall painted gorilla sculptures Jake Humphrey © Lee around Norwich from Blanchflower from Blanc Monday 24th June photography 2013 by picking up a map or downloading a free interactive App. Binoculars, crawling through rain forests and chest beating optional!

The project is being delivered by Norfolk charity Break together with leading arts and education company Wild in Art to raise money for both Break and the Born Free Foundation and supported by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsored by regional businesses, each gorilla is being designed and painted by professional artists, schools and community groups. The glorious parade of sculptures includes themes such as Norwich City Football Club, Superman, King Kong, an urban jungle and a FreddieMercury-inspired ape.

There will also be 67 baby gorillas on show around Norwich; painted by Norwich schools.

MoCo helps council boost communication.

Training company MoCo Development has been working with Broadland District Council to deliver a programme of training focusing on internal and external customer service as well as improving communication channels.

The council has reported significant benefits from the training that have fundamentally changed the way it communicates with both its customers and internal staff.

HR and Customer Services Manager at Broadland District Council, Dee Young (pictured), said: “The MoCo training was very well delivered,

by Stephen Ferrey. His style is very upbeat, friendly and he encourages participants to be interactive and to really get involved. There were plenty of challenges and exercises to make us think and question the way we did things. It was a great refresher. Everyone enjoyed it. It was trialled with Heads of Service and then rolled out more broadly within the organisation.

“As a result of this initial training, we realised it had underlined the way we communicate internally and raised some questions about how

we could improve the way each department talks to each other.”

Steve Ferrey, MD of MoCo, said: “Organisations like Broadland District Council are unusual in that they have so many different skill sets within one place. It is sometimes hard for them to find a way to pool that incredibly valuable resource for the benefit of all. Our training helped them to unblock and let the knowledge flow from department to department. This will have numerous long-term benefits, such as improved morale, happier customers, cost savings and better efficiency.”

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

MEMBERS NEWS

Charity day.

Fosters scoop top award.

Norwich-based law firm Fosters Solicitors are celebrating being named “Regional Law Firm of the Year” at the Halsbury Legal Awards in London.

(L-R) Simon Francis, MD ESE Direct; Sophie Berry, Nelson’s Journey and Colin Lang, CEO Nelson’s Journey

Norwich based charity Nelson’s Journey is to receive a £1,000 boost to its funds, thanks to one firm’s online charity day.

Award-winning Industrial Supplies company ESE Direct, which is based in Norwich and is an Archant Future50 company, pledged to donate at least 5% of their online sales on Friday 26th April to one charity chosen by its customers.

Nelson’s Journey received an overwhelming number of votes in a poll open to ESE Direct website visitors, and will now be able to put the donation of £1,000 toward supporting young people throughout Norfolk.

Three charities were listed on the ESE Direct website for a week leading up to the charity day, and visitors were asked to select which they thought should be given the money raised.

The Halsbury Legal Awards are run by legal information provider LexisNexis, and are a celebration of excellence in the law and great contribution to the legal sector. The judging panel was made up of leading legal experts ranging from the chief executive of the Access to Justice Foundation to the Dean of Law at the UCL Judicial Institute.

The national award was announced at a ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel in London, with representatives of Fosters receiving the award from sponsors and compere on the evening, Hugh Dennis of BBC’s “Outnumbered” and “Mock the Week”.

Fosters, with offices across Norfolk and Suffolk, was shortlisted alongside legal practices from around the country, but the judges were impressed by the ‘inclusive nature’ of the firm, having regard to the staff, casework and investment in the local community. The firm is the

(L-R) Hugh Dennis, Chris Brown and award sponsor representative from 3 Paper Buildings.

Official Legal Partner of Norwich City FC and has recently celebrated its 250th anniversary and won The Law Society Excellence Award.

Chris Brown, Fosters Solicitors Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted that Fosters has been recognised for its performance and our inclusive approach. We pride ourselves on both and strive to ensure every client receives the best possible service.”

Apprenticeships win £50,000 grant.

Local social entrepreneur and business author Robert Ashton has set up a new organisation to help very small businesses take on their first apprentice.

Swarm Apprenticeships Ltd is a social business, established with a grant of £50,000 over two years from Norfolk County Council.

It is a membership organisation that creates clusters of enterprising apprentices working with small businesses that want to grow. Each cluster will be centred on a market town.

From left to right; Tom Llewellyn (Orbit Housing), Robert Ashton (Swarm), Arek Brzezinski (first Swarm student applicant from Wayland Academy), Trish Judson (Norfolk County Council), and Michael Rose (Wayland Academy)

Housing are sponsoring a group being set up in Watton, and Victory Housing are sponsoring groups in Fakenham and Sheringham.

The first Swarm group is being recruited in Watton. The apprentices will mostly be drawn from Wayland Academy and work with businesses in and around the Watton area.

“I think it is wonderful that Norfolk is leading the way in this new initiative,” said Michael Rose, Head Teacher at Wayland Academy.

Swarm will employ the apprentices and each group will contain ten businesses, ten apprentices and see the training delivered locally by City College Norwich.

“We see this as a fantastic opportunity to grow businesses and jobs for young people in a town where we provide a significant number of homes,” said Tom Llewellyn, Orbit’s Community Investment Officer.

The cost of running each group will for the first few years be covered by sponsorship. Orbit

To find out more or to get involved email robert@ swarmapprentice.org.uk

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PAGE9

NORFOLK VOICE

£2.8 MILLION

CAPITAL AND REVENUE FUNDING AVAILABLE TO SMALL BUSINESSES LOW CARBON KEEP PROGRAMME What is the Low Carbon KEEP Programme?

The Low Carbon KEEP Programme is a European and UK Government funded scheme designed to enable small to medium size businesses to work in partnership with UK universities and colleges.

What can Low Carbon KEEP do for my company?

The Low Carbon KEEP scheme provides SMEs with the funding, resources and expertise needed to help them innovate, expand or improve their low carbon performance. Funding is available now until December 2014.

How does the programme work?

The company and the university recruit a graduate with relevant experience to work full time in the company on a specific project with agreed timescales. The graduate is supported by a specialist academic from the university who is committed to at least half a day per week at the company to direct the project.

What could a typical project look like?

A typical Low Carbon KEEP project could address resource efficiency within a business, development of new products or services, innovation in process or attainment of accreditation.

However, the scope for potential projects is huge so if you have a great idea, get in touch!

For more information visit us today at: www.anglia.ac.uk/lowcarbon Contact us: lowcarbon@anglia.ac.uk | carole.randall@anglia.ac.uk | Tel. 0845 196 4310/5818 |

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With the great diversity of skills-needs which we have within Norfolk, the concept that investing in the development of expertise, whatever the skill level, will benefit everyone may seem alien to a number of employers.

The high cost of training, particularly in specialist-skill roles, may well tempt some to say it is just too expensive, in case the employee qualified at their expense moves on.

Yet it is such skills that may well make the difference between a merely surviving business and a successful business; and success may of course be the best way to guarantee retaining those highly trained and skilled staff.

But the successful businesses will also be the ones that, through their growth, provide further employment opportunities in areas where other talents and abilities are needed; aptitudes that may well have been developed at other firms’ costs. Thus a larger pool of local skills at all levels will almost certainly benefit the wider employment market: what goes around comes around.

Training the next generation of employees and managers is without question often more financially justifiable for larger business and they need to be aware that, even where opportunities may not ultimately exist within their own business, the skilled workforce that migrates to the wider market locally can help deliver more efficient, better quality and greater cost competitive services to larger firms such as themselves.

Whether it is youth apprenticeships, NVQ’s, BTECs or professional institute qualifications, investment in vocational training for employees is usually ultimately of benefit to any organisation.

Peter Hawes Managing Director Norse Commercial Services

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NORFOLK VOICE

Unlocking potential – the need for the NDR. Norfolk is a county of great potential. It is already the home of world class businesses, and the choices we make now can make our county attractive to even more in the years ahead.

shopping destination. As a key element in Transport for Norwich plans, the NDR relieves radial routes into the city, allowing the development of high quality public transport and providing a free-flowing alternative to the ring road or unsuitable ‘rat runs’. In the city centre, businesses will benefit from reduced congestion, high quality bus services, cycling and walking improvements and an overall enhancement of the public realm.

With Norfolk’s population set to grow by 100,000 over the next 25 years – on top of a 60,000 rise since 2001 – new and growing businesses will certainly be needed.

Economic success is vital, but with intense national and international competition, we cannot let Norfolk businesses be hamstrung by inadequate infrastructure. Communication must be easier and faster – whether it’s superfast broadband, Norwich to London in 90 minutes by rail, or roads fit for the 21st century.

The County Council has been campaigning hard on all fronts, and investing its own money so that high speed broadband is on the way, and working with partners for improvements on the A11, A47 and the main railway lines.

The next big opportunity, however, is Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR). Running from the A47 at Postwick to the A1067 north of

Taverham, it unlocks the potential of a large part of Norwich, Broadland and North Norfolk. Even without a link to the A47 west of Norwich, the NDR performs extremely well, with a £7 return for every £1 spent, and bringing a forecasted £1.3bn of economic benefits to Norfolk.

For many businesses – including those in and around North Walsham and Cromer – it will provide vastly improved local journeys, as well as dual carriageway access to the national trunk road network. It will also ease access to Norwich International Airport – particularly important for offshore industries.

For Norwich itself, the road will help secure the city’s status as regional capital and premier

The NDR will also ensure that new housing and employment areas to the north-east of the city are properly served by well-planned transport infrastructure. Without the NDR growth will still go ahead, but the price will be worsening congestion and rat running that piecemeal improvement of the existing network cannot solve.

The Government has backed the NDR through an £86.5m funding allocation, with the County Council underwriting the A140 to A1067 section.

A planning application is due for submission this year (2013) and the aim is for work to be underway in 2015 – earlier at the Postwick junction if possible. But if this critical infrastructure is to become a reality, supporters must make their voices heard to make sure that it moves from the drawing board to construction.

To find out more please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/tfn.

To register your support please email me at mike.jackson@norfolk.gov.uk.

Norfolk Chamber challenges schools.

At a recent meeting of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council Cabinet and local schools, the Chamber challenged schools to work in greater collaboration with the business community.

The meeting highlighted that while all the schools have their own careers advice programmes and individual work experience arrangements with businesses, it was apparent that there is a lack of co-ordination between the schools and the business community as a whole. Similarly, the business community are willing to offer their support, but are unsure as to the best access to the schools and need a coordinated approach.

The meeting concluded with the schools agreeing to collate all their career advice key dates and provide a timeline to the Norfolk Chamber, to enable co-ordinated support from the local business community to ensure these key dates are supported by the different sectors of industry.

Members of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council. Great Yarmouth Borough Cabinet, and schools representatives

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER POLICY

A week in the Life of...

Nova Fairbank Executive Assistant to Chief Executive

Monday

The BCC Quarterly Economic Survey - Quarter 2, 2013 started its fieldwork period today. So first thing this morning I uploaded the press release onto the Chamber website and made sure that the article linked to the Consultations page, so members could complete the online survey. In the afternoon, I was involved in a meeting with the Membership and Events Departments and the CEO to review Chamber activities in West Norfolk.

Tuesday

Great Yarmouth Chamber Council has a meeting late this afternoon at Great Yarmouth Town Hall, with members of Great Yarmouth Borough Cabinet and representatives of the local schools to discuss careers advice. I had an update meeting with the CEO on the work being done around policy then left the office at 3pm to travel to Great Yarmouth to set up for the meeting, which was well attended.

Wednesday

First job on arriving at the office was to draft a press release on last night’s Great Yarmouth Careers debate. I drafted the

Audit Committee agenda, for approval by the Treasurer, and discussed the agenda for the Senior Management Team meeting with the CEO. I started to compile my month-end report for the CEO on policy and representation.

Advance work is being done to compile the content for the next edition of Norfolk Voice magazine.

Thursday

I was on an early train to attend the British Chambers of Commerce Strategic Policy Meeting at the London Chambers of Commerce. Following the meeting, I had coffee with the Policy Director from Essex Chamber of Commerce to discuss policy issues.

Friday

Continued to collate copy for the next edition of the Norfolk Voice magazine. Assisted the CEO with compilation of member comments on Europe for an article she was writing for the Eastern Daily Press. Created the Social Media schedule for the following week and finished and submitted my month end Policy report to the CEO. Another very busy, but good, week at the Norfolk Chamber.

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY

Why is the QES important?

It is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor when considering interest rates and also by the EU Commission and the IMF.

Acc es st

When can I see the next QES results?

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ss nt ne me p

lead Dev er s

The latest survey (Q2 2013) was undertaken from 20 May 2013 to 10 June 2013 and the results are due for publication in the first week of July.

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ce an fin

The QES also gauges levels of concern within the business community on issues such as interest rates, raw material prices, inflation and exchange rates etc. The QES can be done online and takes no more than 3 minutes to complete. The end results provide an overall picture for Norfolk, the East of England and the UK as a whole.

op kills el ip s h

dev Bus el i o

You need to be registered in England with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40m.

The British Chambers Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is one of the largest and most respected business surveys in the UK and averages a UK response rate of over 7,500 businesses.

The Norfolk Chamber, together with other accredited Chambers throughout the UK, gathers comprehensive information from local businesses, from both a service and manufacturing sector perspective, on a wide range of topics such as sales, exports, cash flow, business confidence, training and investment and recruitment.

What does GrowthAccelerator do?

Which businesses are eligible?

What is the QES?

What kind of information does the QES look for?

Can you benefit from GrowthAccelerator?

GrowthAccelerator helps business leaders who are passionate about growing their business and have the intent to double their business in three years achieve their ambitions. They do that by matching businesses with proven business experts to define a tailored growth plan that will realise controlled and accelerated growth. They can open doors to external funding, seize new business opportunities, boost your innovation and leadership and connect you to a community of organisations and fast growing businesses that will add value.

QES – what you need to know.

To view the previous QES results from Q4 2012 and Q1 2013, please go to the Corporate section on the Chamber website and click on QES. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Where can I find more information? www.growthaccelerator.com

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PAGE13

NORFOLK VOICE

How much do businesses need Europe?

by Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

I was recently asked the question: How much do businesses need Europe?

The feedback I received from our members was loud and clear. Europe is a very important trading market to a large number of significant employers in Norfolk.

Europe represents a large market opportunity and business potential for any company based in the UK. Over 50% of exports from the UK go to EU and in this region, it is even more significant, with 60% of our exports bound for the EU. With 500 million people, Europe is a large internal market for business. There is the ability to move goods and services as freely from Norwich to Berlin as from Norwich to Leeds.

The absence of tariffs and administrative barriers has helped Norfolk businesses enjoy the sort of freedom that firms in other free trade areas enjoy. A quote from one of our Norwich members reflects much of the feedback we received: “The thought of a divided Europe with the associated export and legal requirements is like a doomsday scenario.”

The U.S., Japan and India are in the process of agreeing free-trade agreements with the EU. Whilst the UK has 60 million people and is an important market for them, they are more interested in the 500 million EU market. Working together as a single market does give us stronger negotiating powers.

Norfolk is increasingly attracting investment into local companies, with one of their objectives being to access the single market. Would this continue if we were not part of Europe?

The EU provides businesses with access to new markets, a wider pool of labour and, very importantly, suppliers. In many instances this has led to lower costs making products more competitive not just in Europe but domestically and to other overseas markets.

Europe is seen as having a ‘low barrier to entry’ for companies looking to grow their market overseas for the first time. As the UK market continues to be challenging, local businesses are looking to grow their business internationally.

The comparative ease of trading with Europe is seen as a good first step before tackling the more challenging, lucrative markets such as Brazil and China.

However it is not all sunshine and roses. With 400 new laws being passed by the EU since the Coalition came to power at a cost to taxpayers and businesses of £700m, change needs to happen, particularly relating to Employment Law and Health & Safely directives.

Business wants to see a level playing field, especially relating to Compliance. Often what the UK interprets as ‘Rules’ the southern and eastern European countries interpret as ‘Guidelines’. We need more decisions made in Westminster not Brussels. We need the protectionism against our service providers occurring within some Member States recognised and stopped.

The consensus from Norfolk Chamber business members was that being part of the EU was very important as a trading single market, but changes do need to be made.

Christian Ross – Finance Director Cooper Bearings Group, King’s Lynn

Gordon Chetwood – Site Manufacturing Director

Over 20% of Cooper’s business is exports to mainland Europe, so in that sense, our ability to trade with Europe is critical for us. If your question is whether the UK’s involvement with the EU is beneficial to Cooper, that would really depend upon whether our trade would suffer were the UK not “in Europe”, the answer to which could be no.

From our perspective Europe is very important as both a supplier of equipment and materials, and also a growth area for our exports. The vast majority of our significant manufacturing equipment has been sourced from Europe as well as important parts of our inbound supply chain. Whilst some of these could be sourced in the UK, there are elements which just do not exist and our only option is to source from abroad.

Kinnerton (Confectionery) Co. Ltd, Fakenham

Chris Conroy – Finance Director

Paul Veried – Vice President – Refrigeration & Weigh Europe

Prior Diesel, Norwich

We view Europe as another one of the world’s big trading blocs and as such if we are to have any influence we must remain part of it. In the future I see these blocs becoming more and more important, whether China, South America or India, it’s the way the world is going. To act small and pretend we are going to be listened to as a single voice outside this is very short sighted and backwards looking.

Foster Refrigerator - a division of ITW Ltd

Business needs Europe like it needs any other market, whether it be Asia, America etc. Europe represents a large market opportunity and business potential for any business based in the UK. Most businesses want to remain in Europe in order to supply their goods and services as freely as possible.

However, most businesses, especially small to medium size businesses are also snowed under by the regulations and directives which emanate from Europe.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade Services.

Many of you, who know the International Trade Team at Norfolk Chamber, will be fully aware of the documentation service that we provide, especially our online service ‘e-zCert’. But for those of you who don’t know us too well we offer a lot more than just the documentation assistance.

Our services are not just available to members of Norfolk Chamber – any exporting company in Norfolk can obtain our help and guidance, however members receive up to 50% discount on the cost of the services.

Please see below a general overview of the other popular services that are available from the team:

Stationery We hold stocks of most of the blank forms that an exporter will need, such as Certificates of Origin, EUR1s, ATRs, country specific Invoices like Caricoms and C16s, Shipping and Dangerous Goods notes, Incoterms Booklets and much more. No need to search the internet for suppliers, as we store them all here at our Norwich office, where you can either collect them, or we can send them out in the post to you the same day that you order.

Training We deliver a wide range of training courses relating to International Trade. Some of these courses are now accredited, so when a delegate sits on six of these sessions they receive a Foundation Certificate from The British Chambers of Commerce. Topics cover export documentation, letters of credit and other payment methods, customs procedures and much more. The courses are repeated twice a year, so if you can’t make one date, it won’t be long before we run it again.

Translations We have a huge database of qualified, registered translators who are regulated by either the Institute of Linguists or the Institute

of Translators and Interpreters. Our service is renowned for its speed, with 99% of the work being carried out by email within a day or so.

We can also arrange for an interpreter to be available to you for meetings, conference calls or events. Our rates are very competitive, so why not give us a try?

Letter of Credit Service Are you losing out on potential business by avoiding the use of Letters of Credit? This could be because you don’t understand their use, have heard worrying stories about payment being delayed, or simply have no idea how to use them. With the exception of full payment in advance, Letters of Credit are one of the most guaranteed forms of payment. We provide a service that takes your L/C and deals with everything on your behalf – you don’t have to worry about a thing. The service includes everything from arranging the shipment, preparing the documents and ,where necessary, getting them certified and legalised, liaising with the bank all the way through to the final payment, which goes straight into your bank account.

International Trade Events

ATA Carnets

International Trade Update

A carnet is a customs document that acts as a ‘Passport for Goods’ which are exported temporarily. If you are taking part in an overseas Trade Fair or Exhibition, you may be able to use a carnet to simplify the procedure of taking the goods through customs, without having to lodge large deposits of money to cover the duty. A carnet could also be used if you are taking Commercial Samples overseas for demonstration purposes. When you pay duty for temporary exports, it can take several months after the goods have returned to claim this back from customs. The cost of the carnet is a one-off fee which is non-refundable, but it can be considerably less than the duty you would normally pay. It does, however, eliminate the hassle of getting through customs in the first place.

here in the UK, as well as the country the goods are coming from.

We are working on another series of events covering high growth markets, where you can learn about the business opportunities available to you and how to access them. Specialists will come and explain how to enter these markets and give you tips on the cultural issues that you should be aware of when communicating with potential clients in these countries.

You can subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, which comes straight to your inbox. This is where we highlight news articles that may be of interest to you and your business, regulations that you should be aware of, trade missions that are taking place, plus details of our own upcoming events and training courses. It comes in a headline format so is easy to read, with links that take you to the full article.

Further detailed information on any of the above services is available within the export section of the Norfolk Chamber website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. However, you can obtain individual flyers by contacting the International Trade Team on 01603 729712 or at export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Import Certificates If you are an importer of controlled goods, you are required to issue an Import Certificate.

This is to make the UK Government aware that the item is coming into our country and track its whereabouts, so that it cannot get into the wrong hands and be used for something it shouldn’t. Norfolk Chamber can provide you with the forms that are to be completed by yourselves, which we will then check and stamp before sending copies to the relevant authorities

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director

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PAGE15

NORFOLK VOICE

THE BIG INTERVIEW Commonsense approach that bodes well for the future. city and the county and we take our role in the community very seriously.

Few sporting institutions can do as much good for the perception of an area as a thriving football club.

“We are synonymous with the city and the county, which is not far off a unique position to be in, and we do have a responsibility to the area.

“Clearly, if we can keep winning football matches that is good for the perception of the club and the area.

“It was important to stay in the Premier League last season but, personally I never felt that we were in danger.

Guaranteed media coverage, plenty of feelgood feeling and opportunities to grow the business are all major benefits of success on the field.

“Playing in the Premier League with its huge television audience is, clearly, good for the perception of the area. The television rights for the Premier League have been sold to 201 countries and no league in the world can match that.

That is certainly the case with Norwich City, who are a Premier League side with their games watched by millions worldwide on television.

“Being in the Premier League means that we are in the top 20 teams in the country, playing in a league that is watched across the world.”

However, that was just a distant dream when David McNally walked into Carrow Road as the new Chief Executive in June 2009.

The transformation has been remarkable. In 2009, Norwich City FC were in turmoil having just been relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in fifty years. The finances were dire and the club was close to going into administration.

Four years later, having soared back up the leagues, they’re starting to look like a Premier League fixture despite a nail-biting finish to the 2012-13 season.

With the stakes so high, is there not a temptation to do what some other clubs have done and spend beyond the Canaries’ means? The Premier League’s history is one of huge amounts of money with plenty of examples of stories about clubs that secured investment only to squander it on high wages which did not buy them success and instead led to financial meltdown.

That’s not the Norwich way. David said: “What really matters to us is that we go into next season

David came to Norwich from a role as Managing Director at Fulham, which he left in June 2008 after more than four years, during which time he was credited with helping to significantly increase the Cottagers’ income, which in turn allowed the club to achieve European qualification.

Prior to his stint with Fulham, David was sales and marketing director with Celtic, where he helped the club double its off-the-field income. Before that, he held senior roles at blue chip companies including Sara Lee, L’Oreal and Courtaulds.

institutionally debt free, which means that we can invest on the playing side of the club.

“We very much welcome the Financial Fair Play rules introduced by UEFA and the similar rules brought in by the Premier League, which means that if you earn it, you can spend it.

“We are the guardians of the club and our job is to leave it, whenever that may be, in a better place than we found it. We do see some clubs that spend beyond their means but we will not do that.

He is acutely aware that a successful football club can help promote an area. David said: “As a football club, we are aware of our place in the

“We have to take our responsibility to the club and the community seriously and we do not

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BIG INTERVIEW

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

David McNally Chief Executive Norwich City Football Club

We are synonymous with the city and the county, which is not far off a unique position to be in, and we do have a responsibility to the area. necessarily think that all the new money that has come into the game is for the good.”

Always working to a sensible budget which means the Canaries cannot match the Premier League’s massive spenders, Norwich ended the recent season on a high, winning 3-2 at cash-rich Manchester City to achieve their highest finish in the top flight in 20 years, eight points clear of the relegation places.

David said: “Our focus is on the club being sustainable. Having come 12th two years ago and eleventh last year, we want to continue to make improvements in everything we do.

“We want to help Chris Hughton (the manager) and the team climb into the top half of the league but we see clubs who pay 2, 3, 4 times more to players than we do and we simply will not do that to achieve success.

“Last season, we were not thinking relegation.

We were thinking survival and Plan A rather than relegation and Plan B. We do have contingencies in mind should relegation ever happen, but we are looking forward.

“We want to have many years in the Premier League. It’s the place to be and we need to

work towards moving up the table. If we achieve that, it is good for the club and the community.”

It’s been a remarkable journey and David said: “You cannot really compare where we are now with where we were when we came into the club four years ago at a time when we were 67th in the league. By being united, as a club, as a board, we have tackled every obstacle that has come our way and we are focusing on looking forwards and not back.”

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PAGE17

NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON ENGINEERING

Smart Infrastructure is essential for Sustainable Living.

ADVERTISING FEATURE reduction targets then it will take considerably longer. The introduction of smart grids, smart meters and smart appliances will enable energy demand to be managed remotely, removing the need for the individual to remember to turn something off. This management of demand, coupled with communication systems, enables energy companies to manage peak hour demands, ensuring that renewables are used efficiently and that no energy is wasted.

Every day everybody uses the products of civil engineers, whether it be sewers, roads, structures, services, buildings.

Virtually everything we use has had a Civil Engineer involved in its design or development at sometime.

For example, the office you are sat in was designed by a civil engineer, the printer that was used to print this article was assembled in a factory designed and built by a civil engineer, the magazine itself was delivered by van using roads designed and constructed by civil engineers. If you look out of your window, I am sure you will be able to see the product of a civil engineer.

How is it then that if you asked somebody what they did for a living and if they replied a Civil Engineer you would probably look confused unless you were married or related to one. This is because the industry is basically the backbone of the country. We don’t shout about things, we are not necessarily pretty, we just get on with our jobs.

Sometimes we get involved in sexy schemes which everybody recognises like the Gherkin, the Shard or some of the other towers currently under construction in London. However most of the time our work is either hidden under the ground or just forms the base for our everyday lives.

Create Consulting Engineers Ltd are a specialist civil engineering consultancy based in Princes Street in Norwich which provides the full range of Infrastructure design and planning services.

Whether it be the design of a car park, detailed design of a sewer system, sewage treatment works, a full detailed design estate road, or the design of a multi-storey building. Create can assist with any scale of project, with current commissions ranging from the design of infrastructure for 4 houses up to the development of a infrastructure delivery plan for a new town of 10000 dwellings.

With research showing that whilst many people want to be greener, if it is left up to human intervention for us to achieve our carbon

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Create is advising on a number or projects where Smart technologies are being introduced, working with specialist supply and communication companies.

If you want to know more about this area of work or would like to discuss any infrastructure or civil engineering projects then please contact Jonathan Cage, Managing Director via Tel : 0845 450 7908 or email: jonathan.cage@createconsultingengineers.co.uk

KNOWLEDGE

Writing a Knowledge article Energy tips for www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. for start-ups.

Be recognised as a major player in Norfolk by sharing your best practice/expertise with other businesses. Having articles published on our website will increase your own profile and that of your business, and connect you with more customers.

Top tips for writing a good knowledge article 1 Write as if you are talking to another business, or writing for a magazine/blog. Make the tone friendly, informative and interesting.

2 Article needs to be a minimum of 300 words.

No maximum but on average 500 words works well.

3 Refer to tangible facts and figures in your article if possible to make it more authoritative, but ensure that it is still easy to read.

4 You are already an ‘expert’ in your business.

What we need is for you to share nuggets of information/best practise to help other members.

By Rachel Scott Utilitywise

5 Treat the article like a conversation.

6 No-one will criticise you for your opinion, as that is what it is, your opinion.

7 We will review each article before it goes live and if we feel it needs tweaking we will let you know how.

8 Never sell in an article – we will not approve it for the site.

9 If you already write a blog for your own website or produce a newsletter you can add these to our site.

10 Be sure to add a portrait photo of yourself or colleague – this is a member to member section - so we want to make it personal. We will link to your contact details to promote your business.

n Know what you want. Don’t enter into an energy contract without researching the kind of products that are available to new businesses n Set a realistic budget. Factor your energy overheads into your operating budget and make sure you can meet your financial obligations to your energy supplier n Prepare to face credit objections. New businesses do not have an established credit history with energy suppliers, so you could face credit objections from your proposed supplier that will prevent your energy contracts from going live n Compare prices. Your energy supplier will send you a list of unit prices available for each contract type you’re considering. At this point, you should shop around

By Caroline Williams CEO, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

n Buy at the right time. By becoming more aware of the energy market and how prices fluctuate, you have a better chance of fixing your deal when prices are low.

Top 10 HR Tips to boost your company profits.

1 Recruitment Strategy: Managing your recruitment, selection and induction well should provide you with the right employees so look at resourcing strategically and build anticipated requirements into your business plan 2 Job Descriptions: A good job description should include the main purpose of the job, main tasks and the scope of the job 3 Assessment: A range of ways of assessing candidates such as application forms, structured interviews, psychometric profiling and tests, assessment centres and role plays can be used depending on the nature of the job, the skills of the recruiter and the budget for recruitment. Interviews alone are not usually a good enough guide

4 Training: If people involved in recruitment aren’t properly trained they may select unsuitable candidates

8 Role of the Line Manager: Make sure your line managers are trained, competent and manage their people properly

5 Appraisal: Make sure you are getting the best out of your people by regularly reviewing progress against clear goals

9 Managing Change strategically: If you have plans for growth ensure that you understand the culture of your own organisation fully before you take on the culture of another

6 Engagement: Look after your employees and help them achieve their career goals by ensuring they have personal development plans and provide them with opportunities for personal growth 7 Performance Management: Regular reviews mentioned above can help to improve employees’ effectiveness

10 And finally….. set aside some time and resources to invest in HR.

By Rachel Blackburn Director, US2U Consulting

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JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

PAGE19

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COMMERCIAL PROPER TY

Survey suggests optimism in property sector.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Recent research suggests that the commercial property market may be about to experience an upturn as construction recovers.

The suggestion comes after a survey of quarter one this year by industry body the RICS, which showed that more surveyors in the construction sector saw workloads rise than at any time since the end of 2007. Ten per cent more surveyors across the country reported rising workloads during the quarter.

One of the main drivers behind the rise was the boost in private housing construction which, in turn, has a beneficial knock-on effect on the commercial market as confidence builds.

While still at a historically low level, the boost in housebuilding would suggest that some of the Government initiatives are beginning to breathe life back into parts of the nation’s property sector, according to the RICS. Looking ahead, surveyors expect the current more positive trend to continue; 27% more

respondents expect workloads to rise over the coming twelve months.

The increase in construction projects and the expectation of further gains resulted in a rise in job expectations as well; 22% more chartered surveyors anticipate employment levels rising over the coming year but the profit outlook is projected to remain depressed.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “Although it’s far too early to start talking about a recovery in the construction sector, the rise in output at the beginning of the year is a little better news.

“The Government’s attempts to stimulate the market seem now to be having some impact but there are still significant challenges to be overcome. In particular, the availability of finance and planning related issues continue to present obstacles to development.”

purchase or lease may have on company cash flow. That is true of all companies but particularly so for small businesses taking their first tentative steps towards expansion.

To address those concerns, the number of companies seeking lease arrangements rather than buying outright does seem to be increasing, although there are still companies that prefer the idea of owning their own premises, seeing it as an investment for the future.

Although it’s far too early to start talking about a recovery in the construction sector, the rise in output at the beginning of the year is a little better news.

Other property industry exponents say that they are seeing a slow return in confidence when it comes to investing, particularly in parts of London and southern England. For those in the know, there are some excellent opportunities available in Norfolk as well.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist

Recent surveys of businesses seeking to expand or relocate have suggested that the main considerations when it comes to investing in new property has been the need to keep costs under control and also the impact a

JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

PAGE21

NORFOLK VOICE

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NORFOLK VOICE

Branding Norfolk Is the perception of the county changing?

Sticks and stones may break my bones, goes the popular saying, but words will never hurt me.

It may be true in some areas of life but in the world of business, words can do an immense amount of damage, which is why Norfolk business and community leaders work so hard to improve the poor perception of the county in some quarters.

In this special feature, we canvas the views of some key decisionmakers on what has been achieved.

Reasons to be optimistic for the future.

Peter Foster, Managing Director of independent insurance broker Hugh J Boswell, believes that business resilience is helping to change perceptions of the area.

the past few years, we have seen companies utilising networks and business groups to develop relationships with, and learn from, other Norfolk businesses.

He said: “Norfolk’s transport infrastructure has always been notoriously restrictive for businesses looking to trade in and out of the county.

Thankfully, Norfolk’s businesses are evolving to not only survive but thrive whilst infrastructure improvements are made.

“A great example of this is Create Consulting, with whom we started working earlier this year.

They, like us, have made a conscious decision to work with local businesses to support economic growth within the county. Through local business networks, businesses have a forum to communicate with companies of all sizes.

“I am also encouraged by the manner in which Norfolk businesses are now communicating and trading with each other. This differs from what we were seeing about 10 years ago. In

“The rise of social media is also playing its part.

Where networks like the Chamber are a great way of meeting other like-minded business

people, social media has enabled businesses to communicate with their engaged contacts simply and effectively without leaving the office.

I have a personal Twitter account, through which I speak with my connections on an almost daily basis. It has also proved a fantastic medium to communicate with other Twitter users that share common business interests to myself, both local and further afield.

“Norfolk’s business networks are leading the way in presenting opportunity of growth for Norfolk’s businesses. I, for one, am a big advocate.”

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creative

Sense of pride behind improved perception of Norfolk.

He said: “In common with many of the other mid-sized Cathedral cities, you will find in Norwich a great sense of civic pride amongst its public and private sector leaders. But you will also find much less confidence that this home-grown pride translates into positive brand impact amongst those deciding where to open a new regional office, whether to accept a job offer and relocate, or whether to back a dualcarriageway upgrade proposal. Sometimes you’ll even find paranoia about the Alan Partridge effect.

“I am a ‘glass half full‘ person on this. Norfolk and Norwich have strong but distinct brands.

The development of the latter can be nurtured without downplaying the former.

“First, through Visit Norwich and the new Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) we are re-doubling efforts to get the obvious brand Norwich and brand Norfolk messages out: A great tourism destination, a top retail city, an impressive programme of festivals and cultural events, stunning countryside, the Broads, coasts, wildlife, medieval churches.

Simply promoting what we have deserves a significant part of our resources.

“Second, there is growing consensus – which I wholeheartedly support – for developing the substance of our nationally-significant clusters for new, high-value job creation. This is about Norwich’s creative industry, its environmental sciences as well as our financial services sector. This is about creating employment for a critical mass of exciting talent and about building the evidence that will reinforce brand Norwich.

“It has to be private-sector led, but needs continuing and new impetus from the LEP, from our MPs alongside actively engaged local government leadership.

business

Peter Mitchell, Group Managing Director of Norwich retail, property and business services company Jarrolds, is optimistic that things have changed for the better.

What’s in a word?

“Third, the BID is listening to the calls from these growth-sector employers to provide a more vibrant City Centre to attract and retain these target employees. So this summer will see the start of a programme of early evening events and supporting marketing specifically aimed at filling the early evening gap between Norwich’s excellent daytime retail and well-developed night-time offer.

Future employees will be attracted by the recommendations, reputation and reviews of their contemporaries enjoying what Norwich has to offer.

“It is a powerful combination to promote Norwich as a great place to visit, as a hub for 21st Century jobs and as a city that appeals to both to those who want to lead city-centre lives and for those who want to enjoy the countryside.”

Changes in the language used about Norfolk online (on websites, blogs, chatrooms etc) can tell a revealing story: n In August 09, the top recorded online words associated with the county were ‘soft’; family, house, cottages, wonderful, beautiful and holidays. n By February 2010, they had changed to energy, engineering, technology, work, great, change and culture. n This more business-focused language has been sustained. After Norfolk, the most popular key word for December 2010 was world and words connected with key industry sectors included finance, travel, creative and business, and technology also feature.

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PAGE27

NORFOLK VOICE

Campaigns are getting the message over.

For Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, recent surveys offer hope for the future.

She said: “47% of business based outside Norfolk felt that it was an unsuitable place to be in business. This was a result of an independent survey carried out in 2002 by Norfolk County Council to better understand the Image and Perception of Norfolk.”

“That was a real kick in the teeth to the local business community – 25% had no perception of Norfolk at all which, although disturbing, meant that at least we did not have to change a negative perception.

“The top descriptions about Norfolk were rural, remote, good quality of life, friendly and competitive (meaning low wage base). The bottom descriptions were outward-looking, well-skilled, well-connected, and innovative. We need these to be reversed from a business point of view.

“The same survey carried out with Norfolk-based businesses showed there was a significant

gap between internally and externally held perceptions. It was clear that perceptions change positively once a company is sited within the county.

“In 2005 a further survey was carried out. Not much had changed. Again Norfolk was seen as the least suitable location, even against Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall! “Worryingly, only 15% had suppliers in Norfolk. Again there was a total lack of knowledge about Norfolk’s sectors, with 80% identifying only Agriculture & Food Processing and Tourism. The respondents identified that their key factors for location remained as ‘Proximity to Market’ and ‘Good Communication’, but ‘General Environment’ and the ‘Presence and Suitability of a Skilled Workforce’ were increasingly important.

“Although not directly comparable, the World Class Norfolk campaign in 2011 identified that after their campaign there was an improved perception of the county as a place to do business up to 63%. Perceptions were improving.

“So where are we now? Without a comparable research study in 2013, we have to rely on our own perception and that of our members, plus review what has changed and is planned to change.

“Poor Communication/Distance to Market were key requirements. Norfolk is moving forward with the dualling of the All, the prospect of an improved A47, the prospect of shorter rail travel times Norwich to London, expected new flight destinations from Norwich International and improved Broadband access and speeds across Norfolk.

“On the horizon there are significant business supply chain opportunities within the energy sector, relating to Sizewell C and Offshore wind; Health & Life Science continues to develop with massive investment going into the Norwich Research Park; there is the prospect of an expanded Norwich Aeropark; Exporters continue to expand into new markets; Norfolk’s MPs are visible and vocal in Westminster; Norwich remains firmly in the top 10 best retail destinations; New Anglia LEP is successfully pulling funds into the county; and our small business sector grows in importance and innovation.

“Norfolk Chamber will continue to profile the successes of its members and to champion the changes needed to make our county in both perception and reality, a great place to be in business. “

“Although not directly comparable, the World Class Norfolk campaign in 2011 identified that after their campaign there was an improved perception of the county as a place to do business up to 63%. Perceptions were improving.

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County on the right road.

Paul Clarke, of Norwichbased property consultancy Bidwells, said: “There has never been a better opportunity than now to invest in Norwich and Norfolk.

“With the dualling of the A11 (to be completed at the end of 2014 and the long awaited beginnings of development on the Norwich Research Park, inward investment is starting to flow into our area.

“Inherently, the City of Norwich and County of Norfolk can offer great opportunities for growth, expansion and investment. The University of East Anglia had recently celebrates its 50th Anniversary and coming together with the Norwich University of Arts and other education facilities providing an unique centre of excellence.

“In addition to the heritage assets of the city, the county has a thriving farming community and agricultural industry. The land market remains strong and, whilst yields vary across the County, farming presents a good investment.

Despite the difficulties of the weather, farmers and contractors on many farms last year saw sustained or even increased profits.

“Within the area, many of our clients are seeking to expand their premises and increase their staffing levels. Our clients continue to invest in the area because of the various factors that make it a unique county. The local market is showing a degree of confidence now with improving prices across the new homes market and the level of interest shown by investors.

“Has Norfolk’s image changed? I think improved connections to the highway network and a reliable train service to London will help, together with upgraded internet access.

“The selling points for the county still remain the same, in that it is a great environment in which to live and work with all the environmental assets it has. It is perceived as being a relative safe haven for investment with a steady market which never reaches the dizzy heights of an over inflated property market, nor the profound depths of recession experienced elsewhere in the country.”

Norfolk is no longer perceived as the commercial wilderness it once was.

Peter Hawes, Managing Director of Norse Commercial Services said: “Norfolk has certainly upped its game over the last 10 years, becoming more vibrant and commercial.

In the county there are now innovative hi-tech firms and highly successful service industries, cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art training and further education facilities and tourism operations that are competing on the national, and indeed international, scene. These are the new elements that will help define the brand going forward and will be important in securing future inward investment.

We still lack some of the essential infrastructure in communications that will be necessary to sustain long-term competitiveness and brand strength, but with the significant improvements to important parts of the wider transport network and the county’s push for better broadband coverage currently being undertaken, we are

addressing the issues. And, importantly for the wider perception of Norfolk as a brand, we are seen to be addressing them in a robust and determined manner.

Let’s not talk Norfolk down; the last 10 years has been a roller-coaster decade for many parts of the country, but Norfolk has never been a ‘boom and bust’ area and its stability is seen as a positive by the hubs of excellence that have chosen to locate here.

As a major employer in the county Norse clearly benefits from a well-defined association with the Norfolk brand, and our own marketing locally emphasises that. When negotiating our joint ventures and contracts around the UK the Norfolk brand has been neither a particular advantage nor a handicap. This is due in the main to the way we mobilise and manage these remote operations, but the facts that the county is now seen as a home to stable business and is continually improving its communications links means that Norfolk is no longer perceived as the commercial wilderness it once was.”

Factfile The times they are a changing.

The World Class Norfolk campaign carried out in November 2011 by Norfolk County Council showed: n Since 2008, there has been a significant improvement in perceptions of Norfolk’s reputation. For local respondents, the attractiveness of the countryside/coastline remains the key front-of-mind positive attribute, although there are increases in comments that Norfolk is a ‘good place to do business’ and is ‘vibrant and forward-looking with potential‘ n Whilst Norfolk respondents are more positive about the county in general than those from elsewhere, there has been a significant shift in agreement that ‘Norfolk has a good reputation in the country’ from respondents from outside the county (from 41% in 2008 to 63% in 2010) n Agriculture and tourism remain the sectors most associated with Norfolk, both within and outside the county.

However, approximately one third of Norfolk businesses now associate energy with Norfolk and a quarter with financial services n Since 2008, the county is seen to be more competitive, entrepreneurial and innovative by Norfolk businesses.

Similarly, national businesses are more likely to consider Norfolk competitive and innovative since 2008. More than a quarter of Norfolk businesses and 14% of national businesses consider the county to have improved. Opinion formers (both locally and nationally) are even more likely than businesses to agree that Norfolk has improved as a place to do business since 2008.

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PAGE29

NORFOLK VOICE

FINANCE

Funding programme seeks to unlock innovation.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Government-backed Technology Strategy Board has a record £440 million budget this year to support innovative businesses.

Science Minister David Willetts said the funding boost represents an increase of more than £50 million on last year and will be targeted at encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Technology areas that will benefit from the investment include renewable energy, future cities, advanced materials, satellites, digital technologies and healthcare.

David Willetts said: “The UK has some of the most innovative business in the world. The £440 million budget means that there will be more funding available than ever before for businesses across the country to bid for and help turn their ideas into reality – bridging the so called ‘valley of death’.

“The Technology Strategy Board is making a real difference in driving growth and keeping the UK

at the forefront of the global race for innovation.

Over 60 per cent of funding is going to small and medium sized businesses, meaning that there are great opportunities for businesses to thrive, grow and generate jobs.”

The Technology Strategy Board works across business, academia and government, helping companies take ideas through to commercialisation. Independent research shows that every £1 invested by the Technology Strategy Board returns £7 to the UK economy.

The Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, Iain Gray, said: “Everything we do is driven by the desire to help UK business bring new ideas and technologies to market and so support economic growth. Our Delivery Plan outlines the range of ways in which we do that, from direct funding through to access to expertise, facilities and finance. The UK is a dynamic, innovative place to live and do business.”

The Board’s Delivery Plan targets ways to enable businesses to overcome challenges such as access to finance, knowledge, skills and equipment. It will also open up opportunities for UK innovation to access wider, global markets such as India, China and Brazil through its

Missions, involvement in EU programmes and bilateral agreements with other countries.

The Delivery Plan sets out commitments to invest more than £300 million through 75 new competitions that will help fund innovative projects across the economy; £55 million will go to programmes in the Healthcare sector, £25 million to Energy, £20 million to Transport and £25 million to support initiatives in High Value Manufacturing.

SMEs remain a key focus, with a number of support mechanisms. The budget for the Small Business Research Initiative will be increased to £100 million in 2013/14 and £200 million the following year. This gives SMEs access to public sector procurement contracts.

The innovation vouchers scheme, which gives businesses the chance to access specialist expertise, will be expanded, and the SMART awards budget, at £40 million, will continue to provide SMEs with grants to allow them access to new markets and invest in R&D. The Technology Strategy Board Delivery Plan – Financial Year 2013-14 can be downloaded at: www.innovateuk.org/deliveryplan2013

The UK has some of the most innovative business in the world. The £440 million budget means that there will be more funding available than ever before for businesses across the country to bid for and help turn their ideas into reality – bridging the so called ‘valley of death’ David Willetts, Science Minister

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NORFOLK VOICE

PARKER ANDREWS

Turnaround 2 Growth.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

This will not be a popular statement but “your Bank is not to blame”. Too often when we meet a new client we hear a Bank has ‘demanded’ a change in the way it will provide finance for a business.

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When we hear this statement we sympathise but highlight that banks are under pressure from Government to re-build their own balance sheets and they will have to change the way they do business to meet these new demands.

As responsible Owners and Directors we have to adapt to the prevailing conditions and find more constructive ways to manage the finances of our own Businesses.

In these situations our Turnaround Team know they will have to facilitate the support of a finance provider to help the business turnaround and grow.

We may choose to stay with the same Bank or introduce a combination of facilities to assist with growth. But in all cases the biggest change will be the way in which communication between the business and the finance provider improves.

Providing regular information to your finance partner should not be difficult and yet the value of this communication is immense. The opportunity to discuss funding options with an external specialist, free of charge, without the pressure to provide additional information, is worth the cost of your bookkeeper alone.

The steps to a successful turnaround and growth plan are: 1. Comunication: we talk to key stakeholders, securing time to plan 2. Analysis: we review the business & provide options for measurable improvement 3. Implementation: a detailed plan and the option for on-going support Jamie Playford, is a director at Parker Andrews and Licensed Insolvency Practitioner with a qualification in Corporate Finance.

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NORFOLK VOICE

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This can be done by Web: www.fcgardner.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) 307624 email, mail or telephone. An arrangement to pay the outstanding tax must then be made by 6th September 2013. After that date, HMRC will begin contacting Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors have been taxpayers that they consider may have undeclared capital gains tax on the sale serving local businesses and individuals in East Anglia for over 20 years. of their second properties and levy the tax, interest and penalties due. Penalties We offer a range of services tailored to suit our clients’ individual needs that include: that arise for not declaring the tax due within the normal time limits will be l Tax Returns, Advice and Planning reduced if taxpayers take advantage of HMRC’s campaign. l Preparation of Annual Accounts l Bookkeeping services and Management Accounts Preparation 2012-13 Tax Calculations l Payroll Services including Real-Time Processing l VAT Returns and Advice With the 2012-13 tax year now behind us, HMRC will begin to assess individuals’ tax records and issue P800 forms, where necessary. The forms either issue tax We provide an efficient, friendly and competent service through our refunds or inform taxpayers of tax underpayments to be coded into their 2014-15 professionally qualified staff and believe that there is real value in developing tax codes. If you are in receipt of a form P800, it is important that all the details long-standing professional relationships with our clients. on the form be checked against your own records to ensure that HMRC have Please contact us to arrange a free initial consultation. used the correct information. Estimates are often used in HMRC calculations from figures that may be out of date and irrelevant, resulting in incorrect tax codes being issued and tax deducted incorrectly. As always, if you are in doubt as to 4b, Church Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4DD whether you are being taxed correctly, seek professional advice.

T: 01379 640640 | E: diss@newmans-online.co.uk 09/11/2012 10:03:42

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

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A 10% tax rate for companies The Treasury has made no secret of its ambition to create the most competitive tax system in the G20.

To attract international business to the UK, the main rate of corporation tax has been reduced significantly in recent years. It stood at 30% in 2007, is currently 24% and will reduce to 21% by 2014. Moreover, major reforms to the tax system mean that, for example, dividends received by companies from their overseas subsidiaries are generally no longer taxed here.

Not satisfied with these measures, the Government has introduced a new corporation tax regime which took effect on 1 April 2013 - the Patent Box. The aim is to encourage high tech, innovative research and to ensure that the related high-value jobs stay in the UK. The key feature of the Patent Box is that it allows a company falling within the rules to elect to apply a 10% rate of corporation tax to all those profits attributable to qualifying intellectual property. The relief is intended to have wide application and it extends to products which include a patented part even though the majority of the product is not patented.

Diane Deller, Senior Corporate Tax Manager

For example, a patented printer cartridge in a non-patented printer will bring all the profit on the sale of the printer into the regime. The potential benefits can be much greater than suggested at first glance and it is to be hoped that this will encourage some businesses to apply for patents where they had previously considered it too much trouble and expense.

Inevitably, the rules are long and complex and professional advice should be sought. The Treasury anticipates that the overall cost to the Government will be up to £1bn in the first full year of operation so companies should consider this in some detail to ensure that they claim the share to which they are entitled.

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

JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER NEWS

Sustainability 2013 – What’s your Moon Boot?

The fourth year of the Norfolk & Suffolk Chamber’s innovative Sustainability Conference, sponsored by New Anglia LEP and adapt+, supported by Lloyds TSB and Business in the Community, was held at the John Innes Centre on Thursday 9 May. Over 350 delegates attended the half day conference which was supported and endorsed by a huge range of local and national businesses.

The conference was opened by a privately recorded message to Norfolk businesses from Michael Fallon MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change.

Dr Alan Knight, Environmental Sustainability Director, BiTC, then challenged delegates by asking ‘What’s your moon boot? What makes your business uniquely sustainable?’ citing that the moon landing would not have taken place without moon boots so it’s up to each company to identify their ‘moon boot’ when choosing a sustainable path. Setting an impressive tone for the conference he then went on to discuss the importance of not only protecting the planet, but protecting businesses from the finite limits of the planet.

Delegates heard from Graham Lindsay, Group Director – Responsible Business, Lloyds TSB, who spoke about the link between Sustainability and value creation; redefining the concept of shared value. Mark Pendlington, Chair, Green Economy Pathfinder, demonstrated that the growing Green Economy and continued investment is at the heart of Norfolk & Suffolk’s future.

Following this theme, Dr John French, Chief Executive of Adapt Low Carbon Group, and Laura Chellis, Programme Manager for Innovation Funding, Adapt Low Carbon Group, presented the various funding options available to all business to help them invest, develop and succeed with their sustainable ideas.

The conference ended with a presentation from Richard Southgate, Group Procurement Director,

Bernard Matthews. Focusing on responsible sourcing and sustainable food preparation methods, Richard highlighted that sustainably sourced products and process are now high on everyone’s agenda.

The overwhelming theme of language and the way we inform and support clients on this subject came through in all the presentations.

Encouragement to work together, for competitors to become collaborators left the delegates with a strong positive message about the need for local and national businesses to prioritize sustainable strategies throughout their organizations.

There was a great selection of companies exhibiting at the event ranging from energy companies to construction consultants, print and technology companies to recycling solutions, all showing how they could help businesses to become more sustainable.

The workshops gave delegates the chance to explore the topic in more detail. Laura Chellis, Programme Manager for Innovation Funding, Adapt Low Carbon Group and James Griffiths, Portfolio Manager, Adapt Low Carbon Group, lead a discussion on funding options and Japanese investment. Whilst Jonathan Cage, Managing Director, Create Consulting Engineers, helped businesses to determine the right sustainable solution for their companies when looking at the multitude of options available.

Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “What impressed me about

today was that sustainable best practice is now mainstream and not just for the few. The speakers all highlighted the business benefits and the subsequent positive impact to the bottom line. Many businesses who attended realised more clearly the positive impact their services are having within their supply chains, whether they are a car manufacturer or an IT company.

“Speakers highlighted that in addition to the banks there is significant funding available in the form of grants and loans, not just for large projects. All businesses with a passion to make themselves more sustainable, whether it is to improve a kitchen or develop an innovative new idea, could be eligible.

“The feedback from the 350-plus delegates was that they felt inspired to look again at their business models and to make being sustainable work harder for them. There is significant sustainable best practice in Norfolk which should be celebrated.”

“It was a really good combination of ‘the bigger picture’ challenging ideas and practice and practical things that we can go away and do.”

Ruth Bullard, Flegg High School “This was a great wake-up call to remind me that sustainability is just good business practice.”

Mike Saunders, Boswell Financial Services Ltd “Just back from @norfolkchamber #Sustainability 2013 excellent event with real insights especially from @BITC1 Dr. Alan Knight” @GenesisPRuk

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CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Corporate hospitality sector has ‘potential for growth’.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The RIGHT choice Right Anglia is the East of England's freshest, most unique events agency providing exceptional events from corporate entertainment, team building, management training through to family fun days.

Recent reports suggest that that the corporate hospitality market has cause for optimism in 2013/14 as business confidence returns.

The recent State of the Nation report by market researchers People 1st found that the opportunity exists for growth but that more needs to be done recruit talented young people into the industry.

Highlights from the report included: n One in 14 people working in the UK are employed in the hospitality and tourism sector n Employment growth in the hospitality and tourism sector (0.7 percent) is higher than the average for the economy as a whole (0.5 percent). A further 660,200 people will need to be recruited by 2020

“A lot of effort has gone into attracting people into the industry, but …. what we really need to do is place much more emphasis on making sure that the staff we already have in the industry are retained and given the training they need.

“As the economy picks up and we face recruitment competition from other industries, ensuring our staff have the right skills is going to be hugely important.”

The report also found that the rise of social media and technology will play a significant role in the future of the industry, as people are making use of new media and information sources to become increasingly well informed about what is available in the market.

Other industry experts say that companies are prepared to invest in corporate hospitality if they can see something to be gained from it.

n The sector contributed £40.6 billion to the UK economy in 2011

One key reason for the sector’s enduring popularity is that it allows firms to maintain relationships with clients. Often it is when client and customer are together, watching a sporting event or enjoying a good meal, that business is done, that relationships are forged and deals are struck.

n The sector spends an average of £3,625 per person on training, which is higher than the average of £3,275 per person across all industries, but there remain concerns that not enough people are coming into the industry.

Creating that kind of environment takes many forms. For many companies, it often revolves around sporting events, a trip to the races, a day at the cricket, perhaps a meal followed by watching a football match.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said: “This latest research shows that we are in a fantastic position to have a huge impact on the UK economy in the forthcoming years, provided we are able to adapt to the needs of our customers.

There are other options, trips and teambuilding events among them. The key to them all is time away from the office and a sense that the company staging the corporate hospitality values those whom it has invited.

“Naturally, we need to make sure our people have the skills to meet these customer expectations and adapt to changes in the future but there is significant potential for us to contribute massively to the country’s continued recovery.

We know it is important for you to have the best for your clients and staff, at the same time making it easy and simple for you.

Showcasing the best assets this wonderful region has to offer, whilst reducing the carbon footprint and encouraging local employment.

All of our events are tailored to you, giving you exactly what you want and at a price that suits you.

We love promoting what Norfolk has to offer you; such as Norfolk sausage making or Segway riding, Real Life "Cluedo” or a Crooked Casino night (we show you where cheating has taken place and you have to find that person!) archery or falconry are just some of the activities available.

A proven track record including family fun day for 600 to a private party for 10.

The events are designed to be simple and easy for you.

Customer satisfaction always comes first for us, we are always focused on your idea of what it takes to make your event a success. Why not let us give you a quick and easy quote for your Christmas event!

Ring us on 01603 864647 to book your event or e-mail us at info@rightanglia.co.uk to receive your FREE guide on how to get the best out of your event.” www.rightanglia.co.uk

*A complete copy of the State of the Nation 2013 report for the hospitality and tourism sector is available from the People 1st website: www.people1st.co.uk/research/state-of-the-nation-2013

JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

We love promoting what Norfolk has to offer you;

The home of English country life and the great outdoors An elegant 16th Century Manor House nestled in Norfolk’s natural beauty of unspoiled beaches, stately homes, and historical surroundings. An inspirational retreat to savour time, do nothing, do everything. Enjoy hearty food in 1559 restaurant or a relaxed game of golf on the Manor Championship course.

We will inspire you with timely, manor house traditions in a fresh and playful way.

The hotel will deliver the highest standard of service in a relaxed environment. A perfect venue for groups of up to 40, rooms, balls and banquets up to 300, product launches, away-days, ‘blue sky thinking’, team meetings and training. Flexible and unique – that’s Sprowston Manor.

Sprowston Manor a Marriott Hotel, Sprowston Park, Wroxham Road, Sprowston, Norfolk NR7 8RP

T: 01603 418087 E: gina.frost@marriotthotels.com www.marriottsprowstonmanor.co.uk

Ring us on 01603 864647 or E-mail us at info@rightanglia.co.uk

Christmas is coming!

Let us plan the best christmas party for you and your staff! Call for a no obligation quote.

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MID NORFOLK

Because technology never stops

SHOOTING SCHOOL Whether you wish to sharpen your own skills, take lessons or have a memorable corporate day, we are certain we can meet your needs.

Our clubhouse has licensed catering facilities and our shop stocks a range of quality country clothing, cartridges and gifts. Our gunroom will provide full services, repairs and fittings.

Tel: 01603 860436

info@midnorfolkshootingschool.co.uk www.midnorfolkshootingschool.co.uk Mid Norfolk Shooting School, Deighton Hills, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR8 6HS

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

www.247-business.co.uk

MEMBERS NEWS

Fourth consecutive gold award for CIS. Conductor Installation Services Ltd (CIS), an Acteon company, has been recognised once again for its ability to operate without an accident or incident that resulted in a Lost Time Incident (LTI).

Since it was founded eight years ago, CIS has made a concerted effort to operate safely, whether working in the field or in the office.

For the fourth consecutive year, CIS received the prestigious Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety 2013 from the UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

David Rawlins, Awards Manager for RoSPA, said: “RoSPA firmly believes that organisations

that demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill health prevention deserve recognition.”

Dr Bernhard Bruggaier, Executive Vice President for Acteon, said: “Since its inception, CIS has demonstrated a serious dedication to nurturing a safety culture.”

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Andy Penman, Group Managing Director of CIS, was presented the award by John Clayton, RoSPA Trustee at the RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards Ceremony in Birmingham earlier this month.

Pictured: (right) Andy Penman, Group Managing Director of CIS, receiving the award from John Clayton, RoSPA Trustee, at the RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards Ceremony in Birmingham.

Zing Insights wins BBC contract again.

Zing Insights have had their contract renewed for the second consecutive year with BBC Haymarket Exhibitions who organise the award winning BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Shows. Zing conducted visitor research onsite at each of the consumer events using iPad research

pods achieving, on average, sample sizes 50% larger than other research suppliers, a significantly more representative sample than online surveying and as an added extra, a sales & marketing database of over 2,000 individuals to use for future marketing activity.

Marilyn Jarman, Head of Marketing at Haymarket Exhibitions, said: “Zing Insights have delivered some fantastic research for our shows this year and we have been delighted with their approach, professionalism and experience.

“Lisa and her team grasped our brief perfectly and delivered valuable feedback to shape the future of our shows. We look forward to continue working with them.”

Zing Director, Lisa Holt said: “We’re thrilled that Haymarket Exhibitions have committed to a longer-term relationship with Zing. Our business is built on strong client relationships that deliver repeat business and recommendation as a result of our exceptional quality, strategic business insights and great value for money.”

Do your research for major tax savings.

For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, doing their research could have very attractive benefits under current HMRC regulations. A previous rule stating that qualifying expenditure must exceed £10,000 in the year before any Research and Development (R&D) Relief could be claimed is no longer in existence, opening the door to many more companies in our region.

The tax relief that is available against allowable R&D costs is a substantial 225%. When this is put into practice, for every £1,000 of qualifying expenditure that your company spends it could have £2,250 taken from the profit on which Corporation Tax is calculated. When you work this through to see that the original costs of £1,000 trigger a £450 tax saving, it soon becomes apparent how worthwhile a scheme this could be.

Unsurprisingly, given the high rate of relief, there are strict criteria that need to be met before a R&D Relief claim can be submitted. The biggest question that a business needs to be able to answer is whether or not their potential R&D project seeks an advance in knowledge or capability in an overall field, as opposed to merely an improvement in the personal capabilities of the company.

Where you feel you meet the criteria, you may think that you are then limited to a minimal amount of expenditure that can be claimed for.

On the contrary, staff cost, materials, utilities and software can all be included in a claim amongst other thing, although most can only dream of coming close to the upper limit of €7.5 million of aid on any one R&D project.

With the size and scope of R&D Relief not coming along often, companies in the region owe it to themselves to take a close look at their eligibility and the possibility of opening the door to substantial tax savings.

Having already successively completed a number of claims for clients in various industries, Hayhow & Co are ideally placed to provide the knowledge and support to companies as they consider their R&D Relief claim. If you think that your business may be eligible for this potentially lucrative relief, visit our website at www.hayhow. com to contact us to see how we could help.

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JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER EVENTS

Diary Dates.

July Meet the Chamber WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich WHEN: July 24th 15:30 - 17:30 WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This free, informal event is a great chance to meet the Chamber Membership team and network with some other businesses over coffee. You will be able to learn how to tap into the resources of the Chamber, how to use the free PR/ marketing facilities available and how to raise your profile. Open to all non-member businesses.

Hogroast and Quiz WHERE: Elgood & Son’s Ltd, Wisbech WHEN: July 24th 17:00 - 20:00 WHAT’S IT ABOUT: The Norfolk Chamber have joined with Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire Chambers for an evening of informal networking, followed by a hog roast and general knowledge themed quiz. Open to all businesses.

AGM breakfast to showcase small business success stories.

WHEN: September 12th 07:30 - 09:30 WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join us in Great Yarmouth for a morning of business networking over breakfast. Hear from Larraine Boorman, UK MD, OPITO. Fresh from offshore Europe, Larraine will be speaking about the skills gap in the oil and gas industry whilst you make those important business connections. Member only event.

The Norfolk Chamber’s annual AGM Breakfast will be taking place at Norwich City Football Club on October 11.

The September Session: Be Better @ Online

Sponsored by Steeles Law, the breakfast will highlight exciting local success stories in a showcase of Norfolk companies that are succeeding through innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in these challenging economic times.

WHERE: The Forum (Fusion & The Curve), Norwich WHEN: September 19th 08:00 - 13:30 WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This event is the chance for you and your team to get to grips with making online activity help you do better business. With outstanding speakers, live demonstrations and invaluable take-away notes this is a not to be missed session for everyone involved in the day to day operation of a business.

Member only event

The breakfast will feature guest speaker John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, who will set the scene of the environment that small businesses find themselves in when competing in the open market.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, commented: “The AGM Breakfast will be a celebration of the success and innovation of

local firms in overcoming common barriers for smaller businesses. The Norfolk Chamber continues to work hard to provide essential support for businesses in these key areas.”

The breakfast will then be followed by the Norfolk Chamber’s AGM, which is open to all members.

Online? On top? On it!

Look the Business: Work Hard, Play Hard

September Meet the Chamber WHERE: Brook Hotel, Norwich WHEN: September 4th 15:30 - 17:30

HR Forum WHERE: Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich WHEN: September 11th 14:00 - 17:00 WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Don’t miss our next HR Forum for your opportunity to ask the legal experts questions that affect you and your business with particular reference to Termination of Employment. At this HR Forum Steeles Law will cover a number of issues arising prior to and following the termination of an individual’s employment, with the aim of achieving a ‘clean break’.

Open to all businesses.

From Office to Offshore: Addressing the Skills Gap WHERE: The Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth

WHERE: John Lewis, Norwich WHEN: September 26th 17:30 - 20:00 WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Following on from 2012’s sell-out event, Look the Business is back with a new season and new ideas to help your business look and think smart. Join experts in health, hair, beauty, fashion along with likeminded businesses for an evening of informal networking and connections. Member only event.

SAVE THE DATE Unlocking Potential Business Conference WHERE: The Open, Norwich WHEN: November 22nd 08:00 - 13:30

In September the Norfolk Chamber will deliver an event that focuses on the online world. Social media, websites, e-mail marketing, writing content – all things we deal with every working day. But do we use them to their full potential? Or do we spend hours on them and get nowhere? The September Session: Be Better @ Online will make sure you get the most out of being online.

A recent survey (Agent Media UK) confirmed said that 60% of employees would like some help from employers to share relevant content online, and 38% of CEOs labelled social media as a high priority alongside their website.

With this continuing upward trend in online activity, we need to be sure that social media works effectively for our businesses as well as for our employees. With that in mind, The Forum in Norwich on Thursday 19th September is the place to be to find out how we make the most of our online presence. The event features a line up of outstanding local and national speakers, who will be happy to meet anyone who juggles the daily online personality of the business - this event is for everyone that wants to Be Better @ Online.

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NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER EVENTS

Norfolk’s knowledge network.

The search for skills.

relating to the everyday challenges faced by businesses and their employees, such as managing social media, relationship building and closing the deal.

‘The Chamber Sessions’ will be run by members, for members, as a way of communicating skills, information and advice, utilising the wealth of experience and knowledge within the membership network.

Continuing the Norfolk Chamber’s commitment to support businesses by helping them ‘be better’ at what they do, October sees the launch of a new series of free weekly workshops.

The Chamber will be opening its doors to small groups of 12 people per session who are looking to improve their understanding of subjects

Aimed at giving the groups tangible instruction on a range of subjects, it is an opportunity for members looking to pass on their knowledge to others, helping creating a stronger business outlook across the county.

‘The Chamber Sessions’ start their first series of 10 sessions in October. Full details will be available on the Norfolk Chamber website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Fresh faces for the future of business.

As part of the Norfolk Chamber’s commitment to unlocking the potential of Norfolk’s Young people, apprentices from across Norfolk will be taking part as models in this year’s ‘Look the Business’.

Following on from 2012’s sell-out event, ‘Look the Business’ is back on Thursday 26 September, with a new season and new ideas to help your business look and think smart. Join experts in beauty and fashion along with like-minded businesses for an

evening that will not only update your business connections, but update your wardrobe too!

Abi Charter, Events Manager at Norfolk Chamber, commented: “It is a great opportunity for Norfolk apprentices to network with other businesses and learn how to dress for the work place. Our events apprentice did this last year and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Now we’re opening up the opportunity for our members’ apprentices.”

Attendees will also be able to hear from Isabel Macdonald, Head of Branch for John Lewis, Norwich, and pick up business tips and inside knowledge that explains the secret of John Lewis’ success.

September 12 sees the Norfolk Chamber back over in the east of the county for another fantastic Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast.

We are happy to be welcoming Larraine Boorman, Managing Director of OPITO, who will be appearing straight off the back of major speaking roles at two prominent conferences, including Offshore Europe 2013.

Larraine will be focusing on identifying the needs of the oil and gas industry to supply learning and training across all sectors, as plugging the skills gap onshore and offshore in Norfolk is an issue for all concerned.

With the Government putting emphasis on helping the industry to fill the gap, work is in hand to develop the skills needed. With a target of an additional 15,000 staff across a range of disciplines over the next four to five years, and the Chamber’s commitment to ‘Unlocking The Potential Of Norfolk’s Young People’ through apprentice schemes, this September’s breakfast is a must for anyone connected with the oil and gas industry.

B2B2B October 2013 - Be there to Better your Business.

Nothing beats being among the best! The Norfolk Chamber is making it clear that B2B2B October 2013 is a massive opportunity for the region’s businesses to meet and learn about the best providers of products and services in the area.

Exhibiting at B2B2B October 2013 is your chance to meet potential customers, already predisposed to discovering what it is you have to offer. What’s more it’s your opportunity to be seen as being among the best.

Already established as The Business Exhibition,

B2B2B has a bigger, brighter agenda for October 2013. Targeted marketing will drive visitors to the event, delivering high footfall. Clearly defined exhibitor zones will ensure that your stand is visited by potential customers actively seeking your kind of products and services.

With early bird prices for stands and a superbly enhanced level of coverage for exhibitors through the EDP and EDP24, we are making it even more cost effective to exhibit. Book your stand now to be amongst the best.

The essential business to business (to business to business) exhibition

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Membership Service of the Month Member2Member – What could you offer?

One of the most exciting services available to our members is the ability to promote your business and services directly to other members using our online and social media facilities.

The most direct way is to use our Member2Member service, which is there to encourage our members to buy local by offering something exclusive to fellow members. Once the offer is uploaded, we keep sending this out to the business community via our social media channels.

While it’s a great way to save money on purchases, it’s also another fantastic method of growing your brand profile and getting your services promoted to the Chamber membership. n Have you got a new service launching? Why not offer a special deal for members? n Can you do a special package deal for Chamber members? n Want to give something special to the employees of our members?

Chris Perry Membership Manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commercae

n Why not do a seasonal offer? n Taking a stand at our B2B Exhibition? Why not attach a voucher for people to bring to see you?

There are no limits on how often you can use this service and you are in full control of your offer, so you can edit and change it at anytime.

By using our interactive website you can upload the offer, control what members see and how long the offer lasts for. You can even upload a document for members or their employees to print or send back to you.

Offers can be aimed at 3 categories: Business 2 Business – General offers for the whole membership Employee Offer – Special offers for members’ employees Start-up offers – Special offers tailored for businesses under 12 months old

Archant Norfolk – Jobs24 -50% Recruitment Advertising Discount Migsolv – 3 Month’s Free Colocation at Norwich Data Centre Try out our facilities at The Brook Hotel with 10% discount to all Chamber members Utilitywise – Free Energy health Check worth £75 Blackwell Print – Exhibition & Display POP UP Stand from only £575.00 For more offers visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-offers

Free Energy Health Check Worth £75 Utilitywise Plc Businesses are facing tough economic times, and increasing energy prices and higher gas prices have been the main driver of increasing energy bills over the last eight years. To counteract this Utilitywise Plc is offering a Free Energy Health Check to all Norfolk Chamber Members,

Some of the latest offers: Business Shaper Group – Business Shaper Voucher Scheme - Free business advice

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JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

Championing the best & brightest businesses It is one of the biggest events of the Norfolk business calendar, and entries are open for this year’s EDP Business Awards.

For more than two decades the EDP has been proud to champion the best and brightest businesses celebrating outstanding individual and corporate success.

And I am sure that there are many chamber members out there, who have exactly what it takes to win one of our 14 exciting categories.

Business Editor

Ours were the first business awards of their kind in the region, and it is a heritage of which we are proud.

Agricultural Association.

And our flagship award ceremony will be supported by our reception partner Marsh.

Held in association with Anglian Water, sponsors of our Denise Anderson Award Category, this year’s awards promises to be bigger and better than ever.

And we are also delighted to welcome the support of Norfolk Chamber for our exciting new Small Business of the Year Award.

For the last 18 months I have been proud to be business editor of this newspaper and find out more about the inspirational work of our businesses large and small.

This year’s new-look ceremony, on November 7, will be at the Norfolk Showground Arena.

From those early days we have been proudly supported by our Business of the Year Award sponsor Barclays, and this year we will see the introduction of new categories and we also welcome our new sponsors.

We have long supported our business community, but since the very first business awards as we recognise them today, in 1990, there have been countless fantastic stories of business achievement highlighting the region’s economic strength.

Shaun Lowthorpe

These include the Best Employer Award, Small Business of the Year, Outstanding IT Initiative Award, and a new Design and Development Award.

We welcome too our other new sponsors, Foster Renewable Energies, Computer Service Centre, and the Paul Robinson Partnership, Pure Resourcing Solutions, and the Royal Norfolk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

It really has provided a front row seat in the workings of the real economy. But more than that it is a chance to see innovation and entrepreneurial success.

These awards are the must-attend event of the business calendar.

Now all we need is you.

You can enter or pre-register for tickets at www.edpbusinessawards.co.uk and follow our Twitter feed @EDPBusiness and #edpBizAwards

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

Sands Agricultural Machinery (SAM) Ltd caught the eye of judges at last year’s EDP Business Awards. With its strong family heritage, and its very active new product development to incorporate latest satellite precision farming technology, SAM was awarded the Barclays Business of the Year award.

Now is the time for you to grab your chance to pick up the most coveted business accolade in the region.

Supported by Barclays since the EDP Business Awards was founded, the Business of the Year looks for the business that shines out, is forward thinking, strategic and strong.

Denise Anderson Award Businesses may be facing challenging times, but the region remains a powerhouse of innovation and success, said Peter Simpson, managing director of Anglian Water.

The firm is once again supporting the EDP Business Awards, and Denise Anderson Awards, which recognises the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the economy in East Anglia.

Norwich Theatre Royal chief executive Peter Wilson took centre stage as last year’s Denise Anderson award winner in recognition of a 20 year career at the theatre during which time he has overseen the transformation of the venue from a nearly derelict building into a centre piece for theatre and the arts in Norfolk.

Customer Care This award celebrates those businesses with a proven commitment of putting its customers first.

Judges will be looking for entries from businesses which show a clear focus on their customers’ needs, examples of customer-driven initiatives designed to raise service standards and evidence of increased customer satisfaction.

Submissions should also illustrate how employees are consistently doing their best for customers and seeking to continuously improve their performance.

The finalists will be those businesses which demonstrate how they exemplify outstanding customer service, consistently delivered at the highest level, by a customerfocused individual or team.

Director of the Year Strong leadership is a vital ingredient in business success, and this award which is again sponsored by New Anglia aims to showcase the efforts of the county’s best senior managers.

The award aims to recognise the hard work, creativity and innovation of Norfolk’s business leaders, with the judges looking for someone who has not only excelled in the role but someone who has brought innovation to his or her industry, the county of Norfolk or to a significant sector of the community.

Judges will be looking for directors who have vision, clarity and the ability to keep their eye on the ball in a challenging economic climate.

The director will have not only accomplished significant profit levels, but will also be someone who is seen as a positive symbol of creativity in the workplace.

Business Development This popular category provides the opportunity for businesses which have grown significantly to receive recognition for their achievements.

The winner will have demonstrated how it has grown its overall business through innovation and planned development, supported by strategic investment.

The judges will be looking at how the development has

Community Impact

been reflected in increased turnover and employment and, most importantly, in enhanced profitability.

They will also focus on sustainability and the longterm goals and strategy that have been put in place to maintain financial security and success.

Environment & Sustainability This award will go to a group which clearly acknowledges a proven passion and dedication to improving the environment and ensuring sustainability is at the heart of its business. A business that has taken its environmental, social and financial performance to the next level – managing and mitigating its impact while using the sustainability agenda to gain competitive edge. The organisation must show evidence that it has schemes, initiatives and policies which have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the environment. Judges will look for clear methods of evaluation, effects on financial performance and involvement of staff and customers.

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

Judges will focus on how companies have been able to deliver efficiencies, capture and derive value from “Big Data”, empower their teams with improved information, or support new ways of working.

In short, they will be looking for IT initiatives that make companies more competitive.

International Business Award Once again sponsored by leading business advisors Grant Thornton, the aim of this category is to discover those who have turned their ambitions to trade internationally into a successful source of new business and growth.

Judges will be looking at how firms have sought out opportunities abroad and what strategies they have pursued to develop and cement them.

They will also be looking to see what impact international business has had on the business.

Best Employer

Working to deliver real, measurable and sustainable community impact is at the heart of this category, which is again sponsored by Business in the Community and Norse Group.

Responsible companies recognise that good corporate community investments bring long-term sustainable benefits to both business and communities.

This award acknowledges companies who are making a real impact on their local community – especially in areas of disadvantage. Judges will look for initiatives that are sustainable, are relative to the size of the business and clearly show the measurable impact that has been achieved on both the community and the business as well.

Design & Development This new award is open to all companies and organisations who have helped create new, redeveloped, or refurbished building or landscape projects which have made a significant contribution to the environment and contributed to the quality of life in our communities.

Imaginative design qualities combined with practical and forward-thinking ideas will form part of the selection criteria and judges will look at how well the project harmonises with its surroundings, engages the local community, and creates a sense of pride in place.

Food & Farming Excellence Farming and agriculture are part of the social and economic fabric of life in Norfolk.

And new sponsors The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) are proud to sponsor the ‘Food and Farming Excellence Award,’ and rightly so, as nothing represents this county better than its agricultural practice.

This award will celebrate the contribution that food producers and the supply chain make to the economy.

The winner can be drawn from any element of the chain – from major producers, to processors to retailers.

Small Business of the Year Small businesses are vital to the Norfolk economy and this new category, which is open to businesses with a turnover of up to £1m and being sponsored by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, seeks to celebrate their success.

The Small Business of the Year category is open to all businesses which have an annual turnover of less than £1million. Entries will be judged on their innovative approach to both product/service development and how serving their customer base has resulted in growth in turnover and profit. Entries will also be judged on and their involvement within their local community and how the business develops its employees

The category is open to businesses with at least 50 staff whether on a single or multiple site.

A new category at the awards this year, judges will be looking for a business that demonstrates a clear vision and understanding of what keeps teams motivated and engaged.

They will also be looking for evidence of strong internal communication and evidence of how staff are kept informed and made to feel included in the success of a business, listened to and have the ability to influence.

The judges will also want to see how the organisation recognises and rewards exceptional performance and what sets it apart as an exceptional employer, including any community or charity work in which it is involved.

Award Criteria

Future50 One to Watch To complement its sponsorship of the EDP Future50, sponsors NWES are looking for a company within the Future50 family of businesses able to demonstrate a pioneering approach to business and with the potential to flourish and deliver impressive results.

This category is about recognising an early stage business which shows the promise to become a success story of tomorrow. Judges will look for drive, impact, vision and potential. Above all, the winner of this category will be able to show a dedicated effort to drive their business forward.

Entries should be able to demonstrate a passion to grow a sustainable business, underpinned by a strong financial performance through strong leadership.

Areas to be covered in your entry should include: access to finance; research into new product/ service development; sustainable practices; market analysis; ability to seize new business opportunities; promotional and marketing strategies; employee development and community engagement.

Copies of current balance sheets and profit/ loss statements for the past year should also be supplied.

JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

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NORFOLK VOICE

MEMBERS NEWS

Capital programme to invest A-maizing in growing businesses. time at farm.

Britain’s small and start-up businesses struggle to obtain the finance they require to grow.

But with the launch of New Anglia Capital Ltd, a new not-for-profit company, start-up and innovative companies throughout Norfolk and Suffolk will have access to creative sources of equity finance from locally based private investors coupled with John Irving matched funds from the public sector, filling a hole for SMEs and start-ups where it is difficult to attract funding.

a flexible range of matched funding options to start up and growing businesses in the New Anglia LEP’s area that are looking for investment.

This will drive innovation and help to create jobs.

Responding to market needs, investment options for growing businesses range from loans, grants and co-equity positions where the level of matched funding depends on a deal-by-deal basis with the funding provided by business angel investment.

John Irving, New Anglia Capital’s chief executive, said: “This project is moving tremendously fast and is receiving huge levels of support and encouragement throughout the eastern region’s business, political and financial communities and will enable our wealth generating companies of tomorrow to stay in the area without having to look elsewhere for investment and management skills. We are expecting this to attract businesses back to the area as well.”

The company is working in co-operation with New Anglia LEP, creating a strong investment partnership and shared investment goals between the private and public sectors throughout Norfolk and Suffolk by delivering

To contact New Anglia Capital, call +44 (0)1603 510087 or go to www.newangliacapital.co.uk

Charity bowls event.

McTear Williams & Wood, East Anglia’s largest business rescue and insolvency practice, raised £2,400 for charity at its annual bowls tournament.

Land at the College of West Anglia’s Woodside Farm at Cambridge is being used for the first time this year for the production of bio-fuels.

It will be produced from a 50-acre field of maize on land the college owns the other side of the Cambridge to King’s Lynn rail line at Milton.

The college now has a commercial arrangement with an Ely-based company, P.J. Lees High Flyer Farm, which will convert the crop to bio-fuel once it is harvested around October.

Linda Kirby, Agricultural Director at the campus, said it was the first time maize had been grown on the farm, adding to this year’s wheat and spring beans crops.

Twelve teams of professionals from across the region battled for the “McTear Williams & Wood Bowls Challenge Trophy” at the event, which was held at the Breckland Leisure Centre.

This year’s winning team is from Colchesterbased chartered accountants Whittle & Co. There were also joint individual winners - Adam McCaw of Leathes Prior solicitors and Rob Trett of Barclays Bank plc.

Funds raised from the event have gone to the local area Community First Responders who are volunteers trained to attend local emergency calls received by the ambulance service and

A-maizing…Cambridge Campus Agricultural Director Linda Kirby shows the land being used to grow maize which will be used for bio-fuel.

The decision to grow maize for the first time was driven by both weather and economic reasons.

Winners from Whittle & Co: Paul Whittle, Timothy Moriarty and Michael Greene provide reassurance, comfort and care until a paramedic or ambulance arrives.

Linda said: “Due to the extreme wet weather last autumn/winter we were faced with the decision to either buy in relatively expensive spring wheat seed or grow maize on a contract with a guaranteed income.

The cheque was presented by partner Chris Williams to representatives from the Community First Responders.

“It is always good for the students to see alternative, innovative production methods and equipment in use.”

The essential business to business (to business to business) exhibition

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

TAKE A BREAK

Ridley Pinstripe.

Sudoku July-August

It’s 9.30am on Monday at the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd and I‘m an excited boy.

Well, I was until I walked into the Press Conference in our main hall to see tumbleweed blowing gently across the room.

See, this was supposed to be my big day because, in an attempt to raise our profile in the community, and make people forget the unfortunate poisoning of half a dozen cats when we had a pollution leak, the management had decided to stage a one-day arts festival.

Encapsulating the strategic thinking behind it, the MD had said: “The arts are in. A few dancers prancing around and enough free candy floss to sink a battleship will make the punters forget anything.’

As the ‘Give it to Ridley, he does nowt else’ person, I was ordered to arrange the event.

It was my big chance to shine but, having rehearsed my speech over and over again, it came as a crushing blow to discover that just two people had turned up for the Press Conference, one of them a bored-looking Bernie Cluless from the local paper, the other an old woman who mistakenly thought she was at the Regal Cinema to see a Clark Gable picture.

‘Yo,‘ I said, voice reverberating around the virtually empty room. ‘Thank you for attending this epoch-making moment in the cultural life of our community.’

‘What‘s an epoch?‘ said the reporter, glancing up.

‘Where‘s Clark Gable?‘ asked the woman.

‘I‘m sorry, madam, Clark Gable is not…‘ ‘Then I want my money back,’ said the old woman, struggling to her feet.

‘If you would like to stay for a few minutes more, we have something just as exciting.‘ The old woman looked at me dubiously, sat down and went to sleep.

‘Yes, well,’ I said, glancing hesitantly at my notes, ‘some people may say that the arts are an anathema to the proverbial man - and woman on the omnibus…‘ They certainly were to the people of this town since its main bus company had gone bust several weeks before.

‘So what‘s it going to have, this festival?‘ asked the journalist.

People who come cheap, I thought.

But what I said was: ‘It‘s going to straddle the world. There will be dancers from the South

American Andes, storytellers from the Amazon Basin, clowns from rural Romania and a street theatre group from Tonga whose work highlights the plight of women in the male-dominated world of coconut farming.’

Cluless yawned.

‘Plus,’ I said desperately, ’a star performer.‘ I regretted saying it the moment the words came out. Clueless looked at me with slightly more interest.

‘Bono?‘ asked the reporter. ‘Is it Bono?‘ ‘No, it‘s not, it‘s…‘ ‘Lady Gaga?‘ ‘Er, no…‘ ‘Bob Dylan?‘ ‘No, no, no! It‘s Myra Cluckinthorpe.‘ ‘Who?’ I hesitated.

‘She’s the Works Manager’s wife. She’s going to do a pottery demonstration.‘ Seeing the reporter’s unimpressed look, I quipped, ’Without a safety net.’

No one laughed.

‘Does anyone,‘ I asked after a few moments of uncomfortable silence, ‘have any more questions?‘ ‘Yes, young man,‘ quavered the old woman, suddenly coming to life and toppling off her tool.

‘Why isn‘t there any popcorn in this cinema?‘ ‘We’ll be having free candy floss.’

‘I don’t like candy floss,’ she said, gathering up her bags. ‘It gets stuck in me false teeth.’

‘Sometimes,‘ I sighed, ‘I wonder why I bother.‘ ‘So,‘ remarked Cluless, presumably envisaging a tedious Saturday reporting on formation Zambian Basket Weaving, ‘do I.‘ I’ll let you know how it all goes next time.

Ridley

Answers in the next edition

Sudoku Answers May-June

Cartoons

“If we provide a great customer service, people will pester us with a bunch of stupid questions.

Do you really want that?”

EXHIBITION 17 OCTOBER 2013 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

BE AMONG THE BEST. BE THERE #B2B2B2B

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JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

PAGE45

NORFOLK VOICE

R.E.G energy services

Since 1994 R.E.G. Energy Services has successfully established a client base that encompasses business users of electricity and gas covering an area of the British Isles from the Midlands to the Isle of Wight.

Services Negotiating electricity supply contracts.

Gas supply contracts. l Energy monitoring system. l Negotiating with energy supply companies for new supply services, and upgrading of existing supply services. l Arrange and Project Manage electricity, gas, water and telephone services for developers and architects. l Tariff advice and analysis. l Wayleave and Easement negotiations. l Negotiate HV line diversions. l l

For more information contact regenergyservices@oneuk.com

Tel: 01603 510161 Unit 5, Home Farm Business Park, Norwich Road, Marsham, Norwich NR10 5PQ

We look after your IT so you can take care of your business

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Offering professional IT support in Norfolk and Suffolk with award-winning customer service

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

React Computer Partnership 5 Deben Mill Business Centre, Old Maltings Approach, Woodbridge IP12 1BL 01394 387337 www.reactcp.co.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

NEW MEMBERS

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Architects

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Atmos Consulting Ltd

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Brian Coombes Hairdressing

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C3 Engineering Ltd

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Tealbury Limited Mustard TV

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Tec Tamers LLP

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Nicholsons Solicitors LLP

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The HR Dept Norwich & North Norfolk

Legal Services

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R Todd Insurance Services

01493 603313 The People People

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Find out about the benefits of being a Norfolk Chamber member.

All information can be found at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or attend a Meet the Chamber event.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

PAGE47

NORFOLK VOICE

The Oil and Gas Logistics Specialists

The ASCO Group is a leading global provider of logistics, environmental, consultancy, training, marine, freight and logistics technology services supporting the upstream and downstream oil and gas sector.

The ASCO Group has a network of brands which deliver these services around the world, with the ability to deliver integrated services where required. ASCO Group brands include Oniqua, NSL, Enviroco, Seletar and OBM. In the Norfolk area, ASCO’s main base is in Great Yarmouth where it is one of the town’s biggest employers, with around 150 people. ASCO’s Great Yarmouth business can offer a full logistics service and has fully owned plant, storage and warehousing as well as the largest local transport fleet in the logistics sector. ASCO is also a major supplier of fuel and

lubricants to the offshore and marine industries as well as to distributors for the agricultural, industrial and domestic markets; across the UK. l Established in 1967 l Over 2000 employees l Operations in 16 countries and over 35 locations – more than

any comparable company in its sector l Privately owned by management and private equity l Diverse customer base including major oil & gas operators,

NOCs and contractors l Sales of £630m in 2011

Tel: +44 (0) 1493 848000

www.ascoworld.com

Founded in 1987, The Personnel People is one of Norwich’s most established independent recruitment consultancies.

We are constantly striving to move with the times and pride ourselves on providing our clients with top quality personnel that reflect the qualities we adhere to – flexibility, responsiveness and capability.

We provide full coverage throughout East Anglia and offer a service that is as individual as each client or candidate that we deal with.

Supplying permanent, contract and temporary staff across: • COMMERCIAL Supplying all office personnel from entry level through to senior management.

• DRIVING Supplying all classes of drivers including Forklift & mates/porters.

For full details on our services and the vacancies we have available please visit us at:

www.personnelpeople.co.uk Tel: 01603 761717 Email: norwich@personnelpeople.co.uk 12 All Saints Green, Norwich Norfolk NR1 3NA

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

• CATERING & CLEANING All levels of catering staff, hospitality/events & cleaning (including industrial) provided.

• INDUSTRIAL Recruiting Skilled & Unskilled labour for Production, Manufacturing, Warehouse & Distribution.

• T.E.C Technical, Engineering & Construction staff.

MEMBERS NEWS

Recognition for medical insurance broker.

Debbie Jones, the founder of Norfolk-based health insurance broker Anglia Healthcare, has been elected to the executive committee of The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII).

members must adhere and which lobbies government on the issue of standards within the industry.”

AMII is the voice of the specialist health insurance sector and raises the profile of the importance of independent advice when buying private medical insurance.

Anglia Healthcare was also recently awarded the Chase Templeton Broker of the Year award 2012/13 at an awards ceremony in Manchester.

This key industry accolade was made in recognition of portfolio growth and business expansion in the previous 12 months.

Debbie said: “At Anglia Healthcare, we are deeply committed to upholding and promoting the highest standards within the health insurance industry. It, therefore, made perfect sense to accept the invitation to join the executive committee of the AMII, an organisation which operates a strict Code of Ethics by which

Anglia Healthcare, based near Attleborough, was founded in 2007 by former Aviva healthcare consultant Debbie to offer specialist health insurance advice to companies and individuals.

With hundreds of company schemes, Anglia Healthcare’s portfolio has increased over the past two years from £1 million to £3 million.

Anglia Healthcare’s Debbie Jones (l) and Victoria Wright (second left) receive their Chase Templeton Broker of the Year Award.

New designs for better client experience.

Graphic design consultant Steve Jenkins, left, has joined forces with fellow creative thinker Brendan Rallison and his team to form Creative Collective – a unique, personal and cost effective design service.

Steve said: “This new venture comprises a

multi-disciplined team of creative industry professionals, combining decades of senior roles within leading advertising and creative agencies. What makes us so different is that with us you deal directly with the designers; we’re happy to be your account exec and will manage as well as create.

“This provides a unique, personal, fast and efficient service and is an approach key to the success of our creative product.

“We know our clients love working this way, and following recent trends of many large London creative agencies to no longer hire and fire during the ups and downs, we recognize this approach is now very effective. With our collective industry experience, we are able to provide a service parallel to that of a fully-staffed design agency for a fraction of the cost.”

Taverham Hall pupils enjoy visit.

Year 8 pupils from Taverham Hall Preparatory school enjoyed a trip to the Apple store in Norwich where they had the opportunity to create their very own music using GarageBand on the latest Macbook Pro laptops.

This is a regularly run annual trip and one which generates quite a lot of excitement as the pupils look forward to learning more about the latest software applications in the fun Apple Store environment. The Apple store team especially tailor the Field Trip day to set new challenges for our Year 8 pupils .

Apple provided a welcome surprise this year by not only supplying a special Apple Education t-shirt to each pupil at the end of their session but also a super cool wristband / USB stick combo for them to keep and put their work onto.

EXHIBITION 17 OCTOBER 2013 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM

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JULY/AUGUST 2013 2011

PAGE49

NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name: Esther Evans Company: STM Packaging Group Ltd Job title: Managing Director Biog:

I started out in a sales career as a rep for Rowntree Mackintosh, then travelled extensively with a role working for a broker selling US goods to US Air Bases in UK and Europe. The next role was my first in the packaging industry selling for a label printer. Moved onto working for Kappa Packaging at a recycled paper mill in Birmingham selling commodity paper to converting companies around UK. (I was the only woman selling commodity paper in the UK at that time.) It was while working for Kappa that I took an MBA while doing a demanding full-time role and studying for 15 hours a week on top. After a move into the corrugated case industry, I became Sales & Marketing Director at a key site of the Kappa Packaging Group in Northamptonshire.

I returned to East Anglia 7 years ago due to the poor health of my parents and was lucky to find that STM Packaging Group needed a new MD. STM is a group of companies who manufacture polythene packaging, industrial and mailing products and we have an online packaging merchant in the stable too. We have 46 members of staff on two sites, one in Norwich and the other in Northamptonshire. The brands in the group are Sefton TransMail, The Polythene Company, Shirlplass and Packaging Products Online.

Running an SME manufacturer certainly has its challenges in this economy. We try to be progressive and keep developing the company into new and profitable sectors by innovation and capital investment. We also continue to look for

acquisition opportunities to add to our capabilities and capacities. The team that works with me at STM are a wonderful bunch of people. They make me smile every day and make all the hard work worthwhile.

In my spare time, I have a variety of interests. My husband and I love the wild places, and spend a lot of time walking and running in East Anglia’s wonderful countryside. We also love motorsport and I have a particular interest in pre-Raphaelite art and the arts and crafts movement.

What did you want to be when you were young?

What makes you angry?

For a while I wanted to be a vet, but I didn’t have a clear future plan until I went to Norwich City College to take Business Studies.

Cruelty, selfishness and laziness.

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

What could you not live without?

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

Not to follow the crowd; being different in business is an advantage not a drawback!

The ingredients for a cake, bake it and sell it by the slice for a profit!

Britain’s wild places and my family.

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

Desmond Tutu and Boris Johnson – what a lively and entertaining debate that would be!

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

Wester Ross in the Highlands.

What is the best thing about Norfolk?

Great people and big skies.

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

There have been so many, it is so hard to choose just one. The internal combustion engine has led to incredible human advances, but the invention of the world wide web must be ranked as the key modern revolution.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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

An otter; they have an ability to always look relaxed and as if they are having fun.

Why Comm-Tech?

Mobile

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YOUR INDEPENDENT VOICE & DATA SPECIALISTS

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