voic e
norfolk
Transport improvements – are we on the right road?
Companies turn to innovation in the search for success
Keeping pace with changes in the holiday cottage sector
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2014
RewaRding innovation
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40% ...and we’ll refund you Through our Capital Grant Scheme, Low Carbon KEEP can help fund your business ideas and make them a reality, by providing up to £4000 of grant funding to eligible SMEs. If you would like to know how your company could benefit go to:
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CONTENTS
Contents. 03
Welcome/Contents
22 25
Business Support
05
Chamber News
30 33
Conferences & Events
07 09
Members News
40 41
Commercial Property
12 13
Chamber Policy
14 15
Members News
Norfolk is definitely on the move, but is looking to move even faster both from an economic point of view and through improved infrastructure.
16 17
International Trade
20 21
The Big Interview
The dualling of the A11 will not only improve the economy by millions of pounds but will visibly show that Norfolk is open for business. We are now lobbying hard for improvement to the A47 and are determined that the Autumn Statement will give us positive news.
26 29
Cover Feature
An improved rail service is definitely on our agenda. Sometime is it difficult for the business community to feel that they can do anything to help Norfolk’s infrastructure but the government does listen to business, and the Chamber is lobbying hard. Please do ensure that you and your staff pledge your support to the Greater Eastern Rail campaign – it takes only a click and your voice is heard. See page 26 for more details. Talking about clicks, our annual Social Media/ Technology event ‘Click & Connect’ is on the 25 September and we have once again a brilliant line up of national and local speakers to inform and inspire you. Social Media and other online activity has helped the Chamber reach a whole new audience over the last few years. With an ever changing landscape we use this annual event to inform both ourselves and the wider business community as to what is possible. Page for details. As we look towards the second half of the year and the pending General Election next year we are determined that the success of the Norfolk business community and its potential for its development is fully understood. Our members are some of the most successful and best companies in Norfolk. They are also world class and we highlight some of them in this issue both in our feature pages and throughout this magazine and our website through their stories. By talking up your business and sharing your success, you will promote your own business and also make Norfolk’s potential more visible. The Norfolk Chamber is putting together a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’ and we will need your input– watch this space!
34
Knowledge
35
Membership
38 39
Members News
42 45
Chamber Events
4
18
46
Take a Break
48
New Members
49
A Week in the Life of
50
The Last Word
42 Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication. ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES: info@norfolkchamber.co.uk NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich NR4 6DJ Tel: 01603 625977 Fax: 01603 633032
PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING John Neilson, Commercial Director Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications
DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Norfolk Voice cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Norfolk Voice.
CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PAGE3
NORFOLK VOICE
Are our Smartphones and tablets helping us?
Rallying call for a better faster mainline service.
Ian Hacon President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Now I love my tech, and I don’t think I would be without my iPhone. I check out all the latest apps and can’t wait to try out new things. Undoubtedly technology has made massive advances in our lives. Who would have thought even 10 years ago I could track and share my latest bike ride with all my buddies and compare times in real time, or navigate to a destination straight from my contacts or appointment in my diary. When it comes to personal wellbeing our phones offer us hundreds of apps that help us get and stay healthy, from fitness, to nutrition to mindfulness and sleep management. I’ve downloaded many. The next big trend is apps that monitor and give feedback on our physiology. HeartMath is a good example, this with the addition of plug in cable that you wear, monitors your heart rate and helps you get your heart rhythm in check for deep relaxation, I have not used it personally but the makers claim great results. Developers are producing apps that will replace complex medical equipment that previously cost thousands of pounds. This is good news, if used correctly, although we need to be careful we don’t all allow our phones to replace our doctors. On the flip side of all this, our phones have blurred the lines between work and home and left us feeling constantly switched on with no respite. But remember it is our phone, not anyone else’s and it is us that allows it to blur these lines. We need set our own rules about what works for us. Here are a few ground rules to help us have happy balance with our phones: 1 Stop using your phone at least 2 hours before bed, the blue light it emits gets your brain racing. Reading a real book or journaling is much better way to ensure a good night’s sleep. 2 Always keep the phone out the bedroom. “But it’s my alarm” is the common excuse I hear. What were those alarm clock things we used to see? 3 Tell your business colleagues what your personal rules are about when you will response to messages. If you respond at 10.30pm to your boss, he or she may thing that’s the norm.
The Great Eastern Rail Campaign was launched at the end of July. It is calling for rail passengers and businesses across Norfolk Suffolk and Essex, to join the campaign calling on Government for greater investment in the Great Eastern Main Line. New Anglia LEP, the region’s MPs, the region’s chambers of commerce, business and rail leaders are heading a Taskforce calling for a faster, more reliable service on the London to Norwich line including: n Significant investment in track infrastructure n Better trains and a higher quality travelling experience n Greater capacity with more seats and more carriages The overall goal is to achieve London to Norwich in 90, Ipswich in 60, Colchester in 40 and Chelmsford in 25 minutes. The Taskforce will report to Government in November, making the strong economic case for investment in the line. With support for the campaign gaining momentum across the region, today the Great Eastern Rail Campaign is launched, calling on commuters, businesses and all rail users to get behind the cause and sign up via the new website www.newanglia.co.uk/gerailcampaign and follow the campaign on twitter with #gerailcampaign. The campaign is already ‘backed by business’ with Norfolk Chamber members already signed up in support. These include leading businesses such as Aviva; John Lewis, Norwich; Caterham Technology; First Bus Eastern Counties; Broadland Wineries; Thermaglow and many others, as well as local authorities and businesses from Suffolk and Essex.
4 Take a social media holiday. I took 2 weeks off Facebook a while ago, and now I have a much lighter touch in checking statuses. 5 Try turning off the router at home around 7pm-8pm or having a daily quota for use of devices. See if the family can all maybe talk to each other. My family is grappling with this one right!
The
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CHAMBER NEWS
What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger. What the most successful businesses in the region have in common is a great passion for Norfolk. This shared passion has created a Chamber business community that is unified in its vision of growth and works together to support economic growth. This togetherness is partly down to the increasing challenges that we all share in being Norfolk businesses operating in an ever changing global economy. Over the last decade, technology has changed the way in which we live our lives by creating a high speed, ‘access on demand’ way to communicate; make choices and do business. This increasing pace of communication and convenience has changed our views on normality and has forced the need to make other areas of our infrastructure, faster, more accessible and more convenient. When you apply the above to Norfolk it is not hard to see why it is challenging to attract all the necessary skills into the region and why the need is great for vital infrastructure changes, such as better broadband; improved rail; dualled A11 and A47; plus the creation of the NDR. We are no strangers to dealing with uphill challenges that location can bring when increasingly, time has become the most precious commodity. But where there is adversity, there is also strength and resilience, so finding new ways around these challenges, being creative and working together as a Chamber community to effect change is key to achieving growth for us all. Commenting on Norfolk’s infrastructure, Jon Shooter, Managing Director, Glazing Vision - Diss said: “The standard of infrastructure we endure in Norfolk is well documented. 80% of our customers are London based and my staff travel daily to London by rail and road. We urgently need an improved rail service, both in terms of journey times and rolling stock. The road network is going to get a massive boost following the completion of the dualling of A11 work. Not only will it make journeys less stressful, but it will make getting to London and Stansted a lot faster. You cannot run a multimillion pound business with upload speeds of only 1mb, so I am pleased that our recent broadband campaign has been successful and they are now accepting orders in our area for fibre. This means
O ATTEND!
Jon Shooter
Peter Hawes
that we will now be able to compete more effectively in the international marketplace.” This resilience and strength of character is evident in the number of industry leaders we have in Norfolk, who send products all over the world, seemingly in defiance of the great challenges that affect our region. Brand names like many of our Norfolk Chamber Gold Patrons, have grown to be household names and not only faced head on, but embraced the challenges and integrated Norfolk as part of their identities. Peter Hawes, Managing Director of Norse Commercial Services and Norfolk Chamber Gold Patron said: “Being Patrons of the Norfolk Chamber has helped our commitment to support local SMEs, an ethos that we strongly believe helps stimulate economic vitality that will benefit us all, both locally and nationally.” So why Norfolk? It is a question that many business leaders have had to answer when faced with the scrutiny of their investors looking to increase efficiencies, or when a business is looking expand or relocate to the east of England. It is a question that unites the Norfolk Chamber Gold Patrons, who have benefited by joining us to be at the spear tip of effecting change and part of the drive to showcase Norfolk’s vibrant economy.
Tim Drew
This need to attract more skills into the region is being felt in all sectors across our region and as the economy changes we need to attract and keep more and younger talent into our region. Tim Drew, HR Manager for Germains Seed Technology in King’s Lynn said: “Being based in Norfolk enables us to be close to our customers and end users. The county and it agricultural heritage provide a solid base upon which we can continue to build our business in the UK. The challenge is that attracting and retaining talent is key and effective links with the rest of the UK are paramount in supporting this. We can only hope to encourage the growth and development of Norfolk businesses by providing sustainable access to as wide a talent pool as possible.” When you look below the surface and see the fantastic business we have in Norfolk, the unity of spirit and the Norfolk peoples strength of character it’s exciting to think of the prospect that the infrastructure changes will bring to the regions already growing economy. From here, the only way is up!
Andrew Sherwood from Bernard Matthews said: “Bernard Matthews is proud of its Norfolk heritage and understands that by promoting the benefits of life in Norfolk, we can be more effective at attracting talent to the county.”
By Caroline Williams CEO
EXHIBITION
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PAGE5
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MEMBERS NEWS
Increase in satisfaction.
Fendercare Marine hosts open day for customers.
Fendercare Marine opened the doors of its Great Yarmouth base to showcase its expansion of lifting products and services. The Fendercare Marine Equipment and Lifting Services Open Day was attended by a wide array of existing and new customers, as well as members of the local Great Yarmouth community. The guests were treated to displays of marine equipment products, lifting equipment, rope splicing demonstrations, working at height equipment and load monitoring.
During the day, Fendercare Marine MD, Eric Plane, presented a donation cheque to the RNLI which was followed by a rescue demonstration from the Gorleston RNLI team. Fendercare Marine Equipment and Lifting Services, based on Breydon Road, Great Yarmouth first opened in July 2012 to provide shoreside support to the wind farm vessels. Since then it has doubled its warehouse capability to offer onshore crane inspection and testing; mechanical and electrical lifting equipment; hydraulic equipment and winches; lifting tackle and load/stress monitoring equipment with many products available for sale or hire. These products and services are available to the renewable industry, the offshore oil and gas sector together with onshore industrial sectors, creating a truly unique and versatile energy and lifting support base.
The results of a national bus passenger survey published by independent watchdog, Passenger Focus, have revealed that First’s customers in Norfolk have seen an increase in satisfaction. 89% of First’s customers in Norfolk said that they were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with the service in the county – a 2% increase since 2011. Passenger Focus’ National Bus Survey is considered the bus industry’s definitive gauge of passenger satisfaction. The survey was carried out between 8 September and 1 December 2013. The survey also noted improvements in punctuality, the cleanliness and appearance of the buses and drivers’ attitudes.
ESE Direct team growth can only mean success. ESE Direct has been enjoying year on year growth for the past four years and with that comes the expansion of its warehouse by 40% and growing its team. The newest members are Kelly Raynsford, who joined as the newest Sales Co-ordinator, and
Julie Davidson, who joined as Sales Development Executive. Julie brings with her a wealth of experience in sales having previously worked at a major educational book retailer as well as a national pest control company. Kelly joined from Quotatis where she was as an account manager having previously worked at BT Local Business; she has experience in lead generation, sales as well as knowing the importance of customer service.
The
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PAGE7
NORFOLK VOICE
Norwich for Jobs helps more than 1,000 young people. Howes Percival’s Andrew Barnes - a founding member of the ground-breaking Norwich for Jobs initiative - has welcomed the news that more than 1,000 young people have been recruited to paid employment and apprenticeships as a result of the project.
The Norwich for Jobs project was established in January 2013 by Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, Andrew Barnes of Howes Percival, City College Norwich, Job Centre Plus and Archant. The aim was to halve Norwich youth unemployment in two years – from around 2,000 young people, aged 18-24, registered as unemployed in the Norwich area, down to 1,000. The project has been successful in achieving its aim by encouraging local businesses to invest in young people, connecting young people with opportunities to gain skills and employment and focusing the collective efforts of the community to get young Norwich working.
Angles Way footpath tourism project makes rail links. Abellio Greater Anglia is working with Norfolk County Council to encourage more people to explore the Norfolk and Suffolk countryside and help boost local rural economies. The train operator is supporting the County Council’s bid to increase sustainable tourism around the Norfolk Trails – a 1200-mile network of countryside footpaths looked after by the Council - by helping to promote one of the trails - the Angles Way - with posters at five stations along the route. The new signage, which is now in place at Great Yarmouth, Diss, Beccles, Somerleyton
and Oulton Broad North tells rail passengers about the beautiful countryside walks that can be discovered in the vicinity of the rail stations, and right along the Angles Way trail which runs through the Waveney Valley for 93 miles between Thetford and Great Yarmouth. Great Yarmouth station’s new signage was officially unveiled at on Thursday 26th June at midday by Mick Castle, Norfolk County Councillor for Yarmouth North and Central, and Alan Boagey, Abellio Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager.
SaxonAir enhances helicopter fleet. SaxonAir Helicopters has added the Airbus Helicopters EC155 to its fleet. The EC155 will be exclusively marketed alongside SaxonAir’s existing range of helicopters and is operated in collaboration with DanCopter. The EC155 B1 variant has excellent overall capabilities featuring a completely redesigned cabin providing 30% more passenger space than previous helicopter models and an endurance of over 1 hour 30 minutes flying time at full passenger capacity. The EC155 will be offered in a corporate layout configuration with a capacity
of up to 10 passengers and is operated multicrew under full instrument flying conditions both day and night. Max Randall, SaxonAir Helicopter Operations, said: “‘We’re really looking forward to working with DanCopter on bringing this unique and versatile helicopter to the UK and European charter markets. The aircraft is fantastic at moving large amounts of people into private sites in a quick and comfortable manner, for example sporting events and music festivals.’
The
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MEMBERS NEWS
Proserv open day attracts 80 students. The company is also set to add to its more than 2,200-strong global workforce through participating in events aimed at attracting new talent into the energy industry. Proserv’s annual Great Yarmouth open day saw the company give the group of students a tour of the company’s dedicated engineering and manufacturing facility in full operation to help give them an insight into oil and gas careers as trainee designers, engineers and workshop apprentices.
Global-leading energy technology services company Proserv attracted more than 80 young people to its Great Yarmouth facility after holding an ‘open doors’ day for local students.
The event programme also included a tour of the facilities, technical presentations and demonstrations with opportunities to speak with key product specialists, many of whom have more than 30 years’ experience in the business. John Willmott, VP of Proserv’s Great Yarmouth facility, said: “We are committed to helping the energy industry raise awareness and promote the diverse range of long-term career opportunities to young people. The industry offers exciting prospects on a global scale and we hope that the students who visited our facilities will consider a career in oil and gas after experiencing the different types of jobs first hand.”
KLM company engineers training solution. A vital element of a prestigious apprenticeship course used by KLM UK Engineering to train generations of successful aircraft mechanics has been saved thanks to an enterprising partnership with City College Norwich.
Business leaders from all over Norfolk gathered at Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind and Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind on International Mandela day, the 18th of July. The event, masterminded by Ian Hacon, founder of Yellow Brick Road, the new Conscious Leadership Business, saw 30 business leaders giving help and advice to Mind on how they could better run their business. It was also an opportunity to find out much more about the work Mind does, and in particular how they can help with issues around mental health in the workplace.
A core part of KLM UK Engineering’s flagship four-year Advanced Level 3 in Aeronautical Engineering is 26 weeks of specialised hand skills and sheet metal work training. For seven years that training, along with ongoing NVQ assessment, was provided by the East Anglian Group for Industrial Training (Eagit), which closed its Norwich training centre on July 31.
Many of the business people in the room charge for their time professionally. These ranged from Learning and Development companies, financial support, solicitors, IT specialists, business leaders and bankers. If these organisations were to charge Mind for their time, most would charge many hundreds of pounds for a day’s support. Having worked with many of them previously Ian Hacon totted up their charge out rates to come to the £20,000 total, which does not include any ongoing commitment beyond the event.
“We had worked very well with Eagit for a long time and it came as a big concern to learn the company was closing,” said KLM UK Engineering Managing Director Arjan Meijer. Mr Meijer said apprentice aircraft engineers needed to learn the particular skills set they need for their specialised role – without working on real aircraft.
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NORFOLK VOICE
Health and Safety expertise coming to B2B. ADVERTISING FEATURE
The Contractors Health & Safety Scheme (CHAS) are looking forward to attending the B2B Exhibition 2014 at Carrow Road, Norwich in October.
CHAS is the largest and fastest growing Health & Safety Assessment Scheme in the UK, and its aims are to improve health and safety standards across the UK and to reduce duplicated safety applications for both suppliers and buyers. It has a web-based user friendly database of over 58,500 suppliers. CHAS accreditation avoids repeated safety pre-qualification applications, saving time and money and is also a founder member of the SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement). CHAS currently has a team of over 120 accredited assessors who
are all NEBOSH qualified, practising health and safety professionals who attend CHAS specific training on a regular basis. CHAS assessments cover a wide range of sectors including nonconstruction, construction and care service providers. There are currently over 600 buyers who have access to the database across both
the Public and Private sectors. These include Local Authorities, RSLs, Main Contractors, the Education sector and the NHS sector, amongst others. A full list of buyers, application forms and information is available on the CHAS website. If you are attending the Carrow Road, Norwich event, please do visit CHAS at stand B33.
Martin Hales
Tax Avoidance. HMRC focus on the bigger picture with a new cast of thousands! Recent media coverage has highlighted HMRC’s bid to tackle tax avoidance and with it stories of celebrities ‘inadvertently’ investing in schemes designed to avoid tax. Recent focus has been on a vehicle called Ingenious Film Partners 2, which in the mid 2000s encouraged people to invest in the British film industry. But economic and political sentiment has shifted and HMRC say this and other schemes were designed to generate inappropriate amounts of tax relief. Ingenious Film Partners 2 was recently listed as one of a significant number of candidates for ‘accelerated payment notice’ (APN). This means that investors can be asked to repay all tax that HMRC think they should have paid, before litigation takes place. In the case of Ingenious, an individual could have invested an amount of £36,000, for example. Ingenious would loan a further £64,000 to invest, taking the stake to £100,000.That sum would be used to buy shares in film productions which, in the first year, created say a £90,000 loss available for offset against taxes. Ingenious is a well-known supporter of films with Avatar being a notable success. So far, they have spent £7 million in legal fees challenging HMRC’s position.A hearing is listed for November so whilst investors may be receiving notices to pay, if HMRC lose they may get their money back.
Many other long established schemes are being challenged by HMRC.An online list has been published of known and disclosed schemes whose users may get the aforementioned APNs. Identification is by numbers known as Scheme Reference Numbers. We understand around 33,000 people will receive tax demands for potentially £billions over the next two years. Even though they will be given 90 days to meet liabilities some will not have enough money to pay, especially since interest payments will have accrued. This could lead to many facing a major cash flow problem, and sadly individual bankruptcies could increase. If you feel you may be affected we recommend you speak to your tax advisor.
For more information, contact Martin Hales at Larking Gowen on 01603 624181 or at martin.hales@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.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Are you offering the right benefits to retain staff? ADVERTISING FEATURE
Healthy benefits packages can make the difference between keeping and losing staff, one recruitment firm has revealed. polkadotfrog recruitment specialists, with offices in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich, has noticed a recent deficit in the quality of benefits packages awarded to staff members across the region. Lucy Tufts, Director at polkadotfrog comments: “There seems to be no consistency between what benefits packages firms are prepared to offer. Regardless of job title, industry or experience, there’s incongruity between what candidates are presented with.
Lucy Tufts
“We’re urging businesses to review their benefits packages and ensure that they don’t lose out on good people because their offering isn’t competitive.” As well as annual leave and staff discounts, other popular benefits include company cars, private medical insurance, child-care vouchers, enhanced maternity pay, contributions towards eye care, pension schemes, gym membership, contributions towards car-free travel and company mobile phones. polkadotfrog specialises in Office, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, Finance, HR, IT, Legal and Shipping & Transport sectors across all levels for permanent, temporary and contract positions. It has offices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge and celebrated its 10th birthday in 2013.
“Some firms do it really well; providing really wellstructured and attractive benefits packages to staff members. The latest trend is offering ‘swapable’ benefits, so a candidate can trade one benefit for another that might better suit their personal lifestyle.
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NORFOLK VOICE
New Faces for Norwich Chamber Council. Following an interview process, Norwich Chamber Council has appointed six new members to strengthen the area council’s remit. Ben McGuire, Mark Ellaway, Fiona Temple, Mike Handby, Paul McCarthy and James Mason have a wealth of experience in the local area and will be strong additions to the Norwich Chamber Council. When asked why they wanted to join the Norwich Chamber Council the new members had the following to say: 1 Ben McGuire, Commercial Director, Caterham Technology said: “I firmly believe in the local business community and wherever possible, I like to support and encourage local businesses.” 2 Mark Ellaway, Director, Big Fork Ltd said: “I want to help improve business conditions in Norfolk for all businesses to grow and prosper. My specific interests are digital/creative and I really want to help young people in the work place.” 3 Fiona Temple, Managing Director, Open Contact said: “Having worked in the Norfolk SME market for nearly a decade, I feel I can offer a useful viewpoint on lots of key issues, such as youth engagement, transport, and communication.”
4 Mike Handby, Regional Business Development Director, Santander said: “It is vital to promote a favourable business climate in the local community and I feel I have the experience and qualities to make real difference.” 5 Paul McCarthy, Centre Manager, Castle Mall, Norwich said: “Part of my strategy for Castle Mall is to help improve our city’s profile and support the business and retail community and being part of Norwich Chamber Council appears to be an excellent opportunity to do just that.”
n Peter Foster, Chair of Norwich Chamber Council said: “The prospect of working with the new council members is very exciting. I’m confident the diversity of the new members will provide fresh experiences and sector knowledge that can only benefit the development of the Norfolk Chamber.”
West Norfolk Chamber Council adds experience to their ranks. West Norfolk Chamber Council has added two new sectors: Tourism/Hospitality and Media; to the makeup of the area council: Michael Baldwin from Bank House Hotel and Chris Bishop from Archant (EDP - West Norfolk) have been recruited to the Chamber Council. Following an interview process, Michael and Chris were successful and are looking forward to contributing to the West Norfolk Chamber Council meetings and debates.
1 Michael Baldwin, General Manager, Bank House Hotel said: “I am passionate about raising the profile of the hospitality sector and bringing more young people into it. I have a wealth of knowledge that can be utilised to enhance the Chamber Council knowledge and benefit the local area.”
2 Chris Bishop, Community Editor, Archant (EDP – West Norfolk) said: “Being part of the West Norfolk Chamber Council will help strengthen the ties between the West Norfolk business community and Archant. I have been a journalist in the West Norfolk area for 20 years and am aware of the local issues.”
The
6 James Mason, Commercial Director, Norfolk Training Services said: “I have a passionate interest in the important part that work skills play in the success of all businesses. Together with a knowledge and understanding of the skills funding system, I believe my experience and enthusiasm in this area can benefit the wider business community.”
To view all Norwich Chamber Council members go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Diversity at Chamber.
Norfolk Chamber members heard from Wendy Bowers from Role and Tamsin Dye from Barclays Bank plc on how equality and diversity can impact on business at a recent working lunch. The lunch was held at The Library Restaurant in Norwich and sponsored by Barclays Bank plc. Discussions centred around: the cost of implementing equality and diversity, particularly on smaller businesses that do not have a specific HR department; maternity and paternity cover; childcare and holiday cover; and encouraging young women in business.
n Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council said: “Both Michael and Chris are welcome additions to the area council and will bring a wealth of experience to enhance the local debates.”
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CHAMBER POLICY
Over 215 businesses already benefitting from Growth Hub.
Funding opportunities.
help available and lots more ambitious businesses who can benefit from it.”
The New Anglia Growth Hub, set up in June this year to provide free business support to growing businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk has already engaged with over 215* businesses as well as individuals looking to start up. James West, Stella Rice and Glen Moore are the Norfolk based Business Growth Advisers and reaction on the ground to their work has been very positive. *figure as of 31st July. James West, adviser for Norwich and North Norfolk says: “The diversity of Norfolk businesses comes as quite a shock! I’ve met niche manufacturers, cutting edge technology firms, innovative service companies and small businesses providing the products and services we all rely on daily. Reaction to the Growth Hub has been very positive. People are a little mystified by the support that may be available and welcome a friendly face to help them find what’s right for them. So far I’ve helped businesses access funding including the Growing Business Fund and Grants 4 Growth and practical support including Growth Accelerator and NWES. There is lots more
Stella Rice, adviser for South Norfolk and North Suffolk says: “I have been privileged to meet so many aspirational, innovative and focussed individuals who are looking to either create a new business, drive an established one forward or to rejuvenate a recognised brand. Our aim at the Growth Hub is to work locally, with local individuals and local businesses, in order to support them to realise their potential, to help the local economy and to create jobs. I have met with bespoke furniture makers, industrial manufacturers and owners of tourist ‘hot spots’, to name a few and the one thing that they all have in common is their passion for what they do and the value that they want to add. They are amazing.” Glen Moore, adviser for East Norfolk and East Suffolk says: “I’ve seen an incredible variety of companies since starting this role, ranging from a marketing agency to a manufacturer of shelters for disaster areas. Of course the kind of help they are looking for varies as well – some are aiming to recruit apprentices and don’t know where to start, others are seeking funding to help with their growth plans. It is so encouraging that they are all pleased to discuss their business with someone who is trying to help them.” The Business Growth Advisers offer their expertise for free via the Growth Hub. If you need grant funding for a project or looking to grow your business, you can ask for an appointment to discuss your growth plans by calling 0300 333 6536 or by emailing growthhub@newanglia.co.uk.
Representation & Gold Patron Dinner. On a glorious summer’s evening, Norfolk Chamber held its Gold Patrons and Representation Council Dinner at Barnham Broom Hotel - with a little crazy golf to whet the appetite beforehand.
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n Businesses must be located within the Norfolk/Suffolk Enterprise Zone n Focus on development of energy related businesses n Business must demonstrate ability to increase business growth by floorspace, by recruitment More information: www.newanglia.co.uk
Low Carbon Innovation Fund 1 (Large Investment Scheme) n SMEs with up to 249 employees n Capital Costs funding n Develop low carbon products or components or carbon efficiencies n Minimum Funding Allowance £75k n Maximum Funding Allowance £750k n Match funding 50:50 More information: www.lowcarbonfund.co.uk
Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 (Small Investment Scheme) n SMEs with up to 249 employees n Capital Costs funding n Develop low carbon products or components or carbon efficiencies n Minimum Funding Allowance £25k n Maximum Funding Allowance £75k n Match funding 50:50 More information: www.lowcarbonfund.co.uk
Manufacturer Advisory Service (MAS) n SMEs with up to 249 employees n Priority industries - manufacturing n Maximum funding amount £7.2k n Use for growth and expansion More information: www.mymas.org
Ready Set Go Grants
The guest speakers were Fiona McDiarmid, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Strategy and Tom McCabe – Interim Director of Environment, Transport and Development from Norfolk County Council. Fiona and Tom outlined the County Council’s Norfolk Plan and how the business community could help to deliver it. Discussions over dinner centred around understanding what success looked like in
Enterprise Zone Business Rate Discount
SMEs with up to 249 employees Minimum funding amount £2.5k Maximum funding amount £25k Use for implementing new products, processes and ideas More information: info@nwes.org.uk n n n n
Norfolk and ensuring the profile of Norfolk was visible on a local, regional and national basis.
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NORFOLK VOICE
HSBC supports Jonas Seafood’s future growth. Jonas Seafood, Norfolk’s premium crab and lobster supplier, is capitalising on the UK recovery by investing for rapid growth this year. The company, established in 1995, received a £210,000 finance package from HSBC to facilitate expansion plans which included the opening a new £500,000 factory and a purpose built seafood shop at its factory premises in Cromer. The investment has been focused on increasing production capacity to drive domestic sales, as the company’s reputation for its premium locally caught crab and lobster has seen UK customer numbers swell in the past year. To ensure supply can meet growing demand, the business has also recently doubled its workforce to 49, and future growth plans include
HSBC loan and invoice finance facility has allowed the company to build on its impressive reputation. “We’ve seen a rise in the number of lending requests from fast growing businesses in the East of England who are looking to invest and take advantage of the improved trading conditions. Now is the right time to invest and through our SME Fund, we’re hoping to support businesses in the region who are planning for future growth.” extending its range of products to appeal to a wider client base. James Howlett, area commercial director at the Norfolk & Waveney Commercial Centre and a member of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “HSBC has been impressed by Jonas Seafood’s ability to take advantage of the favourable economic conditions and successfully embrace business growth opportunities for the world renowned Cromer crab and lobster. We are delighted that the
Kevin Jonas, managing director of Jonas Seafood, said: “Following the positive changes in economic conditions that we have experienced over the past year we feel that now is the best time to move forward with our growth plans. “We take real pride in supplying the very best quality crab and lobster to reputable retailers and restaurants across the country. We have experienced a huge increase in trade opportunities in the last year and the support from HSBC allowed us to increase our capacity and meet the high demand for our product.”
Latest prototype East Anglian is unveiled. accountancy firms join forces. Long established leading accountancy firm Aston Shaw and fast growing newcomer Morgan Woods have joined forces; bringing together more than 50 years of experience in servicing individuals and businesses both big and small across East Anglia. The merger will create a new entity operating from five offices (Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge, Dereham and Great Yarmouth) and employing 70 staff. The engineers at Howarth Engineering Ltd have been working with an astronomy company to design and manufacture their latest prototype. This design, manufacture and assembly project shows off Howarth Engineering’s ability to rapidly develop and deliver concepts featuring optimised technical engineering solutions that meet the commercial requirements of customers. The approach ensures the customer is able to review concepts in a timely manner and kept informed of developments at every stage of the project. This prototype was delivered on time and to specification.
Jointly heading up the newly combined firm will be Mark Noakes (former Managing Director of Morgan Woods) and Dominic Shaw (former Director of Aston Shaw). Under the terms of the deal, the new firm will maintain the name of Aston Shaw. However the service offering will represent the combined range of specialisms and capabilities from both firms – a comprehensive selection of accounting, audit and tax advisory services; along with targeted strategic business guidance and support. Mark Noakes, Managing Director of Morgan Woods, said: “The real beneficiaries of this
The
merger will be the clients, who will profit from the strengthening and expansion of the new firm’s capabilities. I am very excited to be leading the next chapter for what are already two impressive accountancy practices and creating a dynamic new model for our current and future clients.” Dominic Shaw, Director of Aston Shaw, said: “It is a bold and an exciting move forward for both Aston Shaw and Morgan Woods. Our combined expertise will make the amalgamated firm well equipped to provide companies and individuals with the highest level of service. We extend a warm welcome to the clients and staff of Morgan Woods as they join us.”
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MEMBERS NEWS
Credo Asset Finance celebrate smashing fundraising goal. Metalfrog Studios reaches its seventh birthday.
Metalfrog Studios Limited of Horsham St Faith, Norwich, has celebrated its seventh birthday.
Eastern Daily Press Business Awards finalists, Credo Asset Finance took on a 5k mud challenge and donned funky wigs to raise vital funds for children and young people with cancer as part of a successful year-long partnership with CLIC Sargent. The brave staff of the Norwich based financial firm waded through mud as part of the Insane Terrain Mud Challenge in Woodbridge and just two days later, took to wearing crazy wigs in a
bid to raise a further £700 for the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people. Fran Brown, key member of ‘Team Credo’ said: “It has been a brilliant experience, people have been so generous with their donations and the team have now raised a grand total of £5291.83 which is amazing. The Mud Challenge was extremely hard but also extremely rewarding for both us and CLIC Sargent.”
With humble beginnings (located at Drayton Old Lodge, Norwich, in a single office back in 2007) Metalfrog Studios Limited now has a wide-ranging variety of clients who enjoy a combination of services which include web design, web development, search engine marketing, social media management, email marketing and digital design and logo creation. The business continues to thrive and has survived through successive recessions - without any external funding. It now supports a dedicated team of 14 personnel.
Big Issue shortlists Norfolk Social Enterprise for award. Wymondham-based Swarm Apprenticeships was one of 20 UK social enterprises shortlisted from almost 200 applicants to take part in the Big Issue Invest Corporate Social Venturing Challenge over the summer. The programme saw Swarm’s founder Robert Ashton working with Big Issue Invest, Barclays, Experian, Places for People and other project partners to prepare a pitch for a ‘Caterpillars’ Cocoon’ event in September. Ten of the 20
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with our plans to scale up nationally in 2015 as a social franchise. The investment will help with this as well as making sure we quickly grow apprentice numbers in Norfolk and Suffolk.” Swarm was established in 2013 to make it easier for small businesses to take on young people. An enterprise apprenticeship qualification, subsidised business coaching and flexible support enables the young person to hit the ground running and quickly become as asset, rather than a cost.
participants will win a £50k investment in their social enterprise. Robert said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Swarm. The support and contacts will really help
Richard Dix, MD of West Norfolk based Rural Broadband, said: “My business is growing fast and I have taken on two Swarm apprentices. After grants, they are surprisingly affordable and, with the Swarm support, surprisingly effective too.”
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NORFOLK VOICE
Case History: Gnaw. Set up in 2011 by husband and wife team Matt and Teri Legon, Gnaw develops and manufactures a wide range of innovative, high quality chocolate from its factory in Norwich.
The ethos of the company is ‘grown up chocolate, with a twist’, and products are created with fun and sometimes unusual flavour combinations. Ingredients are all natural and sourced locally where possible. Gnaw is proving phenomenally successful. Within months of setting up its factory, the company picked up its first distributor. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, with products now sold in 700 stores in the UK. But what has really driven Gnaw’s success has been export, as Matt Legon explains: “Once we found some success in the UK market we thought, ok, that’s great, but we wanted to go further, to see what the potential was overseas.”
How easy has Matt found it to overcome the challenges of exporting his product? “To be honest, I find overseas customers easier to deal with than UK ones. Everyone speaks English, so language is no problem. There was also plenty of help to get started from various sources, so we never felt that we were out of our depth.”
“So we contacted the UKTI and we went on one of their two-day Passport Export courses. This really focused our minds on the massive potential there was to export. What we very quickly realised was that high quality Britishmade products are very sought after overseas, especially in the Far East and America.”
“The biggest issue for us is the various food regulations overseas. Japan is particularly stringent. But we have passed them all, which means we are confident our products meet the highest standards all over the world.”
“To find business, we search the internet and contact prospective customers direct. We also attend trade fairs. I attended an OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) for Hong Kong last year and followed up with a visit in October to meet some distributors and decide who we wanted to work with.” “We also seem to gain a lot of business through ISM Cologne, where we have exhibited for the last two years.” “Europe is flooded with good quality chocolate already, so that is not huge market for us – although we are now exporting to Scandinavia, Germany and Portugal. Japan, China and Canada are all proving very successful for us – we now export to 22 countries overall.”
Ensuring that an export operation runs smoothly takes practice, organisation and flexibility. For Matt and his team at Gnaw, it’s a matter of using resources and setting up a practical system. “Norfolk Chamber does our documentation and we use them a great deal for general advice. They are a valuable support team for us.” “We also find distributors overseas who help us sell and market our products in the right way. We control this very tightly because where and how our products are sold is vital to us, so finding the right partners is very important. We are a premium brand and this must be maintained. We are launching five new products in 2014 and we will be working closely with our distributors to ensure this is done according to our goals. Logistics is fairly straightforward. We ship via sea mostly, and it’s picked up the other end.”
The
“The key to our success has undoubtedly been export – we grew 50% between years 3 and 4 and 60% of that was export. Our aim is that by year 6-7 we will be a multi million pound company.” “We have found a niche market, where our quality product is very desirable. We are not trying to compete with the big confectionary manufacturers - we couldn’t if we wanted to - and we have turned down four of the major supermarkets.” “We believe in our product, we are passionate, ambitious and confident – without being arrogant. So for us, export is about taking the opportunity as it presents itself, because if we don’t someone else will. It isn’t scary, as many people assume, it’s just good business sense. You have to tap into what the foreign markets want, be flexible, but stand by your product and its brand at all times. Good British products will always find a market.” “There is a lot of still untapped potential for us out there. Our long-term goal is to carry on and see what we can achieve, the sky’s the limit, really!”
Norfolk Chamber processed 15% more export documents in 2013/14 than the previous year
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
First steps of exporting. ‘Export Led Recovery’ ‘The UK needs to export more’ ‘More companies need to start exporting’ If any of these headlines have made you think that now is the time to start exporting, come and hear from your local MP who will explain the importance of trading overseas, not just to your company, but to the local and national economy as a whole. A selection of specialists will each provide a quick overview of all the areas that you need to consider including finance, documentation, shipping and more. Come and join us for light refreshments and meet other companies who are also considering taking those first steps into the world of International Trade. King’s Lynn: Tuesday 16 September 2014, 12:30 – 16:00 Keynote Speaker: Henry Bellingham MP Yours Business Networks, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JW Norwich: Friday 17 October 2014, 12:30 – 16:00 Keynote Speaker: Chloe Smith MP Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6EP Gt Yarmouth: Friday 24 October 2014, 12:30 – 16:00 Keynote Speaker: Brandon Lewis MP Novus Centre, The Conge, Great Yarmouth NR30 1NA These events are FREE to attend, but you will need to book your place by going to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. For more information, please contact Julie Austin on 01603 729706
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Following the success of last years’ events, Norfolk Chamber is delighted to bring you “Expanding Overseas” - a new series of six International Trade Events These FREE TO ATTEND events will cover the high growth markets of Poland, Mexico, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Czech Republic and Kuwait. These countries form part of the Overseas Business Network which is an initiative of the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with UK Trade & Investment. UK companies who are looking to enter new markets will be connected to British Business Centres overseas, to access support and services which will complement those currently offered by the overseas UKTI posts. Delegates can expect to hear from market specialists, cultural experts and local case studies. Our sponsors Lovewell Blake will also explain about the taxation issues when trading with each of the countries.
Testimonials from our last series:
Timing 3.45pm – 6.00pm followed by refreshments
Dates and Topics Tue 14 October 2014
Expanding into Poland At The Kings Centre 47-51 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH Tue 11 November 2014
Expanding into Mexico At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD Tue 09 December 2014
Expanding into Hong Kong At The Kings Centre 47-51 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH
“Excellent well worth the time” David Walker, Vision 2 Results
Tue 20 January 2015
“Thanks Tracey – speakers were really excellent yesterday!!” Graham Mayes, Pentagon Freight Services
At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD
“An excellent event showing the opportunities, challenges and potential in Vietnam” Keith Betts, Keith Betts Advisory Mentoring and Coaching Services
Tue 24 February 2015
“Superb Speakers”
Expanding into Nigeria
Expanding into Czech Republic At The Kings Centre 47-51 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH
Terry Butcher, HSBC Tue 17 March 2015
the right steps to take
For more information on our new series, take a look at: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/featured-event/ expanding-overseas
Expanding into Kuwait At Barnham Broom Hotel Honingham Rd, Norwich NR9 4DD
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PAGE17
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NORFOLK VOICE
THE BIG INTERVIEW Keeping pace with changes in the holiday cottage sector. The country cottage may be among the most traditional of holiday destinations but recent years have seen the industry undergoing some dramatic changes.
Keeping up with those changes has been key to the success of Chamber member Norfolk Country Cottages, a family business which started in the early 1990s and now employs 135 people, 55 of them in the county, the rest at its ten offices in other parts of the country. Norfolk Country Cottages, one of a small group of locally-focused brands owned by The Original Cottage Company in Reepham, has been steadily expanding since its creation 24 years ago and now has more than 400 properties across Norfolk alone. For James Ellis, Business Development Director, a key reason for the growth of the company is the
increasing popularity of the ‘staycation’ as more and more people looked for UK destinations rather than those overseas. James believes that the trend may have something to do with the type of lives we lead, saying: “The UK has had plenty of success in recent years, helped by the fact that people are busy and stressed at work and, rather than travelling for many hours, or even days, to reach a foreign destination, they are looking for somewhere they can reach fairly easily.” “We are also seeing the increasing popularity of shorter breaks, three, four or five days, because people feel that they have still had a break but they do not come back to hundreds of emails.” Norfolk’s status as a premier UK tourist destination is another big reason for the company’s growth. The county is now the UK’s fifth most popular UK holiday destination and tourism is the largest industry in the area, supporting more than 54,000 jobs, 15 per cent of employment, and contributing billions to the local economy. Research by Tourism South East estimated that in 2012 there were 3,373,000 staying visitors in Norfolk, staying a total of 14,700,000 nights. The number of day visitors was estimated at 30,058,000. That popularity has been good news for Norfolk Country Cottages and James said: “Organisations like VisitNorfolk are doing a great job and Norfolk is high on the agenda nationally. It really is on the map.” “People are mainly coming for the coast and the beaches but many of the other areas are developing as well and our towns and villages have good offers.”
“I think that Norfolk has got itself together in terms of its tourism. It is a really cohesive offer.” For all that, the company is determined not to rely on others to drive its success and is determined to keep evolving, James said: ”We are ambitious people and have a firm belief that you have to keep innovating if you wish to keep growing.” “You cannot afford to stand still in business because, if you do, the opposition catches up or overtakes you.” “That is why we have been innovating in areas such as the range of services we offer and our use of the internet to market ourselves.” “The nature of the holiday cottage sector is changing as well, particularly over the past ten to fifteen years. People these days expect more; it’s no longer enough for them to turn up and find granny’s old house with all the furniture still in it.” “People expect quality, ideally something that is better than they have at home. We are finding
People are mainly coming for the coast and the beaches but many of the other areas are developing as well and our towns and villages have good offers.
The
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BIG INTERVIEW
By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com
that people know exactly what they want and are prepared to pay a little more if they know that they will get it. As a business we have had to take account of that.” “I think one of the reasons the UK holiday sector has done so well is the raised standards of the accommodation on offer.” “People respond to that. They are happy to return to the same places and we are finding that people are booking now for next year to make sure that they get what they want rather than leaving it to the last minute and missing out.”
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James Ellis Business Development Director Norfolk Country Cottages
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NORFOLK VOICE
Good leadership is crucial. Great leadership is better. ADVERTISING FEATURE
PERFECTLY EQUIPPED TO FIND THE RIGHT TALENT From our offices in Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft we have dedicated sector specialists to solve your recruitment requirements, whether you’re looking for full-time staff or contractors Leadership in July at Cooper Lomaz
Cooper Lomaz Recruitment again demonstrated their commitment to excellent leadership. As well as internal promotions, the recruitment company enlisted the help of a former SAS officer. Committed to providing benchmark recruitment services, Cooper Lomaz require great leadership. They have a tradition of promoting from within, meaning any new appointments have proved themselves and have their colleagues’ respect. Keen to improve even further, Cooper Lomaz co-organised a leadership talk and invited local senior executives to attend. The speaker was Floyd Woodrow, an ex-SAS officer turned leadership expert. Floyd showed guests how to understand other people’s perspectives when dealing with an issue. He argued “without passion nothing happens.” Cooper Lomaz staff found the event very beneficial. Mark Fletcher, Operations Director, said: “I loved the idea that I need to be hard to beat even on my worst day.” Another Cooper Lomaz representative was Paul Kitley, then IT recruitment team leader. Paul has since been promoted to Business Manager and is now in charge of the company’s Norwich office. Paul started at Cooper Lomaz in 2012 and was promoted three times in 18 months: “The key to my success is I have grafted day in, day out and hit every single target that has been put in front of me. This is not because I am the most talented but because I wanted it the most.” Be sure to follow Cooper Lomaz on Twitter (@CooperLomaz), LinkedIn, and Facebook.
By Jane Lovell Joint Managing Director at Cooper Lomaz
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Continued growth and new prestigious premises for Outsourced Business Development Specialists. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Following a hugely successful inaugural year during which opportunities worth in excess of $45 million were uncovered for its clients, Wellton Energy, a Norfolk based outsourced business development specialist has moved to larger premises at the prestigious Hethel Engineering Centre near Wymondham. Wellton’s Operations Director - Andy McDowell has expressed his satisfaction with the new offices commenting: “Hethel Engineering Centre is the perfect location for Wellton to set up shop for the foreseeable future. The facility has everything we require to allow Wellton Energy the ability to carry on expanding at a manageable rate and also provides us with the technical and engineering support to fulfil the requirements of our customers”.
This change has come about following an influx of new contracts in addition to Wellton’s current portfolio, alongside a successful dedicated recruitment drive during the early part of 2014. The recent arrivals comprise two local firms, the first of which are fabrication and machining specialists, primarily serving the oil & gas market, and the second, an independent engineering verification and inspection provider to the oil & gas, renewables and wider industrial sectors. Other recent additions to Wellton’s client portfolio include developers of a cloud based video platform for effectively communicating
compliance information, Health and Safety updates, training programs and presentations, alongside many other useful forms of material. Ultimately, the move to Hethel has been born out of necessity following addition of both new clients and employees, but leaves Wellton well placed to continue in this vein of perennial growth. Director for Business Development Jason Brighton added, “With superb facilities, events and the added exposure that being associated with the Engineering Centre brings, it seems a perfect match to ensure expansion with our ever increasing customer base”.
Outsourced Business Development Services We offer a range of services suited to each individual clients’ needs which include: > Strategic Sales Planning and Management > Business to Business Selling – Dedicated ‘field’ or office based Business Development Executive > Business Marketing and Brand Awareness > Sales and Market Analysis Prior to Market Entry > Market Intelligence and Project Specific Information > Qualified Lead Generation and Appointment Setting Please contact us to arrange for a free initial consultation
Hethel Engineering Centre,
T: 01603 280466
Chapman Way, Hethel,
E: info@wellton-energy.com
Norwich NR14 8FB
W: www.wellton-energy.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2014
PAGE23
NORFOLK VOICE
7 signs you need help with HR. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Small business owners have enough on their plate without worrying about people problems. Do any of the following sound familiar to you? 1 You will be recruiting additional staff soon but are not sure how to draft an appointment letter or contract of employment. Is it enough to agree the duties of the role verbally? 2 It is taking you most of an afternoon to run the payroll each week, but you can’t afford to employ someone full time. And you’re not sure you’re complying with payroll legislation. 3 A member of staff is frequently late, absent or seen standing around talking. You want to discipline them but are not sure how to handle it. What is the procedure for giving verbal and written warnings and when should you dismiss someone? 4 You regularly employ foreign nationals but haven’t been carrying out Right to Work
checks. Do you know the consequences of employing illegal immigrants? 5 You have more than five employees but no staff handbook or staff files in place. How can you take care of induction and training? 6 The time has come to employ someone to take care of your HR, but how do you ensure they have the appropriate training and experience? That’s why you’re looking for someone, right? 7 You would like to put in place an appraisal system and need help to organise it. You’re busy running the business and can’t dedicate the time to this one-off project.
Outsourced HR on a contract or ad hoc basis can fill the gap between doing everything yourself and employing your own HR staff. This can cover anything from dismissing an employee found guilty of gross misconduct to recruiting your new Head of HR. We handle weekly and monthly payrolls, HR audits and annual appraisals. Prosper HR Services offer a friendly, professional service tailored to suit you. Visit prosper-hrservices.co.uk or call us on 01603 217586.
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BUSINESS SUPPORT
Do I need a document management system? Answer these questions to find out. ADVERTISING FEATURE Does it regularly take over 30 seconds to find old emails and documents? Is your business critical information on someone else’s computer? Do you hold confidential documents that need to be regulated? Do you have concerns about data security? If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, it would be worth talking to a data management specialist. Norwich based DMS experts Tiger Eye are long-term members of the Chamber, and Tiger Eye chief Dave Wilson would be very happy to advise interested Chamber members. For instance Tiger Eye have worked with law firms where the Partners were wasting hours each week just searching for old documents. In cases like this, Tiger Eye create a secure central location for documents and emails, giving fast access to the information and allowing the Partners to collaborate easily and spend more time on billable work. Dave Wilson says: “With the recent increase in the regulatory requirements around the storage of data, many different business sectors are asking for help to meet these demands.” He also points out that a good DM system can improve day-to-day operations. Dave says “Recently, at a London law firm client, one the senior partners stopped me in the corridor to say ‘This DMS solution is brilliant – thank you Dave’ ”
The Tiger Eye team: Dave Wilson, Kevin Mouzer, Alex Wilson, Julie Wilson
Dave also mentions that Tiger Eye could undoubtably offer favourable rates to fellow Chamber members! Talk to them at the B2B Exhibition in the Best of Technology zone, or call 01603 293500.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2014
PAGE25
NORFOLK VOICE
Transport improvements – are Norfolk’s transport network is being improved, which is seen as key to its economic prosperity. The question is ‘is enough being done and is it being done quickly enough?’
the dualling of the A11, it will really make a difference, but there is a huge amount still to do.” He argues that improvements to the road network would open up areas such as Thetford to expansion, both making it easier for local firms to transport goods and making the area more attractive to companies seeking to move into the county. Peter said: “The A47 needs to be dualled all the way to the A1 to improve Norfolk companies’ speed to market.” “Manufacturing in Norfolk is hampered by the poor road links, which hits reliability and add travelling time and cost to deliveries.”
There is certainly some cause for optimism. On the road, the last section of the A11 dualling is due to be finished later this year and Norfolk Chamber members are lobbying hard for more investment for improvements along the A47. A possible announcement expected in the Autumn Statement. Around Norwich, the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) is currently undergoing a planning inspectors inquiry; if granted, this would open up the possibilities for North East Norwich, including the airport and better access to North Norfolk. There is also a vigorous campaign to improve the rail service. The Great Eastern Rail Campaign incorporates the Norwich in 90 message, based around the idea of a Norwich to London service in 90 minutes, which is backed by Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. For Norfolk Chamber member, haulier Peter Brown, road improvements cannot come soon enough because he believes that additional costs imposed by a poor road network can greatly damage business.
“At the moment the road network is too slow, it takes too much time and it puts us at a disadvantage when compared with somewhere like Birmingham and the North West.” “We have a depot in the North West so I travel up there quite a bit and the infrastructure is so much better.”
“The Airport’s ability to support the region’s economic growth will be greatly improved by the surface access benefits that the NDR will bring.” “In addition, the Airport’s prospects as a growth point for employment and development in the region will be further strengthened by the connectivity that the NDR will provide.” Improving the railways is also seen as crucial which is why rail passengers and businesses were recently urged to join the campaign calling on Government for greater investment in the Great Eastern Main Line. Norfolk Chambr of Commerce, New Anglia LEP, the region’s MPs, and business are among those calling for a faster, more reliable service on the London to Norwich line with a need for significant investment in track infrastructure, better trains and greater capacity with more seats and more carriages
“It does have an effect. Just look at the past twenty years and the erosion of manufacturing in parts of Norfolk, primarily down to the sheer cost of moving goods around.”
Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP and co-chairman of the Great Eastern Main Line Rail Taskforce, summed it up when he said: “For too long East Anglia has suffered from under investment in our rail network. The Great Eastern Main Line is fundamental to the region’s future growth.”
“The Government is keen to see Norfolk develop, we certainly have the space, but the road network has to improve.”
“The Government is committed to improving train links across the UK. We need to show them how vital rail investment is for our region.”
Also keen to see the road network improve is another Norfolk Chamber member Norwich International Airport, which supports the NDR because it will make it easier and quicker to reach the airfield.
“An improved rail service into London is fundamentally important to business in Norfolk; from Aviva through to a small B&Bs on the Norfolk coast. As business in an ever changing world looks to be more global and agile, it will help access to markets, movement of labour and inward investment, as well as safe guarding existing Norfolk jobs.” Ian Hacon, President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
Chief Executive Andrew Bell said: “Norwich International Airport fully supports the development of the Northern Distributor Road.”
Peter, managing director of Fakenham-based Jack Richard & Sons, said: “I am delighted with
As business in an ever changing world looks to be more global and agile, an improved rail service is fundamentally important to safe-guard existing Norfolk jobs and to promote the region’s future growth. Ian Hacon, President Norfolk Chamber
The
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we on the right road?
I am delighted with the dualling of the A11, it will really make a difference, but there is a huge amount still to do. Peter Brown Jack Richard & Sons
The Airport’s ability to support the region’s economic growth will be greatly improved by the surface access benefits that the NDR will bring. Andrew Bell Norwich International Airport
For too long East Anglia has suffered from under investment in our rail network. The Great Eastern Main Line is fundamental to the region’s future growth.
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Mark Pendlington New Anglia LEP
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2014
PAGE27
NORFOLK VOICE
Companies turn to innovation in Look at Norfolk, See Success is the thinking behind a growing campaign to establish the county in people‘s minds as a place for innovation.
Organisations such as the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce are pointing to the many success stories in the county ranging from large companies to the smallest.
FOSTER REFRIGERATOR For Norfolk Chamber member, King’s Lynn-based Foster Refrigerator, innovation has seen this large-sized business create an award-winning product range, investing heavily in its Norfolk manufacturing facilities to facilitate more cutting-edge products and secure its long-term success as a British manufacturer. Foster is Europe’s leading commercial refrigeration manufacturer, designing and manufacturing a wide range of refrigeration equipment into diverse end user markets such as hotels, fast food outlets, in-flight catering, hospitals, schools and convention centres, for over 40 years.
It has seen an impressive annual growth of 11% over the past 10 years and invested £25m into its King’s Lynn world-class facilities over the past 5 years. The launch of Foster’s multi-award winning G2 range in 2012 provided the most technically advanced and energy-efficient models yet by Foster, and includes many low energy innovations. The range is built using components from suppliers that are mainly UK based (85%) and 51% of these are located within a 35 mile radius of the factory. Paul Veried, Vice President Refrigeration Europe, said: “Foster products have always stood for quality and reliability, but the G2 really saw our investment in innovative design pay-off.” He says the investment was about far more than just the G2 range. Its roots are in the company’s CSR document, the implementation of which has seen Foster reduce its carbon footprint by 14.5% - smashing its year-on-year target of a 2.5% reduction, and becoming the first and only company in the industry to achieve certification of the Carbon Trust Standard (2012) and a further recertification in 2014. Paul said: “Hydrocarbon refrigerants is a good example of how innovations can also help to protect the environment; they significantly reduce carbon emissions, and have a far lower global warming potential (GWP) than other refrigerants, so really do make a difference. In 1996, we were the first to offer products using Hydrocarbon at the same price as other refrigerants to encourage customers to use it, and uptake is good; Hydrocarbons now account for 60% of all Foster product ordered, which is a huge rise from just 5% in 2000.” “Without a doubt, Foster’s CSR has changed the way we do business for the better. At the most simple level, the report’s successes have meant the company can continue to manufacture its full product range in the UK, supporting the local workforce and economy, and providing stability and long-term employment to its workforce.”
EV CAM LTD One medium-sized Norfolk Chamber member that has taken advantage of opportunity in an inventive way is video technology specialist EV Cam Ltd, which was earlier this year awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. EV, which has become the market leader in video applications for the oil and gas industry, designs and manufactures, ‘downhole’ cameras
The
able to operate at depths of 10,000 feet under the sea. The company, which began life developing camera technology for television motor shows such as Top Gear and for use in coverage of motorsport, moved into oil and gas in 2004. The company won its Queen’s Award following continued global growth as it expanded from a solely UK-based company three years ago into one that currently operates in 12 countries EV, which splits its headquarters between Norwich and Aberdeen, has a team of 100 people, 34 of them in Norwich, and has grown at a rapid pace in the past three years through attracting outside investment which allows is to constantly develop its technology. Francis Neill, EV chief executive, said: “We were still a small company four years ago but we attracted equity investment which has allowed us to develop our technology.” “We really are cutting edge. All R and D is carried out in Norwich and we are working with other companies to develop our cameras, for example to design cameras that can operate at higher temperatures.” “Imagine taking your I-pad and putting it in the oven, they are the kind of conditions in which our equipment works. It does not last long in those situations and we are constantly evolving the technology.” “As a result, we have become the market leader. We are ahead of the market and are changing behaviour. Companies hear about us
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the search for success. and approach us with possible new applications for our technology.” EV’s first international target as it began its rapid growth was the Gulf of Mexico, which it entered in 2010. The company went on to establish itself in Canada and the US before entering South East Asia, the Middle East and Australia, has 17 worldwide bases and recently opened its doors in India and Indonesia. EV was also the first Norfolk Chamber member to complete all six international training courses and be awarded a Foundation Certificate. Having just been bought out, it is seeking to continue its rapid growth. Francis said: “Our target is to double the size of the company in three years.”
WiSPIRE A small company which has taken a truly inventive approach to business is Norfolk Chamber member WiSpire, which was set up to help reduce the ‘digital divide’ which challenges economic growth for businesses and restricts the development of schools and rural communities. Set up in 2011, Norwich-based WiSpire uses fibre and wireless technology by turning local church towers into hubs providing wireless broadband services. Rob George, who oversees Marketing & Operations, said: “Being as we are majorityowned by the Diocese of Norwich, we have the infrastructure needed to support the hard-toreach areas across the county that require better broadband.”
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“Because they are built on high points within their communities, church towers lend themselves to be converted into a ‘hub’ or ‘relay point’ with the installation of wireless equipment.” “Since being established, we have grown across Norfolk providing improved broadband connections to multiple residential and business customers alike allowing the economic development of our rural communities and businesses that struggle with an inadequate broadband service.” WiSpire doesn’t just provide broadband, they also offer cost effective bespoke services for connectivity, IT Support, hardware and telephony systems. Rob said: “Over the next year we will be expanding across the county offering our services to businesses, schools and residential customers of all sizes. Our initiative approach has been recognised across the country and we are in discussions with other areas about having other WiSpire networks.”
We have become the market leader. We are ahead of the market and are changing behaviour. Companies hear about us and approach us with possible new applications for our technology. Francis Neill, EV Cam Ltd
EXHIBITION
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2014
PAGE29
“The Halls – 600 years of stories... let them tell yours”
Whether you’re looking to house a large multi-roomed conference, formal dinner, trade show or even a board meeting, The Halls has an outstanding track record of hosting successful corporate events. From the grandeur of St Andrew’s and the finesse of Blackfriars’, to the breathtaking artistry of The Crypt and The Cloisters, our rooms are sure to impress your delegates. St Andrew’s Hall is available to hire from £95 per hour, Blackfriars’ Hall from £70 per hour and The Crypt from £45 per hour (minimum hire times apply), plus other meeting rooms priced at £40 for a four-hour morning or afternoon session. t: 01603 628477 • e: thehalls@norwich.gov.uk w: thehallsnorwich.co.uk
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 2014
PAGE31
NORFOLK VOICE
Perfect for that important business meeting Stylish, eco-friendly meeting and events venue in North Norfolk. Perfect for any event up to 25 people.
With office space at a premium even in Norfolk, it is often quite difficult to find somewhere suitable for that important business meeting. The Green Room at Cranmer has been developed to provide local businesses with a stylish, eco-friendly venue for all kinds of events; seminars, interviews, brainstorming sessions – anything in fact that needs a quiet, fully equipped room away from distractions. The barn features the latest technology, wifi or wired broadband and has a flexible room layout. It can seat up to 25 for a theatre style lecture or 15 around a smart boardroom table. Positioned on the ground floor, the barn is fully wheelchair accessible and selfcontained with a small galley kitchen. There is ample off road parking and the room can be booked for 2 hours up to a full day. We can also provide on-site accommodation for short residential courses in our luxury 5 star self-catering cottages. And for those businesses wanting to respect their eco-credentials, Cranmer offers the perfect venue.
The Green Room at Cranmer provides fexible modular furniture, AV equipment, free LAN & WIFI and off-road parking. For more information please contact us or visit
www.norfolk-conference-centre.co.uk The Green Room Home Farm Cranmer Fakenham NR21 9HY info@norfolk-conference-centre.co.uk 01328 823135
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Hospitality at Norwich Cathedral. Located in the heart of Norwich within 44 tranquil acres of Cathedral Close, Norwich Cathedral provides a prestigious and unique venue ideal for all types of business events. Set within the shadows of the Cathedral, and combining medieval and modern architecture, the hospitality facilities are guaranteed to create a lasting impression for you and your guests. The function rooms, with their high oak ceilings, are able to accommodate up to 150 guests and are full of natural light. State-of-the-art AV equipment is provided making the venue ideal for a variety of events, including meetings, conferences, dinners and receptions. To find out more and to book, please visit www.cathedral.org.uk/venue-hire, call 01603 218321 or email hospitality@cathedral.org.uk
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A prestigious and unique venue in the heart of the city available for day time and evening use. Combining medieval and modern architecture with state-of-the-art AV equipment and first class catering, Norwich Cathedral’s contemporary hospitality facilities offer an unrivalled venue for all types of events. To find out more and book, visit www.cathedral.org.uk/hospitality, call 01603 218321 or email hospitality@cathedral.org.uk
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 2014
PAGE33
NORFOLK VOICE
KNOWLEDGE
Grants to grow your family business.
Mains Wiring Inspections.
John Knowlden Director, KTIB
Electricity presents two significant risks to all businesses: Property Electrical faults are the main cause of fires. Many property insurance policies contain a warranty or condition that requires policyholders to have their mains wiring inspected once every 5 years. Failure to comply with this can invalidate your insurance cover and claims may not be paid. Liability The Health & Safety at Work Act requires that all businesses must safeguard the health and safety
of all people - employees and members of the public alike. In the UK, it is a criminal offence to fail in this duty of care. Consequently, if a person is injured due to your failure of this duty of care your insurance company could reserve the right to deal with an injury claim. You are required to assess the risks associated with your business and manage these at a tolerably low level. Specifically, businesses are required to comply with applicable regulations; often a large number of them. For fixed wiring, the specific regulations are the Electricity at Work Regulations, 1989 (EAW). The guidance is non-prescriptive, in keeping with the goal-setting format of the regulations, which means that whilst maintenance is a statutory requirement, the scope and frequency of the maintenance and inspection should be riskbased: i.e. suitable and sufficient.
Have you got a winning attitude? Winning isn’t always about getting what you want the first time, Winners take personal responsibility for themselves and anticipate success, to develop a winning attitude we just need to check out how we deal with things that happen to us in our day to day lives
“Losers visualise the penalties of failure. Winners visualise the rewards of success“ - Dr Rob Gilbert.
Someone with a winning attitude sees even a crisis as an opportunity and a mistake as a chance to learn useful lessons, remember we can all be winners by taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions, making things happen and by being kind to ourselves
Teresa Kelly Talk Enterprise
Steven Scarlett Partner at Lovewell Blake
Official figures show that the UK economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2014 and forecasts are predicting 3% for 2014 as a whole. Whilst these are good signs, the government sensibly has a real focus on measures to sustain that growth. In particular, there seem to be a lot of possibilities in the grant world at the moment, aimed towards assisting ambitious businesses to grow and/or be more environmentally friendly. Many of the grants are regionally based and relevant for typical family and owner managed businesses. Many family businesses are taking advantage of the grants currently on offer to develop their strategic planning, introduce business coaching or enhance their leadership and management skills within both the current and future generations. Capital grants are available for investment in technologies or processes that facilitate growth, reduce the environmental impact of operations, improve resilience or create/safeguard jobs. Capital grants are also available for efficiency initiatives in the form of waste, water or energy efficiency, recovery or reduction.Specific grants are available for the agricultural industry for improvements in productivity and research and development prototyping.
Can hotels risk losing two thirds of their business? Craig Davies Head of IT Services Sales, Green Duck
A third of leisure travellers say they would not return to a hotel that offered inadequate wireless access, and this number rises to two-thirds of business guests. – Hotel Industry Magazine
These are pretty scary numbers for hotel owners. In other words, you can provide great food, a shower that wakes you up in the morning, crisp white bed linen, but if the average business traveller can’t get their emails, then they simply won’t return. There’s an image that often floats around on LinkedIn which uses Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to identify the importance of good Wi-Fi in our lives – it jokingly shows Wi-Fi as more important than food, warmth and a roof over our heads. I’ve been on holiday with two tweenagers and the first thing they ask for when we hit our accommodation is “what’s the
The
Wi-Fi code?”. The desire for us to be in constant communication is driving an insatiable appetite for a good quality network connection. So, why are certain hotel owners, public venues, coffee shops still getting it so wrong in Norfolk
Pass on your best practices and expert knowledge by submitting your articles to the Knowledge Section www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
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MEMBERSHIP
Chamber membership can benefit you too. Chamber Membership can benefit small businesses from any sector and area, whether it be through the networking and opportunities, the business support and training or saving money through the business services. But don’t just take my word for it; this is what some of our existing members have to say about being Norfolk Chamber members.
“I urge anybody in business to get involved with the Chamber. The events, tools and workshops are a fantastic way to learn new skills and meet new people regularly and the Chamber staff are always at hand to provide friendly help or guidance” Paul Debenham, The Comfort Hotel
By Jason Williams Small Business Manager, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
“Since joining the Chamber we have found it very helpful and as a result we now have more clients! We always receive a warm response from all in the Chamber and must say that you all provide a great service to local industry. Only one small gripe....I wish we’d joined earlier!” Al Bainbridge, Electrical Inspection Solutions
“Since becoming members of the Chamber, we have successfully raised awareness of our digital marketing services and gained new clients. Their events are always well attended, networking “hotbeds” and their website allows you to post your news, views and articles. The Chamber team have always been very helpful and I would recommend Chamber membership to any business in Norfolk.”
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Mark Ellaway, Bigfork
“I’ve not been as proactive as I should have been with my Chamber membership – big mistake!! Since getting my profile updated and posting on the forums I’ve already built a business relationship. Do not hesitate either join now or get yourself and your business known to the Chamber’s members.…” Glenn Hoy, Scheme Manager, Best Bar None Norwich
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Free 24/7 HR, Tax and Legal Advice Line
Promote your news/articles/ events through our website and social media
Free training opportunities with our Chamber Sessions
Access to over 70 events a year
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PAGE35
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NORFOLK VOICE
Norfolk arts festival celebrates partnership with ‘inspirational’ law firm. Norfolk’s autumn arts extravaganza, the Hostry Festival, will have the law on its side this year.
The creative team behind the festival is quick to stress that carefully-selected sponsorship is a key driver to the success of the festival, which, in four short years, has gained a widespread reputation as a wonderful showcase for all that’s best about Norfolk’s vibrant arts scene.
Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers have been unveiled as the new principal sponsors of the two-week spectacular, which has been renamed as the Hansells Hostry Festival.
Peter Beck, Director of Productions at the Hansells Hostry Festival, said engaged sponsorship was essential if the festival was to achieve its aim of to reaching out to the entire county, while being fully self-funding.
Daily events will be staged from 22 October to 2 November. The ethos of the festival is that all its elements are rooted in Norfolk.
SSCS readies new Mats for EU funded project.
US2U Consulting launches IT training service.
SSCS has completed manufacture of Frond Mats with varying Frond heights ready for the next stage of the EU funded SASMAP project.
Charity support from Norwich Sunblinds. Norwich Sunblinds are very grateful for the support of our customers over the past few years. As everyone knows, the economy has been difficult, and without our loyal customers we would have not survived during the last few challenging years.
SASMAP’s purpose is to develop new technologies and best practices in order to locate, assess and manage Europe’s underwater cultural heritage in a more effective way than is possible today.
With this in mind we have decided that we would like to give back to the local community, so over the next few months we will contribute £1.00 for every blind and pair of curtains we sell this year to local charities. each month we will be supporting a different local charity.
The Frond Mats are being used to protect the sites from the effects of strong currents by slowing the current speed in close proximity to the artefacts.
US2U Consulting has launched its range of IT training services, designed to help organisations reach their technical potential, and has recruited Michael Holness, a Microsoft certified expert and consultant, to deliver the training. The service will provide a range of courses covering Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and will be individually tailored to meet the needs and current capabilities of the trainees.
The
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MEMBERS NEWS
Employer engagement is big business at East Norfolk Sixth Form. East Norfolk Sixth Form hosted an Employer Engagement Networking Event. The College’s key purpose is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to progress onto higher education and employment and the event was an important part of that strategy. In addition, it was the first of its kind in the region both due to the breadth of participants and its innovative nature. The event aimed to enhance understanding of the key sectors and local labour market, to enable employers and College staff to develop links, and to communicate the diversity and importance of work related learning
opportunities between business, community and education. Kasia Beblot, Work Related Learning Coordinator at the College, said: “In my role I work on one hand with high-calibre students who are not linking their professional futures with this region because they don’t realise the wealth of opportunities that exist here. On the other hand I also work with businesses who tell me they struggle to develop as they cannot find highcalibre employees. They also state that in order for any positive change to happen, working with individual students and providing them with work placements, is not enough. They want to work directly with teachers to make the process as effective as possible.” Representatives from Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council presented
the strategy to develop the region’s future workforce and explained the specific assets, opportunities and challenges of our local labour market.
Fosters Howarth Engineering make an Solicitors at the exhibition of themselves at EAME. Norfolk Hospice Golf Day. Howarth Engineering have recently showcased their latest machining capabilities at the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Exhibition (EAME) along with over 60 other exhibitors. EAME is a flagship event for the region and Howarth Engineering showed off their knowledge, prototype development and engineering skills with their latest design to manufacture prototype. Over the two day exhibition Howarth Engineering ran a competition to win 29th Edition Machinery’s Handbook, Guide and Pocket Companion. Congratulations to Jim Marshall from Evoke Supply Ltd the winner of these handy engineering books. Managing Director Andrew Randall said: “We are pleased with the number of contacts we Fosters Solicitors supported the Norfolk Hospice at its Golf Day. A team led by Steve Green, Fosters’ Partner and Head of the Wills, Trusts & Probate Department, participated in the event at Swaffham Golf Club, narrowly avoiding winning the Wooden Spoon. A silent auction and raffle on the day helped to raise more than £5,000 for the charity’s ongoing costs which will rise significantly once its new hospice is up and running at Hillington.
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have built over the two days and I would like to thank the staff at the Hethel Innovation Centre for organizing and hosting the exhibition.”
Bigfork design Ecoglass website. The new website for leading glass supplier, Ecoglass, is now live. Norwich website design agency Bigfork were appointed to design a new, modern website that positioned Ecoglass as a leader in the supply of energy efficient glass
units. The new site has strong imagery and clear navigation combined with key messages and calls to action. A SilverStripe CMS makes easy work of website updates by the Ecoglass team. See the new site at www.ecoglass.co.uk.
EXHIBITION
15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM
#NorfolkB2B14
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2014
PAGE39
NORFOLK VOICE
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NORFOLK VOICE
Diary Dates. NETWORKING EVENTS Sell Responsibly, Get Results: A Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast Where: Great Yarmouth Town Hall When: 11 September, 07:30 – 09:30 What: Join us in Great Yarmouth for a morning of business networking and learn how responsible businesses can gain a competitive edge, strengthen their sales pitch and increase lead conversions. Hear from ‘EDP Business of the Year 2013’ winners Blue Sky Leisure on how they are committed to being a responsible business and how it has benefited them. Sponsored by Business in the Community. Members only event.
After Hours: Gizmos and Gadgets Where: John Lewis, Norwich When: 18 September, 18:00 – 20:00 What: A new exciting event filled with all the technology know-how you could ever need. With HP, Google & Sony all providing you with the chance to have a go with some of the most recent technology products and a whole evening designed to get you talking and making those all important connections. Sponsored by Customised Ltd. For members and non-member guests.
West Norfolk Business Breakfast Where: Dukes Head Hotel, King’s Lynn When: 03 October, 08:00 – 10:00 What: Join Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Chambers for a breakfast debate, to contribute to our ‘Business Plan for Norfolk. With an update from Henry Bellingham MP for North West Norfolk on the local economy, this is a unique opportunity for businesses to join the debate, and network with your neighbours. Sponsored by The Skill Service. Members only event.
Norwich Economic Business Breakfast Where: Dunston Hall, Norwich When: 10 October, 07:30 – 10:00 What: Join us for a city briefing at this economy themed business breakfast with a unique opportunity to hear from Phil Eckersley, Agent, Bank of England and Dave Ramsden, Chief Economic Advisor for the Treasury and Head of the Government Economic Service, HM Treasury. Sponsored by Steeles Law. Members only event.
Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast Where: Great Yarmouth Racecourse When: 13 November, 07:30 – 09:30 What: As part of National Oil & Gas Skills Week, join us in Great Yarmouth for a morning of networking over a tasty breakfast. Hear from our speaker from the oil and gas industry, as they discuss the career pathways into this industry. Network, make new contacts and get informed. Sponsored by Ashton KCJ. Members only event.
Norwich Christmas Business Breakfast Where: Sprowston Manor, Norwich When: 11 December, 07:30 – 09:30 What: With Christmas on the horizon, why not join us for a morning of festive fun! Meet new people, connect over an icebreaker and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Member only event.
SPECIAL EVENTS Click and Connect.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Expanding Overseas See page 17 for full details of our international event series Expanding Overseas.
First Steps of Exporting See page 17 for full details of our international event series First Steps of Exporting.
CHAMBER SESSIONS Free training delivered by Chamber Members, for Chamber Members at the Norfolk Chamber HQ, Norwich. See page 43 for full details.
Look the Business.
Where: Kings Centre, Norwich When: Thursday 25th September, 08:00 - 13:30 What: See page 43 for full details
The B2B Exhibition 2014 Where: Norwich City Football Club, Norwich When: Wednesday 15th October, 10:00 – 17:00 What: See page 44 for full details.
An Audience With... Where: Dunston Hall, Norwich When: 28 November, 07:30 – 10:00 What: See page 45 for full details.
HR FORUMS HR Forum Where: Dunston Hall, Norwich When: 12 November, 14:00 – 17:00 What: Essential for any HR professional, this HR Forum delivered and sponsored by Steeles Law will keep you up to date on changes to legislation and latest developments in the industry. Open to all businesses.
The
Look the Business was back in August for its successive third year. Andrew Thorpe, Finance Director of Jarrold explained how, with the increasing presence of multi-channel retailing, the company have positioned itself to compete successfully in an ever competitive world. Delegates learnt top tips from the fashion and beauty experts and indulged in an hour of shopping and networking time.
Our next After Hours event is Gizmos & Gadgets on 18 September for more details visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
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CHAMBER EVENTS
Click and Connect: The Online and Social Media Showcase.
Speakers Grace Francis Head of Connect, lastminute.com
National and local speakers will share expert knowledge to bring you up to speed with the latest in digital marketing and communications. In the last 6 months social media has become an increasingly key part of marketing campaigns with social media having a 100% higher conversion rate than any other outbound marketing. Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber says: “The facts speak for themselves. There are now 1.5 billion Facebook users, and 70% of marketers use it to gain new customers. It’s crucial that as a business community we know how to connect with our customers through the media they are self-selecting” Boasting an impressive speaker line-up of national and local experts, Click and Connect, the Online and Social Media Showcase is an interactive half day event to be held on Thursday 25 September at the Kings Centre, Norwich.
Prue Watson Senior Social Media Executive, Cancer Research UK
Lynsey Sweales CEO, SocialB
Thomas Brown Director of Strategy and Insights, Chartered Institute of Marketing
Sabelline Chicot With key note speakers, workshops, practical demonstrations, case studies, networking opportunities and exhibition, plus Q&A with the experts, this is a must attend event. Open to all business across the region. Click, connect and book your place today. Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/clickandconnect
Content Strategist, Further
Neil Garner CEO and Founder, Proxama
Exclusive breakfast with senior cabinet minister. Following the success of The Chancellor, George Osborne’s, visit to the region last year we have secured another exclusive date with a mystery Senior Member of the Cabinet to come to meet businesses in Norfolk. This exclusive business leaders breakfast on Friday 28 November at Dunston Hall, Norwich will enable Chamber members to learn insight from one of the country’s key decision makers. Due to security reasons we cannot reveal the name of the Minister approx. 2 weeks before the event but do not wait until then to book as we expect to be sold out. Hosted by Matthew Hudson, Political Correspondent for ITV Anglia, we will showcase exactly what makes this county has to offer whilst leading the debate on how we would like the Government to address issues facing Norfolk’s businesses.
O ATTEND!
Taking place just one week prior to the Autumn Statement, this is an exclusive members only event you will not want to miss. For more details or to book now to secure your place visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
EXHIBITION
15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM
#NorfolkB2B14
@norfolkchamber
www.norfolkchamber.co.uk 07/05/2014 21:27
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2014
PAGE43
NORFOLK VOICE
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
CHAMBER EVENTS
International Connections.
Better your Business through Chamber Sessions. Expert advice, professional trainers and free attendance combine to create the Chamber Sessions. Free weekly training sessions delivered by our expert Chamber members for our Chamber members every week at Norfolk Chamber offices in Norwich. Available at both breakfast and lunch to suit your diary, the sessions cover a range of subjects all aimed at enhancing your business. Learn direct from those in the know about key ways to further your personal development and better your business. We have an exciting line up for Series 5, starting this November, with topics ranging from creative marketing to building rapport with clients.
THE CHAMBER SESSIONS SERIES 5 Tuesday 4 November 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Solving Business Problems Identifying the problem is often part of the solution. Sarah Jones and Steve Palmer, WLP will equip you with the tools to identify the true cause of any business problem and how to implement sustainable solutions. Thursday 6 November, 12:30-14:00
Be Better at Selling in a Tough Climate
Tuesday 25 November 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Creative Marketing How can you be creative with your marketing while remaining consistent to transmit the right message to your customers? Learn from Carole Osborne, Osbornenash. Tuesday 2 December 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Strategic Marketing Hear from an expert with 20 years of experience, Michael Gurney, The Point, will share his top tips for developing a marketing strategy and how by being intentional you can deliver leads and increase sales.
Be Better at Face to Face Networking Chris Liles, expert networker from Relationship Doctor offers a 1 hour ‘Surgery’ looking at body language through to business cards, badges to simple questioning & listening.
Tuesday 11 November, 08:30-10:00
In a world where information is available at the touch of a button, Jamie Brown of Archant will talk about the how to use online advertising to get results.
Tuesday 18 November 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Building Rapport with Clients Rapport isn’t just about matching and mirroring, Ermine Amies of Sandler Training, will look at the top tips for building relationships and rapport with clients.
Cross Country Networking.
Tuesday 9 December 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Advertising in the Digital Age
What is stopping your business from growing? James West, New Anglia Growth will help you identify the barriers impacting your growth and provide practical advice on how to position your business for the future.
Join us for the next event, ‘Norwich Economic Business Breakfast’, on the 10 October at Dunston Hall. Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Thursday 4 December 12:30-14:00
Hear from Steve Gaskin of the Right Group, who will provide tips from what he has learnt from starting a new, thriving company in a recession.
Be Better at Growing Your Business
Over 90 delegates joined us at Sprowston Manor for our July breakfast, where they learnt how Norwich International Airport and KLM are helping to drive Norfolk’s economic development. Delegates tried out a new networking icebreaker and met a new table of contacts with our Safari Networking.
Tuesday 16 December 08:30-10:00
Be Better at Presentation Skills Want to speak in front of groups with confidence? Su Ingle of Su Ingle Media will guide you through how to overcome nerves, express yourself effectively and engage your audience.
On a sunny July evening, Norfolk Chamber delegates joined Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce at Elgood’s and Sons Brewery, Wisbech for a Hog Roast, quiz and some cross county networking. There was a great atmosphere where delegates could relax and while competing with each other, the quiz winner was declared as Norfolk Chamber Member, Maze Media.
Thursday 18 December 12:30-14:00
Be Better at Time Management Ever feel there aren’t enough hours in the day? Hear top tips from Rachael Shakespeare of US2U Consulting, discover how you can manage your time even more and increase your capacity.
The
THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EXHIBITION BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY – FREE TO ATTEND!
Join us for the next event, ‘West Norfolk Business Breakfast’, on the 3 October at Duke’s Head Hotel, King’s Lynn. Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
EXHIBITION
15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM
#NorfolkB2B14 @norfolkchamber www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
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NORFOLK VOICE
TAKE A BREAK
Ridley Pinstripe. Sudoku Sep-Oct It’s 11.30am on a Thursday morning and the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd are a hubbub of excitement.
Folks are chatting in the corridors in animated fashion, Procurement have woken up and the world’s media have descended on the factory. Well, I say the world’s media, actually it’s that nice young lady from the local newspaper and a chap from the radio. Surprisingly, they are not here because of something we have done wrong but because, for once, we have done something commendable. The reason for all the excitement is the unveiling of our new project, part of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme which we launched a few months ago at the suggestion of the judge in one of our pollution cases. Suggestion may not be the right word. More insistence really. The catalyst for our save-the-rainforests project was being named in the top ten of the UK’s Carbon Footprint League Table. Top ten is not good, we are not talking European football here. Rather, our carbon footprint turned out to be more of a wacking big boot when it emerged that one of our main suppliers was digging up Brazilian rainforest in the search for raw materials. There were two options, one was to reduce our carbon output but this is no time for fanciful thinking, the other was to offset our emissions which was much cheaper so the idea of planting some rare tropical species was floated. Now, we have not had a great track record with plants ever since we fired our contractors Withering - the last pot plant died in 2009 after a desperate fight for life but there is only so many cigarette butts you can handle - but nevertheless we ploughed on. As it were. A suitable corner of the quadrangle was concreted over and a bloke in a pork pie hat turned up in a flatbed truck and dumped several tonnes of horse muck on it before Maintenance erected a greenhouse which turned out to have been discovered partly collapsed in Big Bernard‘s grandmother‘s garden when she died.
Answers in the next edition
We called in as our advisor a local botanist who arrived covered in seeds for some reason and smelling strangely of aniseed and the plants duly arrived.
Sudoku Answers Jul-Aug
Now the media are being ushered in to view with unalloyed wonder our new attraction, which includes what looks suspiciously like half a dozen geraniums, a buddleia and a rather sad-looking spider plant. However, no one is looking at them because taking centre stage is the glorious red foliage of the Fiery Brazilian Sky Plant. Magnificent. Glorious. Awe-inspiring.
Cartoons
And, it turns out, stolen. The day after the local newspaper ran the report, two police officers turned up, muttering something about returning it to the botanical gardens when it came and took it away. The next day the spider plant died. No one holds out much hope for the geraniums and we‘ve cancelled the order for a dozen tamarind monkeys.
Ridley
The
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“As soon as we solve one problem, another one appears. So let’s keep this problem going for as long as we can!”
EXHIBITION
15 OCTOBER 2014 NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, 10AM–5PM
#NorfolkB2B14 @norfolkchamber www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
07/05/2014 21:19
We are living through a revolution! ADVERTISING FEATURE
... we are here
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You control the revolution; it is in your hands and you can now see for the first time what that has created. For some time we have had different ways that you can get a legal service and this perhaps is now more uncertain than before. In the legal market there are a number of changes as companies jostle for position with what has often been referred to as “Tesco Law”. When you log on to the internet there is a whole host of companies offering different ways to receive this. This can be confusing. As a legal service, ‘The modern barrister’ is able for the first time to remove that middle process, but it offers an effective, cost efficient and high quality solution that builds your confidence on a very well-known reputation: the barrister.
Barristers until this time have kept quietly in
the back ground. Burrows Law Chambers gives you the barrister and is pioneered by a barrister wanting and creating that choice for members of the public. The choice of now being able to use ‘the modern barrister’ has come from understanding consumer choice. Barristers are known for their sharp wit, specialisation, highest quality, direct and solution based accuracy.
Barristers are also known for being the highest qualified in the country. What is clear amongst directors, employers, entrepreneurs, and individuals is that they are looking for a service that has a resounding foundation within the legal profession and who knows about law. Trust is a huge part as is receiving clear and transparent communication. Through Burrows Law Chambers and those that are selected to work as a barrister within our Norwich/national based company, you are receiving counsel advice of the highest order with a convenient approach. We encourage you to tap into a resource to set your case up against the other side in a punchy and practical way. That revolution is still in your hands, but you may just want to try Burrows Law Chambers to see if that could be where the revolution becomes the status quo. www.burrowslaw.co.uk and enquiries@burrowslaw.co.uk and 0845 154 8620
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 2014
PAGE47
NORFOLK VOICE
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The
Find out about the benefits of being a Norfolk Chamber member. All information can be found at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or email us at membership@ norfolkchamber.co.uk
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A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF
A week in the Life of... Tracey Howard - International Trade Director
Monday
It’s the start of a very busy week which begins with our usual Monday morning meeting in the Board Room. We go round the table and everyone states what their plans are for the week and highlights any good news from last week. I then make a start on the membership renewals for September 2014. I have to raise the Invoices and produce the covering letters which need to be signed off by our CEO ready for posting this week. I also need to finalise everything for our next NITAG Meeting which takes place on Wednesday so need to confirm final numbers with the venue. At the end of July, we hold 121’s with all staff to see how they are progressing and review any training needs. Julie has just returned from a week’s holiday and hers is the first one I have this afternoon.
Tuesday
Today it’s Jacks turn for his 121 which takes place this morning. I then manage to get the notes for his and Julie’s meetings typed up and back with them for review and signing. I also print out the agendas and some
interesting literature to take with me to tomorrow’s NITAG Meeting. We are recruiting for a new Business Manager and the interviews start today. I spent time last week organising the dates and times and preparing the packs so now spend the afternoon with Chris carrying out the first few interviews in the Board Room.
Wednesday
Today begins with our Monthly Audit Committee meeting where we review our activity for June. It was a very busy month for the events, membership and export departments. This afternoon I have our NITAG meeting taking place in King’s Lynn. The theme is “Where do I start?” which covers finance, entering new markets, documentation and much more. We have a number of members and non-members attending as well as our expert panel members. I need to leave at lunchtime to ensure I arrive on time.
Thursday
A busy day ahead! This morning I begin with the follow-up to everyone who attended NITAG yesterday. I
type up the notes and get them uploaded onto our website, and then send an email out to all who attended. Everyone enjoyed the meeting and found it really useful to discuss issues that affect their everyday work in export. I then spend some time with Julie updating our International Trade Presentation which we do for Inductions. I also have some marketing content to prepare for our next edition of Norfolk Voice so would like to get this done today before the deadline arrives. This afternoon I need to do Jason’s 121 and I have my own 121 with our CEO.
Friday
I start by typing up the meeting notes for Jason’s meeting as I ran out of time yesterday. We have several more interviews to carry out today so my morning is spent in the Board Room again with Chris. Once they are finished, we then decide which of the candidates we can call back for 2nd Interviews which will take place in a couple of week’s time. It’s pay day today so I also hand everyone their payslips which I prepared last week. I need to go through some accounting
Tracey Howard
procedures with our new Assistant Accountant Emma, so spend some time with her today showing her how to do some membership processes. A last couple of things to do to clear my desk before we all leave at 4pm to have our monthly staff meeting. A great way to end the day and the week and to top it off, it’s my last day for two weeks as I fly off to Kos tomorrow!
Apprenticeship Brokerage Success. Since December 2013 the Norfolk Chamber has taken an active step in investing in young people by successfully supporting local business in creating over 30 full time apprenticeship positions around Norfolk. The service was created to support local businesses who wanted to look into what
O ATTEND!
is involved in taking on an apprentice, by offering end to end advice and guidance on the apprenticeship process, choosing which qualifications are right for the business and brokering the recruitment process with the training providers. Norfolk Chamber’s Business Manager, Chris Perry comments “The Norfolk business community are fully engaged with the need to encourage more young people into working in the local economy and it’s not hard to understand why the thought of growing your own workforce in a cost effective way is becoming more and more attractive. This although attractive, it is still relatively new to many businesses and
the process can be long, bureaucratic and frustrating when fighting through the minefield of public sector terminology and funding criteria. Even those that have embarked on apprenticeships before are not always fully aware of all the apprenticeship options that are available for them in the Norfolk. There are dozens of providers and hundreds qualifications all dotted around the region so they really needed some support in helping them see which would be right for their business. In many cases they found out about other qualifications that opened the doors to create more positions and in turn bring more young people to help grow their businesses.”
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NORFOLK VOICE
The last word. Name: Jayne Raffles Company: Raffles Restaurants Job title: Restaurateur My husband and I first opened St Benedicts Restaurant in August 1991 We met whilst working for Ruth and Davis Watson at Hintlesham Hall in Suffolk,where I was a pastry chef and Nigel Sous Chef, Nigel previously worked at Le Gavroche with Albert Roux . Having lived and owned businesses here for over 24 years I am truly passionate about our culinary and cultural offerings. We are fortunate to have a wealth of both independent and national chain restaurants in Norwich and excellent local produce on our doorstep. Visit the famous Norwich Market and you’ll find everything from local crabs, lobsters, wild mushrooms and asparagus in season, and of course the added banter with the stall holders is included in your purchase. Within the buzzing Norwich Lanes you’ll find many good independent places to eat including the, the stunning Library Restaurant Bar and Grill , St Benedicts Restaurant our Bistro Luxe and the Norwich institution that is Pinocchio’s We’ve visited many cities recently looking at universities for my son and I may be biased but Norwich really does take some beating. Judging by the new business opening so far this year a lot of people obviously agree. If you love good food and drink you’ll love this exciting and diverse city.
What did you want to be when you were young? When I was young I wanted to be a horse riding instructor, and in fact after taking my exams that’s what I did ! What could you not live without? My family, working with my husband Nigel is always a daily challenge, but after 24 years of marriage and being together for 27 years, I guess it must work, and my two amazing teenage sons Joshua 20 and Angus 17. What makes you angry? Rudeness, letting drivers go ahead of you and then not receiving a ‘thank you’…GRRR If you could invite any two people to dinner, who would they be and why? Albert Roux who was so instrumental in Nigel’s cooking career, a real mentor and Robert Parker
the wine advocate, both subjects of food and wine are dear to our hearts! If you could build a house anywhere in the world, where would it be? Easy - we have just come back from another trip to Southern Italy. Monopoli about 30k from Bari, the most beautiful white town with three beaches, lovely restaurants and bars. If you only had a £1 left in the whole world, what would you spend it on? A Blood orange always a short season in the UK, Joshua my son asked if I wouldn’t mind sending him a case by post to his university in Bath ! (The answer was a NO.) What is the best thing about Norfolk? I am completely biased, Norwich particularly The Lanes for its wealth of quirky independent shops, restaurants and cafes.
The
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What is, in your opinion, the greatest invention ever? The car I am a petrol head, not very green, but there’s nothing like a day out on a racetrack. What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in life? Work hard, play hard If you could come back as an animal in your next life, what would it be and why? That’s is so easy, several years ago, we re-homed a Whiskers sliver tabby called Ned, who is spoilt to death, he actually thinks he is part of the family, from running up and down the garden when the boys kick a ball around, coming for walks, catching biscuits in his paws and wearing my mum’s hand knitted scarf’s he leads a life of luxury and cuddles.
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