Norfolk Voice 43

voice

norfolk

The new Economic Strategy for Norfolk Page 6 & Suffolk to 2036

Our Big Interview with Doug Field, Joint Chief Executive of the East of England Co-op Plus... Member News / International / Policy / Events THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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CONTENTS

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER POLICY

Winter’s coming, let’s get close Hello all, In my new and exciting role of shaping and developing a membership organisation it’s important to stress that I’m driven by one thing. You! It’s all about you!

I’m passionate about my customers and therefore we need to ensure that customer centric behaviours and cultures are established quickly within the Chamber to guarantee that we always provide outstanding service.

Customer centricity, broadly speaking, means putting the customer (that’s you remember) at the heart of everything we do. Steve Jobs, a huge advocate of consumer loyalty, summed it up very well.

When addressing his Apple employees he would often talk about getting close the customer. “So close” he would say “That you tell them what they may need and why well before they realise it themselves.” The concept of getting “so close” provides an ability to genuinely and sincerely help and support a customer based on what they need.

A need often based around knowledge most relevant to them. For example, as you browse this edition of Norfolk Voice you’ll encounter a variety of essential information from economic strategy to innovation technology. It’s a lot to take in and you may be asking: “How does this relate to me?” Well, that’s what we do. It’s our customer centric focus, it’s what being a member is about, so have a read and then let’s make time to get close.

Chris Sargisson CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS SUPPORT

FINANCE

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER NEWS

THE BIG INTERVIEW

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

CHAMBER EVENTS AND TRAINING

NEW MEMBERS

WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

COVER FEATURE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBERSHIP

LAST WORD

CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

jack.edwards@norfolkchamber.co.uk

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

NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ADVERTISING

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

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

ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com DISCLAIMER: Distinctive Publishing or Norfolk Chamber cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Norfolk Chamber.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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

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Planning for… Christmas!?

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts start turning towards how many shopping days there are before Christmas. I know, there I have said it now, the big C word, probably the first mention in the Norfolk Voice.

Traditionally as a Sagittarius I hate even contemplating anything to do with Christmas before the end of November, unfortunately this comes over to many people as being ‘Bah Humbug’. I have also succumbed over recent years to actually doing my gift shopping in advance of December almost just so I can get it out of the way, rather than leaving it until a mad semi drunken dash around the shops after the Christmas Lunch.

It was therefore a great surprise that I ended up buying my first Christmas present of the year last week. The look of surprise and envy I received from a small girl entering the supermarket with her mum, as I left proudly with a fairly large unicorn under my arm, was priceless.

I am also not a great fan of sorting out Christmas parties in advance, which always then becomes a challenge for those who have to organise it.

All of this is going on, in what is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for many businesses. The great ‘let’s get that submitted’ or ‘I want it completed before the end of the year’ syndrome kicks in. October and November are two key months of key business activity, before the traditional holiday season, and the inevitable hit in productivity. It is also often a period for taking stock and for reviewing the year’s performance and planning for the next year. 2018 will no doubt hold a whole new set of challenges and opportunities, and whilst we are a few months away, it won’t do any harm before we get into party mode to sit down and reflect on the last 12 months.

This edition of Norfolk Voice has a focus on Infrastructure and I am sure that most business owners and leaders would not have too much problem in writing a fairly comprehensive wish list to Santa on this aspect. Recent news on the A47 start in Gt Yarmouth is welcomed and the delivery date for our new trains is moving ever so closer. Whilst things seem to be going in the right direction, wouldn’t it be great if Santa this year managed to bring us all decent Broadband or have I just bought the only mythical thing in the County?

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Jonathan Cage

President, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Members get Educational.

Recently our members joined us at The Royal Assembly Rooms, Great Yarmouth for a morning of networking over breakfast and a presentation from Stuart Rimmer, CEO of the new East Coast College.

Delegates hear economic forecast over breakfast.

Wednesday 4th October marked our annual Economic Business Breakfast and AGM where over 90 Norfolk Chamber Members gathered at OPEN, Norwich for a morning of networking and economic insights.

The Old Banking Hall at OPEN provided the perfect backdrop for our members to hear expert views on the forecast of Norfolk’s economy.

The morning was hosted by Stephen Drake, Managing Director of the event sponsors Steeles Law. Once guests had been treated to a delicious Full English breakfast, it was time to hear from our key note speakers: Jonathan Cage, MD at Create Consulting Engineers and President of the Chamber followed by Doug Field, newly appointed Chairman of the New Anglia LEP, on the local economy.

The event closed with some free networking, followed by our AGM.

Are you looking to boost your networking opportunities?

Our next Norwich Business Breakfast takes place on Thursday 7th December 2017. Book your place at norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

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

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Chris Sargisson Chief Exec of Norfolk Chamber hosted the event, which began with members taking part in an ice breaker quiz. This allowed guests to find out a little more about those on their tables.

After breakfast we set the guests off on a Safari move to network with other guests in the room.

Stuart took the stage by telling our guests about the new £10 Million College and is starting to get underway which will be a hub for more skills in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Ending the morning guests had chance to ask Stuart questions about the new college and what it would bring to the local economy.

The next Great Yarmouth Breakfast is on Thursday 9th November to book visit norfolkchamber.co.uk/ events

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ChamberNews

Talking Technology, another busy and inspiring event!

On Wednesday 20th September, 200 guests joined us at the seventh instalment of our half-day technology conference, Talking Tech 2017. The event proved to be our busiest yet, with people keen to hear (and see) the latest technological innovations taking place on a national and local scale.

The vibrant venue was filled with 13 exhibitors, including sponsors of the event Barclays Eagle Labs and Computer Service Centre. We were also joined by PC World, 101 Ltd, Aston Shaw to name a few, making it our most interactive and engaging exhibition yet!

Hosting the keynote presentations was our very own CEO, Chris Sargisson. We first heard from Dom Davis, who spoke about the rise

of artificial intelligence, whose impassioned presentation was both informative and lighthearted. He was followed by Dean Withey who spoke about Ubisend’s innovative use of Chatbots. John Carr from Facebook then took to the stage to inform the audience about Facebook’s influence on businesses, its focus on mobile use and the emphasis the company are putting on video. Prison Voicemail and Aviva then spoke about their respective use of technological advances to achieve their goals and make waves in their industries.

Our guests then took part in four workshops provided by local experts Immersive VR, The User Story, Integro Languages and Innershed.

Following on from these interactive workshops, it was back to the auditorium for the lightning talks.

This is when local tech pioneers took to the main stage to showcase their journeys and their influence on the tech scene in Norfolk.

We heard from Stacey Harris (Foolproof), Claire Riseborough (Step Into Tech), Tim Robinson (Tech East), James Horne (BlueSky UAV Drones) and Peter Green (CSS Cloud Ltd).

After the Q+A with the audience and our lightning talk speakers, Chris then wrapped up the stimulating and interesting event and welcomed guests to the Networking Lunch.

This gave the guests another opportunity to visit the engaging exhibition and catch up with fellow members of the local business community.

CEO Chris Sargisson finds out what members in West Norfolk want.

Over 50 Norfolk Chamber members attended the West Norfolk Business Breakfast in late September. This was the last event hosted by the West Norfolk Chamber Council President, Heather Garrod, who has now stepped down after 8 years in the role.

After breakfast guests heard from Peter Lawrence, Director of Human Capital Department, who delivered a talk about innovation and change, sharing examples of what NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

innovations his award winning firm have made.

Before the morning drew to a close, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson shared his ambition for the future of the Chamber at his first Business Breakfast in West Norfolk. After group discussions, Chris heard feedback from Chamber members establishing what they are positive about and what future developments they would like to see.

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

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Introducing the new Economic Strat Since the beginning of the year, Norfolk Chamber, together with other strategic partners, has been working with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to draft the new economic strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk.

Back in June and July, Norfolk Chamber held a series of events across Norfolk to gather feedback and opinions from local businesses as to what they wanted to see in the strategy and much of that feedback has been incorporated.

The finalised Economic Strategy is now on New Anglia LEP’s website on newanglia.co.uk/new-economic-strategy Some of the key targets to 2036 include:

30,000

88,000

Grow the economy by

£17.5 billion

new jobs

new successful businesses

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140,000

66% of the population

new homes

will have NVQ3+

“Chamber members of differing sizes and a diverse range of sectors from across Norfolk have contributed to the drafting of the new Economic Strategy. The next step will be to create the delivery and action plans that will underpin the economic strategy.”

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber

Proposed activities include: n Enabling SMEs to grow and increase exports by focusing grant programmes and other support on growth, innovation and productivity n Leading a cross sector ‘trade global, supply local’ campaign to open up supply chain opportunities for local businesses n Prioritising digital and physical infrastructure projects to support businesses to develop and provide the space that new and existing firms need to grow

n Setting up new schemes to help high growth businesses and make it easier to access advice and funding for commercial innovation and commercialising business and university R&D n Prioritising capital investment on provision that will deliver the skills our sectors need n Prioritising leadership support for our entrepreneurs and those in new high growth businesses, through further accelerator support and business mentorship

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n Delivering the Youth Pledge for all our young people, providing an offer that inspires them about the opportunities that exist and providing support into employment n Working with Government to establish an Institute of Technology to meet the increasing need for higher level technical skills in key areas such as energy, engineering and manufacturing n Developing new approaches and remove barriers to get people back into work, especially for those furthest from the job markets NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

CoverFeature

tegy for Norfolk & Suffolk to 2036.

Among the organisations seeking to improve the local economy are:

East Coast College Energy Skills and Engineering Centre

TechEast – driving the growth of digital tech

Business funding helps innovative firm to grow

This new specialist centre, part of the newlymerged East Coast College in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, will provide added space and improved facilities to train the next generation of workers along the East’s all-energy coastline.

TechEast has a bold vision - to drive the growth of digital tech in the East and underpin the creation of 5,000 additional digital tech jobs by 2020.

Hingham-based Mirus Aircraft Seating successfully applied for a £360,000 grant from New Anglia LEP’s Growing Business Fund as a start-up in 2015, to help finance the redevelopment of their factory at Hingham.

Funded by £10million from New Anglia LEP’s Growth Deal, the project is expected to be constructed by December 2018.

Galvanising the sector by speaking with one voice, TechEast aims to be recognised as one of the UK’s top five digital tech clusters and provides leadership for the sector.

The college’s aim for the centre is to increase learner numbers across the range of skills provision with a focus on technical training and competence at levels 3, 4, 5 and 6, delivering a skilled workforce to the energy sector and raising levels of aspiration for young people in the area.

Launched in April 2016 as a private sector partnership, TechEast provides business support to existing and start-up companies, runs networking events and has established an embassy showcase in London.

Two years later, the firm has begun production on its contract to retro-fit its Hawk seats in Air Asia’s fleet of Airbus aircraft.

Ben McGuire, Chief Operating Officer, said: “The LEP’s funding was not only vital financially, it also gave us the credibility we needed to take the project forward and secure our first big contract.

It’s fair to say the LEP’s support was crucial in getting us to where we are now.”

Here’s what our members think of the proposals:

“The important thing about the New Anglia Economic Strategy is that it amplifies the collective voice of the region. It brings together the views of various organisations so a Government minister can look at it and see a coherent plan, rather than piecemeal ideas. The Government seems more prepared to consider such collective endeavours and this strategy clarifies a number of issues that are critical to local business growth.”

Huw Sayer

who recently joined the Norfolk Chamber board and runs Business Writers Limited

“A clear and coherent economic strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk that embraces the challenges and opportunities ahead is key to the success of our region. It will provide a clear purpose and sense of direction and will be critical in directing the effort of business, politicians and public bodies towards a clear common goal. Working closely together will be vital to developing and implementing some of the game changing projects we will need to deliver.

The action plans and measures will track and monitor progress - a clear road map with clear goals. Alongside disciplined action we must ensure we remain flexible and agile enough to adapt to the new opportunities and challenges that we will encounter on the journey.

The plans are bold and ambitious – a very exciting future for Norfolk and Suffolk.”

David Armstrong

Chamber Board member and Chief Financial Officer, Flagship Group

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“The LEP continue to be effective in securing investment for the region and as a Chamber it’s down to us to accurately reflect your needs so that they can be heard and met. Given its contribution to employment numbers it was disappointing to see that Retail wasn’t included as one of the identified ‘sectors’ but I was pleased to see a focus on infrastructure (physical and digital) and housing, those big ticket items that need additional support and urgent attention. The focus on skills is also welcome and I hope that too can evolve into developing an enterprise culture, to drive innovation and economic growth through the SMEs of the future.”

Paul McCarthy

Vice President, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and General Manager at Intu Chapelfield

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Investing in Norfolk Investing in major infrastructure projects is essential to support economic growth and with the Northern Distributor Road nearing completion and a decision expected imminently about the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, we take a look at key infrastructure projects in the county.

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Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing

Northern Distributer Road (NDR)

For a number of years, Norfolk County Council has been working to secure a Third River Crossing for Great Yarmouth.

Backed by the Department of Transport, the Northern Distributer Road (NDR) has the potential to bring £1 billion of economic benefits to Norfolk. The new 12.5 mile dual carriageway will be open fully in Spring 2018 and ease congestion around the city and greatly improve connectivity to Norwich Airport.

Martin Wilby, Chair of Norfolk County Council’s Economic Development & Transport Committee, said: “A third river crossing will provide much needed connections between the strategic road network and the fast growing energy related Enterprise Zone. It’s crucial in providing linkages across the River Yare to the economic growth hub in the South Denes peninsula.”

Richard Goffin, Port Director Peel Ports, is a big supporter of the crossing and said: “Investing in improved transport infrastructure is an essential enabler to sustainable future growth benefiting both communities and businesses.”

I believe the Third River crossing for Great Yarmouth will be of huge economic benefit to the town and harbour, serving the growing off-shore businesses, tourism and energy sectors. As a college we are closely aligned to employers’ training needs and regional priorities and recognise that in order to achieve growth in key sectors the region must be supported with the appropriate infrastructure and travel networks. To this end I see the river crossings planned for both Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft as critical developments for the region along with the dualling of the A47’s Acle Straight”

Stuart Rimmer

CEO and Principal of East Coast College

However, the County Council has made it clear that it wants to also see the completion of a Western Link between the A1067 Fakenham Road and the A47 west of Norwich, and the early stages of work to take this project forward have already started.

Cllr Martin Wilby said: “The NDR will provide the platform for growth in housing and jobs and this will help businesses make a significant contribution to the national economy.”

Fundamentally, the success of the business community is driven by the calibre of the people that Norfolk businesses can attract and retain. Whilst we recognise that geographically Norfolk is at the end of the line, it is nonetheless a great place to live and work.

Improvements to both the road and rail infrastructure are now needed in order for the Norfolk economy to maintain this momentum of growth and prosperity.

The Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, the Norwich Western Link and the Long Stratton Bypass are all important as is improvements to the train travel time to London.”

Simon Watson

Partner for Lovewell Blake LLP

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Feature

k’s Infrastructure.

Rail – Trowse Swing Bridge

A47 Improvements

All trains from London, Cambridge and the Midlands/the North cross the single track Trowse Bridge on their approach in to Norwich Station. An additional rail line across the River Wensum is needed to allow additional trains into Norwich, and improve timetabling and reliability of the services.

Another priority is the A47, which is the main east-west connection in East Anglia, linking Great Yarmouth in the east with Norwich, King’s Lynn and Peterborough to the A1 in the west.

Network Rail, who manage and maintain the rail infrastructure, is looking at how to overcome the bottleneck at Trowse Bridge and Norfolk Chamber, Norfolk County Council and other partners are working with to identify and agree the best options.

Cllr Wilby said: “Trowse Bridge is one of very few opening bridges on the rail network. It swings open to allow larger boats to get into Norwich.

This presents challenges in identifying the best option for how to add another, second rail track over the river whilst ensuring that the scheme is affordable and balances the needs of the railway and river traffic.”

There’s talk of Northern Powerhouses, but we have as much right to demand infrastructure and investment – where’s an East-West High Speed Rail proposal? We outperform many other regions and are geographically close to other major European trading partners - yet the Highways Agency Strategy focusses outwards from a southern centre, with Norfolk on the fringes. We need to change that perception: from our coast we access energy, goods and food, and from our city we have innovation alongside long established financial institutions – with transport efficiency we can deliver so much more to the rest of the UK than is currently possible.”

Alex Durand

Chief Executive Officer SaxonAir Charter Ltd

What improvements would most benefit your business?

Email: nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk

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The A47 Alliance brings together Norfolk Chamber, the business community, local authorities, MPs and stakeholders along the whole of the trunk road route between Peterborough and Lowestoft to work towards improvements.

Highways England has already committed £300 million to much needed improvements on the A47 and the Alliance continues to campaign for its ambition of a fully dualled A47 from Lowestoft to Peterborough.”

Cllr Martin Wilby

Chair of the Alliance

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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ChamberNews

B2B Exhibition is huge hit.

Norfolk’s premier business exhibition returned to Norwich City Football Club this October and was bigger than ever!

This year’s event saw over 100 exhibitors spread across two busy floors at Carrow Road, showcasing the best of what Norfolk business have to offer. The exhibition attracted over 850 visitors, keen to explore new opportunities and find products and services that can help their business.

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The day kicked off with a special exhibitor welcome from NCFC Managing Director, Steve Stone. Steve spoke about the Football Club’s role in the business community and his ambitions to attract more Norfolk businesses to engage with the club in the future.

Steve then took a tour of the exhibition with the Chamber’s Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson to meet each of the exhibitors and judge the Best Stand Award.

After almost two hours of deliberating, Indigo Swan were crowned this year’s winner for their innovative ‘Human Fruit Machine’.

Commenting on the great atmosphere at this year’s event, Chris Sargisson said: “There is an air of optimism and positivity in Norfolk….We have some exciting businesses forming in Norfolk and we will aim to support them even more in 2018.”

This year’s event was sponsored by Norse, NatWest, Vertas, Lovewell Blake, MIGSOLV and Archant.

Planning is already underway for next year’s B2B Exhibition, which takes place on Thursday 11 October 2018. Stand bookings are now open, visit norfolkchamber.co.uk/b2b

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Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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AsktheExpert

Whether it’s business or personal, Sharon Theobald, Claims Consultant at leading independent insurance broker Alan Boswell Group, highlights what you need to know to make sure you have the right cover

A practical guide to arranging insurance.

How do I make sure I’m adequately insured?

When should I notify my insurers of a claim?

The main way is to ensure your sums insured provide sufficient cover. In the simplest terms, if you make a claim, the pay-out should ideally meet the value of your losses. When insuring a property, the buildings sum needs to factor in the cost to rebuild the property at current rates. This is not just rebuilding the walls, but demolition costs and re-laying driveways and paving on a like-forlike basis, as well as the necessary professional and local authority fees.

Notify your broker or insurer as soon as practically possible of any loss or claim that may be forthcoming. Your policy will have a section that details claims conditions. There are time limits for notifying certain types of claims, such as employee theft. The police must be notified immediately of a theft or malicious damage incident. If in doubt, contact your broker or insurer for specific advice.

Regarding assets, your asset register is a good place to start.

Bear in mind, however, that this is likely to take into account depreciation. Most policies are on a new-for-old basis, so you’ll need to factor in the price of new machinery when you set your sum insured figure. Be sure to include freight and carriage within the total.

How will underinsurance affect me?

Underinsurance is unfortunately common and if your sum insured

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

is too low, it’s likely to have an adverse effect on settlement of any claim. Any payments will be reduced proportionately.

Do I need to complete the Proposal Form?

The simple answer is ‘yes’. All questions must be answered accurately, to the best of your knowledge. Read the form carefully - some insurers will not only ask for previous claims, but previous losses. This could include losses that haven’t been covered

under your previous policy and/or you decided not to claim for.

The Insurance Act 2015 puts the onus on the policyholder to disclose every material circumstance that the insured knows or ought to know. You will need to disclose items such as CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcy and criminal convictions, including those pending.

Failure to disclose a material fact could lead to your insurers voiding the entire policy and not paying a claim.

Dedicated claims team Alan Boswell Group has a claims support team of experienced personnel. We will ensure you get personal service of the highest order and the best settlement possible for your insurance claim.

Visit www.alanboswell.com/ claims or call us on 01603 218099.

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Chamber members discuss Norfolk business needs with Norman Lamb MP. Chamber members recently had the opportunity to highlight and discuss the challenges facing the local business community with Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk.

Amongst the topics discussed were Brexit; the need for better broadband and mobile coverage; road and rail improvements; and the skills and enterprise agenda.

Mr Lamb also highlighted his new role as the Chair of the Science & Technology Select

Committee and advised that he was interested in hearing from businesses who were looking at AI (artificial intelligence), automation and the social implications of these issues.

On Brexit, the group noted the need for definition on what will happen to the flow of data across borders, following Brexit – in today’s digital world this will be critical to many businesses no matter where they are in the world. Also of concern was the need for clarity on overseas labour, with many firms facing skills shortages.

Health and wellbeing and how the increasing number of sick days impact on organisations’ productivity was also noted.

Mobile and broadband coverage was again raised as a considerable challenge to those businesses wanting to be able to take advantage of new technology developments and compete with the rest of the UK. They noted that unreliable connections act as barriers to growth, which put those companies most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.

All agreed that more work needed to be done to close the gap between business and education, some of which can be done locally, but more support from central Government was called for to help put more focus on the enterprise.

“We were really pleased to welcome Norman Lamb to the Norfolk Chamber office to hear from the local business community. It is important that our MPs understand the needs of business and the Chamber will continue to ensure our members views are hear loud and clear in Westminster.”

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager from Norfolk Chamber

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ChamberPolicy

Specialist sectors and a skilled workforce come together to create destination of choice on the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor.

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Bringing together excellent infrastructure and global centres of expertise, the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor has all the ingredients to become a globally recognised place to do business.

Identified as a Priority Place in the new Economic Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk, the Tech Corridor comprises the UK’s most established tech cluster in Cambridge and business and research excellence across advanced manufacturing, agri-tech, life sciences and digital creative sectors along the route towards Norwich.

Since the Corridor’s launch at the House of Commons a year ago, investment in key sites – including infrastructure improvements including Thetford access roundabout to the Thetford Enterprise Park, Norwich Research Park Enterprise Zone internal road and highway infrastructure and the Ely rail junction feasibility study are under way alongside the planned power upgrade at Snetterton and site master planning for Hethel Technology Park.

Sandra Dinneen, lead CEx for the Tech corridor said: “With site investment under way, this is an exciting time for the development of the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor. We know that there’s huge potential and there’s certainly a drive from public and private sector partners to work closely together to turn that into real results. We’re also speaking to the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge corridor to see what we can learn from their experiences and how we can benefit from successes further west.”

So what does the coming year hold?

A dedicated delivery team will be in place in the new year to lead the Corridor into its next exciting stage, which will focus on attracting companies to set up in the Corridor and support those

For more information, visit techcorridor.co.uk or email info@techcorridor.co.uk

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who want to expand their activities by strengthening collaboration between businesses, higher education institutions and centres of excellence like Norwich and Cambridge Research Parks. The team will also be working with land owners and developers to support the development of key employment and housing sites as well as holding a number of engagement events over the coming months, including a roundtable with Ministers in February, an event with Innovate UK as well as working with Hethel Innovation to establish a new Tech Corridor Manufacturing Group.

This is a great time for businesses to get involved. If you’re based in the area, why not become a Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor Business Ambassador and help us to spread the word? We’re keen to hear about case studies and great news stories from local businesses so that they

can be promoted on the website and through the social media campaign.

The Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor in numbers n 100km through three counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire n 170,000 people already working there n 12,000 knowledge intensive businesses already based there n Space for 20,000 new homes by 2031 n 9,000 new jobs by 2031 n Potential for £558million boost to the regional economy

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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

Advertising

How can your CRM help you prepare for GDPR?

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As a business that stores and uses data as part of your day-today transactions, you’ll be aware that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is coming into effect in May 2018.

It sounds like a long time, but many businesses’ database still have a long way to go before they’re compliant and the pressure is starting to mount.

Suddenly, May 2018 doesn’t sound so far away.

There are two big issues facing most businesses when it comes to their data management and how that will be affected by GDPR: Data Cleanliness and Consent.

If you use some form of CRM system to manage your data, and most businesses do at this point (even if it’s a bunch of spreadsheets), you will need to use the tools within it to tackle both.

Depending on your system, you will have a number of tools at your disposal, however, to manage this more effectively going forward: 1. Keeping your data up to date By carrying out regular data cleansing, you can go a long way towards ensuring your data is current and correct. This includes picking up incorrect email addresses, identifying and preventing gaps in your data, and highlighting when an individual has not been contacted recently.

Most CRM systems will allow you to set important fields as mandatory, preventing your users from saving a record without gathering the correct information. Equally, you should be able to get an overview of your data through reports and filters that will show you gaps in your data and the dates of last contact.

Data Cleanliness

Ideally, your system should have a way of automatically detecting and recording bounced email addresses, highlighting them to you so that you can get in touch to clarify the accuracy of information.

You will already be familiar with the pain of trying to keep your data up to date, free from duplicates, and standardised. Under GDPR, however, failure to do so can have some fairly serious financial (not to mention the existing reputational) consequences.

2. Managing duplicates According to a study by Royal Mail, 61% of marketers reported that duplicates were a major factor for them when it came to their data quality. It also has huge implications for GDPR around recording consent, the accuracy of your data, etc. Not to

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

mention the fact that it is just plain annoying for you.

be contacted over the phone, and who doesn’t want to be contacted at all.

Your CRM should be able to help you identify duplicate records and then merge them together when you find them. Automated duplicate checking on new data is equally vital, especially where you have the ability to set which fields are checked and include any necessary exclusion rules.

Alongside all this, you will need to be able to say when you received this instruction for each. and. every. person.

3. Standardisation Finally, your users need to be able to organise and categorise all the data in your system based on your own company terms and phrases.

Otherwise, they won’t be able to separate your prospects from your customers or your former clients from your suppliers.

And if they don’t know what the relationship is, they could easily run afoul of GDPR’s strict data use policies.

It’s a big job and you need to have a CRM system ready to support you in this endeavour.

Sound Scary?

It definitely does. GDPR is introducing a whole new level of responsibility for anyone processing any data… which is pretty much everyone.

Having the right tools to manage these requirements is absolutely vital.

To talk to a member of OpenCRM team about how CRM software can benefit your brand, just call 01748 473000 or visit the website: www.opencrm.co.uk

Consent to Use Data This is the big one when it comes to GDPR and it all boils down to this: if you don’t have consent to process someone’s data or email them and you do it anyway, you will be fined.

Pretty simple.

You need your CRM system to be able to help you manage this in a big way with fields to help you track who has opted in to receive your communications, who would rather

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

BusinessSupport GDPR the clock is ticking!

Significant changes to data protection laws are on their way and your organisation needs to be fully compliant by May 2018.

Our help starts with a GDPR Audit which identifies the gaps in your current processes/practices resulting in a GDPR Compliance Plan highlighting:

• • • •

What you need to do Your key GDPR priorities Your timescales Your costs

James Tarling

@ashtonslegal www.ashtonslegal.co.uk Bury St Edmund | Cambridge | Ipswich | Norwich | Thetford

01603 703233 or 07483 925825 or james.tarling@ashtonslegal.co.uk

here to help 15

30,000 and ongoing hours of Free Business Support from New Anglia Growth Hub The Growth Hub, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund was set up in 2014 providing a single point of contact for businesses seeking free face-to-face advice. Since then, the Growth Hub has provided over 30,000 hours of support and over £16,283,478 has been awarded through their Grant Schemes.

HJC Protective Coatings Ltd are one of the companies who have benefited from a grant. New Anglia Growth Hub identified that they were eligible for the Small Grant Scheme, which enabled them to buy the new blast unit they required to expand and attract new clients.

Where are your critical documents stored today?

Our complete suite of Record & Information Management solutions provides all businesses with a single source partner to address all records management, digital access, data protection and secure destruction needs.

Contact us for a consultation.

Nigel Best, the Growth Hub Manager said: “The Growth Hub is a fantastic resource; you get access to the combined knowledge and experience of the team and the service is completely free.”

To book an appointment, call 0300 333 6536 or email growthhub@newanglia.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Norwich • info@oasisgroup.com • 0144 076 0190 www.OASISGroup.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook YouTube | Vimeo

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

Advertising

HEATLINK SERVICES LTD Free system check with all boiler services (residential and commercial) carried out during December and January

Heatlink Services Ltd have very quickly established themselves as a well respected, reliable and dynamic family run plumbing and heating business. The business was formed in July 2016 and in the space of just over 12 months has this year been shortlisted for the best small business of the year in this years EDP Business Awards The company from before its inception established clear core values and have made a promise to themselves to not forget these and to ensure they are encompassed within everything they do.

customer satisfaction, good responsive communications, integrity, honesty and transparency. These ingrained core values have played a substantial role in the success of the business

These values encompass reliability, reliability, reliability! quality of service with a desire to treat each and every client as if they were a family member or family friend,

The company is Gas Safe, LPG and Oftec registered and provides a residential and commercial/industrial service for all types of businesses. We also provide a commercial

Telephone 01502 471668

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catering service for the hospitality sector, eg Hotels, Restaurants, pubs and take-away food outlets.

So don’t wait until your heating goes on the blink - call or e-mail Heatlink!!

Email info@heatlinkservices.co.uk

Website www.heatlinkservices.co.uk

S3261C Norfolk Voice KHH Christmas Ad v1.qxp_Layout 1 27/09/2017 09:45

KNIGHTS HILL HOTEL & SPA PARTY NIGHTS

from Various dates throughout December £37.00 Includes 3 course festive menu and disco

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Perfect for an office party or family and friends gathering.

3 course festive dinner £32.00 per person

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3 course dinner and disco £65.00 per person

Tel: 01553 675566 Email: conference@knightshill.co.uk South Wootton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3HQ

www.knightshill.co.uk

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

BusinessSupport

There’s a storm coming – but don’t worry.

There is a growing fear amongst policy holders of Buildings Insurance that a claim for storm damage is likely to be rejected as being an ‘Act of God’. This is a popular misconception as there is plenty that you can do to maximise chances of your claim being accepted.

Insurers will need to feel satisfied that: n Storm conditions occurred on or around the date the damage is said to have happened. n The damage claimed for is consistent with what is generally seen as storm damage. n Storm conditions were the main cause of the damage. n The property was in a good state of repair prior to the storm.

What’s a storm?

Insurers define a storm as a period of violent weather which could include: n Wind speeds, with gusts of at least 48 knots (55mph). n Torrential rainfall at a rate of at least 25 mm per hour. n Snow to a depth of at least one foot (30 cms) in 24 hours. n Hail of such intensity that it causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass.

What to look out for?

In many cases, the emotional and financial impacts of storm damage can be prevented.

Visually inspect your property annually. Do you notice any slipped tiles, missing slates, plant life in gutters, corroded metal water tanks, a rotten fence, or leaning wall? Keep your insurance policy fully in force by keeping your home in a good state of repair, and be sure to carry out

maintenance works, preventing irreversible storm damage to vulnerable exteriors

If you experience damage speak to your broker asap Once you are confident that the storm in question was the actual cause of the damage, you should contact your broker or insurer as soon as possible.

A chartered insurance broker with values

Independence • Trust • Customer Commitment Professionalism • Innovation

0576 Chamber Ad 2016 V0_2.indd 1 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

08/12/2016 17:55 NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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YOUR PASSPORT TO INTERNATIONAL TRADING Whether you’re looking to start exporting goods, or you’re already trading overseas, talk to the Norfolk Chamber International Trade Team.

We can help you with:

Documentation

Letters of Credit

Fully qualified staff providing a high quality, reliable and efficient service for all your export documentation.

Online e-zCert within 1 hour of submission.

Through our associates we off er a comprehensive and cost-effective letter of credit service – either a full or checking service – to ensure all documents are in order before being presented to the bank.

ATA Carnet ‘passport for goods’ An international customs document that permits duty/tax-free temporary import of goods or samples for up to one year into specifi c countries.

Especially useful if attending trade fairs.

Translation and Interpreting Qualified translators to communicate efficiently and effectively with your overseas clients. From an introductory letter to a product manual all documents translated swiftly and accurately.

Links to Global Network We have direct access to Chambers of Commerce and Business Centres in 41 high-growth countries who can help your business explore a specific market with market research, help find the right contacts and facilitate meetings.

Other Services Let us help you save money on your international payments. Competitive Chamber Credit Insurance can protect your business when exploring and expanding into new markets.

O

C LK O RF

NO

To find out more visit:

norfolkchamber.co.uk/export Or contact us on 01603 729 712 or export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

HAMBER MEMBER

S

R

S

A wide range of accredited training courses covering all aspects of international trade. Ideal for improving the skills and competence of all staff involved in exporting and/ or importing goods.

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Training Courses

RFO

LK CHAMBER

ME

E MB

InternationalTrade

‘Doing Business in…’

Our International Series is Back!

Throughout this series we will be bringing four seminars focused on high-growth markets around the world, offering high quality country specialists to advise delegates on business opportunities, cultural awareness issues and other information which will assist when exporting.

Julie Austin, International Trade Manager, Norfolk Chamber said: “These seminars are unmissable for those who are interested in finding out how they can benefit from trading overseas or, who are already considering looking at new markets and want to learn more about exporting to them.”

This series will include…

Turkey

Tuesday 28 November 2017

Major trading partner of the UK and has proved to be a very valuable market for many UK businesses. In recent years, Turkey has been one of the most exciting and fastest growing economies in Europe.

Turkey is among the founding members of the OECD and the G20 major economies. Turkey has gradually opened up its markets through economic reforms by reducing government controls on foreign trade, investment and the privatisation of publicly owned industries. Turkey’s economy is becoming more dependent on industry in major cities.

Brazil

Tuesday 6 February 2018

The UK is the fourth largest investor in Brazil. UK exports to Brazil increased 23% in 2010 and 9% in 2011. Brazil has a mixed economy with abundant natural resources. The Brazilian economy has been predicted to become one of the five largest in the world in the decades to come. In the last 15 years, the country has pursued a strategy of export-led growth and regional integration. The economy is relatively well diversified with a strong manufacturing and agricultural base. But economic activity is still concentrated in the southeast, particularly in the state of São Paulo.

India

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Driven by a growth rate of over 6% in the past two years and a 350 million strong middle-class with increasing purchasing power, India is reshaping the world’s economy. GDP in India crossed the trillion dollar mark in 2007 and is currently in 4th position after US, China and Japan.

India is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people. Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India is in the economic “fast lane” alongside China.

The Netherlands

Wednesday 14 March 2018

The sixth-largest economy in the European Union, plays an important role as a European transportation hub, with a persistently high trade surplus, stable industrial relations, and low unemployment. Industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanised agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labour force but provides large surpluses for foodprocessing and underpins the country’s status as the world’s second largest agricultural exporter.

The seminars will be held at the Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6EP – 14:30 to 16:30 - £10+VAT (Member) £15+VAT (Non-member).

If you are interested either sponsoring, having a stand, or being a case study at one of the events please contact Julie Austin on 01603 729706 to discuss further.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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Advertising

PROVIDING FIRST CLASS TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE CLIENTS ACROSS EAST ANGLIA

01603 261768

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n Quality Services

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Fax: 01603 630012 www.freightforce.co.uk

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

A new standard of training for the Eastern Region.

It has been an exciting year for training providers across the region; with training and educational reforms coming into full effect this summer. Yet, few business leaders and employers are aware of the many new benefits available to them.

changes to recruit and train specific roles such as administrators, paraplanners and financial advisors.

These programmes include industry specific (Chartered Insurance Institute) qualifications, which could only be funded privately before.

One training provider in the region, Skills Edge Training, has fully embraced these changes and has seen first-hand the positive impact these opportunities are having on the region’s business community.

Employers are also benefiting from new funding rules which see training for 16-18-year-old employees being fully funded, and 19 years or older employees only requiring a 10% employer contribution. In many cases there are also additional financial incentives for SMEs.

James Miller, Commercial Director, said “We have seen a sharp rise in employers engaging in the new apprenticeship standards this year; benefiting from funded role specific training programmes that lead to industry relevant qualifications over broader, outdated and more expensive apprenticeship models.”.

An example of one booming sector is financial services, in which many organisations are using the new

“Once employers know there are affordable, valuable and highquality training options available for their existing workforce, it saves them a significant amount of time and money in a variety of ways. As employee’s progress, it creates new job opportunities in the region and provides a significant and sustainable vehicle for

economic growth.” James Miller – Commercial Director The team at Skills Edge Training are passionate about supporting Norfolk’s and Suffolk’s employers in accessing the opportunities available to them.

For more information on how you can access funded apprenticeships and training programmes in financial services, property, digital and commercial services, please contact info@skillsedge.co.uk or call 03333 583559

All the Marketing You Need to Grow Your Business We’re business-to-business marketing experts We make the results you need from marketing one less thing to worry about Contact us now to see how we can help

01603 446227

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

fullmixmarketing.co.uk

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Advertising

Green finance sector is strengthened.

New measures have been announced to strengthen the sector that sources funding for business projects which help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Known as green finance, the sector includes private sector investments in technologies, infrastructure and start-ups that allow businesses to expand in an environmentallyfriendly way.

According to the Government, the approach to funding is proving its worth and between 1990 and 2016, UK GDP grew by 67%, while carbon emissions fell by 42%, proving it is possible to reduce emissions and grow the economy.

Ministers say that, although the green finance movement has gained global momentum in recent years, there is a need for more funding so that governments can met their climate change commitments.

An estimated $13.5 trillion of investment is needed between 2015 and 2030 in the energy sector alone, for countries to meet their Paris Agreement targets.

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The Government says that much of this investment will come from the private sector and

Claire Perry, Minister of State for Climate Change and Industry, said: “Britain has already shown the world that a strong economy and efforts to tackle climate change can, and should, go hand in hand.”

Now, a new Green Finance Taskforce will bring together a top team of financial experts, including leading figures from Aviva, Barclays, HSBC, Legal

& General and the Bank of England, as well as academics and sustainability experts.

The Taskforce, chaired by Sir Roger Gifford, former Lord Mayor of London, will be given six months to deliver proposals to accelerate investment in the transition to a low carbon economy, creating high-value jobs and opportunities for UK businesses.

PAYE compliance: The cost of getting it wrong The last few years have seen a myriad of changes for employers, from the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI), to Auto Enrolment and the Apprenticeship Levy.

with extra penalties levied if you’re over three months late.

Each of these changes comes at a cost to employers, both in money and time, and invariably these impact the smaller employer as they have less resources to implement them.

One bit of welcome news is that, until April 2018, HMRC will continue to waive the penalty if the Tessa Brown Tax Senior FPS is made within three days of the deadline. However, if you’re consistently filing late, HMRC reserve the right to issue penalties. There are also concessions for the first FPS for new employers and for the first late submission each tax year.

Unfortunately, with each new reporting requirement also comes a penalty regime for non-compliance, deliberate or otherwise. I’ve seen a number of penalties issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the last few weeks, the majority of which were in relation to late RTI submissions.

When RTI was first made mandatory by HMRC, very few penalties were issued for late full payment submissions (FPS). This all changed on 6 April 2017, and now penalties for late filing of submissions are issued as standard in most circumstances.

How much you’re charged depends on the size of the payroll, and can range from £100-£400 per submission,

If you’re behind, or consistently late with your submissions, seeking professional help is a good idea.

Larking Gowen can help with meeting your filing requirements, designing systems and controls specific to your business to reduce the risk of non-compliance or appealing penalties that you believe have been incorrectly issued.

If you have any queries, please contact me at tessa.brown@larking-gowen.co.uk or call 0330 024 0888.

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

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Finance

Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Buy-to-Let Landlords Landlords need to be aware that from April 2017 tax relief on mortgage costs is restricted for higher rate taxpayers.

Landlords of residential properties have benefited from tax relief on finance charges, such as mortgage interest for many years.

The reduction in the relief for finance costs for landlords will be phased in over four years from April 2017 and could be an expensive change for higher rate and additional rate taxpayers.

Deductions from property income will be restricted to: • 75% of finances charges for 2017 to 2018

• 50% for 2018 to 2019 • 25% for 2019 to 2020 • 0% for 2020 to 2021 and beyond Landlords who are currently basic rate taxpayers due to a reduction in their property rental profits from mortgage interest costs may find that, after the new restrictions, they are now higher rate taxpayers with a proportionate increase in their annual tax bill. The increased income declared may also affect the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge for taxpayers now earning over £50,000 per annum after allowing for the interest restriction.

Wayne Goddard FCCA ACA CTA (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

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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

MemberNews

First Tier Tribunal case continues to make the news.

84.18% increase in turnover during financial year sees new hires.

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Right Angle Corporate have been going from strength to strength in 2017. A massive 84.18% increase in turnover for the financial year has led to three new hires for the company.

Christa Brawley has been taken on as Sales Support & Venue Finder and Lizzie Porter has been taken on as Sales Support. Both Lizzie and Christa have been brought in to help support the sales team.

James Harding has been taken on as Operations Assistant to support the Operations Coordinator and to assist with the delivery of their busy event schedule. This financial year the company have

delivered 307 events so far and had more than 14,000 event attendees.

Tess Ashwin has also been promoted to Senior Account Manager.

The company has introduced two new team building activities to their portfolio including ‘In the Line of Duty’ and ‘Taken’, which has also been shortlisted for C&IT team building experience of the year 2017.

London Telesales Expert Simon Kenna moves to Norwich.

‘Everyone is in sales’ is Simon Kenna’s opinion. Even those of us who think we are ‘professionals’. We are all in sales though some are much better than the rest of us at engaging with the process.

The success Rogers & Norton Solicitors had earlier this year helping Mr & Mrs Belcher successfully appeal a decision made by HMRC, at the First Tier Tax Tribunal, is still making news on a variety of company websites across the accounts profession.

The First Tier Tribunal reached its decision to uphold the appeal even though Mr & Mrs Belcher had been submitting partnership tax returns for a number of years. They also shared a bank account, a point HMRC usually focuses on when considering whether there are close organisational and economic links.

The case is being used in articles and blogs to demonstrate that decisions on issues such as this will continue to be reached based on a case by case basis. It also shows that even though the various parties are related, it should not influence any decision – a wife can quite feasibly help her husband in his business (in her capacity as his wife) and still carry on her own business (in her capacity as a sole proprietor).

Have you got a news story to tell? Publish on the Chamber website and share with 1000’s of monthly visitors. Call Jake Burns on 01603 729707 for help and info.

Getting your team up to speed and properly trained is one of the best and most worthwhile investments in business. The telephone remains the king in getting appointments and often sales. Simon Kenna has been at the sharp end of telephone sales and team management for many, many years.

He has moved from London to Norwich and already has several new coaching clients on his books. Telephone sales training and coaching is best done by somebody with serious experience. Simon has this and has helped a very broad range of clients and individuals.

touch, that golden hinge that swings big doors to new business. Monitoring and mentoring people to do what has to be done to bring home the bacon.

Simon works with people, sitting alongside the team and never strays into a classroom setting or seminar.

It doesn’t work for him, it’s always the personal

He usually works with his dog Dennis in tow and can be seen here advising Boris to be quiet. Dennis managed to get Boris elected as an MP in Uxbridge.

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

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

News “We see our shortlisting as a reflection of the work that we have been doing to raise the profile of the business.

We are well known locally but the shortlisting broadens the message. We are delighted to have been recognised.”

Adrian Rayner, Director

Company’s independent spirit leads to awards shortlisting.

Leading East Anglian insurance broker Alan Boswell Group has been shortlisted for two industry awards, reflecting the company’s growing national profile.

The company has been named finalists in the Independent Broker of the Year and Commercial Lines Broker of the Year categories at the Insurance Times Awards 2017, both entries being seen as recognition of its commitment to providing outstanding service and added value.

With the company having been named Independent Broker of the Year at the Insurance Times Awards 2015, Director Adrian Rayner says it is thrilling to be a finalist once again.

He said: “We see our shortlisting as a reflection of the work that we have been doing to raise the profile of the business.

“We are well known locally but the shortlisting broadens the message.

We are delighted to have been recognised.”

With nine offices and more than 350 members of staff, the company is

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

ideally placed to ensure that you and your business receive expert advice whenever you need it.

As well as arranging both personal and commercial insurance, including a nationally recognised landlord insurance offer for property owners, they have a growing portfolio of added-value services, including underwriting, delegated claims handling, loss assessment, risk management, specialist equipment inspection and health and safety consultation.

Adrian states: “The market place is moving fast and online trading is having an effect but I do think there is still a place for the traditional broker who can offer a personal service.

“People may opt to obtain their insurance by filling in an online form but that is no substitute for the personal touch, for being able to talk to someone.

health and safety and engineering inspection services to businesses throughout the UK. Adrian adds: “We do not just offer advice on insurance and financial planning. We see our role as much wider than that, which is why we also offer advice on risk management and health and safety.

“If they come to us they will speak to a person who can offer expert advice and it will be someone we employ. We do not outsource any of our work.

“Whether it be a company in the offshore sector or involved in food processing, they are all going to need health and safety and risk management procedures and our people can give them the advice that they need.

“Using a broker makes sense because our people know the market and may be aware of options that the client does not know about.”

“It is another advantage of using an independent broker who can offer advice that is tailored to the individual.”

“Because we are independent, we can judge each case on its merits and come up with a bespoke solution for the client.

It was that commitment to offering an individual service that persuaded the awards judges to shortlist the company.

The winners of the Insurance Times Awards 2017 will be announced at a ceremony on 7th December at the InterContinental London at The O2.

“Sometimes an existing product may be the perfect fit but if it is not we can devise a solution that works for them.”

In support of the applications, the Group pointed to the positive impact the approach has had, bringing about increased client retention rates and consistently positive customer feedback on independent review site Feefo.

To find out more about Alan Boswell Group and its products and services, you can contact 01284 787850 or visit www.alanboswell.com

Adrian says: “One of our great strengths is that we are independent, unlike some companies. When people approach us, they are not using a company that is tied into specific products from specific companies.

Another key part of the company’s offer is the work its financial planning teams can do to provide ongoing advice and support on a range of issues for both businesses and individuals.

To strengthen its offer, the company launched Alan Boswell Risk Management in April, providing

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

25

Advertising

Women in Business

Cost effective money saving business services.

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Sara de Lacey has more than 35 years of experience working in mainstream industry where she has held a variety of roles. The majority have been in Senior Management positions, with responsibility for the critical aspects associated with setting up a new business or in order to enhance the activities of an existing Organisation.

Her far reaching expertise has included varied briefs ranging from preparation of feasibility studies to restructuring struggling businesses.

E.g. transforming an ailing Franchise into a National Branded Network with in excess of 100 locations supported by a newly created customer service call centre, whilst simultaneously overseeing several Companies/ Divisions at the same time with the added responsibility for up to 500 plus staff!

Several years ago Sara made the decision to set up a Consultancy specialising in providing a wide range of ad-hoc business services which could be cost effectively “outsourced” by small and medium sized businesses unable to justify the cost of running a dedicated office function.

The LSD Business Support concept offers clients a fully functional “virtual office,” providing a wide range of services. Packages are individually tailored to suit specific needs. Services range from basic book keeping and back office administration, to full blown Accounting, funding and Business Restructuring and Development. Sara is also a qualified Life and Business Coach and Mentor and loves nothing more than helping her clients turn their dreams into reality. Current clients include sole traders and small and medium sized companies in East Anglia and London.

For more info go to www.lsdbusinesssupport.co.uk Tel 01953 681895/07551 495187 email info@lsdbusinesssupport.co.uk

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

Francesca de Lacey

Mummy, what do you do all day?

Right now my team is auditioning children for a ‘Star Wars’ spin-off TV commercial; writing food adverts for Asian audiences; designing an animation for a University; and recording Volkswagen radio commercials for transmission on 50 stations.

I also have a 4 year old coming to terms with school and a 1 year old waiting to be picked up from nursery. TV and radio production, a glamorous business?

Tell me about it. In 13 years with JMS Group, no two days have been the same.

And expectations of advertising have changed too. Back then TV commercial productions could take months and huge budgets, usually via Advertising Agencies. But that sacred, mystical attitude to advertising has been replaced by the no-nonsense, multi-platform, cost effective and accessible model of JMS Group. Advertisers expect to reach their target audiences for a fraction of what it used to cost, and much, much faster.

Which is why JMS is so busy. No matter the budget, we help advertisers get on TV, online or radio without ever having to face overly serious folk with a haughty disregard for budgets. You’re more likely to encounter a friendly, helpful, slightly harassed woman with a toddler to collect.

Sorry, got to go…

Contact details: www.jms-group.com francesca.delacey@jms-group.com 01603 811855

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

WomeninBusiness

Carole Osborne

Kim Dexter, left, and Jill Roper

Dexters Recruitment, reliable and dedicated.

Dexters Recruitment Ltd is independently owned and run by Kim Dexter and Jill Roper, founded in early 2010.

Kim and Jill bring over 30 years combined experience to the business, both having worked for a well known Recruitment company before establishing Dexters. They have considerable local knowledge and continue to build excellent rapport and relationships with local businesses.

The Dexters approach is not only confined to knowing the candidate: it is also about knowing the client’s business. From an initial introductory meeting, the team will establish a working relationship that builds a picture of each client’s business needs, project outlines, selection criteria and personnel specification. This information will be used to provide an individual, flexible and tailored recruitment service.

Life is unpredictable and staffing needs and levels can change in a moment. For those times Dexters offer a “Temp” service, where short term vacancies from 4 hours to holiday, sickness and maternity can be provided on an on-going basis.

Dexters are proud to have held British Standards Accreditation for the Quality Management System, (ISO9001:2008) since 2012. This is only awarded to companies that can demonstrate a total commitment to their Processes and Procedures. Dexters are also corporate members of REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) Open through normal office hours Monday to Friday, which is enhanced by a 24/7 on-call telephone and email service, meets the needs of our clients.

borne, exciting and valuable

Barbra Reed

Carole Osborne has worked within the creative industries for the past 25 years, starting as a 16-year-old YT trainee production assistant.

The following years saw her move from there to production manager, client services assistant, client services manager until she became an account director with her own department at one of the largest agencies in East Anglia. During that time she became a mum and decided to form her first design agency, osbornenash. After four years she had the opportunity to become the sole owner and took the agency through a rebrand and repositioning to become a leading brand communications agency. borne is now a multi award winning agency that delivers creative solutions with a strategic rationale. With 13 members of the team split between creatives, developers, strategists, client services and essential services. borne might be small but it punches above its weight with the belief in being expert in people rather than sectors, working completely agile and shunning traditional agency hierarchies in favour of the right people for the job. This approach has given borne the opportunity to work with some brilliant brands and people both locally and nationally.

If you’d like to speak to Carole about how borne could transform your brand call her on 01603 699954.

Breed Events For events entrepreneur Barbara Reed the decision to start her own company, Breed Events, was a no-brainer.

Having arrived in Norwich from her native Switzerland with £40 and a backpack a decade ago, Barbara knew she had the tenacity and drive to navigate the pitfalls as a small business owner.

She also wanted to bring her expertise and passions together - designing creative events and being a champion for other women in business.

“I’ve been lucky to work with some great women in my career, and I believe we lift each other up,” explains Barbara. “The events industry is tough, but I’m determined to push the boundaries and to help other women realise their potential. It doesn’t matter if they’re my collaborator or my client, together we can make a difference.”

Breed Events isn’t your ordinary events company.

Barbara designs experiences that will fully engage her clients’ customers, and create a genuine connection between the brand and its audience.

“We’ve all been to disappointing corporate events, and they don’t bring a return on investment,” says Barbara. “The way I approach each project is to work out what the goals are - whether it’s brand recognition, sales or PR focussed- and build a strategy from there. My skill-set is unique because I’ve worked across Europe on all kinds of events and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Experiential events are all about creating a connection and being memorable, that’s what Breed Events does, and we know how powerful that approach is.”

weareborne.com

Dexters can be contacted on 01493 718696 or info@dextersgy.co.uk or visit www.dextersgy.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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

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Advertising

Moving In.

Moving In is an award-winning independent family business specialising in residential lettings, property management, relocations and home searches throughout Norfolk.

We are part of SAFE Agent, members of the National Approved Letting Scheme and the Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme for Residential Lettings, so you can rest assured that we will provide the highest quality and compliant services at all times.

Directors Gary and Nikki Jones have over 40 years’ experience between them in the property market and are supported by a fully qualified team and we provide a bespoke service to our clients matching professionals with high-end properties throughout the Norfolk area.

We pride ourselves in the dedicated and professional service we offer to landlords, tenants and professionals relocating and looking for a new home.

At Moving In we have a constantly changing register of properties to let from flats and

apartments, to executive homes and country houses throughout the Norfolk area.

In this competitive market, the importance of finding the right tenant and achieving the best possible rental income cannot be underestimated.

From studio apartments to town and country houses, Moving In finds and retains high calibre tenants for your property.

Our clients include private landlords and investment companies as well as home owners who have relocated and retained a property.

Shortcuts are not our style and we focus our time, expertise and energy on letting and managing your property and we offer a dedicated service to our landlords, from finding a tenant to full management service.

Well… Just a little about myself…

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I celebrated my BIG 50 in August this year – with dread and fear of feeling ‘past it’!! – but I’ve made it through and I actually feel no different which is a HUGE relief, so now I intend to work hard, play hard and enjoy my business and life in general… And I might even consider a little fitness regime too!!

Lettings Manager, Moving In Women in business… Well firstly, I still find it hard to class myself as a ‘woman’. I ought to clarify that I’m not questioning my gender but the fact that a lot of the time in business, I find myself feeling inferior due to my age. I’ve realised recently though that it is not about how many years of experience you have; it’s about the quality of your years of experience.

Coco Chanel once said “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself.

Aloud.” And she was right. What is the worst thing that can happen? If you’re wrong, you learn, regardless of your age or experience.

I’ve always been driven and goalorientated and I think that is in part due to my upbringing. I have been surrounded by successful business men and women in my family and have always aspired to do as well as them. Seeing Nikki and Gary (my Mother and Step-Father) move from strength to strength with their business inspired me even more and I am so proud to now be a part of it.

I’m married to Gary, who is co-director of Moving In, and although our working life together has its challenges we are very proud and delighted to run a hugely successful business and we pride ourselves in the extremely personal service we offer all our clients.

Having started at Moving In almost three years ago, I have learnt more than I had done in the previous 7 years of my working life. Albeit, I had a slight shock when I realised that there was a lot more to lettings than just showing people around houses (who knew?!).

I have 3 children, Emily 26, who also works in the business, Luke 24, who works in accountancy (could be helpful in the future) and Zak 11 who attends Norwich School – therefore family life is still hectic. We also have 4 rescue dogs to add to the chaos.

My daily routine starts at 6.20am with a quick cuppa, school run and then back in the office for an 8.30am start which gives me 30 minutes of peace before the phones start ringing (and I mean ring, ring, ring…).

Emily Giles

Working with family could have gone horribly wrong but it was the best decision I ever made (I just hope they feel the same!).

Nikki Jones Director, Moving In

We have achieved so much in the 10 years our business has been going, and we were delighted to attend The Estas in London earlier this year where we won 2 Gold Awards - Best Letting Agent in the East Of England voted by Landlords and Best Letting Agent in the East Of England voted by tenants so we must be doing something right!

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

T: 01508 493330 E: lettings@movinginnorfolk.co.uk www.movinginnorfolk.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

MemberNews

JMS gives a big tick.

‘Never work with children or animals’, they say, but they probably haven’t shot a video with a spaniel called Bella.

Alan Boswell Group shortlisted for major awards.

Leading East Anglian insurance broker Alan Boswell Group is celebrating, having been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards, thanks to its ongoing commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

The company has been named finalists in the Independent Broker of the Year and Commercial Broker of the Year categories at the Insurance Times Awards 2017.

The entries for both accolades focused heavily on the Group’s commitment to providing outstanding service and added value. With a firm focus on client needs, the company launched Alan Boswell Risk Management in April 2017, providing health and safety and engineering inspection services to businesses throughout the UK. This sits alongside the introduction of core brand values, which reflect the firm’s vision to be the natural choice for friendly, expert advice on insurance and financial services. These values have been disseminated throughout the business, and are reinforced by the business’ ongoing training and appraisal process.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

In support of the applications, the company pointed to the positive impact these actions have already had, including increased client retention rates and consistently positive customer feedback on independent review site Feefo.

The news comes just a fortnight before the UK Broker Awards 2017, where the Group has been shortlisted for the Customer Service Award.

Marketing Manager Lee Boswell said: “Having been named Independent Broker of the Year at the Insurance Age Awards 2015, it’s thrilling to be a finalist once again.”

The winners of the Insurance Times Awards 2017 will be announced at a ceremony on 7th December at the InterContinental London at The O2.

With less than a week in which to produce a product demonstration for one of Europe’s largest pet product specialists – Suffolk-based Beaphar - what are the chances of happening upon one of the most perfectly behaved, good natured, telegenic animals on the planet?

For half a day this delightful creature ran, stood still, rolled over, in fact anything JMS Group Ltd’s director wanted her to do without complaint.

And she was even unfazed when the team rummaged through her fur, paws and ears simulating an examination for ticks, which was the point of the production.

A short video with a big message delivered in days, thanks to beautiful Bella.

Guess that’s a large tick then.

Chamber membership has never been so relevant to Norfolk businesses. Find out more, call Jason Williams on 01603 729704

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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Putting people first p

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Doug Field Joint Chief Executive of the East of England Co-op

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

BigInterview

pays off for the Co-op.

Few business sectors have undergone as much change as retail in recent years but, through it all, the name of the Co-op has continued to resonate with shoppers.

Balancing the requirement to modernise in the face of competition from hypermarkets and online shopping and the need to retain a traditional feel in its stores is something that has exercised the mind of Doug Field, Joint Chief Executive of independent retailer the East of England Co-op.

He and his team have overseen a programme of improvements to stores so that they still appeal to customers in a competitive world.

Doug said: “The retail market is changing rapidly and our job is to make sure that our stores remain relevant to shoppers.

“We do have a reputation as a traditional retailer but we are using technology to understand what is being purchased in each individual store so that we stock what people want.

“Because we are independent, we can respond to local needs and, although very often we are the only shop in the village, there are areas where we are close to the big supermarkets and if there is a fork in the road where you can go left to Tesco or right to a Co-op we want shoppers to choose us.”

A key part of that is understanding the market and Doug said: “We are very much a convenience retailer. Our average spend per visit is less than £10 and we are noticing a trend towards more people shopping for the day.

“We live in a society where everything is immediate and nobody waits for anything and we are seeing more and more people popping in to buy that day’s tea, for example.”

One thing that customers have responded well to is the commitment to buy local. Sourced Locally, the East of England Co-op’s multi-award winning initiative, recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary and in the last financial year saw a 4.1% increase in yearly sales to £17.5 million. Since Sourced Locally began in 2007, more than £57 million has been ploughed back into the local economy Doug said: “One of the ways in which we have tried to be different is in our campaign to buy local.

“Sourced Locally means that we buy from local producers which means that people who go to a Co-op may find things on the shelves that they cannot find elsewhere.”

It’s an approach that works. Earlier this year, the member-owned organisation, which has more than 230 trading outlets across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, announced its annual results for 2016/17, which showed sales and trading profit growth.

Turnover increased by 2.7%, whilst underlying trading profit increased by 17% to £4.4 million from £3.8 million the previous year.

That was despite the growth of online shopping, something which Doug contends isn’t quite right for the Co-op.

Doug said: “Obviously, online shopping is growing but we do not do it and our experience is that with an average spend of £10 it does not work for us. In a rural

county like Norfolk, I don’t think any convenience retailer could make online shopping work at scale.

Development Programme with the results due to be announced on December 5.

“For us, it is about offering friendly customer service in stores stocked with what people want. Our business is about people.”

The six members of the East of England Co-op’s Learning and Development Team are responsible for designing and delivering training for more than 4,300 colleagues across a diverse range of businesses from food retail to stonemasonry.

That includes catering for shoppers with dementia, In 2016, the business received the Princess Royal Training Award for its Dementia Friendly Retail training programme, which has been completed by more than 90% of employees and is being shared with other businesses across the country.

And the East of England Co-op was also named ‘‘Dementia Friendly Organisation - Large, of the Year’ at the Alzheimer’s Society rewards for its work.

Doug said: “Our business has always been about people and we are very proud of our Dementia friendly programme.

“It is about helping our colleagues to understand the problems facing people who can become anxious in stores and I am delighted that we are now passing on our experience to other organisations.”

He is also pleased that the East of England Co-op has been announced as finalists in this year’s TJ (Training Journal) Awards, for both Learning and Development Team of the Year and Best Organisational

The team are also responsible for the East of England Co-op’s Apprenticeship Scheme which was launched following a successful pilot. Through the Apprenticeships employees are able to develop their careers, which helps the business retain local talent.

That determination to retain talent is one of the reasons Doug recently took on the role of Chair of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.

He said: “I have a strong belief that we have to make Norfolk a place of aspiration. There is a perception that for certain kinds of career you might need to leave Norfolk but I want us to be in a situation where if your daughter wants to pursue a career in quantum computing she can do it here, that she does not have to go to London. We want to keep our talent here.

“We have world-class businesses and facilities in Norfolk and we do not shout loudly enough about them.”

Because we are independent, we can respond to local needs and, although very often we are the only shop in the village, there are areas where we are close to the big supermarkets and if there is a fork in the road where you can go left to Tesco or right to a Co-op we want shoppers to choose us.

Co-op image: http://bit.ly/2xn7Wkm

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Advertising

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THE ULTIMATE PARTY LOCATION Sleeping up to 20 guests, in Nine bedrooms, Carrington House is available for midweek dinner and dancing in our own leisure lounge disco room.

Catering and bar tenders can all be arranged for your event. Whether its a weekend, a one night midweek stay or for a day time event location Carrington House is like no other home in Norfolk and a destination that will be talked about for years.

Carrington House, 12 Lynn Road, Snettisham, Norfolk, PE31 7LS +44 (0)870 850 5468 | info@carringtonhouse.net | www.carringtonhouse.net |

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

UKIP vs The Premier League: Political party’s re-brand prompts heated online debate over potential copying allegations.

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) recently launched its new logo at the party’s conference in Torquay creating a swift backlash of public reaction on social media. and therefore be more receptive to the party’s political message.

Conversely, the opposite may prove to be true and Premier League fans may take offence to the new branding and become less receptive to UKIP’s cause.

Left: UKIP’s new logo.

Right: The Premier League’s logo

The new logo depicts the profile of a lion in the party’s purple colour on a white background, and replaces the previous pound symbol which no longer features. The logo reportedly received positive feedback from the party’s members, and UKIP’s new leader Henry Bolton spoke at the conference about re-focussing the party and building for the future.

Mere moments after the public unveiling of the logo however, a heated online debate erupted over whether the logo had been copied from the Premier League’s logo which also features the profile of a lion, in purple, on a white background. Gary Lineker, host of BBC’s Match of the Day, was one of the first celebrities to comment on the similarities, sarcastically re-tweeting the UKIP logo alongside the message, “the Premier League will be thrilled,” together with an eye-rolling emoji.

In response, a UKIP spokesperson commented, “Gary Lineker is a very well-known, somewhat sanctimonious, extremely wellpaid TV celebrity who has his own opinions.” To which Mr Lineker then replied, “But I’m working hard on having someone else’s opinions.”

When questioned about the similarities on the BBC’s Daily Politics show, Chairman of UKIP Paul Oakden said, “We did our due diligence before we put these logos

to the membership and as I said, we are perfectly comfortable. If they (the Premier League) feel they have a right to take legal action I’m sure they’ll consult with their lawyers.”

Mr Oakden also stated, “I don’t mind UKIP being associated with the Premier League,” a statement which will likely be exploited by the Premier League if they decide to take legal action as it implies that Mr Oakden admits that an association could easily be mistaken between the two brands as a result of their similar logos.

At the time of writing this article, no official statement or comment from the Premier League on this issue has been published yet, but the Premier League are seeking legal advice, and internal discussions have begun to decide their course of action.

Aside from the possibility of legal action against UKIP, there are of course other potential consequences of launching a logo that (deliberately or not) draws comparisons with such a valuable and recognisable brand as that of the Premier League. This potential comparison is further complicated by the Premier League’s attempts to promote inclusivity and attract talent from all over the world which are not values shared by UKIP. There is of course the possibility that Premier League fans may react well to the party’s branding

“We did our due diligence before we put these logos to the membership and as I said, we are perfectly comfortable. If they (the Premier League) feel they have a right to take legal action I’m sure they’ll consult with their lawyers.”

Paul Oakden, Chairman of UKIP NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

For help or advice with any aspect of Branding, Technical or Design innovation, please get in touch with the ip21 team.

Early anecdotal evidence of the response from social media suggests that the latter may be the case. With UKIP’s popularity currently much lower than in recent years, and the risk of financial damage from legal action, the success of this re-brand could prove critical for the party.

This case does highlight the importance of seeking professional advice and thinking carefully about any re-branding exercise in order to highlight potential associations with pre-existing brands (either deliberate or not), to fully understand the legal position and to mitigate the risks involved.

Richard Jones MBA DipPC CMgr MCMI Business Relationship Manager for ip21 Ltd

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

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

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

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MemberNews

Blue Sky gain approval for new CIPD course.

The Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) has awarded Blue Sky Professional Development approval to deliver the Foundation Level 3 Certificate in Learning and Development (L&D).

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This qualification is ideal for trainers and line managers who are responsible for stages of the training cycle.

The course covers identifying learning needs, designing and delivering training and evaluating the success of learning interventions. Also included are two further units that help students with their own personal development, as well as the business context. Alternatively, if individuals just want to study one or two topics they can undertake an Award.

“This new qualification fits in with our current portfolio of CIPD and ILM courses,” said Kate Woods, Director of Blue Sky, “We offer all levels of CIPD Human Resource qualifications and Learning and Development often

goes hand in hand with this as it all forms part of an organisations people management strategy.”

Blue Sky’s first L&D students begin in September studying via blended learning. This combines monthly group workshops with an experienced tutor and distance learning materials. One of the benefits of this course is that it is modular which means that you can start at the beginning of any unit so there are start dates throughout the year.

The CIPD Certificate in Learning and Development can also be used by organisations to deliver in-house training programmes. Blue Sky have worked with local companies to tailor programmes in Leadership and Management and HR, and will be offering the same service with L&D.

Ian Bartholomew Appointed Director of Business Development & Sales at KLM UK Engineering Limited.

Ian Bartholomew has been appointed as Director of Business Development & Sales at KLM UK Engineering Limited.

KLM UK Engineering is a whollyowned AFI KLM E&M subsidiary specialising in maintenance and training solutions for regional and narrow-body aircraft fleets.

Marketing Director, Commercial Director and finally Accountable Manager & Managing Director, with Ian’s latest role at Etihad Airways Engineering in the Middle East. Ian has more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

Ian started his aviation career at KLM UK Engineering, holding various positions including the role of Materials Manager.

He said: “With my previous experience within the company and with Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd & more recently with Etihad Airways Engineering, I will bring knowledge and experience to the business and look forward to working with the team.”

In 2003, he joined The Monarch Group as Marketing Sales Manager and went on to become Sales &

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

Johnston Logistics UK (JLUK) appoints a new compliance manager.

Johnston Logistics UK has appointed a new compliance manager – Jane Bull.

Jane is an experienced compliance professional, having been compliance manager for both Bernard Matthews and Kettle Foods.

She worked as a Trading Standards Officer for a number of years prior to moving into the private sector so is experienced in commercial law and investigative compliance.

Rob McIndoe, Finance Director, said: “Compliance is a vital element of our operations and Jane’s experience and expertise will be an invaluable asset to the company.”

Jane said: “With many fastgrowing businesses, the immediate demands of increased service delivery can mean commercial activities outpace the support systems such as documented processes. JLUK recognised this potential gap and appointed me to take care of the process and compliance side of the business.”

In addition to reviewing and updating current processes Jane will be working on preparing the business to secure ISO9000 and ISO14000 certification, HMRC Authorised Economic Status (AEO Certification) and ensuring they maintain their Global BRC accreditation.

Have you got a new story to tell? Publish on the Chamber website and share with 1000’s of monthly visitors. Call Jake Burns on 01603 729707 for help and info.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

MemberNews

LEP talk coastal regeneration opportunities.

A meeting of the country’s largest construction firms, developers and local authorities was held at the RESI conference. On the table for discussion, amongst many other topics, were plans to develop large areas of coastal land in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Taking place in South Wales and showcasing potential developments to investors from across the UK, the conference provided an insight into the current state of the property market in the UK.

One of the UK’s leading property consultancies is strengthening its team in Norwich and providing clients with expertise that spans both planning and residential development.

Also in attendance was New Anglia LEP’s managing director Chris Starkie, who joined a panel of local authority representatives at a session called ‘Time to look again at coastal communities’. This meeting looked at regenerating and developing opportunities in coastal towns.

Chris talked about the role which local authorities can play in ensuring sites are ready for building and that land is allocated for development.

He said: “This is a great opportunity to talk about some of the development opportunities we have here in Norfolk and Suffolk. There are a range of exciting development opportunities here, including a number of interesting mixed use and residential sites.

“Our coastal towns, from King’s Lynn and North Norfolk around to Great Yarmouth, Ipswich and Felixstowe, present opportunities for creative and

innovative developments in primary waterfront or coastal locations.”

One of the key sites being showcased was the King’s Lynn Waterfront Regeneration Project. It’s a mixeduse development project that is set to offer riverside residential development opportunities.

Norfolk employers look to develop leaders and managers through new Degree Apprenticeship.

City College Norwich’s newly-launched Degree Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management has had an enthusiastic response from employers, with 28 apprentices from 12 organisations starting the three-year programme.

The employers signing their staff up for the Degree Apprenticeship are wide-ranging, from large public sector organisations, to financial services companies, as well as small and medium sized enterprises.

Following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April this year, large employers that pay the levy can finance the degree through their levy contribution while small employers only pay 10% (with the remainder being Government-subsidised).

The Degree Apprenticeship, which is validated by the UEA, sees students gain CMI Chartered Manager status and provides an attractive new way for employers to develop their workforce and support individuals to consolidate and extend their management skills.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

New Appointment at Bidwells’ Norwich office.

The Degree Apprenticeship is designed for existing managers, as well as staff new to management and those who will be taking on additional management responsibilities. It provides staff with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive, in-depth and practical understanding of key areas of management.

As a result of the strong initial demand for the course, City College Norwich is planning to start a second cohort of Leadership and Management Degree Apprentices early in 2018.

Bidwells has appointed Verity MacMahon as an Associate in the Residential Development team, with a remit to act on behalf of landowners to bring sites forward to disposal stage and also source new sites for future residential development.

Verity said: “Having worked on the developer side of the industry in various land purchasing roles, I was keen to see what life on the agency side is like and felt it was the right time in my career to make the move across. I have worked with Bidwells for several years in previous roles with house builders and have always been impressed with the professionalism of the company and the variety of projects.”

James Alflatt, Partner Planning at Bidwells, said: “Verity’s extensive experience means that she is able to advise on whether potential development sites are likely to be of interest to developers and also to consider the technical elements involved such as ecology, archaeology, drainage design, build and sale timescales which help add a further dimension to the viability and deliverability of our clients’ projects and ultimately their planning consents.”

Looking to employ new staff? We can help. Ask us how: 01603 729707

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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35

Advertising

The perfect solution for your business needs and corporate events From private meetings of 2 people to 120 capacity seminars, we have conference suites to suit all needs and requirements.

Hot and cold refreshments, be it a platter of sandwiches to a three course gourmet dinner can be requested for your attendees.

Here at Park Farm Hotel we can provide the facilities and service specific to your needs as a large scale company or a private business.

Equipment is available to meet your requirements, such as projectors and large wall mounted screens, as well as photocopying and faxing services. You can be assured of an efficient, friendly team on hand to assist you at any time.

Quote “Chamber of Commerce” to receive a free gift when booking your event.

Terms and Conditions apply Telephone: +44 (0)1603 810264

Email: enq@parkfarm-hotel.co.uk

web: www.parkfarm-hotel.co.uk

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Turn to our apprenticeships to build your team Could you recruit an apprentice and build the skilled workforce your business needs?

For more information about our tailored on and off the job training programmes email: ncls.apprenticeships@norfolk.gov.uk or call: Hannah 01603 306529 or Susan 01603 306528 0344 800 8020 www.norfolk.gov.uk/adultlearning @NorfolkCLS

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Norfolk Community Learning Services

Apprentice advert Norfolk Voice.indd 1 NORFOLK VOICE • THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

20/07/2017 10:43:12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Join other Chamber members.

For us, it’s all about the clients. When we started Indigo Swan nearly 8 years ago we put our clients at the centre and built our business around them.

We’ve won numerous awards over the years. Most recently, we’ve been crowned the UK’s Most Trusted Energy Consultancy - so we are doing something right!

We have helped many chamber members including The Forum, Norwich School and Timewell Properties. We recently worked with MIGSOLV, Gold Patrons, and here’s what they had to say about us...

“The experience behind the Indigo Swan team, their passion and integrity were all important to us. They clearly understood the market and could provide the best advice.”

Phil Riseborough, Head of Facilities.

We’d love to show you how easy it is to review your energy.

Visit us online - www.indigoswan.co.uk

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B2B Exhibition.

Thanks to everybody who visited our stand at the B2B Exhibition at Norwich City Football Club, and to everyone who tried their luck on our Human Fruit Machine!

We had a brilliant day catching up with clients and meeting new contacts, and were so proud to take home the trophy for Best Stand!

We know the energy industry can be confusing and time consuming.

So, if you need a hand, get in touch - we’re a friendly bunch of energy contract enthusiasts, here to help you get the best out of it.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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

MemberNews

New van provides huge boost for social enterprise.

A recently formed social enterprise has purchased an additional new van which will allow it to provide affordable transport to hundreds more people across three counties.

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Scoots Hire provides mopeds for people to travel to work, education and training or to enable people to be more independent. The organisation was launched in March and demands for its services have grown rapidly. It has already supported more than 300 people across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

The organisation has now purchased its third Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, which means it now has the capacity to serve up to 600 people at any one time across the three counties.

Scoots Hire, based in Dereham, Norfolk, is providing a much needed service in many communities. It offers moped hire for as little as £2.86 per day, which includes fully comprehensive insurance, road

tax, routine servicing and 24 hour breakdown cover.

Vehicles are delivered directly to people and full training is provided close to their home.

James Cogman, Head of Fleet Operations for Scoots Hire, said: “The additional van will improve our customer service times, allow for faster deliveries and will increase our capacity to service up to 600 people at any one time. It has also allowed us to create a job within the community as we have employed a new driver.”

In Norfolk the enterprise is already supporting people in the Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Attleborough, Caister, Kings Lynn, Thetford, Cromer, Fakenham and Dereham areas.

James Russell, Van Sales Director for Orwell Vans, said: “It is great to be working with an organisation which puts great emphasis on driver safety and fuel economy and we wish then every success with this venture.”

Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre receives bags of help.

Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre in King’s Lynn has received £1,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help community grant scheme.

The money will go towards the construction of disabled access for the Community Garden that is located outside the main entrance of the centre.

With the support of the environmental charity Groundwork, Tesco have been using money raised from the sale of plastic bags to provide money to community projects through their Bags of Help grants.

The structural work on the garden was carried out by Freebridge Community Housing Property Services and was completed in June.

The Norfolk Youth Offending Team contributed benches from their workshop nearby and fencing was provided

by West Norfolk MIND. Donations from Lovell, Arc Fabrications, ElecSure, KJ Plastering Ltd, Westcoast Windows, Osborn & Kent and

Proctor Roofing and Ground Control helped fund the original project.

Robert Clarke, Director of Housing at Freebridge, said: “Our new community garden has already proved popular with the local community and service users at Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre. We couldn’t be more delighted that we can now make this fantastic new facility accessible to everyone who visits the centre.”

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

Pure tops the business leader board.

Professional recruitment specialist Pure has completed the ultimate office cycling challenge to raise funds and celebrate the Papworth Trust’s centenary.

To mark its 100th anniversary, Papworth Trust challenged business teams to go h`ead-to-head in its 100 Care Miles fundraising initiative.

Organisations were challenged to cycle 100 miles in one day between just ten people, raising money through sponsorship.

Teams from all four of Pure’s offices, in Norwich, Cambridge, Chelmsford and Ipswich, completed the challenge on the custom-built, stationery bike which is touring businesses across the UK. Having done their challenge, Pure’s Ipswich team topped the overall business leader board for the fastest time, having completed the 100 miles in three hours between just eight people.

Lucy Plumb, Executive Assistant at Pure, and one of the Ipswich team’s cyclists, said: “There are a lot of keen cyclists at Pure so we thought it would be a great inter-office competition as well as an excellent fundraising opportunity.”

The £350 raised by all four Pure teams will be donated to the Papworth Trust, based in Papworth Everard, Cambridge, which supports disabled and older people, plus their families and carers, with disability advice and a range of essential services.

Have you got a good news story to share?

Chamber members can publish on our website for free!

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

SocialEnterprise

#LetsBuySocial.

Welcome to a Chamber first! We’re so excited to have been offered this regular spot by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to share stories, build business relationships and make Norfolk a social enterprise friendly business community.

First off, I want to clear up some myths about Social Enterprise and what it is. Having just written that sentence, I’ve realised I can’t, but let’s go back a bit.

Four and half years ago I had a nice steady job with some career prospects at Norfolk County Council. Due to some familiar frustrations I’d spotted a gap that I thought a socially minded business should fill, and wouldn’t I be marvellous at filling it? Except that I knew nothing about business let alone giving up a well-paid job!

Whether you choose to call it fate or serendipity, just as these fledgling thoughts were building momentum in my weary brain, an email popped into my inbox.

It was from the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ipswich inviting people with ideas to apply to their start-up course. Roll on four years, and it’s changed my life.

The conundrum I have returned and continue to return to is what a Social Enterprise actually is.

Four and a half years ago, like a lot of people I’d have probably thought of co-ops and maybe the Big Issue. Then I went through a ‘purist’ phase where you had to be a legally well recognised constituted form (like us, a Community Interest Company). Now I’m more of an agnostic.

I do however draw the line with businesses such as John Lewis calling themselves a Social Enterprise because their staff are ‘partners’. That’s pushing it for me. I want to see commitments to spend profit on their social mission for a community of disadvantage (not shareholders).

So rather than a clear set of legally defined criteria, I’ve arrived at it being a set of values that are writ through the organisation.

You see, it’s a spectrum.

Shareholders on yachts at one end and charities at the other. Social Enterprise is somewhere in the

middle, I’m just no longer sure exactly where.

We held a free #SocialSaturday event in October where five local social entrepreneurs shared their model of social enterprise business. Five local social entrepreneurs will be sharing their model of social enterprise business. With £26bn now spent #BuyingSocial, it just might have something to offer your business.

Over the next few issues you’ll be hearing from a range of social entrepreneurs operating in Norfolk

and I for one am excited to learn about their social mission and business model too!

Stay in touch: rebecca@yourownplace.org.uk yourownplace.org.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebeccawhite-b2817566/ Twitter: @rebkawhite Facebook: facebook.com/yourownplacecic

Youth Charity appoints chair of international accounting group as new Trustee.

OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN), whose mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in Norfolk, has appointed Karl Sandall, Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive of The TaxAssist Direct Group, to its Board of Trustees.

Karl joined The TaxAssist Direct Group in 2000 after 26 years of working with Midland Bank/HSBC in Norwich and Cambridge.

He is heavily involved in the local business community and is a member of the Westminster Club run by Chloe Smith MP, the Norwich Castle Round Table 41 and the Strangers clubs as well as being a Governor of Wymondham College.

OPEN’s Chief Executive John Gordon-Saker said: “We are honoured to have Karl on our Board of Trustees as he comes with a wealth of expertise having previously been involved with other children’s organisations” OPEN’s CEO John Gordon-Saker (left) with Karl Sandall (right)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Karl said: “As a family man of three teenage children I appreciate the importance of the work that OPEN offers to children and young people in Norfolk… they are, after all, the future of our community.”

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

39

Advertising

The construction industry struggle to recruit people with specialist skills.

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The construction industry continues to struggle to recruit people with specialist skills. Various reports and surveys have shown that the workforce is shrinking, as long-serving tradespeople retire but are not replaced by young people. The FMB’s latest State of the Trade survey highlights that “difficulties in recruiting skilled workers have reached new heights”. This is against a backdrop of positive prospects, with growing demand for both corporate and domestic building.

The national construction workforce is ageing. 20% of construction workers are in their fifties, and 15% are over sixty. We can expect those people to retire over the next decade, if not before. Unfortunately, our young people do not seem keen on a career in construction.

According to YouGov research, only 3% of 18 to 24-year olds have searched for a job in the construction industry. As a result of the combination of the scarce of labour and the growth in demand for skilled people, wages in the industry are increasing.

According to the FMB, bricklayers and joiners are currently the most in shortage. But also, plumbers, roofers, and plasters. For those people who wish to climb the career ladder, there are also supervisory and management opportunities.

Nearly half of employers are struggling to employ site managers and supervisors.

Part of the problem is that levels of unemployment are at their lowest since 1975, and the employment

rate is the highest it has ever been.

Just 4.4% of people are unemployed.

Even unemployment amongst young people is decreasing rapidly, with 97,000 more 18 to 24-year olds employed than last year.

However, the growth in employment hides problems of low wages and precariousness, particularly for young people. Wage growth has been stagnant for a decade. Growing numbers of people are only working part-time, or are on a zero-hours contract, or have entered the “gig economy”. With the construction industry offering higher wages and more stable work, why are construction skills training courses not over-subscribed?

Perhaps construction has a bad image. When a young person imagines working in construction, they think of working outside, in the rain, wind, and mud. And it’s cold. Let’s face it, UK weather is not conducive to attracting new recruits into construction!

But the industry is much more than just its image of high-visibility

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

jackets, hard hats, muddy safety shoes, and dirty hands. Work can be indoors, such as plastering, painting, driving a site vehicle, or electrical work. The industry needs managers, architects, and project managers. A career in construction does not mean you are stuck on the tools for the rest of your life. Young people need to realise, they can gain experience and move around in the industry, and climb the corporate ladder into managerial and support functions.

The lack of young people entering the industry is not new. For years now, the industry has relied on migrant workers to fill the gap.

Contrary to popular belief, migrant workers have not pushed wages down in the construction industry.

According to a CITB report in June 2017, only 1% of construction employers say that migrant workers are cheaper than their UK counterparts. Furthermore, only 22% say that migrants have a better work ethic, and two thirds claim UK candidates have similar skills.

The future is uncertain. If news reports are to be believed, the Brexit negotiations are not going well.

And neither the UK or the EU are guaranteeing to allow any freedom of movement across borders or even to allow people to stay. With the uncertainty over their future status in the UK, we can already see the Brexit effect on immigration.

Net migration into the UK is down by a quarter in the past year, and the number of Eastern Europeans leaving the country has risen by 56%. Other industries are also affected, with the NHS and farming sector also highly dependent on migrant labour.

Hopefully the next twelve months will bring more clarity over the status of EU nationals. And with the growth in wages, perhaps more young people will consider a career in construction. Demand for construction is growing. So, despite these challenges, there’s at least that to be grateful for!

Pasi Raitanen Business Manager, Wise Global Training Ltd.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

ConstructionSkillsShortage

3. Formwork preparation for a bridge deck

1.Construction of the Gherkin

2. Concreting of the oil rig

4. Cable stay bridge

Constructionarium – Turning Theory Into Practice.

Constructionarium (like an aquarium but full of construction projects) was established in 2003 on a construction site in London. This was as a response to the desire of Imperial College, London to give its civil engineering students an opportunity to turn their theoretical knowledge into practice.

At the same time industry was, and still is, crying out for good engineers. From its somewhat primitive beginning in Chiswick, Constructionarium soon moved to a 5 acre plot at CITB’s Bircham Newton site. It has grown in stature and now occupies a 14 acre plot and offers facilities to not only civil engineers but to anyone working in the built environment.

Constructionarium provides a “hands on” construction experience for students and professionals.

Participants construct scaled down versions of Iconic structures from around the world which include bridges, civil engineering projects and buildings. These range from the Millau Viaduct to the Ravenspurn Oil Rig to the Gherkin. It is a 6 day working field course at our secure site. Delegates are assessed by both academic staff and industry throughout the week in terms of budgetary control, methodology, time and project management.

The basic model of Constructionarium is a triangle formed by academic students, a contractor and a consulting engineer. The members of the triangle work in partnership to NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

deliver a learning experience which combines academic perspective with those of the design professional and practical site delivery. By linking with an academic institution, industry partners have been able to influence the taught curriculum to be more relevant to today’s construction needs and current practice. Industry also can inspire the next generation of contractors, consultants, engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and construction managers. This can provide feed to their emerging talent pipelines. The commitment industry has thus ensures that students have tangible employability skills when they finish studying.

So how does a Constructionarium week work? Each member of the triangle has a part to play. The contractor and engineer will spend at least a day with the students at the academic institution prior to attending. This day deals with many of the practical issues not included in the academic curriculum, such as the identification of risks and their assessment, health and safety, method statement writing and tendering. The students in teams of 15-22 will then identify the various

tasks that need to be undertaken and agree a team member for each of these tasks. If there is time before attending site the students will prepare a programme of work.

Arriving on site on Sunday afternoon, the student teams finalise their construction programmes, produce a costing for it and also have a health and safety induction. On Monday morning each student project manager presents their team’s bid and the programme to the Contractor’s senior person who takes on the role of the Client.

At the same time, four students are given training in the use of electrical tools. Others in the team start surveying and setting out while some of their colleagues complete the various method statements for the day’s work which have to be signed off by the engineer or client before any task can be undertaken.

As many of the participants have never used a hammer, preparing and making formwork is a new challenge. To guide them through this, steel fixing and concrete placement, the contractor normally has at least two tradesman on site to advise, but not do the work, for the students. The first working

day ends with the Client holding a progress meeting with each project team. Each evening meeting also allows the participants to ask questions often relating to the logistics for the following day.

By Friday, project completion nears and around lunchtime the students just have time to admire their work and learn from each other how the various projects have overcome any challenges that may have arisen during the week. It is clearly a time for celebration when the students can walk across a bridge that they have built, climb to the top of their 15m high Gherkin or row out to the platform atop of their oil rig.

So far more than 10000 students have participated in and benefitted from the Constructionarium weeks.

Comments from a cohort of the students generally include the word WOW! For the industry partners the week has been a unique opportunity to see potential employees in situations that they will face in the various aspects of the construction industry. Constructionarium does not gloss over the reality and wonderland that is construction. www.constructionarium.co.uk

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Advertising

Learn a skill, master a trade Start your journey at Easton and Otley College.

www.eastonotley.ac.uk | 08000 224 556

42 UTCN

Norfolk’s only specialist engineering school for 14 -19 year olds

UTC Norfolk: Proud to be training the next generation of engineers for your business

With over 30 years proven experience gained working for large organisations and high profile Clients providing the full range of quantity surveying services to Private Clients, Developers, Contractors and Sub-Contractors on projects ranging from £50,000 to £160 million, MHQS set up as a small business in 2015 to offer a highly professional service for a fraction of the price charged by large companies.

MHQS prides itself in a high quality of customer service, clear and concise documents and exceptional value for money giving added value to the Client.

Our services include: Feasibility estimates Elemental cost plans, cost checking and value engineering Schedule of works and bills of quantities Contract and procurement advice Measuring and pricing tender documents Tender analysis, negotiation and reporting

Find out how you can build links today with your future engineers

Call Sharn Ponsford on (01603) 580 280 www.utcn.org.uk

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Contract document preparation and execution Programming Cash flow forecasts Valuations, cost monitoring and reporting, value engineering Final accounts Preparation and evaluation of contractual claims

We can provide the above and other services mainly for the residential, commercial, retail and education sectors of the construction industry. contact us today for a free quotation.

Martyn Howe Quantity Surveyors Limited Chartered Quantity Surveyor Tel: 01485 535209 Mob: 07841 373738

Email: martynh1960@gmail.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

ConstructionSkillsShortage You can play a part in shaping the history of the college Construction student Shamim Ahmed

Lecturer, Gavin Loose (centre) congratulates skills competition winners

Easton & Otley College is building for the future At the recent Conservative Party conference that took place at the start of October 2017, there was talk surrounding the importance of building more affordable housing for a rising British population.

And they have. For example, in terms of Easton and Otley College, a new construction centre was opened in November 2015 at their Norfolk campus based just outside of Norwich. Prior to that, the college – that has a campus in Suffolk based near Ipswich – opened a similar facility in 2006.

During that eleven year timescale, the educational establishment has taught thousands of people - of all ages - a range of skills in all sorts of trades. This year, they will be teaching hundreds more.

So can anything more be done to train the next generation of bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and other skilled craftspeople of the future and what happens next?

We talked to Crispin Jolly, the construction curriculum and quality manager at the Easton campus.

He said, “It’s hard to talk about what happens next as a nation. All I can do is talk about what we are doing in Norfolk (and the region generally) to make sure we do our bit in building quality affordable housing for the people of Britain.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

At the moment, the college is looking to expand its board of governors to help shape the future of one of the largest land-based colleges in the UK. Those who have professional experience of curriculum and quality are particularly welcomed.

construction work committed to

by Norwich City Council to help build more environmentally friendly houses in the region.”

“In addition to this, we also work with many local companies in Norfolk and beyond by training people of varying ages, apprenticeship qualifications.”

Previous governments have also publically discussed the same issue.

With the need for new houses becoming a constant issue that industry is trying to solve, education is being asked to step up to the plate.

In addition to courses in construction, Easton and Otley College teaches around 5000 students in a variety of subjects ranging from animal studies to agriculture via engineering and equine.

Construction staff at the Royal Norfolk Show - l to r - Toby Barnes, Ken Turner Jones and Ted Pinnock “Therefore, as a college - without doubt - we have some of the best facilities for teaching new generations of talent.

“To help emphasise this, we regularly compete in skills competitions both regionally and nationally and our students always do well.

“We all lead busy lives and as a college, we receive amazing support from the business community so I’m not sitting here complaining about the support we receive.

“All of our staff has worked in construction so we know what is required. We know industry wants people who are going to hit the ground running when they leave us. That is what we are trying to achieve.

“Student’s aside, when people come and visit us, they are always positively surprised by what we can offer and I’d say everyone is impressed by our amazing construction centre.”

“We also have got to collectively get the message out to young people that construction is an exciting, varied, interesting and well paid career.

Do you think everyone needs to unite to help build more houses in the UK then?

“I’m constantly asked - is this a good time to get into construction?

At the moment, I would have to say that this could be the best time in history to work in this industry – so I’d say that is a resounding yes.”

“Yes - everyone needs to come together to make sure that we hit ambitious targets set by the government - and we are going out of our way to make this happen with the help of many local and national companies.”

“Most recently, we opened a facility called The Fabric First Institute – a facility that has been developed with Whole House Energy in support of the £47 million of Passivhaus

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Do you need more support from business then?

Mark Pendlington Chair of governors at Easton and Otley, Mark Pendlington, said, “This very special college is at the heart of our diverse rural economy. It serves the largest sector in the economy of the east of England, one of the fastest growing regions in the UK. We are absolutely determined to lead the way in inspiring, training and preparing students for the amazing range of jobs and careers that are available in the land-based sector. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and sectors.”

For more details about applying to become a governor, you can email Rachel Robson – rachel. robson@eastonotley.ac.uk For more details about the college in general you can visit www.eastonotley.ac.uk

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

King’s Lynn Regeneration Cllr Alistair Beales Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Corporate Projects and Assets “King’s Lynn’s regeneration continues with a number of multi-million projects across the town.

“One of the most noticeable, a private-sector-led redevelopment of the former Beales store, will create new retail units, anchored by an H&M store. By renegotiating the lease, this scheme can now progress and we look forward to this new addition to the town centre.

“The Nar Ouse Business Park ‘Space to Innovate’ Enterprise Zone is a council-owned 15ha employment land site. Utilities have already been provided to the perimeters and a further £6.5m of infrastructure works will enable commercial development on site from 2019. The £5.5m King’s

Speculative unit on Nar Ouse Business Park

Riverfront Masterplan

Lynn Innovation Centre acts as a hub for the site and has become home to 17 businesses since it opened in June 2016.

“Our masterplan for the development of the Boal Quay and South Quay area of King’s Lynn’s riverfront has just been published. This £120m council-led mixed-use scheme will transform the quayside area, with the potential for an 85%/15% mix of residential and commercial development, including a boutique hotel. Further site surveys and design of the infrastructure for the site will be done before soft market testing starts.

“Our 550-home major housing project, with a GDV of £75m, is helping to meet housing need in the area. Our innovative partnership with Lovell is bringing local jobs and apprenticeships. Homes in the first phase of this development, Orchard Place, are selling quickly. Equally, phase 3 of the Nar Valley Park development is well underway, with properties in phases 1 and 2 already sold or under offer.

“We continue to invest in our significant heritage. Having previously secured funding for the Tuesday Market Place, Saturday Market Place and Town Hall, our latest project, the Big Lottery Funded Townscape

Heritage Initiative in the conservation area of St Margaret’s and St Nicholas, is set to bring 13 homes back into use as well as giving a new lease of life to several businesses. The future of these architecturally-significant buildings has been secured.

“King’s Lynn has recently become one of only 10 towns in England to gain Heritage Action Zone status.

This could unlock further funding and training to develop other heritage sites in the town, all of which will benefit the local economy.

“Our focus on growth and development, alongside a businessfriendly approach, helps King’s Lynn ‘punch above its weight’. We are always keen to speak to potential investors, developers and businesses wishing to relocate.”

Visit investwestnorfolk.com for the latest investment and development opportunities.

ConstructionSkillsShortage

Employer partners help UTCN deliver a different type of education.

University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN) opened in 2014 to offer a different type of education designed to prepare 14 to 19 year olds for the world of work and address key skills gaps in engineering, construction and related sectors.

From day one, employer involvement has been central to students’ learning at UTCN. This happens both through traditional careers talks and work experience, and through UTCN’s Core Projects which see employers set students problem-solving challenges from their industry over a 4-6 week period.

The students get to learn more about the employer and their sector, and the employers get a good look at strong candidates to potentially enter their business as apprentices in the future.

The approach is working, with around half of UTCN leavers going on to apprenticeships with leading employers in construction,

technology, science and engineering.

One such student is Ben Southgate, who left UTCN with the equivalent of 4 ½ A Levels – gaining double Distinction* in his Engineering diploma and A Levels.

Ben gained many practical engineering skills at UTCN and benefitted too from the regular contact with employers. These included R G Carter, with whom he completed a work experience placement.

With a long-standing interest in construction, Ben was attracted to UTCN because of its “more hands on approach”. “Every other sixth form I looked at was just classroom-

based, whereas UTCN gave me the opportunity to do A Levels and gain practical experience on its equipment such as lathes and milling machines”, explains Ben. He has now started a degree apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying with R G Carter, for whom he works as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. Ben reflects that he also gained valuable employability skills from UTCN: “I developed my people skills and my communication skills”, he says.

Ben is among a growing number of former students now demonstrating the value of UTCN’s employerled approach, and now looks set to do very well in his career in construction.

Ben Southgate

We can fly the drone up to a maximum of 400ft AGL

Drone photography and aerial video for the construction industry

Location of the Third River Crossing, Great Yarmouth

Drone Photography technology is now providing high quality imagery to the construction industry. Building companies, surveyors, architects, and planners can employ this technology to support CGI’s and 3D modelling, infrastructure and construction planning submissions, roof inspections, site monitoring and up to date aerial mapping.

We maintain a range of stabilised, GPS equipped DJI drones that are capable of collecting up to 16mp still photography and 4K HD video data. Operating across East Anglia, specialising in: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. n Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Permission for Commercial Operations in the UK

DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD Director and Pilot Graeme Taplin

n Day and Night time special flying permissions (PfCO 1930)

Call me: 07484 605375

n 3rd party and public liability Coverdrone insurance to £10M

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n Site inspection, risk assessment, method statement and fixed costs provided

Website: www.dronephotography.co.uk

Drone Photography Ltd Oak Farm, Wymondham Road, Bunwell, Norfolk NR16 1NB

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Diary Dates.

Networking Events Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast Where: Town Hall, Great Yarmouth When: Thursday 9 November, 07:30 to 09:30 Join us for a morning of business networking over a delicious breakfast. Make new contacts and catch up with existing ones. Hear from our sponsors Norfolk County Council speaking about the full dualling of the A47 which will help to boost the economic prosperity of a large part of the east of England, and make a significant contribution to the national economy.

Great Yarmouth Christmas Breakfast

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Where: Great Yarmouth Racecourse When: Wednesday 6 December, 07.30 to 09.30 Join Norfolk Chamber for a morning Christmas networking over a delicious breakfast. Make new contacts and catch up with existing ones. This breakfast event is perfect for businesses looking to broaden their network contacts.

Norwich Christmas Breakfast Where: Holiday Inn, Norwich North When: Thursday 7 December, 07:30 to 09:30 Join us for a morning of Christmas business networking over a

delicious breakfast. Make new contacts and catch up with existing ones. This breakfast event is perfect for businesses looking to broaden their network contacts.

West Norfolk Christmas Breakfast Where: Knight’s Hill, King’s Lynn When: Wednesday 13 December, 08:00 to10:00 Join Norfolk Chamber for a morning Christmas networking over a delicious breakfast. Make new contacts and catch up with existing ones. This breakfast event is perfect for businesses looking to broaden their network contacts.

Super Bowl Challenge 2018 Where: Namco Funscape, Norwich When: Friday 26 January 2018, 18:00 to 20:00 Join us in the New Year for an evening of team building and networking among the local business community. Super Bowl Challenge year on year continues to be a success taking up all the lanes at Hollywood Bowl Norwich for our annual members bowl off.

Whether you want to strengthen the connections in your team, or make new ones, this evening event offers a fun, relaxed environment to get your business name out there and show off your skills on the lanes. Book a lane now for a team of up to 8, or as an individual or small group to be in a mixed team! Member only event.

HR Forum HR Forum – Employee Investigations Where: Holiday Inn Norwich, Ipswich Road, Norwich When: Wednesday 8 November, 14:00 to 17:00 Norfolk Chamber HR Forums are designed to inform and keep your business up-to-date with all the changes to employment law. Our experts will provide you with an afternoon of in-depth knowledge essential to any business. This comprehensive and practical HR Forum, sponsored and delivered

by Birketts will focus on Employee Investigations.

HR Forum Where: Holiday Inn Norwich, Ipswich Road, Norwich When: Wednesday 17 January 2018, 14:00 to 17:00 Join the Norfolk Chamber for an afternoon of accessing specialist knowledge essential for any HR professional or business owner.

This comprehensive and practical HR Forum, will review forthcoming legal reforms and identify how these changes will impact on local businesses.

Special Events MP Event 2018 Where: Norwich When: Friday 2 February 2018, 15:00 to 18:00

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

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

MPs Event 2018 will be bringing together Norfolk’s MPs again to discuss key issues affecting Norfolk. Last year over 100 influential Norfolk businesses took part in the event and your company should be one of them.

This is your opportunity to raise Norfolk’s profile in one of the most important political forums we host.

Your voice is essential in raising the positive profile of Norfolk.

International Events Doing Business in Turkey Where: Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich When: Tuesday 28 November, 14:30 to 16:30 Join Norfolk Chamber on our next international trade event, this time we are focusing on doing business with Turkey. Turkey is a major trading partner of the UK and has proved to be a very valuable market for many UK businesses.

Doing Business In India Where: Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich When: Tuesday 16 January 2018, 14:30 to 16:30 Join Norfolk Chamber on our next international trade event, this time we are focusing on doing business with India. Driven by a growth rate of over 6% in the past two years and a 350 million strong middleclass with increasing purchasing power, India is reshaping the world’s economy.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

MemberNews ChamberEvents

MPs Event returns in February 2018.

Norfolk Chamber’s high profile policy event is a key date in the commercial calendar for the start of 2018. Returning for its eighth year, the MPs Event gives local businesses the opportunity to engage with local MPs and discuss issues affecting businesses in Norfolk.

At last year’s event local MPs spoke on key topics including the changing landscape in infrastructure, revolution in technology and more.

The event was an overwhelming success with over 150 Norfolk business leaders taking part, helping to shape local policy and regional developments.

In a turbulent time of political and economic uncertainty this is your chance to hear from Local MPs on issues that matter to your business.

Also, engage in Q+A opportunities and network with other businesses in Norfolk.

Date: February 2, 2018 Venue: Norwich Time: 15:00 to 18:00 Book your place today at norfolkchamber.co.uk/ events

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Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Raise your business profile with sponsorship.

Norfolk Chamber is renowned for organising high quality businesses events and caters for every person and business. Our 70 events are attended by over 3,000 delegates each year with all including the opportunity for networking.

Whether you are looking for training, networking, briefings on topical issues, or want to entertain clients, we have an event for you and your business.

Why sponsor a Norfolk Chamber event? n A cost effective way to gain valuable brand exposure for your company n Benefit from your company branding being on event publicity and PR produced by

the Norfolk Chamber for a growing networking of Norfolk businesses n Take advantage of the exposure that the Norfolk Chamber media channels can reach n Let the experienced Norfolk Chamber events team organise an event for you whilst you reap the benefits of being an official event sponsor Event sponsorship varies according to the type, size and nature of the event.

HR Forum – held quarterly and are delivered by experts for HR professionals or SME business owners responsible for the legal & HR aspects of the business.

Business Breakfasts – held regularly in Great Yarmouth, Norwich, South Norfolk and West Norfolk. Featuring a keynote speaker of particular interest to the business community and plenty of networking opportunities and activities.

Large Scale Events– Norfolk Chamber hold a number of

large scale, high profile events throughout the year that feature national speakers and boast influential delegate lists. These range from half day conferences, to the largest business to business exhibition in Norfolk held annually at Norwich City Football Club.

Exhibit at a breakfast – There are exclusive opportunities for Chamber members to exhibit their business at Chamber events subject to availability.

For a fully tailored sponsorship package, to book a stand at a forthcoming event or to become a sponsor please contact Philippa Bindley, Events Manager on 01603 729703 or philippa.bindley@norfolkchamber.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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

Expert, affordable courses and free training.

Business Training.

Chamber Training offers a wide range of training solutions to help you unlock the potential of your workforce and boost your business performance.

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How to write engaging web and print copy

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10/11/2017 – 09:00 to 12:30

30/01/2018 -13:00 to 16:30

07/11/2017 – 09:00 to 12:30

Mark Ellaway, Bigfork

Sean Clark, Clark St James

Huw Sayer, Business Writers Ltd The aim of this training workshop is to help you to make your words work harder.

This isn’t a grammar or spelling lesson – or an SEO class. Instead, we’ll focus on your audiences, how to write for them and what to say.

This short course is aimed at people who want to learn how to use Google Analytics to measure the performance of their website and produce reports. It’s delivered in an easy to understand style and you will be supplied with the course material afterwards for reference.

This course is aimed at any business owner or marketer seeking to understand how to plan and work with this essential channel in the digital world. Whether you’re planning to implement SEO in-house or to enable you to confidently outsource your SEO.

Time Management

LinkedIn for Business

01/02/2018 – 09:00 to 12:30

15/02/2018 – 09:00 to 12:30

Create Profitable Google Adwords Campaigns

Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road

Sara Greenfield, Bright Yellow Marketing

27/02/2018 – 09:00 to 12:30

This course aims to offer strategies to be more effective and to improve by giving delegates at least eight tools and techniques they could implement straight away to improve their effectiveness.

Are you making the right impression with your LinkedIn profile? This course will teach you how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile by learning simple tips and tools to use for your personal company profiles.

Michael Townsend, Wolf Digital Marketing

Essentials of Email Marketing

The Art of Networking

06/03/2018 – 13:00 to 16:30

Finance for non-financial managers

Holly Stibbon, 101 Ltd

15/03/2018 – 09:00 to 12:30

Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road

This course will arm you with the knowledge you need to create email campaigns that deliver measureable results. Learn how to plan, develop and refine your email marketing strategy and evaluate your return on investment.

Julian Hammond, TIPS for Good Management

This half day course will give you some fantastic tips and techniques to get the best from networking events and help you overcome any fear and anxiety they may have about them.

This course aims to give you the basic knowledge about how financial controls work in a UK organisation including how to understand basic reporting such as Profit & Loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow.

To book your place on a training course visit norfolkchamber.co.uk/training

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

Get more visitors to your website and more value from your pay-per-click spend with Google Adwords. This course will teach you how to maximise your advertising spend on Google Adwords and how to stop a wasted budget.

27/03/2018 – 09:00 to 12:30

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

MemberNews ChamberEvents Chamber Sessions.

These free bitesize one hour workshops are delivered by our expert Chamber members for our members at our Norwich office. Check our website for all free workshops.

Workplace Wellbeing 23/11/17 – 12:00 to 14:00 Michelle Gant, The Engaging People Company This workshop will help you develop your own targeted approach to wellbeing, as well as gain an insight into effective wellbeing solutions which really work.

You will leave with some practical tips and ideas to improve workplace wellbeing within your own organisation.

International Export Training.

Export Documentation

Delivered by experienced trainers, these courses are specifically designed for staff involved in exporting and/or importing goods to and from the UK. Most International Trade courses are BCC Accredited.

Your company’s success in the field of exporting hinges upon the practical knowledge and expertise of the staff involved.

This accredited course creates confidence and proficiency through clarifying and educating on any export documentation and teaches you how to produce documentation.

22/02/2018 - 09:30 to 16:00

Understanding Exporting

E-zCert Workshop

24/01/2018 - 09:30 to 16:00

07/03/2018 - 09:30 to 12:30

This full day course looks at the whole export function from what an export is to the processing and selling of products overseas.

Perfect for a new member of staff and experienced staff who want to keep up to date.

This half day workshop will show you how to apply for your documents online taking you through every step of the application. We will also show you tips and tricks to save you time and money.

Customs Procedures and Documentation

Import Procedures

07/02/2018 - 09:30 to 12:30

This full day course will explain import documentation and give knowledge of the key elements of important procedures, including where to go for sources of information and assistance. It will also cover how to comply with customs procedures.

The course highlights the company’s and the individual’s legal responsibilities when declaring cargo to HM Revenue and Customs.

By the end of the course you will have a working knowledge on the UK trade tariff, the different duties payable and how to calculate them.

08/03/2018 - 09:30 to 16:00

Preference Rules of Origin

Incoterms 2010

07/02/2018 - 13:00 to 16:00

29/03/2018 - 09:30 to 16:00

This course will benefit exporters/importers with accurate documentation and greater understanding of the rules of origin. By the end of this course you will understand the determining preference rules of origin and the percentage rule and how to apply it.

As international trade becomes increasingly more complex, universally used rules are essential to avoid misunderstandings and costly disputes. This course looks at the rules from a practical point of view and explains all the costs, delivery and risk implications and where to go for more help and information.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Top Tips - Great HR Practices that provide a competitive edge 30/11/17 – 12:30 to 14:00 Peter Lawrence, Human Capital Department During this session you will learn the different top tips within different areas of HR practise and how they can be implemented to make a difference to your organisation’s performance. You will also learn how to use these HR practices to provide a competitive edge to your organisation.

Intercultural Business Communications 14/12/17 – 12:00 to 14:00 Dr Lorella Viola, US2U Consulting Ltd This workshop will equip you with the necessary knowledge to understand intercultural communication in an organisation and to deal with different business customs and beliefs which will help you become and outstanding intercultural communicator.

Book and pay for any International Trade training course by 15 December 2017 to receive a 10% discount.

Book online: norfolkchamber.co.uk/training Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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

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MembershipNews Chamber members were recently invited to share the story of their business and explain why they became a member of the Norfolk Chamber. Below you'll hear from two businesses who have just joined.

You can learn more about membership on our website: norfolkchamber.co.uk/membership

and PR companies, farming and agriculture….the list is extensive.

“I joined the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in November 2016, with a view to engaging with local businesses and authorities at networking events and via the Chamber’s reach throughout the region. My wife, Jane Lovell, has been a member of the Chamber for some 20 years and encouraged me to join, as she had enjoyed successful networking with her own recruitment business (Cooper Lomaz).

Drone Photography.

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Graeme Taplin forged a successful career in the property industry over 25 years working with a variety of chartered surveyors and estate agencies, here in the UK and Melbourne, Australia. In April 2016 Graeme launched his new business - Drone Photography Limited. Graeme’s vision is to capture and provide high quality aerial photography and video services to a range of end users,

using small unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones if you prefer.

Aerial drone photography is still a relatively new and accessible technology, yet it is being embraced by a growing number of businesses and end users including: local and national authorities, documentary and cinema production teams, property marketeers and estate agents, the construction industry, Media

“In January 2017, whilst attending a Chamber breakfast meeting in Great Yarmouth, I met with planners from Norfolk County Council following their presentation for proposed improvements to the A47 and construction of the Third River Crossing in Great Yarmouth. Norfolk County Council co-ordinates the A47 Alliance, a group which lobbies for funding to improve the A47. I enquired whether the council would be interested in engaging aerial drone photography to provide aerial footage, rather than the historical methods of gathering elevated imagery.

“As a result of this initial contact at the Chamber meeting, fast forward to March when I received a commission from Norfolk County Council to record aerial photography and video. The project involved collecting imagery displaying high volumes of traffic at specific locations along a 70 mile stretch of A47 from Great Yarmouth to Kings Lynn, and at key points around Great Yarmouth. The entire project took around 8 weeks from filming to final editing and delivery.

“This was the first occasion that Norfolk County Council had engaged a UAV operator and drone technology for a project, having relied on manned aircraft in the past for aerial imagery. Utilising this technology, we were able to provide substantial cost savings.”

Graeme is a freelance photographer and videographer and is the Director and pilot at Drone Photography Ltd. Graeme holds CAA Permission for Commercial Operations in the UK (PfCO 1930) and public liability insurance cover to £10M.

Greydient Jobs.

Ageism is so oldfashioned!

People in the UK are living longer and the proportion of older workers in the work force is increasing.

Hence; as this trend continues, employers will need to draw on the skills of older workers more often, retaining them, retraining them and recruiting them into a diverse range of available roles.

Greydient Jobs is a recruitment platform and business consultancy at the forefront of this initiative.

Championing equality and inclusion for candidates aged 45+, our main aim is to increase the quality of their applications and in turn help businesses and organisations fulfil this talent pool’s potential in a multigenerational workplace.

We have a variety of different solutions to help companies maximise the opportunity here and they include; n HR auditing to help internal teams rethink their older worker strategy n Retain & retrain consultancy and training programs n Recruitment options on our online platform and within our agency Norwich has been a key city in Greydient’s birth, development and early success. The senior team at Greydient wanted to operate a “local first” strategy and we chose Norwich due to it’s strong mix of SME businesses and large corporates and it’s broad database of older workers.

We have also seen that education around ageism and the multi-

Be part of Norfolk’s premier business network - join today norfolkchamber.co.uk

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

generational opportunity has been slow across geographies and sectors, so we are delighted that Greydient can provide the expertise and platform to help build Norwich into a pioneering age friendly business community.

We are delighted to have joined the Norwich Chamber of Commerce too, as this will give us the opportunity to develop closer ties with local businesses and have the ability to network with them at a variety of excellent events and forums.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

GoldPatrons Greater Anglia staff hope to raise hundreds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Staff at train operator, Greater Anglia, are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support by holding coffee mornings across the network.

Teams from across the company have been baking cakes to sell at stations and in offices and collecting donations to support the Cancer charity’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event.

New hire helps data centre target energy coast.

MIGSOLV have strengthened their team with a new oil industry specialist, as they target energy companies along the East’s ‘Energy Coast’.

With over 24 years’ experience managing IT within the oil and gas industry, Dominic Boullè joins MIGSOLV with responsibility for helping energy related businesses protect their vital data in MIGSOLV’s world-class data centre.

“Data security is vital to the oil, gas and renewables industry” says Dominic. “Whether producing energy or supporting those who do, all companies involved need to ensure their IT is safe so they can deliver uninterrupted service without fear of compromise.”

Dominic will be working with existing and new clients to secure their IT in the regions only purpose-built data centre. It houses business’s computer servers and IT equipment, protecting data from threats including theft, extreme weather, power cuts and terrorism.

“Dominic is a very strategic addition to our growing team” says David Manning, MIGSOLV’s Managing Director. “With further oil and gas exploration, well decommissioning and the massive offshore wind farms, the East is a hub for companies with very sensitive IT and data. Dominic’s fantastic experience will help them protect it right here on their doorstep.”

Dominic joins MIGSOLV after a lengthy period providing data centre services within oil and gas companies involved in both exploration and production.

“Having seen both sides, what MIGSOLV offers is truly world-class” concludes Dominic. “The energy industry has the highest standards and very stringent controls. I’m delighted to be helping them take advantage of such a quality service.”

Dominic’s arrival is part of MIGSOLV’s continuing focus on engaging with businesses of all sizes throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and East Anglia. More information can be found at migsolv.com.

“With further oil and gas exploration, well decommissioning and the massive offshore wind farms, the East is a hub for companies with very sensitive IT and data. Dominic’s fantastic experience will help them protect it right here on their doorstep.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

At Norwich station, two brave employees – Karen from Customer Relations and Mickey the conductor, along with their friend Rik - were sponsored to have their heads shaved on the station’s concourse while their colleagues collected donations and also sold cakes to passers-by.

At London Liverpool Street station, staff baked a Greater Anglia themed cake and manned a stall to collect donations and at the company’s headquarters in Colchester staff held a coffee morning with lots of cake which raised £170.

Last year, the company donated over £1000 to Macmillan Cancer Support after staff named Macmillan one of their nominated charities.

Now they hope that rail passengers and colleagues will dig deep to support the charity which works to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and pushing for better care for those affected with a condition that affects so many lives.

Lee Ivor Smith, Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager, said: “I’m very pleased for my team at London Liverpool Street to get involved in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event. With the generosity of the thousands of passengers that pass through the station every day and the help of colleagues I’m sure we will raise a huge amount for this very worthy cause. Many of our colleagues have been affected by cancer and we hope our efforts will help support those who have been affected by the condition.”

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

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NewMembers Academy for Chief Executives 07824 098374 chiefexecutive.com Membership Organisation

BLS Safety and Training Ltd 01603 261768 blstraining.co.uk Training Providers/Services

Cancer Research UK 07918 166196 cancerresearchuk.org Charities

Carers Trust Norfolk 01953 878143 Charities

CyberScale LTD 08000 306616 cyberscale.co.uk Technology

Fabcon Food Systems Limited 01603 482338 fabcon.co.uk Food Processing Machinery/ Equipment

Instauro Ltd 07340 122469 instauro.co.uk Technology

Marketing Mavens Ltd 01603 552172 linkedintraining.net Social Media

Metric Film and Video 07789 026857 metricfilmandvideo.com Video/Television Production

Morgan Sindall 01603 666669 morgansindall.com Construction (General)

NORF 01508813546 norf.co Website Designers

Nova Training 01842 761400 novatraining.co.uk Apprenticeships

NSP Merchandise 01603 628619 nspmerch.co.uk Retail (Other)

PanaEpos 01692 404949 panaepos.com Car Servies

PeoplePlus Justice HMP Norwich 01603 706352 peopleplus.co.uk Prison

SenLab Ltd 020 3515 0195 senlab.co.uk Technology

Simon Kenna 07723 391103 simonkenna.co.uk Coaching & Mentoring

Watermist Limited 01842 751308 watermist.com Manufacturing (General)

Workplace Charging Ltd 01986 894878 workplacecharging.co.uk Technology

Your Own Place CIC 07530 028446 yourownplace.org.uk Social Enterprise

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No one works harder to support Norfolk business.

How can we help you? Call today: 01603 729704

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

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Weekinthelifeof Nova Fairbank

Public Affairs Manager

Monday Monday morning and one of my first tasks is some advance prep for a BBC Look East ‘piece to camera’ on broadband and mobile coverage. This is a great opportunity to highlight the Chamber’s campaign to get better overall coverage across Norfolk. My interview slot is at 11.30am, so plenty of time… until they call back to ask if I can do the interview at 10am instead? Of course, I say – yikes! Must have done a reasonably good job, as they invited me to do a longer interview in the studio that evening.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Tuesday is an early start as we have Audit Committee.

I follow this with drafting my presentation for a speech as part of the launch for the Norwich Opportunity Area. The Chamber is highlighting our Young Chamber work and our Enterprise Recognition Award. My job for the afternoon is to start compiling the Chamber Board Report.

Thursday

Wednesday another early start, as I am at our Talking Tech event – part of my role is to look after any press/media that attend the Chamber’s large scale events. I am also the key contact at the event for the 40 young people who are attending the event from Wymondham College and the University Technical College Norwich.

Thursday – travelling to Ipswich this morning to attend the New Anglia LEP Economic Strategy Steering Group meeting.

Norfolk Chamber has been working with the LEP and other strategic partners to create a new economic strategy that will run to 2036. My role is to ensure that the Norfolk business voice is heard and understood.

Today’s meeting is to review the first full draft of the Economic Strategy, which is being issued for endorsement across both Norfolk and Suffolk.

Friday Friday is a quieter day – a meeting with Natwest to look at partnership working and a meeting with City College Norwich to look for synergy on Apprenticeships and how to get their students more involved with the local business community.

East Anglian companies show 48% increase in R&D tax savings. latest HMRC figures are a fantastic demonstration of how companies in the East of England have benefited from the R&D tax relief scheme in terms of tax savings compared to companies across the rest of the UK.”

n Manufacturing - 28% of claims and 32% of total claimed

With a 48% year on year increase in the total R&D tax credits claimed in 2015-2016, analysis of the latest HMRC figures for the FYE 2016 shows East Anglian businesses accounted for 10% of the UK’s total claims.

Of the 26,255 claims across the UK totalling £2.9billion in tax benefits, 2,630 claims came from companies in East of England resulting in £370million back. Of these, 2,180 were claimed under the SME scheme and the remainder were claimed under the large company scheme.

n Professional, Scientific & Technical - 20% of claims and 23% of total claimed

Jumpstart’s East of England Business Development Manager Lee Williams said: “These

The figures show a concentration of claims in three key sectors across the UK:

The latest HMRC figures have shown a surge in the amount of Research and Development (R&D) tax relief savings being made by East Anglian companies compared to their counterparts across the rest of the UK, according to R&D tax relief specialist Jumpstart.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

n Information & Communication - 26% of claims and 20% of total claimed

Since its inception, Jumpstart has helped its clients recover more than £95million in R&D tax relief and has identified over £482million in eligible R&D expenditure.

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

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LastWord Name: David Manning Position: Managing Director Company: MIGSOLV David Manning has over 25 years’ experience in IT, gained across the globe helping names like Bank of America and Australian telecoms giant Telstra to manage their infrastructure and data.

Having joined MIGSOLV in 2010, David oversaw the creation of their Gatehouse data centre in Norwich, before taking the reigns as Managing Director in early 2017. An active member of the local tech community, David has an ambitious plan to grow MIGSOLV by helping businesses of all sectors to protect and manage their data.

Outside work, David is a competitive cyclist, interested in wine, a husband and father of two active children.

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Briefly tell us about your business?

How many employees do you have and are you looking to grow?

We deliver The Gatehouse data centre in Norwich.

It’s two highly secure buildings in which we house business’s computer servers and other IT equipment. It allows businesses to move their vital data from their vulnerable offices into a safe environment where it avoids risks and is always accessible. We can also help them improve their connectivity via a range of providers which are not ordinarily available.

Yes, we have very strong growth plans. We’ve taken the strategic decision to target businesses of all sizes, so we have a diverse range of customers from small businesses to multinationals. We’re seeing increased interest from businesses in the South East as they realise Norfolk is a safer environment for their data.

What’s the biggest challenge facing your business?

What has been your greatest success and why?

Like any business, we have to control our costs, continually look to innovate and develop our staff to be the best they can.

One of the biggest challenge for us is communicating that our services are accessible to everyone. People imagine data centres are the preserve of big data for big businesses. However, the economy is becoming ever more data-driven and we pride ourselves on helping even the smallest businesses secure their IT with low-cost options.

We have 15 staff in the data centre who continually maintain security, help clients with their equipment and ensuring we deliver 100% uptime, whatever happens. We have a further 7 staff helping to administer and grow the business.

In a practical sense, it’s been the creation of such a truly world-class facility. When we bought the data centre from Aviva, we literally stripped it back to the bare bricks and totally redeveloped it.

Commercially, our greatest success has stemmed from our ability to innovate and exceed customers’ expectations. We genuinely like to please our customers and help everyone.

Hopefully that’s reflected in the very nice things our customers say about us.

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

What is the next challenge for your business and how will you achieve it?

Both GDPR and Brexit are going to have an impact. GDPR will mean businesses must be much more stringent and transparent about their data storage. A breach because their server is located in an easily accessed office isn’t going to please regulators. Brexit may mean many businesses will need to ensure their data is stored in the UK. Both are an opportunity for us to become the ‘go-to’ partner for any business reliant on their IT to operate.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Peace-of-mind costs less than you think Rehome your business’s servers in Norfolk’s world class data centre: ȋȋ Free up space in your office ȋȋ Avoid the need for security

and cooling equipment ȋȋ Ensure your vital data

is always accessible and protected ȋȋ Benefit from better

connectivity

Whatever the size of your business or IT, contact us now to discover how we can protect you

01603 510323 www.migsolv.com

Secure your business’s servers from just

£49.95 per month

HERE’S TO A MODEST 2018 SAID NO GREAT MARKETING DIRECTOR EVER.

We’re only interested in creative ideas that deliver results . If a modest 2018 isn’t good enough for you, we’d love to talk.

weareborne.com