Norfolk Voice 31

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norfolk The remarkable achievements of a university still in its youth

Extolling the virtues of apprenticeships

Bridging the gap between schools and businesses

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Committed to Business

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2015

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CONTENTS

Contents.

03

Norfolk’s young people are our future employees. The question is, are Norfolk employers being effective in bridging the gap between business and education? I believe the answer is - not as effective as we could be. The picture is mixed across the county with some creative and innovative work being carried out in schools supported by employers but there is more to be achieved.

I have yet to come across a person in the Chamber network, who is not passionate about how we as a community support our young people to reach their full potential and provide us with the workforce we all need in the future. Schools are even more passionate about their young people so why the gap? To be honest I am less concerned about what has been happening in the past and much more interested in what could happen in the future.

That is - the near future. Read about how our schools feel about their connections with the employer community.

November is the month when we, as the Norfolk Chamber, really start to listen to the schools more actively and plan for how we make a real difference. Our event on November 20th Audience with … Norfolk Schools, page 36, gives the stage to our schools to explain the world they have to operate in and how as a business community we can make a difference to the future of their students for the benefit of all. If you care about Norfolk’s young people please support us by attending, listening and giving your views.

November also sees the launch of our Norfolk Chamber Community Fund. It will form part of our 120 years Anniversary Celebrations in 2016 but we were too excited about the difference the Chamber network could make by giving a contribution to the fund so felt it was too important for us to wait until January… read more page on page 10.

We are now planning our March Meet the Buyer event. If you are in procurement and are open to meeting new local suppliers, please do get in touch if you would like to get involved cw@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Welcome/Contents

12 13

Green Vision

04 06

Chamber News

18 23

Business Support

08 09

Members News

32 35

Finance

10 11

Chamber Policy

40 41

14 15

Members News

Corporate Social Responsibilty

16 17

International Trade

24 25

The Big Interview

26 29

Cover Feature

30

Knowledge

31

Membership

36 39

5

Chamber Events

43

A Week in the Life of

44

New Members

46

The Last Word

24

38 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

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Let me introduce myself.

Jonathan Cage President, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Hello. I’m Jonathan Cage and I’m thrilled to be writing this, my first column as President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Breakfast on branding.

On Thursday 10th September, more than 70 members started their day with our Business Breakfast at the Great Yarmouth Masonic Lodge. Two branding experts gave an overview of their key priorities when looking at a company’s persona. Alex Tosh from Creative Sponge shared his 7 steps to ‘create a killer brand’. A second angle on branding was presented by Bill Jones, Chairman at intellectual property specialists ip21.

Join us for the next Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast, ‘Trends in the Energy Industry’, on the 12 November at Great Yarmouth Town Hall.

Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

Soaring developments.

My ‘day job’ is in the construction industry and I believe that’s going to help me in my role. It gives me an objective, commercial overview.

And my views on being President? I want to promote Norfolk as a place worthy of inward investment.

I want to see improvements in our road, rail and broadband infrastructure.

As President, I want to attract people to the Chamber, and to Norfolk, and I want to encourage them to stay. It’s time to express the positives of where we are, who we are and all that we have to offer.

We have enormous potential in our young people and I want to see the bridges between commerce and education strengthened.

I want to see us, as the Chamber, deliver even more influence where it counts.

And, of course, I want to serve you, our members, as a President who means business.

I look forward to working with you. And seeing you as often as I can.

Jonathan Cage is the Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

On Friday 2nd October, more than 60 members from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Chambers came together for our Business Breakfast event at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre. We were pleased to have Richard Davies with us, newly appointed Station Commander, to share with the local business community the latest developments at RAF Marham. He quickly got down to business with his discussion of £300m investment at the base which in turn will generate more local contracts to be secured for work to start in 2016.

Join us for our next West Norfolk event, ‘Cambridge Business Breakfast’, on the 13 November at Holiday Inn, Cambridge.

Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

CHAMBER NEWS

Exciting times for the Chamber team.

We have recently welcomed three new faces to Norfolk Chamber. We have strengthened our events and policy teams and are proud to introduce to you our newest team members.

Bryony Smith and Abi Rosen – Events Co-ordinators Bryony and Abi have both joined the Chamber in recent weeks as Events Co-ordinators. They will work with our events team to continue to deliver high quality business events for the Norfolk business community.

Bryony said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Norfolk Chamber’s Events Team. I am particularly looking forward to getting to know all the local businesses and being able to make a positive contribution to the area through the Chamber’s progressive events programme.”

Abi said: “I have a real passion for events, so I’m really excited to have been given the opportunity to join such a driven, dynamic and successful company. I’m looking forward to putting my keen organisational skills to great use as Events Co-ordinator and continue to learn and develop within the existing team.”

Left to Right: Abi Rosen, Elinor Goodhead and Bryony Smith

Elinor Goodhead – Policy Co-ordinator After working as a temp in our Events team for three months, Elinor has now joined our policy team to help and support with the development and delivery of the Young Chamber programme.

Elinor will also be supporting the area councils and special interest groups.

Members hear about economics.

Chamber congratulates all NOSCA winners.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce recently attended Norfolk Constabulary’s eighth annual Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs).

As part of the Chamber’s partnership working with the Constabulary, it sponsors the Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award. This year’s there were two sets of deserved winners for this award: Tony and Chris Callaghan, who survived the Tunisia shootings; and Detective Constable Sarah Mortimer and Police Constable Neil Smith, who had both supported the Witheridge family from Hemsby, following the murder of their daughter, Hannah in Thailand last year.

Nova Fairbank from Norfolk Chamber said: “Norfolk Chamber is proud to support these

Elinor said: “I am excited about this opportunity to build on my experience with the Chamber.

I am looking forward to growing our Young Chamber programme and promoting our expertise in business to the wider community. I look forward to applying my knowledge from my business management degree to my work promoting policy with the Chamber.”

On Friday 9th October more than 100 delegates joined the Norfolk Chamber for a morning of economics, networking and breakfast at Dunston Hall, Norwich.

Two experts in the field spoke about the measures your business can take in order to move with and benefit from the economy. Delegates heard from Lindsey Rix, Chief Operating Officer for Aviva UK, and Antony Jackson, Lecturer of Financial Economics at the University of East Anglia.

Simon Bailey, Chief Constable and Chris and Tony Callaghan

awards. All the winners and nominees should be congratulated for the contributions they have made and their continual efforts in ensuring Norfolk is a safe place to live and work.”

Join us for the next Business Breakfast in Great Yarmouth; ‘Trends in the Energy Industry’, on the 12 November at Great Yarmouth Town Hall. Full details www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER NEWS

Buzzing B2B Exhibition 2015.

The business to business exhibition, run by Norfolk Chamber, was acknowledged as being the best ever.

Over the course of the day over 700 visitors came through the doors and networked with county’s very best businesses showcasing their products and services.

Both floors of the Norwich City Football Club were packed with 96 exhibitors divided into six different business zones to help visitors navigate their way through the busy exhibition.

The event was officially opened by Shaun Lowthorpe, Business Publishing Editor at Archant who spoke about the importance of visibility of Norfolk in the business world. After which he then took time to visit every stand to judge design,

goodies and ‘wow factor’ before awarding Breckland Training Services ‘Best Stand’ award for their inventive murder mystery themed stand.

In addition to the exhibition, delegates also had the opportunity to attend 20 minute expert bitesize sessions providing expert advice and top tips across varied subject areas.

Overall there was a real buzz around the exhibition as well as on social media. There was plenty to see and do, from apple bobbing with Plain Speaking

PR, meeting Pebbles the owl and Hazel the eagle at NBC Bird and Pest Solutions, listening to a talented Jazz Singer with Out of Office Events, and to being amazed by a magician performing tricks with fire on Farnell Clarke stand.

This year’s event was sponsored by osbornenash Farnell Clarke, Computer Service Centre, Comms Supply, Archant, Creative Sponge, Norfolk Training Services (NTS) and Holiday Inn Norwich North.

Don’t forget to put a date in your diary for next year’s B2B Exhibition on Thursday 13 October 2016, for more information visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Norfolk businesses encouraged to drive forward with digital technology.

A mobile app, an up-to-date website and greater social media engagement were among the key messages from this year’s digital event, THE FUTURE IS HERE…Putting Technology to Work.

On the 23rd September, Norfolk Chamber welcomed more than 120 local business people to The Space, for a half-day conference including key note speakers, interactive workshops, and digital businesses’ exhibition.

Delegates heard from both local and national experts, including Huw Sayer, Business Writers Ltd; Emma Swift, Tech City UK; Ian Massingham, Amazon Web Services; James Duez, Rainbird; Matthew Wells, Naked Element; Paul Kemp, Zing Insights; and Sean Clark, SeanClark.com There was also a call-to-action from both Chamber CEO, Caroline Williams, and Proxama

Founder, Neil Garner, to embrace the expertise and tech products available locally, rather than assume you need to go to London or further afield for help with digital technology for your business.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

It was great to see so many delegates sharing their new ideas and thoughts from the day – more than 900 tweets were shared in our #FutureofNorfolk15 twitter discussion.

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

An engaging way to say thank you.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

As Christmas approaches, do you find yourself wanting to say thank you to your valued clients but not sure how?

Or perhaps wishing to express your appreciation to your hard-working staff for their efforts over the past year and searching for the best way to do it?

If so, Norwich-based business Aurora Merchandise can help, with its fresh approach to high quality branded merchandise that can be personalised, allowing you to express your appreciation in a creative way.

Their team has the knowledge and experience to help you choose the most effective artwork, colour and product that will work in perfect harmony with your brand and your customers.

The company, which was started a year ago by entrepreneurs Teresa Le Goaziou and Ginny Smith, helps customers with a consultative ideas process, sourcing and developing products which successfully promote your brand to create higher engagement with your customers.

As a seasonal option, the choice is wide-ranging, from food hampers, calendars and diaries, or why not try something more high- tech with power banks, USB sticks, or innovative mobile phone chargers. Ever popular for the office are mugs, pens and stationery, or, for the sporting client, how about some golf merchandise? Don’t forget that VIP customer, Aurora offers a bespoke service, when only a unique or one off product will do. They are very proud to be selected as a Barbour stockist, enabling you to personalise your very own luxury garments.

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To find out more, please contact Teresa or Ginny on 0333 012 4609 or info@auroramerchandise.co.uk www.auroramerchandise.co.uk

The Aurora Merchandise team are already working on eye-catching ideas for 2016 when

Aurora has a special Christmas offer to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members, order ten personalised hampers for your customers and Aurora will give an additional hamper free to you as their own way of saying a seasonal thank you. (One per customer) THEVOICERESIZED.pdf

the conference, event and exhibition season gets under way, helping you with inventive branded merchandise, exhibition stands and banners. Aurora also provides marketing support to ensure that your event is a success.

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bespoke branded merchandise

RECRUITMENT’S OUR SUBJECT Our online recruitment and vacancies platform, MyCareerCentral, enables students and graduates to view your opportunities all year round. Whether you’re based in Norwich, or further afield, MyCareerCentral can help you find the talent you’re looking for.

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Register on MyCareerCentral to begin advertising your vacancies for free.

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FLEXIBLE INTERNSHIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR ORGANISATION The UEA Internship Programme provides you with a flexible and effective way of linking University students and recent graduates with your organisation. Our project-based internships can help you spot future talent, fill a skills gap or get to that project you’ve been meaning to complete.

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We create and advertise your opportunity, and support with all aspects of HR, payroll and draw up the contract on your behalf.

We regularly have subsidies available to help with the costs. We currently have a limited amount of new funding available - 40% off your costs for internships of 6-12 months. To find out if you can benefit from this, contact us today.

01603 593917 internship@uea.ac.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

New Anglia LEP: Government expects new trains.

New 90-minute services between Norwich and London and the expectation of new trains delivered early on are central to the next rail franchise announced by Government in a big boost for the passengers and businesses supporting the Great Eastern Rail Campaign.

Taskforce co-chairs Mark Pendlington and Chloe Smith MP responded to the publication of the invitation to tender (ITT) for the Greater Anglia rail franchise by saying: “The publication is the expected next step in our rail campaign.

Thousands of passengers and businesses have got behind our campaign across three counties to get faster, more reliable rail services between Norwich and London.

“We have secured agreement at every level to new trains and track upgrades, which together will allow for “Norwich in 90”, “Ipswich in 60” and benefits along the line. Most of all, passengers need a more reliable service. The day-to-day and economic benefits of what we have won will be immense for our region and completed in ten years.

“The ITT is where service and rolling stock are specified. We welcome the publication because it clearly responds to passenger need. As promised, it lays out the expectation of new trains, together with how this will be achieved commercially. In short, the winner of this contest will provide state of the art trains to East Anglia within the next few years.

Ipswich to London. In the long term, our work continues to make sure the necessary track improvements take place over the next ten years, as planned.”

The three shortlisted bidders will now put forward their proposals and the successful bidder will be announced in summer next year, with the new franchise set to start from October 2016.

“In the short term, we also welcome the provision of additional fast services from Norwich and

RSPB appoints new Senior Sites Manager for North West Norfolk.

Stansted Express the focus.

Liz will oversee all the RSPB’s work in the area both at Snettisham and Titchwell Marsh as well as the other RSPB land ownerships in the area. Liz also has an overarching responsibility for all the 14 staff and 40 volunteers and their work.

After years as a part-time conservation volunteer, Liz completed a Masters degree in Environmental Sciences and began working in Countryside and Protected Area Management at various locations in England. Before joining the RSPB, Liz worked for eleven years in Worcestershire, managing a portfolio of nature reserves, country parks and picnic areas.

Liz Appleton has been appointed the RSPB’s Senior Sites Manager for North West Norfolk.

Liz said: “I have been visiting North West Norfolk camping, walking and bird watching for about 40 years. Even though my career path has taken me elsewhere for a while, my interest in natural history remains. I look forward to spending my time talking with staff and volunteers as well as the many visitors to our sites.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The JMS Group was commissioned by Gecko Creative to produce four promotional films for Abellio Group’s Stansted Express.

Each video showed an entire customer journey, inbound and outbound, in either first or second class.

The videos were aimed predominantly at international users of the train, so there was no speech or text involved in the main videos as it had to be understandable to everyone regardless of language.

MEMBERS NEWS

Further Education Awards celebrate exceptional students.

The achievements of City College Norwich’s outstanding students from 2014-15 were celebrated at the College’s 11th annual Further Education (FE) Awards at the Assembly House, Norwich.

Howarth Engineering announces grant funding.

The high-achieving students, their parents, employer partners, teaching staff and other guests were treated to a glitzy reception with drinks and live music on arrival at the Assembly House, before enjoying a ‘posh picnic’ in the Noverre Ballroom ahead of the award presentations.

Twenty exceptional students were presented with employer-sponsored awards in recognition of outstanding progress and achievements on their course of study, special achievements in going far above and beyond the requirements of their course, overcoming barriers to learning, and for outstanding community spirit.

Corrienne Peasgood, Principal, City College Norwich, said: “Each of the students being presented with a Further Education Award has demonstrated inspirational qualities and exceptional achievements during their time at City College Norwich.”

KLM UK Engineering raise £1,400 for East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Arjan Meijer, Managing Director at KLM UK Engineering, presented Patrick Peal, Chief Executive of East Anglian Air Ambulance, with a cheque for £1,400.

KLM UK Engineering holds an annual golf day for its customers and raises money for charity during the event. A special thanks went out to KLM, Air Livery, Aero People & Qualitair for their sponsorship and to all the attendees for their donations.

Arjan said: “We look forward to continuing to support the East Anglian Air Ambulance and raising more money at the 2016 golf day.”

LSI Architects named in building magazines top 150 consultants.

LSI Architects has been named in Building Magazine’s top 150 Consultants. The Practice came in at 113th out of 150, and 46th in the top 50 Architects.

The annual list compiled by Barbour ABI, sister company of Building, is ranked according to total chartered staff.

Partner David Andrews said “We’re delighted to once again be named in Building’s Top 150 Consultants. Building Magazine is one of the construction industry’s most respected and widely read publications and so to receive this recognition is something we are rightfully proud of.”

Howarth Engineering have been approved for a business grant to help expand the company further.

Based in Rackheath, the firm has been established since 1971 and specialises in precision engineering for sectors including automotive, astronomy, subsea telecoms and power generation to name a few.

Howarth Engineering will now be able to expand their existing staff of skilled engineers and increase the three apprentices they employ.

The grant from the local LEP will also allow Howarth Engineering to expand their company into additional premises whilst keeping the company still based in Rackheath. The new unit will be an inspection and assembly area.

Organising the Grant application process was Karen Plummer who said: “We contacted the Economic Regeneration department at Broadland District Council earlier this year to get the ball rolling. I have been dealing with Jo Kerrison at the council, who then put us in contact with Stella Rice at the New Anglia Growth Hub, both of whom have been a fantastic help throughout the process. Both share our determination to promote growth to drive our business forward and directly boost the local economy.”

Managing Director Andrew Randall said: “We recognised this was a fantastic opportunity for our company to grow and develop as we strive to be a leader and innovator in our field.

This grant will allow us to boost the businesses growth much faster than it would if left to natural progression.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Chamber launches fund for Norfolk Community Foundation.

Norfolk Chamber is passionate about supporting young people to help them to develop their talents and achieve their aspirations. To tie in with the Chamber’s ongoing campaign encouraging the growth and advancement of Norfolk’s young people, it has established a Fund to support young people locally, creating opportunities and helping them flourish. This is a key priority for the Chamber as it approaches its 120th anniversary year in 2016.

The aim of the Norfolk Chamber Fund is to provide grant awards to charitable organisations working within Norfolk with young people aged up to 25. The main goal of these grants will be to increase access to employment and training, and so improve the opportunities and career options open of young people across the county.

The Chamber will be match funding £1 for £1 all donations received from Chamber members during our anniversary year.

Grants will be made available to support projects focussed on championing young people by working with those who are facing

particular challenges in accessing employment or training, or developing their skills.

n Jobs clubs and careers support aimed at young people.

Eligible projects may include:

For more information or to donate to the Fund please visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk and click on the Norfolk Community Foundation link.

n Providing training, leadership or volunteering opportunities for young people. n Projects that support young people who are NEET or at risk of exclusion to access training and develop skills.

For more information on the Norfolk Community Foundation please visit www.norfolkfoundation.com.

Chamber AGM. Following the Chamber’s October economic breakfast, the organisation then held its Annual General Meeting. It was a busy agenda, with the new board members being ratified; the 2014/15 accounts being signed off; and a new Treasurer, President and Vice President being sworn in.

Ian Hacon, the outgoing President officially handed over his Chain of Office to Jonathan Cage, Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers, who then gave his inaugural presidential address.

Norfolk Chamber’s new Vice President is Peter Foster, Managing Director of Hugh J Boswell Ltd; and the new Treasurer is Simon Watson, a Partner at Lovewell Blake.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber thanked Daren Moore, the outgoing Treasurer for all his hard work over the past five years. She also gave thanks to Ian Hacon for his support during his Presidency.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER POLICY

Fast moving developments in Transport.

Investment in the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) will help unlock thousands of jobs that are required by our young people and will provide the infrastructure for up to 10,000 new homes.

It will open up the north east sector of Norwich, including Norwich International Airport, which will benefit a broad spectrum of the business community, from transport and logistics through to retail and tourism.

The event delivered in conjunction with Norfolk County Council will highlight current and future ‘Transport for Norwich’ developments and the key role of the Northern Distributor Road (NDR), as well as further cycle route developments and Bus Rapid Transit.

It will also help improve journey time reliability and has the potential to reduce traffic congestion within Norwich City Centre, again benefitting thousands of commuters and the companies they work for.

Businesses interested in hearing more about travel and transport developments in and around Norwich are invited to attend a free breakfast event.

Investment in the NDR will help unlock thousands of jobs and support the development of up to 10,000 new homes. It will open up access to Norwich International Airport, large areas of Broadland and North Norfolk and business areas in the north-east sector of Norwich.

Preliminary work will have started, ahead of main construction around March next year.

Open to members only, the event will be held on Thursday 26 November 2015 at Norwich City Football Club from 07:30 – 09:30am. To book your free place visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Chamber starts work on its three year business plan.

The Norfolk Chamber Board and members of the Representation Council, together with senior Chamber staff recently spent the morning looking at the Chamber’s aspirations for the next three years.

Membership, Events, International and Policy Departments.

The brainstorming session was held to kick off the start of the Chamber’s business planning process and the meeting was facilitated by the Chamber President, Ian Hacon. The group reviewed the future aims and aspirations of the

Neil England, the Chamber’s new Head of Business Services also attended the brainstorming session. He will officially start working at the Chamber on 2nd November 2015.

There was some fantastic feedback and ideas raised by the new Chamber Board members and the Representation Council.

Each Chamber department manager will now start to draft their business plans for 2016/2017 and beyond, which will be presented to the Board later in the year for approval.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

GREEN VISION

The importance of Energy Efficiency Heating.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

How can you make your home or business premises more energy efficient? Firstly we recommend improving the fabric of your building, by reducing heat losses, i.e. improved insulation and air tight windows and doors, this reduces the size of boiler or renewable heat source required.

Secondly, installing a heating system which uses renewable energy will provide you with long term financial savings on fuel.

Renewable energy is generated from natural resources such as the sun.

In September 2015, a new ErP Directive introduced an energy labelling system - similar to that found on washing machines, fridges etc – to boilers and other heating products. Heating systems as well as products will be rated for energy efficiency under the scheme.

Many people want to save money and reduce their carbon emissions, if you are considering changing your heating system, expert advice in making these decisions is available from specialist heating companies.

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Help your staff get to work with the business travel pack.

This pack aims to give you the tools to help encourage your staff to consider using sustainable modes of transport.

By providing useful information it will be easier for employees to make informed choices for getting to and from work, and this can be used to help staff and visitors access your workplace.

There are a number of ways in which your business will benefit from the business pack and promoting sustainable travel to your staff: n Reducing car park pressures n Reducing business expenditure n Helping you attract and retain staff n Reducing business mileage. n Active travel increases productivity Download the pack at www.norfolk.gov.uk/businesstravelpack.

For more information please email: betterbusarea@norfolk.gov.uk

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Leading the way in the circular economy Few areas have seen as dramatic a change during the green revolution as waste management with recycling and re-use now the norm for many companies.

One of the UK companies at the forefront of the drive towards more sustainable practice is Veolia, an organisation that is leading the way to a circular economy.

From refuse collection to recycling, waste treatment to street cleansing, the company provides services to thousands of businesses and nearly a third of the UK’s population.

Much of its work is carried out in their East Region, which includes operations across Norfolk providing services to local authorities and businesses.

Keith McGurk, Regional Director for the Region, which employs 2,000 of the company’s UK workforce and operates depots in Norwich and Broadland, says that the green revolution is gathering pace as people realise how important it is to the future of the planet.

He said: “I think that we are seeing a change.

More and more of us are getting the message about the need for more sustainable waste management. We realise that we live on a planet with diminishing natural resources and

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we must do something about it. I think it’s a generational thing. As we move through the generations the idea of sustainability becomes more widespread. People are more aware.

Some companies still do not get the message but as the need for a circular economy has gathered pace, so more and more businesses are taking it seriously. One of the drivers for business has been the Landfill Tax, which has helped sustainable waste management make sense financially for companies. That has been an important driver. Another driver has been legislation.

“The result is that, as an organisation, we are increasingly involved across all sectors. The expertise that we bring in waste management is relevant in many industries, whether it be general waste or more specialised services such as handling hazardous waste. We work with a lot of SMEs as well larger companies, helping them to be more sustainable in the way they dispose of their waste. We also work with national and local government as the message spreads about the need to recycle and the benefits of a circular economy.”

Resourcing the world

Having commissioned Imperial College London to conduct independent research into the economic benefits available to the UK if it fully embraces the circular economy, Veolia recently published a report titled The Circular Revolution.

The research found that a combination of ‘closing the loop’ on resource use and moving to a service rather than product based economy has the potential to add the equivalent of £2.9bn to UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year. This is approximately £29bn over 10 years.

The report also estimates that 175,000 jobs will be created by the circular economy, amounting to almost 10% of UK unemployment. Estelle Brachlianoff, Senior Executive VP UK and Ireland said: “The world is facing an enormous challenge. Expanding populations and a rise in living standards means demand for raw materials is growing, at the same time resources are rapidly depleting. Businesses need to wake up to the unsustainable nature of our throw-away economy and put more value on resources.”

NORFOLK VOICE

Alan Boswell Group shortlisted for major industry award. signing up with independent review company Feefo that really sparked the interest of the judges. The self-confidence that the Group has in its service provision was justified when their clients bestowed upon them a service score of 98%.

This positive feedback has established the broker in a strong position and by the end of the year they are expected to achieve ‘Gold Partner’ status with Feefo.

Norwich-based insurance broker, Alan Boswell Group, has been shortlisted to win the accolade of ‘Independent Broker of the Year’ at the annual Insurance Times Awards.

The awards, highly regarded in the insurance industry, will see the local broker compete against two other finalists for the most prestigious award at the annual event.

Amongst the factors which saw the company shortlisted for the awards are the Group’s bespoke schemes which include a marketleading insurance policy for Broads-based boats and highly rated landlord products which helped gain the broker the title of ‘General Service Supplier of the Year’, at the annual Landlord and Letting Awards.

But it is the decision of the Group to place their reputation in the hands of their customers by

Lee Boswell, Marketing Executive at the firm, said: “We’ve had a great year and it felt like the right time to finally see what our customers truly thought of us. The testimonials we have received are absolutely outstanding.”

The broker recently received the ‘Overall contribution to apprentices and workplace learning’ award from City College and twenty two staff have passed a total of twenty eight Chartered Insurance Institute exams in the past twelve months alone, which signifies the training and development opportunities continually provided to its staff.

Also very active in the community the company took part in a ‘Business in the Community’ programme. Designed to support local students at the Open Academy in Norwich, Alan Boswell Group accepted work-experience students and helped them develop their skills and CV writing to get them work ready.

The company also raises significant amounts for local charities and were awarded ‘Supporter of the Year’ at the annual Smiles Awards run by, local charity Nelson’s Journey. They are also set to raise over £10,000 for their current Charity of the Year, Break.

The awards will take place on 1st December at Battersea Evolution in London.

New flights announced from Norwich Airport.

Regional & City Airports (RCA), the leading UK regional airport operator, has strengthened its strategic relationship with Flybe to introduce year-round scheduled holiday flights at Norwich Airport.

Andrew Bell, who heads up RCA, the airport management division of Rigby Group PLC and

The Plain Speaking Agency in Norwich is celebrating.

The specialist PR and communications company has won three new business pitches and has also expanded its team.

Reflecting its reach as an agency, Plain Speaking’s latest clients cover a range of sectors and locations.

Plain Speaking is working with Dipple & Conway Opticians as the company prepares to mark its Centenary in 2016. The agency is also supporting Nwes, the UK’s largest not-for-profit Enterprise Agency, on a variety of projects over the next 12 months. And finally, IPRS – a national firm providing specialist physiotherapy, rehabilitation and paramedic services – has appointed Plain Speaking to help raise its profile across a variety of sectors.

Pippa Lain-Smith, managing director of Plain Speaking Agency, said: “We’re extremely excited to be working with Dipple & Conway, Nwes and IPRS. They are three very different organisations but each one excels in its sector.”

The partnership, which involves significant investment from both parties, will see the return of scheduled sunshine flights to Norwich for the first time in almost a decade.

Year round services from Norwich Airport to Alicante and Malaga will start in March 2016 in time for the Easter getaway, with the addition of Geneva expected later in 2016.

Plain Speaking Agency celebrates a hat-trick of new client wins.

owners of Norwich, said: “This is a tremendously exciting time. For nine years the issue of reviving scheduled sunshine flights from Norwich has been the number one priority issue raised by our customers and to see them return from 2016 will be hugely welcomed across the region.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Alex Dalgleish has joined Plain Speaking as a full time account executive. Alex graduated from the UEA with BA (Hons) in English Literature and Philosophy before spending a year as part of the Norfolk County Council communications team.

MEMBERS NEWS

Leading seed technology business opens new research and development laboratory.

Norwich Research Park has officially welcomed one of the world’s leading independent seed technology businesses, Germains Seed Technology, to their new state-of-the-art laboratory.

The bespoke facility at Centrum, Norwich Research Park’s research, innovation and business hub, accommodates senior members of Germains’ Research and Development team with a strategic focus on the science of seed priming and crop development.

Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, chief executive officer at Norwich Research Park, said: “We are delighted Germains Seed Technology has chosen Norwich Research Park as a location to further

existing Research and Development facilities in the UK, Netherlands and the US, the opening of their latest laboratory and research office further strengthens Germains’ existing links with scientific and business partners at Norwich Research Park.

Senior scientist, Dr Hamad Siddiqui, said: “With our new laboratory at Centrum, Germains benefits from the expertise and technical infrastructure at Norwich Research Park. We already collaborate with the John Innes Centre and we are looking to build new collaborations with other institutions, too.”

research seed priming and crop development.

This reinforces our global position in creating a unique cluster of business and research organisations with world-leading science credentials.”

Germains was acquired by FTSE 100 company Associated British Foods in 1990. In addition to

Leathes Prior profile is raised.

BBA Digital Media used its digital signage networks to promote Leathes Prior, a Norwichbased solicitors located in the heart of Cathedral Close.

Leathes Prior has had a well-established reputation in the city since 1876 so the intention was to increase brand awareness.

Dr Gerard Mulqueen, European business director at Germains Seed Technology, which operates globally with sites across two continents, said: “This fundamental research facility at Norwich Research Park’s Centrum laboratories is a further enhancement to our product development programme, enabling Germains to continue meeting the future needs of our customers and the industry as a whole.”

Radio Norfolk visits Independence Matters.

BBA Digital Media’s screens offered bright, crisp imagery and HD video so that Leathes Prior’s message caught the eye of 10,000+ people.

If you’re buying online, can you support our social enterprise?

Your Own Place is a social enterprise making a difference to the lives of young homeless people. Not only do we support them in developing independent living skills, but to enter employment too. We’re raising funds through crowdfunding and raised more than 30% in the first week. We’ve recently registered with GoRaise, which allows the public as well as companies to donate to social causes whilst they’re going about their regular shopping online.

So, if you’re buying as an individual or as a company, why not take a look at GoRaise and see if you can, help Your Own Place raise funds and make a difference to more young lives? https://www.goraise.co.uk/your-own-place

Independence Matters gave a warm welcome to Radio Norfolk when the Nick Conrad show broadcast live from Dereham Community Hub. Nick chatted with Hub members, staff and volunteers live on air and took listeners on a tour of the site visiting the drama group, food bank, greenhouses and cafe.

Guests included Independence Matters’ patron, wheelchair racer Will Smith, who talked to Nick about disability sport and his hopes for next year’s Paralympics in Rio. Managing Director Sarah Stock said: “It was fantastic to have Radio Norfolk’s Nick Conrad show broadcasting live for three hours from our Dereham Community Hub. It was a real opportunity for Independence Matters to showcase the wonderful things that we do.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Can British firms double exports by 2020?

The recession experienced in 2008 highlighted the need for people, British companies and the Government to evaluate their present, set new horizons and change. Hear the opinion of Ximena Florian, Overseas Business Network adviser for UKTI, East of England.

As a result of this process, in 2012 the Government launched the Overseas Business Network (OBN) initiative – an innovative partnership between the British Chambers of Commerce, British Business Centres, UK Trade and Investment and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that supports the Government’s ambition to double UK exports to £1 trillion and increase the number of exporters by 100,000 by 2020.

Despite initial scepticism that the Government’s ambition could be realised, the Overseas Business Network (OBN) is indeed part of a largescale action plan to achieve its 2020 exports vision, to create and make real a sustainable future for the United Kingdom.

According to HMRC (May-July 2015), the UK’s top trading partners are: Imports: Germany (13%), USA (8%), China (8%), Netherlands (7%), France (5.5%).

Exports: USA (14%), Germany (10%), France (7%), Netherlands (6%) and Ireland (4.5%) These figures highlight that the EU continues to be the main trading partner for the UK; however, the Eurozone keeps registering a sluggish recovery, with a forecast growth of 1.5% for this year (European Commission). In this context, the Overseas Business Network is a Government response to tackle the imminent need to reach new growing markets.

Why emerging markets? n Between 2013 and 2020 emerging market economies will grow almost three times faster than developed economies. Emerging Markets combined economies would have expanded by 45.6% between 2013 & 2020. n Between 2013 and 2020 emerging markets will account for an average of 65% of global economic growth.

n Between 2013 & 2020, emerging markets will experience population growth three times more than those in developed economies”.

Therefore, significant efforts and investment have been displayed throughout the Overseas Business Network to allow more UK MSBs and SMEs exporting to emerging markets that have the following characteristics: n Growing GDP n Growing population

Working with British Chambers of Commerce, British Business Partners and the United Kingdom Trade and Investment Agency (UKTI) more British companies are exploring and achieving exports in 35 high-growth and hard to access markets.

Some of the main services that the Overseas Business Network (OBN) has been providing to businesses seeking these markets are: n 1-2-1 meetings with market experts. n Bespoke local market research.

n High young population (under the age of 30)

n Introductions to agents, distributors or potential partners.

n Growing middle class with higher purchasing power

n Introductions to potential customers.

n High rates of emigration & increased tourism to Developed countries

n Business trips organisation.

n Trade Missions

n Increase use of Mobile devices

n Events management.

n Weak infrastructure (hence major investment projects are required e.g. Hospitals, education centres, bridges, airports, roads, ports, etc.)

n Visa arrangements.

n Political and economic reforms supporting local growth and attracting foreign investment.

n Business centre (office space)

Additionally, since 2010, the Government has been pursuing an austerity program aimed at cutting the budget deficit (In the financial year 2009–2010 this was 11% of GDP, it is now 3.9%)

n Translation services. n Transport services.

Since 2013 the UK has been in an ascending economic recovery and is firmly in expansion territory.

The UK economy is now 5.4% bigger than its precrisis peak and is currently the best performing economy in the G8.

Any Norfolk business interested in maximising their international market share, please contact Julie Austin on julie.austin@norfolkchamber.co.uk / Tel: 01603 729 706.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Chamber Letter of Credit Service.

Chamber International Trade Training Courses.

We here at Norfolk Chamber know how difficult it can be to keep-up-to-date with the world of International Trade and so to help you achieve success in this field we put on a variety of specialised training courses.

Whether you’re just getting started or feel you need a refresher, these sessions will help to boost your understanding of the subjects.

Forthcoming dates and topics: November 2015 12th

e-zCert Workshop (morning)

19th

Agents and Distributors * (morning)

19th

Inwards and Outward Processing Relief* (afternoon)

January 2016 13th

Understanding Exporting*

28th

Letters of Credit / Methods of Payment*

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

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

Need help and advice on exporting?

Contact our Chamber International Team on 01603 729712

The fear that some companies have of Letters of Credit (L/C) means that they are potentially losing business as they are not willing to agree to these terms of payment.

We deliver a professional service whereby your Letter of Credit is passed to our associates who will then:

Norfolk Chamber provides a high quality Letter of Credit service, which removes the fear that some exporters have when it comes to the intricate detail stipulated in an L/C.

n Speak with the Shipping Agent

National figures show that when documents are submitted to the Bank by exporters on their first presentation, 80% are rejected. When they make their second attempt 50% are still rejected.

The next thing you know, the money is in your bank account.

The service offered by Norfolk Chamber has been going for more than 15 years and, to date, has a record of 98% acceptance on first presentation and 100% on the second attempt.

n Check the conditions of the L/C to ensure you can meet them n Inform you of any amendments that you need to obtain n Prepare all the relevant documents

n Check the Bills of Lading n Present all documents to the Bank

For more information and a quote please contact the International Trade Team on 01603 729706 or e-mail export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Stand proud – be a case study.

Norfolk Chamber is currently putting together it’s next series of International Trade Events.

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

Case studies provide the audience with first hand knowledge of how easy/hard it is to

open up in a particular market, as well as advice and tips on what to look out for.

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

PAGE17

NORFOLK VOICE

Small Claims Solutions - you’ve earned it, you’re owed it, we get it!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Emma (Howden) and Ellie (Bell) will collect on all those unpaid invoices that sole traders and SME’s have written off. With Emma’s legal experience and Ellie’s administration and credit control, SCS will find an answer to collect on those unpaid invoices.

Too many people write off the debt because they fell they cannot ask for payment because the debtor was thought to be a friend, or the debtor was someone you have worked for before and feel that there would be no more repeat business. You may feel that you are spending too much time chasing the debt and you would rather be out earning. In the past going to a solicitor has proved too expensive and it is not viable to chase, so the debt has been written off.

SCS will first establish that you are owed the money. If the job has been done correctly and invoices have been sent then Small Claims Solutions will proceed. The debtor would be contacted to discuss the matter and SCS will

see if some sort of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can be agreed. If not, SCS would proceed in recovering the debt through the Small Claims Court.

Strategy from a stranger.

Things have been going OK for your business. But are you clear on where you’re going and how you’re going to get there? Maybe it’s time to review your strategy.

But how do you create a business strategy that you can really use? You could get the Senior Management team in a room to thrash it out. Or you could ask a complete stranger.

Asking a stranger to write a new growth strategy for a business that you know everything about and they know little about might sound rather counter-intuitive. But perhaps a stranger, with the right credentials, is just what you need.

Take Jonathan Madden, Business Growth Consultant at Joules Resource Management.

He now makes his living by helping businesses discover what they need to do to create genuine, and continual, growth.

Jonathan Madden

“I can come into a business with completely fresh eyes and look objectively at where things stand and where the opportunities are.

I’m completely unencumbered by what’s happened in the past and I’m not held back by ‘how things have always been done’.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

But why should you trust a complete stranger to give strategic advice on your business? Jonathan explains: “Sure, I’ve got the right qualifications, but it’s my experience which is really valuable in this job. I’m from a multi-skilled, multi-corporate background so I’ve seen the best and worst of business and have solved all kinds of problems along the way.

I’ve developed techniques that apply all that I know to other businesses, no matter their size or shape.”

Sharing the future of your business with an outsider might feel daunting, but it doesn’t mean giving up control. It simply means getting the right help at the right time. And the cost will pale into insignificance compared to the profit you stand to make from having an efficient business with a sound strategy and a clear direction.

“A business strategy is all too often written as a box-ticking exercise and then put on a shelf to collect dust. But a well thought out strategy can be a very powerful tool. It should be used every day to help make smart business decisions and to give direction to every individual within your organisation. I can show businesses how the right strategy adds true value for long term benefit.”

To find out more, visit joulesresourcemanagement.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPOR T

Small Claim Solutions

you've earned it, you're owed it, we get it!

scs Would you like to see money coming in, instead of always going out? SCS are the newest and the best at recovering debts on invoices that are long overdue, don’t think an invoice is too old to chase, ask SCS first.

With SCS you should, and shall get paid, we know how important even a small payment is to you - we get it

THE CHERRY ON TOP? IT COMES AS STANDARD.

Small Claims Solutions Dragonfly House 2 Gilders Way Norwich NR3 1UB 01603 959789 For information call Emma on 07766 764874 or Ellie on 07766 768082 emma@smallclaimssolutions.co.uk ellie@smallclaimssolutions.co.uk

Manage

Store

Retrieve

• • • • • •

Secure Document Storage Confidential Document Management Data Media Backup Rotation and Online Back Up Confidential Document Shredding Archive Storage Boxes Scanning

Anglian Archives Limited 41 Lower Farm Road Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6XF T: 01604 670964 E: info@anglianarchives.co.uk

Anglian Archives Limited 18 Paddock Street Norwich NR2 4TW T: 01603 766404 www.anglianarchives.co.uk

Professional Document & Data Management

www.smallclaimssolutions.co.uk

Whatever the brief, we always give our clients that little bit extra.

To find out how we can add value to your business – whether that’s a new website, brand or marketing campaign – call in for a chat; we’ll supply the tea and cake!

01603 622766 creativesponge.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

PAGE19

NORFOLK VOICE

How can a CVA help to rescue your business?

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Jamie Playford - Director, Business Advisor and Licensed Insolvency Practitioner

We were recently approached by a local company that was on the verge of receiving a winding up order from HMRC. In the initial meeting, we identified that the company had struggled during the economic downturn due to a large reduction of work but, as the directors always looked at the pipeline optimistically, staff numbers were not reduced at all. Both profit and reserves had been exhausted and the company had fallen into arrears with creditors (around £70k to suppliers, £80k to HMRC and a £50k bank overdraft).

The overdraft reached its limit each month when wages were paid, a few suppliers had put the company on stop, and the company was paying HMRC £6,000 per month that it could no longer afford, however HMRC were threatening the business with winding up proceedings if the payments stopped and so it was imperative that action was taken quickly to protect the business.

Jamie Playford, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, conducted a full review of the company’s financial position, including the assets and liabilities, the recent trading performance and also the future work pipeline. This review showed that although a number of new contracts had recently been won, these were not yet having any significant impact on the overall profit and, in fact, due to very generous terms offered by the company in order to win the work, the new contracts were actually hampering the cash flow even further. It was established that the future order book was very promising and the

directors were keen to keep the business trading.

There were also personal guarantees provided by the directors to the bank, which they were keen not to see called in.

Having discussed the financials with the directors, we were able to suggest a number of changes that would make an immediate impact on profitability and cash flow and, as the future of the business looked viable, a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) was proposed over a three year period, with the company paying £2,500 per month, which the directors were confident was affordable. This was projected to pay creditors around 40 pence in the pound on their debts.

We opened discussions with major stakeholders, including the bank and HMRC, and also kept employees and suppliers informed to provide reassurance that the company would continue to trade.

The bank was generally supportive, although the overdraft needed to be refinanced and so we introduced the company to a specialist commercial finance broker, who was able to raise funds against some of the company’s assets in order to replace the overdraft and prevent the personal guarantees being called in. This was implemented and funds drawn down within ten days.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Within four weeks of the initial meeting with the client, we had convened and held the creditors meeting and gained the creditors’ approval for the CVA. The company was able to continue trading and the exercise has highlighted the problems with low-margin contracts and weak credit control. As a result, the company has been able to increase profitability and cash in a short space of time.

To date the company has met its obligations under the CVA and the directors are thrilled with the resulting restructure, as it enabled them to continue trading with an improved cash flow and no distractions that creditor pressure causes.

Once the term of the CVA has concluded, the outstanding balance that is due to creditors will be written off. To find out how we can help to rescue your business, contact our team on 0800 246 1845 or visit www.leading.uk.com

BUSINESS SUPPOR T

Higher Apprenticeships with Norfolk County Council Adult Education a great alternative to university.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Higher Apprenticeships are a great alternative to university.

Many now offer training up to degree level (both on- and off-the-job), a salary and the opportunity to really start moving forward with a career.

All without paying hefty tuition fees or running up student debts.

The Government is committed to expanding the number, range and quality of apprenticeships that offer training to degree level.

Norfolk County Council Adult Education is focusing on delivering quality Higher Apprenticeships in the following areas: n Business and Administration n Innovation and Growth

Our aim is to help you to develop the knowledgeable, skilled and effective workforce your business needs. We offer competitive costs, skilled trainers and assessors and good success rates.

The recently published government Skills Funding Agency Employer Guide to Higher Apprenticeships demonstrates to employers the benefits of higher apprenticeships for their business and information on what the apprentice will qualify as after working for them.

Employer Guide to Higher Apprenticeships

Employer Guide to Higher Apprenticeships

1

Higher apprenticeships offer a work-based learning programme leading to a nationally recognised qualification at one of the following: n a level 4 and 5 - equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree n a level 6 - equivalent to a bachelor degree The Full guide is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/higherapprenticeships-guide-for-employers For more information call us on 0344 800 8020 or e mail ncls.apprenticeships@norfolk.gov.uk Andy Turner, Director of Advanced Services at Cisco

n Management and Leadership n Accountancy and Business

Norfolk

Recruit an Apprentice Find out more about our tailored on and off the job training programmes to build the skilled workforce your business needs.

Get inspired get involved Get In

www.norfolk.gov.uk/adulteducation 0344 800 8020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

PAGE21

NORFOLK VOICE

Is training the answer?

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The current economic situation has produced great opportunities but many challenges. One challenge is skills - a shortage of skilled staff and competition for existing skilled staff. Consequently, many businesses are struggling to capitalise on expanding markets and seek to offer increasingly large salaries to attract skilled staff.

But what to do if uneconomic salaries risk converting an opportunity into a danger point for the business? One way may be to take the focus off the money and put it onto the employee’s wider career situation. It’s often said that people don’t go to work just for the money, so the opportunity of career development may

tip the balance. In addition, it has the added value of improving the skill level in the business.

So, what type of training? The gold standard in skills training is Apprenticeships. The image of an apprentice as being 16 or 17 and employed in engineering persists. Yet, Apprenticeships today could not be more different and are open to learners of all ages with hundreds of qualifications available.

In 2013/14, 440,000 apprentices started on a programme in England. Almost three quarters

of starts were in three sectors: business, administration & law; health, public services & care and retail & commercial enterprise. Funded

by Government, Apprenticeships offer nationallyrecognised qualifications at a number of levels and can be converted into degrees easily matching university qualifications.

So, before pouring all the potential profit into inflated salaries, take a look at an Apprenticeship programme.

Norwich, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth Established in 1969, NTS is Norfolk’s largest work-based learning, employer services and logistics training provider.

• We deliver Apprenticeships to people of all ages in a range of industries and skill sectors • Through our Work Programme we can help to recruitment your workforce • We offer a wide range of Bespoke training to upskill your workforce Tel 01603 259900

Email: enquiries@norfolktrainingservices.co.uk

www.norfolktrainingservices.co.uk

Supporting Ambition…Realising Promise

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

BUSINESS SUPPOR T

Time to reconnect with the vision that inspired you to start a business? Then read on.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Are you working longer hours than you thought you would when you set up your business? Do you need to regain the vision that led you to forming your own business in the first place?

Roger said: “My goal is to help owners of small and medium-sized businesses spend less time working while, at the same time, making better profits.

If so, you need to talk to Roger Pemberton, an ActionCOACH Business Coach based in Norwich who helps business owners in Norfolk and Suffolk.

“As a certified business coach, I like to help people put the fun back into their business and their life.”

ActionCOACH is the world’s leading business coaching organisation and Roger helps Norfolk and Suffolk-based owners of small and medium-sized business to make more profit while working less hours.

Roger is a certified Business Coach who will assist you in five key areas; Sales; Marketing and Advertising, Team Building and Recruitment, Systems and Business Development and Customer Service.

“As a small business owner myself, I know what it is like to worry about the day-to-day survival of the business. I understand what it’s like to put in long hours and wonder what happened to the dreams and visions you had for your life.

Roger Pemberton

If you want to find out more, contact Roger Pemberton for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION coaching session on 01508 494414 or e-mail rogerpemberton@actioncoach.com

Roger is also a registered coach with the Government’s Growth Accelerator programme and can help you apply for funding to be invested in the coaching you need to grow your business.

Norwich based ip21 are recognised as the ‘Most Innovative IP Firm – UK’ in the 2015 Legal Awards.

By Richard Jones

Business Relationship Manager for ip21 Ltd In the same week that ip21 were sponsors of iExpo, New Anglia LEP’s annual innovation conference, they have also been recognised as the most innovative IP firm in the UK in the 2015 Legal Awards operated by Acquisition International (AI).

The Norwich based firm has enjoyed healthy growth in recent times with the expansion of their London office and the opening of a brand new office in Bury St Edmunds allowing them to better service clients throughout the entire East Anglia region. The company’s recent success is down to the way in which it delivers IP services in a way that is tailored towards the evolving business environment, as ip21’s Chairman Bill Jones explains: “We deliberately focus on how Intellectual Property Rights can be exploited to achieve the client’s commercial objectives, and ensure that IP Strategy and Business Strategy are closely aligned. To do this we employ professional account managers and

management consultants as well as our top class legal team of patent, trademark and design attorneys to offer advice that carefully considers both the legal and commercial implications.”

With further growth predicted for ip21, this recent awards success could prove timely and help the company attract further talented staff as it looks to the future. Ip21 Consultant Noel Murphy adds, “We are delighted to have won this award which is testament to the excellent team of individuals that we have working here. In an industry where our clients are all, by definition, innovative, it is great to be recognised for our own innovation and hard work.”

Ip21 is now focussing on further growth by ensuring that it continues to offer valuable services to its existing clients, by acquiring new clients both in the UK and overseas, and by actively recruiting new staff for its Norwich Head Office.

For more information tel: 01603 457 008 info@ip21.co.uk www.ip21.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

Richard Jones

PAGE23

NORFOLK VOICE

THE BIG INTERVIEW The remarkable achievements of a university still in its youth.

When the latest international rankings for universities were published in early October, they confirmed the remarkable success of one of the jewels in the Norfolk crown.

The University of East Anglia (UEA) leapt 49 places to become a top 150 university in the Times Higher Education (TES) World University Rankings 2015-16, rising from 198th to 149th, an achievement that placed it in the top one per cent of higher education institutions worldwide.

Phil Baty, editor of the rankings, described it as ‘an outstanding achievement to be celebrated’, comments that are echoed by Professor David Richardson, Vice Chancellor of the 52-year-old university.

“I think that, for all the talk of university fees, there remains an enthusiasm for university education, certainly for those wishing to study at UEA.”

He said: “To be named in the top 150, among the top one per cent in the world, is a truly remarkable achievement for a university of our size and relatively young age.”

“In our most recent round of recruitment for courses, applications were up 16 per cent compared with a sector average of 2.5 per cent.”

“It is a tremendous leap up an important league table and demonstrates our continuing strong performance across all rankings.”

“Most of our 15,000 students are from the UK and the EU but we also attract students from around the world and we welcome international students because they add to the cultural diversity of the area and its economy.”

To be named in the top 150, among the top one per cent in the world, is a truly remarkable achievement for a university of our size and relatively young age.

What attracts them is a strong tradition of academic teaching, coupled with a focus on entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to research, and the university’s latest success means that UEA has again achieved top 20 positions in all UK university league tables the Guardian, the Times/ Sunday Times, and the Complete University Guide.

It is indeed a remarkable achievement for a university of such relevant youth. The University of East Anglia was founded in 1963 as part of the ‘new wave’ of 1960s institutions that expanded the university sector in the UK. Over the years it has grown to specialise in Arts and Humanities, Medicine and Health Sciences,

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Science and Social Sciences with a strong focus on producing well-equipped employees. UEA continues to develop new programmes, having opened a medical school and started courses in subjects as diverse as energy engineering and paramedic science in recent times.

In addition, UEA is the only mainstream English university to be ranked in the top five for student satisfaction every year since the National Student Survey began in 2005.

Prof Richardson said: “Universities are in a competitive sector and we work hard to make UEA as attractive as possible to students.”

“We strive to offer added value, which includes not just teaching the academic element of subjects but also working with local companies to offer our students work experience.”

“Being based on the Norwich Research Park helps because a lot of the companies offer students the chance to gain experience of the workplace and our courses teach entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation, the attributes that employers are looking for.”

“University students are in the most creative phase of their lives and we seek to encourage that. It is a real attraction for a company seeking to set up on the research park and knowing that there are plenty of talented students available who have good ideas and a sense of entrepreneurship, which they can take into a job or into their own business.”

The UEA’s newest addition will support that.

Britain’s greenest commercial building, The Enterprise Centre has been built to deliver UEA’s enterprise activities alongside teaching and is home to a number of start-up companies.

Located at the gateway to the campus, and managed by the Adapt Low Carbon Group, the

BIG INTERVIEW

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

Professor David Richardson Vice Chancellor, University of East Anglia

building has been designed as the region’s hub for entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses that are committed to building a low carbon future.

Another part of that commitment is research, which has played a major role in Professor Richardson’s own career.

Medal and a Wolfson Royal Society Fellowship for his contribution to the understanding of bacterial bioenergetics.

Funded in part by the European Union, the building has virtual tenancy and hot desk hire alongside traditional tenancies and Prof Richardson sees it as an important step forward.

The professor, who became the Vice-Chancellor in September 2014, joined the institution in 1991, going on to hold a series of leadership positions including Dean of the Faculty of Science, ProVice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise and Engagement, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

The recent THE rankings highlighted the university’s commitment to research, showing that it scored particularly highly on citations – the number of times a university’s published research is cited by scholars globally – and is now ranked 50th in the world for the measure, one of only 11 UK institutions in the top 50.

He said: “We support enterprise wherever we can, both through our teaching, our programme of start-up grants and through the work of the new centre.”

“It is important that we do everything we can to keep our talent in this area. We do not want graduates emerging from university with bright ideas then taking them away from the area. We want them to stay.”

His research career as a microbiologist began at the universities of Birmingham and Oxford and he has led a research group in UEA’s School of Biological Sciences for 23 years - conducting world-leading research into the biochemistry of environmentally and medically important bacteria. In 1999, he was awarded the Fleming

Professor Richardson said: “Research is an important part of what we do and I am very proud that we have been named in the top 50 in the world.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Extolling the virtues of apprent

Group of Building Maintenance apprentices at the Norse Awards evening celebrating National Apprentice Week

Tom McGarry, EDF Energy

In an age when more attention than ever before is focused on what our young people do when they leave school, the role that apprenticeships play can often be overlooked amid talk of university.

dynamic employee bringing new ideas to the company.”

One of the problems is the outdated public perception that apprenticeships are restricted to the likes of engineers and shopfloor factory workers when, in fact, the opportunities are much wider than that, ranging from hairdresser to accountant.

“Talk to any business, from the start-up to the FTSE 100 company employing thousands, they speak with one voice about the need for greater numbers of employable people with good skills. Quality apprenticeships are at the heart of making a real impact and a big difference, offering young people of all talents and abilities the opportunity for training and work experience, leading to jobs and rewarding careers.”

Mark Pendlington Chairman of New Anglia LEP

Michelle Butcher, Transaction Processing Manager at Norse, said: “I am a great fan of the scheme in that it gives the young and inexperienced a chance. Within Finance, the initial two apprentices have become key team members; they have brought new ideas and have questioned processes which have led to improvements.”

Apprentice Rory in the printing division

With Global Entrepreneur Week running between November 16–22 focusing on encouraging young talent, the time has definitely come for a re-appraisal of an approach that is already showing impressive results in Norfolk.

The success of facilities management company Norse is a good example of what can be achieved.

Linda Savage, Head of Learning and Development at Norse, said: “Whilst we are a relatively small company by national standards, we are a large local employer and our relationship with the community in which we operate has a direct impact on our reputation and our desire to be an employer of choice.”

“When it comes to building our workforce for the future and equipping them with the skills they need, we place great emphasis on both apprentices and attitude.”

“We believe in a holistic approach to apprenticeships. It’s important to provide employment opportunities but to also address a whole raft of ‘soft issues’ as well, workplace behaviour, dress code, interaction with colleagues etc. You then end up with a young,

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

“They have also brought a new energy to the team and have become a huge asset to the finance function. It has been wonderful to see their progression and growth in respect of both of them personally and career wise.”

Norse apprentice Hannah Codling Thomas said: “My first day was very daunting for various reasons. I had never been in this type of working environment before; I was completely surrounded by smartly dressed professionals! I had no knowledge of what was expected of me.”

“Since then I have gained so much life and work experience. However there are obstacles to overcome. For instance most apprentices have either little or no work experience, so it is a lot to take in. Also managers need to adjust as well as having an apprentice is a big change for them too.”

There is plenty of scope in the energy sector as well. Tom McGarry, Sizewell C Head of External Affairs, said: “There are great opportunities in the energy sector for young people who demonstrate the commitment and grades.”

“Here in the East of England, EDF Energy operates Sizewell B power station which employs 570 staff and 250 contracting partners with 36 local apprentices taking part in a four year award-winning training programme.

Furthermore, the proposed Sizewell C power station would provide 5,600 roles at the peak of construction and 900 staff when operational.”

COVER FEATURE

ticeships.

“Developing young talent is vitally important for our business and so it’s essential that we give young people the opportunity to develop their professional skills through our apprentice programme. We currently have around 45 highquality apprentices, who joined between 2012-2014, working across the UK covering underwriting, IT and actuarial, with eight based in Norwich. We’re very proud of these young people who add so much to the business.”

Apprentice Toby with Chloe Smith MP and Mark Surridge from MINT, supporting Toby

“Being an Aviva apprentice has been a fantastic opportunity for me to kick start my professional career. Not only am I learning so much on a daily basis about the insurance industry, I’m making great progress towards my professional qualification. I have no doubts that this great start to my career will continue to present further future opportunities.”

Lindsey Rix Chief Operating Officer for Aviva’s UK&I General Insurance business

Poppy Quinn Aviva Actuarial Apprentice

Hannah, Norse apprentice of the year for 2013, now an admin assistant in the HR department.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Innovative use of an apprentice.

A school in Norfolk has found an innovative way of using an apprentice to boost sports participation thanks to a linkup with a local college.

You bring in young people with ideas and make things sustainable.”

North Repps Primary, based near Cromer, got in touch with Chamber member, Easton and Otley College to help find an apprentice and Ben Richards took on the role of sports coach in spring 2014.

“I had a proper interview and managed to get this job. I’m now full time at the school and loving what I do. My remit was to look at PE with a fresh pair of eyes and make sport accessible for everyone. I wanted to bring a passion for all types of sports and fitness. I teach one to one, group games, football, rugby, rounders, cricket everything really.”

Ben, 20, from Cromer, said, “I came to Norfolk from Grantham because it was hard to find employment where I lived. I initially worked in Lidl for a year, I still work there at weekends, but I heard about this opening and got in touch with Easton and Otley.”

Ben - whose grandparents and parents went to the school where he has ended up teaching has taken on the role with gusto according to Headteacher Angie Hamilton.

She said: “Our teachers were already competent in terms of teaching sport but we wanted to add to what we do and help make our students make better progress. Sport can help teach balance and co-ordination.

“Having someone come along on a daily basis seemed like the best way forward so we looked into taking on an apprentice and Ben has come in and been brilliant. He has made such a difference, so much so that we have taken him on full time.”

“We always used to come last in competitions but now we are making real progress. His presence has helped with behaviour issues, made our 25 primary and 21 pre-school students

more team orientated, we have developed an after school club where families and the community comes together to play sport and Ben has even offered support to other local schools as we make a move to becoming a federation of schools in 2016 in order that staff work together to create a better future for our children.”

“This project has worked so well that we are looking at employing another apprentice in the future. I’m a firm believer in educating everyone.

“Growing up it was all about University - but that route isn’t for everyone. I’ve gained a qualification whilst teaching and now I’m a full time member of staff. There is a real family feel at the school and the fact that generations of my own family have a connection with the school means a lot to me. The school played a big part in my family’s life and now I aim to play a big part in its future development myself.”

Tom Cheek, from the college, added, “Ben is a great example of a student embracing a situation and doing well. We have examples of many apprentices doing the same in Norfolk and many other counties of the UK. Apprenticeships are a superb progressive route for people of all ages and it’s great to see people like Ben out in industry and making such a positive difference.”

Pioneering partnership under way.

In Great Yarmouth, a pioneering new partnership has been formed between Great Yarmouth College and 3sun Group, providing preapprenticeship opportunities for students to gain an insight into the energy and off-shore sector.

The programme lasts for a year, providing up to 20 places, and the pre-apprentices can compete for a full apprenticeship at the end of the year. It won Best Skills Initiative Award 2015 at the East of England Energy Group annual awards in July.

Graham Hacon, CEO 3sun Group, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for our commitment to young people within the industry.”

Stuart Rimmer, CEO at Great Yarmouth College said “It is an innovative approach to learning

with links a great company and a great college. The unique blend of academic and practical development based around real work experience will create the ideal package and ensure its what employers are really looking for.”

A former apprentice who has already succeeded is Simon Pointer, Senior Electronics Engineer for MSI-Defence Systems. Simon is Apprentice Co-ordinator for the company, working with Great Yarmouth College and others on building a framework for apprentices to join the business.

One of the apprentices is Harvey Brown. Harvey, aged 19, from Bradwell, Norfolk left school to study sport as he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do but, after attending a Great Yarmouth College Open Day, he decided engineering was perfect for him.

He joined Great Yarmouth College and completed the BTEC extended Diploma in Engineering, which helped open the door to an apprenticeship at MSI-DS. Harvey said: “I really appreciate the support the apprenticeship gives me, I feel I can start building a real future.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Harvey Brown, left, Mark Douglas (MSI MD) in the middle and Simon Pointer, right

COVER FEATURE

What do Norfolk schools want?

Sprowston High School’s recent Careers Fair

“Employers can really help in this respect - away from industry, teachers can get somewhat ‘out of the loop’ so coming in to school to tell us and the pupils about the range of jobs that exists in particular sectors, what the best pathway is in terms of qualifications needed, apprenticeships vs university, and the soft skills required is great.”

“It helps us enormously if employers can bring in something hands-on to inspire students - modern teaching has moved on from the ‘chalk and talk’ of our childhood, and students are more used to having things to look at, touch and ask questions about. They’re less inspired by, and some find it challenging to sit through, a long careers ‘talk’.”

What do schools want from the Norfolk business community? It’s an important question and one that the Chamber is seeking to answer.

To help do that, the Chamber is staging Bridge the Gap - An Audience with ... Norfolk Schools.

Taking place on Friday November 20th in Norwich, this year’s ‘Audience with’ will focus on bridging the gap between education and business.

“Interview preparation, CV writing and advice on recruitment go down very well with Year 11 and Sixth Formers. These are things that we find hard to build into an already packed curriculum.”

Jackie Bircham Head of Faculty, Work, Learning and Life, Sprowston High School, Cannerby Lane, Norwich “Obviously our over-arching goal is to support young people in learning what they need to be successful in the future. At Sprowston, part of our mission statement is to encourage students to have high aspirations for the future.”

“Obviously our over-arching goal is to support young people in learning what they need to be successful in the future.”

“Finally, understanding. Schools just aren’t set up to welcome visitors from the outside world! Busy timetables mean we sometimes only have an hour or 50 minutes, so be prepared to be met at the door by young people, whizzed down corridors to a lesson, thanked by a teacher who then has to fly off to teach Year 9 on the other side of school and escorted back by a different pair of students.”

“Teachers are rarely by a phone, and may only have a few slots a week to catch up on email, so bear with us - we don’t mean to be rude. Having to fill in the obligatory DBS forms before you set foot in the door is not the most welcoming start, and if you arrive at a lesson change time or lunchtime the corridors can be quite intimidating!”

Laura McNeil Enterprise Specialism Manager, King’s Lynn Academy

“Schools are increasingly asked to target specific groups of learners - those that are disadvantaged, or those that suffer a lack of motivation and, therefore, don’t always achieve their potential. School can be a tough place to fail in when you are young, surrounded by your peers.”

“Employers, and especially employees, can help by acting as mentors - reading, supporting with numeracy by helping students see the practical application of the subject, and talking to young people who struggle to manage their behaviour, or who simply can’t see any point in trying.

Hearing from adults who have been through these struggles and are now successfully working and enjoying work can be very motivating.”

“We also need to make learning real and relevant. Employers can bring some meaning to lessons by thinking of how our traditional subjects link to what they do - so that we are armed with the answer to ‘Miss, when am I ever going to need this?”

“We have enjoyed successful interaction with businesses where representatives from businesses and organisations can come in regularly to speak to students. This can take place in a variety of ways, for example speaking in assembly to approximately 200 pupils for 20 minutes, which would be a one-off commitment through to taking part in a half a day career event as an industry specialist to judge student presentations, which would be half a day commitment once every 4/5 months.”

“Another form of successful employer engagement is supporting the mentoring programme we have coordinated, which involves a business representative spending one hour a month with a group of 4/5 students who they can motivate and encourage to get the best out of their education. This would involve meeting students, the same group, the same day/time on a monthly basis over two terms, February to July.”

An Audience With…. Norfolk Schools is at Holiday Inn North, Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6JA, on Friday 20th November 2015, 7.30am-10am. For full details visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. Open to all.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

KNOWLEDGE

How To Overcome Self-Doubt: 5 methods to improve your Confidence.

Banana! Or, how to own a colour the Minion way.

During my time as an Executive Coach, I’ve discovered methods that have helped boost confidence and erase self-doubt. The most successful are: 1. Stop comparing yourself to others 2. Forget about what everyone else is thinking of you 3. Be kind to yourself 4. Develop positive thoughts & relationships 5. Go with your gut We all question whether or not we are working hard enough, making enough money, following the right path or if we are going to be ‘successful’ enough.

For a free coaching session to further improve your confidence and eliminate self-doubt, email us at info@optem.co.uk or for further information please visit www.optem.co.uk

Self-doubting thoughts and a negative mindset can become debilitating if not dealt with at an early stage.

Emma Bishop – Optem Ltd

Is being pushy the only way to get promoted?

It is deemed, there are two types of people in the world; extroverts and introverts. Both are needed and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Extroverts can be perceived as being arrogant, dominant, pushy and loud, introverts can be seen as being quiet, shy, thoughtful and unopinionated.

At the end of the day, these perceptions come from how we deliver what we are trying to say. There is the research that says 10% is what you say, 30% is how you say it and 60% is body language. After all, actions speak louder than words.

So why is it that women are seen as pushy?

To get yourself heard in some industries and

organisations, you do have to stick your head about the parapet. You need to be confident and ensure your opinion is heard and taken into account. Sometimes this requires more effort than others.

Trying to get a balance with sharing your opinion and being ambitions Vs being respectful of others, can sometimes leave people thinking they are being pushy.

As a manager are you more likely to pick the quiet person in the corner getting on with their work, or the assertive person, providing ideas and sharing their opinion? It depends what you are looking for.

Emma Bishop – Women in Energy Network

Can business really change the work landscape?

In the summer, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced the creation of a ‘National Living Wage’ (NLW) which will be set at £7.20 per hour for workers aged over 25 from April next year, with it rising to over £9 per hour in 2020.

In addition, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that average pay rose by 2.9% in the three months to July, compared to a year ago. That’s the strongest growth rate for regular pay (excluding bonuses) since 2009.

How can employers take action?

Business in the Community (BITC) has been committed to tackling unemployment and helping companies realise their power to affect change since our inception in 1982.

We want to work with businesses to bust misconceptions about unemployed workers as scroungers and benefit cheats. Of course, there are many different reasons why people recieve unemployment benefits, but the vast majority of people that I meet through our Ready for Work programme are desperate to be in secure and sustainable employment.

Diane Estevez – Business in the Community

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Colours form some of the world’s most recognisable and valuable trademark rights.

Once registered – if they can be registered – they provide the trademark owner with an exclusive right to use that shade of colour, in relation to the goods/services for which it is registered and in the territory for which it is registered, and to stop others from using an identical/similar colour in relation to identical/ similar goods/services, in the territory of registration.

The Pantone system is one of the most widely adopted guides for identifying and matching colours. No matter where or how something is produced, by specifying the relevant Pantone swatch colour, the exact colour can be replicated. For trademarks, which require clarity, precision and the ability to be represented graphically, the use of an international colour code has long been recommended.

Peter Wilson – Novagraaf

Discover the Norfolk #TechNation community.

Are you aware of the tech talent in Norfolk?

Where do you go when you need coders, software developers or app creators? Where do you go when you need websites built and optimised for mobile devices? Where do you go to discover the latest developments in technology and digital creativity - and what they might mean for your business?

If you answered, ‘not sure’ or (worse still) ‘London’, then I have news for you. Greater Norwich is home to a thriving tech and digital creative sector, employing some 14,000 people, and is a recognised #TechNation cluster (just one of 21 in the country according to Tech City UK). The companies range from innovative startups and micro-businesses to fast growing SMEs, including award winning agencies and advanced technology pioneers.

Huw Sayer – Business Writers Ltd

@norfolkchamber

O D S ’ T LE INESS S U B Join the Norfolk Chamber today.

We can help you:

Meet new customers

Tap into training

Find free legal advice

Make county wide connections.

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

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

Our unlimited 24/7 legal & tax advice lines are an invaluable service to help save you money in the long run. Plus, get free legal expenses insurance worth ÂŁ670,000.

Raise your profile with ours

Receive helpful HR Resources

Develop International Trade

Our website attracts over 8,000 visitors each month.

Find an immediate audience and promote your business for free on our website, social media channels and magazine.

No dedicated HR department?

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

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

And members enjoy 50% off export services.

To find out more and join online visit:

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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

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

NORFOLK VOICE

Getting the finances right in a recovering economy.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Although austerity has had an impact on public spending, there remain State-backed schemes designed to help companies access funds.

Underpinning them all is the recognition that innovation is a key way of rebuilding the economy and needs to be nurtured.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid underlined the opportunities in a recent speech when he said: “Whether you’re running a small fashion retailer in Bristol, or an international wallpaper designer on the King’s Road, making folding bicycles or folding ballet pumps, whether you’re a kitchentable start-up or a centuries-old family enterprise, you all face the same challenges when you’re running your own business: You’re highly exposed to the ups and downs of the economy.”

He said that Government-backed schemes designed to mitigate such effects included: n British Business Bank programmes are already supporting £2.3 billion of finance to 40,000 smaller businesses n UKTI is helping companies access new markets overseas n The Start-Up Loans programme has provided entrepreneurs with more than 30,000 loans worth well over £155 million. n The Business Growth Service has brought together a range of advice and expertise to help companies expand, including the GrowthAccelerator, a Government-backed service offering support to businesses with the potential to improve and grow.

The minister said: “The vast majority of British businesses are in private hands. They employ millions of people, pay billions in tax and generate over a trillion pounds of revenue.

“It’s been said that while good companies meet needs, great companies create markets.

Successful companies should be applauded, successful entrepreneurs should be saluted. private business deserves to be celebrated.”

However, for all the will is there, it can still be confusing for businesses seeking to access funds, which is why it makes sense to bring in specialist support.

Financial advisers start by finding out what a business needs; it may be help with better financial management or it may be support applying for loans or grants to buy equipment or take on new staff.

Bringing in the specialist advisers is crucial because they are the ones who know what opportunities are available. That means an initial meeting when the adviser, be it a specialist financial services company or based within a bank, sits down with the client and draws up a detailed plan based not just on current needs but also looking to the future - maybe even doing a little dreaming with the client.

Once that initial plan has been drawn up, the process moves onto the next stage, obtaining the finance to make things happen.

More information on Government-backed schemes can be found at: http://british-business-bank.co.uk/ https://www.gov.uk/start-up-loans https://www.gov.uk/business-growth-service Growth Accelerator http://www. ga.businessgrowthservice.greatbusiness.gov.uk

It’s been said that while good companies meet needs, great companies create markets. Successful companies should be applauded, successful entrepreneurs should be saluted. private business deserves to be celebrated.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

FINANCE

BULLISS & RIDGEWELL LIMITED BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Call us now for a FREE consultation to discuss your business or personal accounting needs – we listen to what YOU are saying

• Complete bookkeeping services • Payroll • VAT returns • Management accounting • Cash flow management • Audit preparation • Taxation and Self - Assessment (*via our Specialist Tax Agent)

• Landlord accounts • Construction Industry Scheme • Business Start up • Company Secretarial • VAT registration • Competitive affordable rates • Fully accredited and insured

tel: 01553 769687 email: bulliss.ridgewell@btinternet.com web: www.bullissandridgewell.co.uk 16 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Registered and Regulated by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

The small business and sole proprietor specialists

Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Dividend Taxation Changes Business owners operating through a limited company have, up to now, enjoyed the benefits of a low salary and dividend remuneration package that taxes income withdrawn from their personal companies, within the basic rate band, at 0%. A fair compensation for the entrepreneurial risks of being a business owner.

However, from April 2016, a new dividend allowance will replace the present system with a view to reducing the incorporation of businesses for tax purposes. The new dividend allowance means that no tax will be due on the first £5,000 of dividend income received, regardless of the amount of non-dividend income, with dividends in excess of the £5,000 allowance taxed at 7.5% (basicrate taxpayer), 32.5% (higher-rate taxpayer) or 38.1% (additionalrate taxpayer) based on the recipient’s highest rate of Income Tax. This represents a significant increase in the overall tax burden for

the entrepreneur and as such, measures should be taken before April next year to make the most of the £5,000 exemption and to ensure that your current remuneration package is the most tax efficient.

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

4b, Church Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4DD T: 01379 640640 | E: diss@newmans-online.co.uk

W: www.newmans-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

FINANCE

New dividend tax regime – winners and losers The recent Budget introduced a major change to the way dividends will be taxed from April 2016.

This fundamental change will impact on wealthy investors and owner-managed companies.You will be forgiven for not hearing about this at the time or indeed since, as it was some time before HMRC were able publish their guidance.

As ever, there are some winners and losers from the new regime.

An example of a winner is a higher rate taxpayer who has dividend income of £5,000. In the current tax year he will have a tax liability of £1,250 (25% of £5,000). Next year he will have no tax liability.

An example of a loser is the sole shareholder of a company who takes a small salary and then dividends to use up his basic rate tax band. In the current tax year he can take around £40,000

out of the company without paying any tax.

Next year that drops to around £16,000.

So should dividends be paid before 6 April 2016? This is an option, but of course it may accelerate tax due and there are implications to increasing annual income such as the Child Benefit Charge and potential loss of the tax free personal allowance.

Michael Morter, Tax Manager

While we await draft legislation of the new regime, now is the time to plan; those who get to grips with the new regime will want to act soon.

For more information contact Michael Morter at Larking Gowen on 01603 723630 or at michael.morter@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.

INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT INSIGHT

Underinsurance: 10 reasons why you might not be covered correctly Underinsurance occurs when you’ve not taken out the right amount of insurance cover for your needs. There will be a variety of factors to take into account when you assess how much insurance you need. It is important to not just review this at renewal but throughout the year. One of our key insurance partners, Aviva, has put together a top ten list of examples where your insurance needs might have changed: 1. you haven’t had your property professionally valued for ‘insurance purposes’ in the last 3 years 2. you have altered or extended the property 3. your insurance cover has been based on the market value of the building instead of what it would cost to rebuild your property 4. you haven’t factored in costs for gates/fences, car parking areas etc in your calculations 5. your property is a listed building (the time and cost of repairs/ rebuilds are likely to be far greater)

6. you haven’t factored in the costs of professional fees such as an architect or surveyor 7. you haven’t factored in costs such as site clearance or access – particularly where your business might need, say, a crane to help with remedial work 8. you are carrying more stock now than you did when you took out your insurance policy 9. you are now VAT registered 10. you have some new plant or equipment that you haven’t told your broker/insurer about

For more information on anything raised above or to discuss your business insurance arrangements please contact Hugh J Boswell Managing Director, Peter Foster, on 01603 723581

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

FINANCE

Rebrand heralds a new era and new home for Norwich firm.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Independent Financial Advisers Boswell Financial Services has rebranded as Kent Carlyle Wealth Management.

The Norwich-based firm provides wealth management services for private clients, charities and trusts, in addition to offering companies corporate advice on workplace pensions, employee benefits and succession planning.

Managing Director Mike Saunders explained: “The company is making the change to emphasise our independence, following the 2012 management buy-out from Hugh J Boswell, because the new identity better reflects the nature of our business. Rebranding to Kent Carlyle Wealth Management will help to maintain and grow our position as a trusted financial adviser for individuals and businesses, as we have been since 1906.

The business has made three years of steady progress and this is the start of the next part of that journey. The change of name to Kent

www.kentcarlyle.co.uk Carlyle Wealth Management further confirms and establishes our own identity and we look forward to growing the business.

Whilst Kent Carlyle Wealth Management is very much a Norfolk firm, our strong heritage means we have long-standing clients nationwide.”

Director Martin Hewetson said: “The ownership and personnel remain as they were but we are delighted to announce the move to selfcontained offices in Norwich City Centre from 1st December. The 17th Century building on Timberhill’s Lion & Castle Yard is an exciting project for us, and we look forward to welcoming clients to the charming property, offering the same high quality service that our clients have always expected of us. We are excited about

the ‘next chapter’ and we see it as a great platform for expansion.

We will still work closely with Hugh J Boswell alongside our other professional partners and have had great success with our fixed price ‘Auto Enrolment Made Simple’ campaign, for smaller firms who want the simplest approach without hidden costs.”

The firm has plans to grow by a combination of recruiting new advisers and acquisition of existing firms between now and the end of 2017.

If you would like Kent Carlyle Wealth Management to help with your firm’s Auto Enrolment needs, please contact Mike Saunders on 01603 567197 or info@kentcarlyle.co.uk

The complete solution for small and medium-sized businesses To find out more call 01603 567 197 or email info@kentcarlyle.co.uk

fixed fee

Kent Carlyle Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (Ref No 192796)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Diary Dates.

NETWORKING EVENTS Trends in the Energy Industry: Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast WHERE: Great Yarmouth Town Hall, Great Yarmouth WHEN: Thursday 12th November, 07:30 – 09:30 WHAT: Join us to hear from experts in this industry about what trends we can learn from to help our energy sector remain strong. Plus network with a wide range of local businesses, make new contacts from across Norfolk and start your day with a delicious breakfast! Members only event.

with like-minded business to win our coveted Super Bowl Challenge trophy. Members only event.

The MPs Event 2016 WHERE: Sprowston Manor, Norwich WHEN: Friday 5th February 2016, 15:00 - 18:00 WHAT: This year’s MPs Event will be bringing together Norfolk’s local MPs for again to discuss key issues affecting the region. Last year over 200 influential Norfolk businesses took part in the event, your company could forms part of this influential delegate list.

An Audience with...Norfolk Schools WHERE: Holiday Inn North, Norwich WHEN: Friday 20th November, 07:30 - 10:00 WHAT: Join us for our high profile breakfast event, which this year is focused on ‘Bridging the gap between education and business’ and with the opportunity to hear directly from Schools in Norfolk on ways to work better with employers on Work Experience and Careers Programmes.

Open to all.

Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast WHERE: Great Yarmouth WHEN: Thursday 21st January 2016, 07:30 – 09:30 WHAT: Join us in Great Yarmouth for a morning of business networking over a delicious breakfast.

Make new contacts and catch up with existing contacts. Members only event.

SPECIAL EVENTS Superbowl Challenge 2016 WHERE: Hollywood Bowl, Norwich WHEN: Thursday 28th January 2016, 18:00 – 22:00 WHAT: Let loose your competitive side and join Norfolk Chamber for our annual Super Bowl Challenge. We want to make this year’s Super Bowl Challenge bigger than ever before! Round up into teams of (up to) 8 players or come as an individual to be allocated a team and compete

Join Norfolk Chamber along with our feature charity Break at Sprowston Manor on 10 December for a morning of festive networking activities.

This event is designed to help you make the right contacts ready for the New Year. In a relaxed setting, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious breakfast whilst enjoying some themed networking activities to help you break the ice.

You can also bring a present to place under the Christmas tree for Break Charity. Members-only event.

Let loose your competitive side.

Norwich Christmas Breakfast WHERE: Sprowston Manor, Norwich WHEN: Thursday 10th December, 07:30 – 09:30 WHAT: Join us and feature charity Break for a morning of festive fun at Sprowston Manor, meet new people, connect over an ice breaker and enjoy a delicious breakfast. With a variety of Christmas icebreaker activities relax and set your business up for 2016, by making the right contacts in 2015! Members only event.

Join us for a morning of festive fun.

HR FORUMS The mysteries of TUPE and outsourcing revealed WHERE: Holiday Inn Norwich, Ipswich Road WHEN: Wednesday 11th November, 14:00 – 17:00 WHAT: The experts at Birketts will take you through a typical out-sourcing and change of contractor case study looking at the HR and legal ramifications arising along the way. In particular they will touch upon some of the latest case law in this tricky area highlighting when careful judgement calls need to be made and what plans might need to be made well ahead of any re-tendering exercise. Sponsored and delivered by Birketts. Open to all businesses.

CHAMBER SESSIONS Free training delivered by members for our members at the Norfolk Chamber office in Norwich. See page 39 for full details

Join Norfolk Chamber for our annual Super Bowl Challenge: we want to make this year’s bigger than ever before! Round up into teams of (up to) 8 players or come as an individual to be allocated a team and compete with likeminded business to win our coveted Super Bowl Challenge trophy.

Make those all important business contacts in a relaxed setting with plenty of networking opportunities before the bowling action commences; and afterwards with our networking buffet. Enjoy a fun, informal atmosphere and start your new year off with a great evening of team building and business connections.

What are you waiting for? Grab some bowling shoes and join us on the lanes.

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

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER EVENTS

Help Bridge the Gap. Bridging the Gap between business and education is an ongoing and very important part of our strategy. If you care about Norfolk’s young people, please support us by attending, listening and giving your views.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

‘An Audience with...Norfolk Schools’ is the latest in the series of high profile breakfast events that have previously featured George Osborne and Vince Cable.

Taking place on Friday November 20th at the Holiday Inn North, Cromer Road, Norwich, this year’s ‘Audience with’ focuses on Bridging the Gap between education and business.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said, in announcing the event: “Bridging the Gap between business and education is an ongoing and very important part

of our strategy. By committing one of our key events to the subject we’re highlighting the need to discuss it in a high profile forum.”

An Audience With…Norfolk Schools will open up the debate by creating the opportunity to hear directly from schools about what they need to achieve, and what opportunities there are for businesses to get involved.

With increasing demands on schools and colleges to include business oriented subjects in the curriculum, taking in high tech projects such as writing computer code, it’s never been more appropriate for businesses to help educational establishments by contributing their experience to areas outside the normal ‘comfort zones’.

Equally, business leaders, anxious to recruit the suitably qualified staff of the future, need to

know how best to help schools with all important needs such as work experience opportunities.

In what’s very much a two way street, careers departments also have to be increasingly aware of what commerce is looking for in its new starters.

With a line up of speakers including Dr Simon Fox, Principal of Flegg High School and Emmalucy Auber, Head of Business and Enterprise at Aylsham High School, the morning promises a lively and informative debate. Other panelists include Caroline Williams and Jonathan Cage, newly appointed President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

The event will be hosted by Matthew Hudson, correspondent for ITV Anglia.

‘An Audience With….Norfolk Schools’ is at Holiday Inn North, Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6JA, on Friday 20th November 2015, 7.30am-10am. For full details visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. Open to all.

Return of Norfolk’s Nine.

The Norfolk Chamber’s high profile policy event is back for 2016, bringing together Norfolk’s MPs to meet with local businesses and discuss key issues affecting Norfolk.

Last year’s event featured each MP speaking on key topics including broadband, young people and infrastructure was an overwhelming success with over 120 people taking part.

All nine of Norfolk’s MP have confirmed the date of Friday 5 February 2016 in their diary for this unmissable event from 3pm-8pm at Sprowston Manor, Norwich. Featuring a packed programme of speakers, MPs, roundtable discussions and feedback sessions.

Book your place today at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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NORFOLK VOICE

Meet the Buyer 2016.

Meet the Buyer 2016 is a unique opportunity to engage with the county’s supply chain.

This is the Chamber at its most commercial, most connected and most confident.

Get yourself in front of the region’s top purchasers at ‘Meet the Buyer’ with up to give high quality appointments with key buyers, expert led workshops and a networking lunch.

Even in the digital age there’s nothing quite so exciting as face-to-face contact with people

already predisposed to buying from you. And the meetings you’ll have at ‘Meet The Buyer’ are packed with even more potential. Not only have the buyers matched to precisely your market sector, you’ll have the opportunity to further refine your contacts to those you’d most like to talk to.

Meet the Buyer 2016 takes place at NCFC, Carrow Road on 17 March 2016 and is open to all businesses. It’s more than an event, it’s a crucial part of your sales strategy.

For full details and to register your interest for key updates visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Trends in the energy industry.

Over the past 50 years, our region has developed one of the world’s most productive energy industries. The falling price of oil has triggered a dramatic shift in the state of the global energy industry.

Join us on 12th November for our Great Yarmouth business breakfast to hear about the trends, new opportunities and developments to help this sector. Taking place at Great Yarmouth Town Hall, 07.30am - 09:30am.

Knowledgeable speakers Johnathan Reynolds, from Nautilus Associates, and David Rowland from Scottish Power, to share their expert views on the topic.

Plus network with a wide range of local businesses, make new contacts from across Norfolk, and start your day with a delicious breakfast! For more information visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER EVENTS

Grow through Chamber Sessions.

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

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

THE CHAMBER SESSIONS WINTER SERIES Tuesday 10th November, 08:30 – 10:00

Be Better at Business Blogging An interactive session focusing the ways blogging can benefit your business. Huw Sayer of Business Writers Limited will look at why leaders need to ‘be social’, and how to achieve a thought leadership position.

Huw will also focus on how business blogging could fit with your sales, marketing and social media strategy.

This session will also cover some practical tips for aspiring bloggers or those tasked with sourcing and managing external blog writers.

Thursday 26th November, 12:30 – 14:00

Be Better at Excel for Business: Secrets and Shortcuts

Tuesday 17th November, 08:10 – 10:00

Be Better at Facebook for Business In this session Jonathan White of Traded Network will teach each attendee how to set up different Facebook advertising campaigns specifically aimed at targeted audiences. In addition each business will learn how to engage smarter using Facebook.

Michael Holness of Us2U Consulting will start by looking at data and formulas, but focus on avoiding the timeconsuming mistakes people often make. He will look in depth at the features of Excel that could give you the edge in business, including automating spreadsheets using macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The session will finish with questions and answers.

Thursday 3rd December, 12:30 – 14:00

Be Better at LinkedIn

Tuesday 24th November, 08:30 – 10:00

Be Better at Change Management Change is constant in business due to internal and external pressures. Successful change is about taking people with you.

So why do so many change programmes fail? Emma Bishop of Optem Limited will take you through the steps of managing those all important changes in the right way. After all, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Social media is expanding all the time and getting the message through the noise can be hard. That’s where LinkedIn can cut through and offer some real gains, learn how in this session with John Davy of Dojo Media Consulting.

For more information on FREE training for members and to book your place please visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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NORFOLK VOICE

History of Advertising Trust.

Preserving the past. Documenting the present. Inspiring the future.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Advertising is all about the future – where it’s going, not where it’s been.

Innovation is always more exciting than repetition and the advertising industry is justly proud of its position at the cutting edge: front facing, anticipating the next big thing.

An appreciation of the past can be a wise and tactical element for any responsible business strategy. Founded in 1976, The History of Advertising Trust (HAT) exists to provide that backward glance. The HAT archive is known as ‘the memory bank’ of the advertising industry, a unique barometer of social, cultural and economic change.

“There is no better prism, for anyone with an interest in history, through which to gain an understanding of a particular period and its cultural mores than through a piece of advertising.

Graham Hinton (HAT Chairman)

HAT is foremost a business support service that enables the mining of corporate memory to increase brand knowledge and awareness. It facilitates using past successes as a source of inspiration for contemporary innovations, improving public relations and delivering significant development savings.

Increasingly, companies in the advertising and communications sector are seeking to integrate their corporate history into positive messages that affirm their resilience and longevity.

“We are investing in our heritage management services in order to meet the brand history and development needs of businesses in Norfolk, and across the UK ” James Steward (Director) HAT’s unrivalled experience in preserving and maintaining brand archives can help capture today’s expertise and inside knowledge for tomorrow’s industry leaders. So get ahead of your business rivals and go to HAT. The History of Advertising Trust is located at the Raveningham Centre, Norfolk, NR14 6NU. Contact details: 01508 548623 www.hatads.org.uk

2015_CHA_100 Volunteer 185x110mm Norfolk Voice Ad AW OL.indd 1

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Courtesy of HJ Heinz Foods UK Limited

20/10/2015 12:39

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY

Dementia doesn’t discriminate – it affects us all.

1 in 3 people reading this over the age of 65 will be diagnosed with dementia.

Dementia costs UK businesses an estimated £1.6 billion per year Two thirds of people with dementia live at home, many supported by unpaid carers. They and their carers will choose businesses that are easy to use and have dementia aware staff.

R G Carter Builders – who are one of our corporate supporters

Age UK Norfolk’s bespoke dementia awareness training can help your business maintain existing customers, attract new ones and support staff that may be caring for someone with dementia.

If you would like to support a local charity and raise funds for our vital work, we offer tailored, mutually beneficial corporate partnerships: n Charity of the year – Demonstrate your business’s values and commitment to local people, increasing publicity opportunities n Corporate sponsorship - We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities n Employee engagement – Fundraising for Age UK Norfolk can help your workforce morale, develop their skills and understand the needs of older customers

Age UK Norfolk offers a lifeline to people with dementia and their carers by providing specialist dementia services: n Establishing Dementia Friendly Communities - enabling people with dementia and their carers to feel safe and welcome in their community n Admiral Nurses and Dementia Wellbeing Coordinators – providing specialist support in the community n Pabulum Dementia Cafés - reducing social isolation Money raised in Norfolk, is spent in Norfolk

For information please contact: Helen Chapman, Relationship Fundraising Manager 07833 127243 or helen.chapman@ageuknorfolk.org.uk Details of all our services are at www.ageuknorfolk.org.uk

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

We aim to treat people, like people, value their involvement and contribution and offer them the opportunities in life that most of us take for granted.

We offer these core services: l Evening and weekend community based sports, social, and

cultural activities for adults with disabilities aged 16+ across Norfolk. l Learning and skills workshops to promote confidence and

independence. l A Norwich based social club (Wednesday Evenings) l Nightclub projects in Norwich & Kings Lynn with Chicago’s

We have around 100 volunteers supporting us in roles that include supporting people to take part in activities, as well as marketing, mentoring and fundraising. What can you gain from joining us?

We need around £200,000 a year to provide around 350 community activities, and the support to make them happen.

Can you help us?

01603 618029 www.buildcharity.co.uk

For more information call or visit

BUILD Charity Limited is registered in England and Wales with company number 8069610 and registered with the Charity Commission with charity number 1147395. Registered office: Church House, Church Alley, Redwell Street, Norwich, NR2 4SN

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

Tough budget decisions loom for Norfolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

With cuts of 25 - 40% anticipated in the next Government funding round, bridging the gap is becoming ever harder for Norfolk’s police service.

The top priority for Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Stephen Bett remains keeping Norfolk safe for all who live, work and visit here. Ensuring we continue to have an efficient and effective police force is set to become an increasingly challenging.

The next funding round has been described by the county’s Chief Constable as a “gamechanger”, demanding a radical look at how our policing services are delivered.

Joint working with Suffolk has saved £24.3m for the two forces. A further £22.5 million in savings is required by March 2020, with Norfolk currently facing a £10m shortfall – a figure which is expected to increase.

These significant financial challenges, set against the changing policing landscape, will be foremost in Stephen’s mind as he prepares to set the policing budget for 2016/17. As PCC, Stephen is responsible for setting that budget and, with it, the amount you contribute through business rates and council tax.

information on the work of Norfolk’s PCC and to take part in January’s budget consultation please visit – www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk

In January Stephen will be asking - Would you be willing to pay more for policing? For more

NPS Norwich Ltd

nps group Variety of Units To Let Mile Cross Business Centre, Norwich Workshop Units of varying sizes Outside Compounds & Covered Storage Office Accommodation Coach & Lorry Parking with washdown facilities

01603 227966 / 7 www.nps.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

For more information please call Jill or Jenny on 01603 227966 / 7 www.nps.co.uk

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

A week in the Life of...

Darcy Bayfield – Business Administration Apprentice

remainder of my morning is spent making credit control phone calls before I transfer across to the International Trade department after lunch where I assist with the stamping and signing of official export documents.

Tuesday

Darcy Bayfield

Monday I start the week in the Accounts Department.

First job is to carry out our accounting system backup and import any new invoices and new customer records that have been created. I can then print off the bank statement and start allocating payments to the correct invoices. The

I have a catch up meeting this morning with my line manager to review my progress over the past month on my apprenticeship work and my Chamber targets and objectives. One of my objectives was to complete my International Training, which I have now done, another target was to help reduce the number of cheque payments the Chamber receives. We have seen a good improvement in the number of members now paying by direct debit and BACs. After lunch I have a meeting with my apprenticeship assessor who gave me the good news that she was marking off three more units as complete.

Wednesday In International today I was responsible for organising the delegate packs for next week’s Incoterms international training session. I have

also been undertaking some Carnet training, so I can help my manager to process Carnets.

Today I also handled my first translation client from start to finish – providing a quote, liaising with the translator and returning the final translated document.

Thursday I am chairing my first Chamber staff meeting today. I issued the agenda and papers for this meeting last week. I need to take careful notes of this meeting, as this experience will count towards one of my apprenticeship modules.

Friday I spend this morning dealing with any international documentation applications that we receive and calling our exporter clients where we have any queries on their documents. I allocate a couple of hours on a Friday afternoons to bring my apprenticeship work up to date, ready for another meeting with my assessor next week. Time to go home for the weekend!

Norwich Research Park announces winners of its inaugural image library competition.

A competition to showcase the work of researchers, clinicians and scientists and give the public an opportunity to engage with the diverse range of activity taking place on Norwich Research Park (NRP) has unveiled its winning images.

humans since the middle ages as cleaning agents and traditional medicines. Thomas and fellow researchers are applying the concept of synthetic biology to produce saponins in a more sustainable way.

Twelve entries from the new on-line library, which includes images from NRP’s Partners John Innes Centre, Institute of Food Research, The Sainsbury Laboratory, The Genome Analysis Centre, the University of East Anglia and the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, were selected from more than 150 images of work which highlight some of the activities taking place on the Park.

Dr Jenni Rant, project manager at the Science Art and Writing Trust, a cross-disciplinary science engagement charity, co-ordinated the competition in conjunction with staff at Norwich Research Park. Professor Anne Osbourn, director of Norwich Research Park Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy Alliance and founder of the SAW Trust, chaired the judging panel.

The striking winning image entitled ‘A New Planet’ was taken by Thomas Louveau, a postdoctoral scientist in the Department of Metabolic Biology at the John Innes Centre (JIC).

Thomas said: “I really like photography and quite often will take my camera with me into the lab. This is how I started a small series of pictures focusing on plant extracts in laboratory glassware. When dried and sitting in a round flask, leaf extracts look very colourful due to many different pigments. Under the right lighting conditions, in front of a dark background, the bottom of the flask really looks like a little planet.”

The image was captured during the process of extracting complex chemicals, known as ‘saponins’ from plants. Saponins have many valuable properties and have been used by

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

NEW MEMBERS

New Members.

AMB Plant Ltd 01760 721220 www.ambplant.co.uk Construction (General)

Anglian Wealth Management 01603 752 500 www.anglianwm.co.uk Financial Adviser

Aurora Merchandise Ltd 0333 012 4609 www.auroramerchandise.co.uk Marketing

Aviform Ltd 01953 528008 www.aviform.co.uk

Manufacturing (General)

First Copy Corporation Ltd 01223811311 www.firstcopy.co.uk

Photocopier Manufacturers/Suppliers

Immersive VR Ltd 01603 620562 www.immersivevr.co.uk

Video/Television Production

Inconceivable Ltd 07590 333123 www.mind-span.co.uk Coaching & Mentoring

iPadel Ltd 07765 403769 www.i-padel.co.uk Leisure & Tourism

Norfolk Community Foundation 01603 623958 www.norfolkfoundation.com Charities

Peninsula Business Services Ltd 01618 369068 www.peninsula-uk.com

Consultants (Business/Management)

PIB Insurance 07944 657366 www.pib-insurance.com

Insurance Companies/Brokers/ Adjusters (all types)

SeanClark.com Ltd 01603 343477 www.seanclark.com Media

Joules Resource Management Limited BBA Digital Media 01603 322979 www.bbadigital-media.com

01953 459745 www.joulesresourcemanagement.co.uk Consultants (Business/Management)

The Lodge Classical Equestrian Center 07824394952 www.nerysleerdressage.co.uk Animal/Pet Services

Advertising

Julian Support Ltd British Sugar TOPSOIL 0870 240 2314 www.bstopsoil.co.uk

01603 281741 www.juliansupport.org Charities

The Wood Kitchen 07733 617715 www.thewoodkitchen.com

Food & Drink (Incl: Alcoholic & Soft Beverages)

Agricultural (Goods/Services)

Julie Rainford Consulting Limited Casuga Consulting Limited 07725 472742 www.casuga.co.uk

07725 055598 julierainford.co.uk

Consultants (Business/Management)

Vionic Europe Limited 01603 493102 www.vionicshoes.com

Consultants (Business/Management)

Retail (Other)

L S Engineering Services Ltd Continental Product Engineering Ltd 01508 528060 www.continentalproduct.co.uk

01603 722970 www.lsesuk.com

Construction (General)

Virtual Marketing Solutions 01508 538237 www.virtualmarketingmanagement.com

Oil & Gas

Marketing

Martyn Howe Quantity Surveyors Limited 01485 535209 Surveyors

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

MEMBERS NEWS

Trust makes key SaxonAir launch official appointments. partnership with Norwich City.

SaxonAir Charter Ltd, based at Norwich International airport, has announced an official partnership with Norwich City Football Club as its preferred air travel provider.

SaxonAir’s charter service provides dedicated aircraft for individuals and groups of people to travel to destinations otherwise not served by airliners.

(From left to right) Grainne Buckley, Charlene Ledgard, Peter Marron, John Gordon-Saker

The OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN) on Bank Plain, Norwich, has celebrated its 10th anniversary as a charity and, following its recent Big Lottery funding success, is looking forward to the next era with four key appointments.

John Gordon-Saker joined OPEN in August as Chief Executive, returning to Norfolk after more than 30 years away. John comes from an event and marketing background and previously ran WPP’s brand communication agency, recruitment and lifestyle portal FiftyOn and the business media division of World Productions, the independent broadcast production company.

Alex Durand, SaxonAir CEO said “We are delighted to develop our relationship with Norwich City Football Club as we welcome their return to the Premier League. Our partnership enables us to enhance our services to the club, players and staff, and also to develop travel options for supporters.”

SaxonAir are based in headquarters at Norwich Airport, with aircraft located in Norwich, London and other key European cities.

Swarm apprentice Chris takes on Norwich Sleep Out 2015 for The Benjamin Foundation.

John said: “Joining a charity that offers so much to young people, especially those from a disadvantaged or troubled background, is a brilliant reason to come home to Norwich.

I want OPEN to be recognised as the hub for youth services in Norfolk and I’m very much looking forward to telling our compelling story to a wider audience.”

These are issues that not only need making right, but everyone should be more aware of.

By taking part in the Norwich Sleep Out 2015, I hope that we can raise as much awareness as possible, as well as much needed donations for The Benjamin Foundation.

I went for an evening stroll last night - it was fairly nippy and it’s only the beginning of October.

Goodness knows what it will be like come November 12th! Luckily for us, we’re taking on the sleep out together.

Peter Marron joined the OPEN Youth Trust as Venue Development Manager, arriving from The Forum where he worked for 14 years Charlene Ledgard, has taken up the post of Youth Programme Manager. Charlene has been working with children and young people for more than ten years; the last three have been with OPEN as Performance Arts Instructor and she played a significant part in securing the recent Lottery funding.

Grainne Buckley joins the Trust as Fundraising Manager, which is a new post for the charity.

Grainne has been fundraising on behalf of young people for much of her career and has previously worked at the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a national youth charity dedicated to preventing male suicide, and Norfolk-based charities Eating Matters and the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind.

Steve Hobin, Norwich City Football Club’s Head of Partnership’s, said: “We are really pleased to build upon our already great relationship with SaxonAir. Our geographical location lends itself to flying to away games when travelling long distances to give the team the best possible preparation.”

I am proud to say I’ll be taking part in the Norwich Sleep Out 2015 .

“Why? Are you bonkers?!” I hear you ask.

The Benjamin Foundation do an absolutely outstanding job. In my opinion, not enough people (especially in Norfolk) appreciate this!

Helping around 2,000 people each year across the county, they’re diverse in what they do – helping homeless young adults, providing holiday clubs and nursery facilities for young children and working in over 80 schools to support pupils and their parents where relationships need rebuilding.

Now I’ve signed up for this challenge, It really did make me think. Imagine being out in the cold, at night, on your own, with no where to go... take a moment and try and picture yourself there. It’s so vitally important that we try and do as much as we can to help the people in that situation, more often than not, it’s not even their own fault.

If you’re not brave enough, please do donate to The Benjamin Foundation.

The third step to help is to spread the word! This is important too - please head on to The Benjamin Foundation Twitter page (@TBFNorfolk) and ReTweet messages about the Norwich Sleep Out 2015.

Thank you for your support for The Benjamin Foundation and wish us luck!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 2015

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NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name: Sabah Meddings Company: Archant Job title: Business Writer EDP Business writer Sabah Meddings has been a journalist for two and a half years, joining the paper following a little break after university. Born in Dublin, she moved to Norwich when she was three, and studied politics and international relations at the University of Aberdeen. Sabah joined the EDP in May 2013 – working as a general reporter before joining the business team three months ago.

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

My first job was at WHSmith when I was 16. I remember being paid £4.20 an hour and being required to wear a questionable purple shirt.

What do you always carry with you to work?

Laptop, lots of pens and a note pad. The pens invariably leak in my bag and I end up covered in ink, but I would prefer that to turning up to a job empty handed. I once forgot my notepad and ended up having to write an interview into the back of my address book!

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

As a business journalist, the biggest challenge is making sure we have as many vibrant and fresh stories in our coverage as possible. There are so many businesses in Norfolk doing great things, and getting them to shout about it is key.

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

I would remove the bureaucracy and red tape preventing small businesses from getting off their feet. So many SMEs we speak to say they feel they have to jump through hoops to take on apprentices, or access the information they need.

What can you see from your office window?

When I moved onto the business desk three months ago, I was lucky enough to secure a window seat. Now I can see the tops of trees, and if I’m feeling nosy, visitors pulling in to the Archant car park. When David Cameron came to visit I was in prime view of his exit out the back door.

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

I think if I wasn’t a journalist I’d be a lawyer. But mostly because I have a weakness for legal dramas. I’m sure it’s far less glamorous in real life…

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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

Being a journalist it’s important to have a natural curiosity, be hungry for the best line in a story and be capable of building a rapport with anyone.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

For us, it’s not so much mistakes in business rather than being beaten to the best line in a story by rivals. It’s never something you want to repeat.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Ask for help and bounce ideas off other people. We’re lucky in Norwich in that we have some great co-working spaces, and places such as Hethel Engineering Centre. Engaging with other people is invaluable when you are starting out.

Who do you admire most in business?

I believe taking a risk and launching a business is a brave leap, and so I think I admire all business owners for striking out on their own. I always enjoy hearing how people started out, especially if they came from humble beginnings.

Working in partnership with employers to develop the workforce of tomorrow Our IT Apprenticeship and Traineeship programmes are developed to meet the needs of the employer and provide the right young people with the opportunity to realise their potential by expanding the breadth and depth of their experience and knowledge.

Our Advanced and Higher Level IT Apprenticeships will enable you to address higher level skills shortages with a young person trained in the way that your business works.

As well as providing solutions to your skill shortages we are looking for employers to work with us to provide relevant work experience opportunities for our 16-19

year old students, who will benefit from a mixture of our employability training and the opportunity to gain some real life experience in a local company.

If you are interested in taking on an IT Apprentice or would like to offer a work placement for a 16-19 year old, please contact us on: masonp@developebp.co.uk or phone 01603 516555.