Norfolk Annual Supplement 2013

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

unlocking potential in 2013

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INTRODUCTION

about us Norfolk Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit company that combines 115 years of experience and knowledge with the ability to re-invent itself to meet its members’ needs.

Our aim is to support our membership to be more successful and to improve the Norfolk economy. We achieve this by providing a wide range of services to our members of all sizes and sectors across Norfolk, to help run their companies more successfully, increase their commercial contacts and do more business. The strength of the Chamber member network enables us to lobby local and national government and influence change for the benefit of Norfolk businesses.

OUR VISION AND AIMS Our Vision: Enable Norfolk Businesses to Unlock their Growth

Our Aims:

Enable connectivity

Share knowledge

Provide quality services

Inspire young people

Support new businesses

Drive change

Be the effective voice of Norfolk business

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Statistics

850+ 120000+ 90% 850 Business Members

120,000 member employees

90% of Norfolk’s top 10 businesses are members

115

Over 115 years’ business knowledge Part of worldwide Accredited Chamber Network

To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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CONTENTS

This supplement is a demonstration of how the Norfolk business community works together to help both their own organisation and the wider community to grow and unlock its potential. It is also designed to help Chamber members and non members to better understand the true value of membership and the real benefits of being an Accredited Chamber Network.

Norfolk Chamber plays a key role within the Norfolk business community, and the number and diversity of businesses within the membership puts it in a unique position to help businesses find:

Connections

Pages 4 - 5

Services Page 9

Find new customers through our diverse and extensive networks. Choose what is right for your own business by using our social media, website, online channels and/or our publications or face-to-face events.

We take away the worry by providing you with expert help, advice and services at low cost or no cost to help you and your teams, covering topics such as Contracts, Employment Law, Debt Recovery and Occupational Health.

Events Pages 6 -7

Export Pages 10 - 11

Face-to-face events are still an amazing way to build up relationships and be able to find new customers. Access over 60 top quality events across the county, ranging from strategic policy debates, fun and informationbased networking events and high profile conferences.

Whether you are considering breaking into a new overseas market for the first time, or you are already an experienced exporter keen to develop your international operations, the Chamber team can assist.

Knowledge Page 8

Voice of Business Pages 12 - 13

Share knowledge, tips and advice with other members on a vast range of subjects, from Health and Safety, to PR and Marketing, Sustainability, Planning and much more, using the Knowledge section of our website.

Join fellow members in influencing key discussions and decision making relating to Norfolk’s local environment, i.e. broadband, roads, rail, skills, planning and economic development.

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CONNECTIONS

Connections

Find new connections through using our diverse and extensive network online, via our publications or face to face. Reach new contacts and raise your profile by adding news items, events, and Knowledge articles. There is even the opportunity to directly promote your products/services to other members through our Member2Member section.

Find New Customers Our thriving network is made up of all types of sectors, sizes, geographic locations and length of time in business, so you can chose who you would like directly to target. However the strength of online and social media marketing ie Twitter, LinkedIn Google+ and Facebook is that you never know who may find you, the higher profile you make your business.

Raise your profile with FREE PR Promote your business and upload news to our website such as success stories, events, product showcases and industry information to the

news and events section at any time.

We also use our ever-growing social media network to give you maximum exposure.

Be part of the Business Directory All 850+ Norfolk Chamber members have a full profile page in the online Business Directory, with a link directly to their website, business information and any social media links. This enables you to be found by both members and non-members and is one of the best-used features within the website. You will also appear in our hard copy Business Directory.

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Member2Member offers Tap into our ever-expanding range of exclusive special deals uploaded by other members for you and your staff to enjoy. Get access to great Business2Business, Business2Employee and Business2Startup deals that enable you to save money and promote your own products and services exclusively to other members.

To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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Statistics and testimonials

5000+ Website visits per month

2000+ Twitter followers

1000+ Chamber LinkedIn group

Find out about events Networking face to face at events is still very important and you can keep your finger on the pulse about what’s coming up in the Chamber calendar via the website and ensure you do not miss out on any business opportunity.

NORFOLK VOICE Magazine Our bi-monthly Chamber magazine lands on the desks of over 5,000 Norfolk business leaders, hotels and business centres. Your top articles will be submitted to appear, giving you superb media coverage across Norfolk.

“For me, the key thing about the Chamber is the way it feeds into the wider business network, both nationally and internationally.”

Mark Oxley, Business Advisor “The Chamber has enabled us to connect with people who make the real day-to-day decisions, which has helped us to grow our business.”

Jenny Blunt, Office Manager, Sweetbriar Office Solutions

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/connections

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EVENTS

EVENTS

Norfolk Chamber is well known for staging a host of exciting events, all designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the business community in Norfolk. Our aim is to ensure that each event is relevant, interesting, informative and packed with opportunities for businesses of all types to learn new skills, grow their business and network.

Business Breakfasts A popular way to start the day. These events are held bi-monthly in Norwich and Great Yarmouth and are an ideal opportunity for businesses to network and do business. Each event is different and ranges from featuring presentations by business or public sector leaders, including Ministers, to networking extravaganzas including ‘sixty second spotlight’ member presentations.

King’s Lynn High Five For those not so keen on early starts the Kings Lynn High Five series varies the time of day dependant on its key

topic. The High Five series, supported

by LloydsTSB, hosts meetings with the Local Enterprise Partnership, holds very productive Meet the Buyer events, and creates a great networking atmosphere at its formal and informal lunches. All have top quality local and national speakers.

Chill Time!

Launched in 2012, Chill Time! is a series of after-hours events that enable business people to get together in a relaxed environment for a glass of something cool and to learn a new skill…like making cocktails!

Although the atmosphere is very laid

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back, firm relationships are created and good business done.

Large-scale exhibitions and conferences Perhaps the best-known of all the Chamber events are the B2B exhibitions, which have been held for the past 14 years and attract businesses from all sectors across Norfolk. Also now well established is the annual Sustainability event, which tackles opportunities in the low carbon and sustainability field.

To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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Statistics

78 3000+ Choice of 78 events held per year

Over 3,000 delegates per year to meet top quality speakers, local and national

“Our first B2B event as Chamber members, we were absolutely delighted with the response and will have no hesitation in booking for the next B2B event.”

Mike Riches, Sales Director 4HM Ltd The Chamber’s annual Business Conference is becoming a hugely successful event. It tackles key issues that affect Norfolk businesses and attracts business leaders and decision makers from the region’s most influential companies to hear from local and national speakers.

Launched in 2012, the ‘Opportunities’ event has become an annual March fixture. It is four events in one – Meet the Buyer, B2B Business Exhibition, United Networking event and Topical Workshops. An event to learn, network and do great business.

HR Forum Targeted at leading HR professionals and those whose role it is to know about employment issues, a halfday forum held quarterly to present and discuss the latest employment laws and issues affecting personnel management.

business. A hugely successful format which has been run by the Chamber for the past six years, either as part of a larger event such as ‘Opportunities’ or as a standalone event such as the West Norfolk Meet the Buyer event in 2012.

“This morning’s Chamber breakfast was very interesting - nice location, well organised and excellent speakers.”

Ed Savory, Associate, Leathes Prior

Event Sponsorship This is a great way for companies to secure valuable brand exposure and create solid leads. Benefits include publicity throughout the cycle of events through the Chamber’s extensive media channels, corporate branding on marketing material, display space at the event and much more.

“I am particularly keen on the Chill Time! networking events, as they enable me to make great contacts.”

Peter Lloyd, Forage4it

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

Meet the Buyer A great opportunity for key public and private sector buyers and suppliers to come together in one location to do

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KNOWLEDGE

knowledge The Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Knowledge’ section located within its website enables members to post their articles and share knowledge, tips and advice on a vast range of subjects, from Health and Safety to PR and Marketing, Sustainability, Planning and much more.

The key difference with this section is that companies cannot promote themselves, just give good tips in an area they have expertise and share this best practice with the wider business community. It is a person-to-person section, so the photo that accompanies the topic is that of the writer. Here is a brief summary of some of the knowledge articles that have been submitted to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Bobby Burrage

Grace Azadvar

The Click

Linguamax

The Power of branding: for everyone

German language and business culture

The very nature of business demands that we are all familiar with brands.

But what are they? What are brands actually capable of? And what ways can an effective brand benefit a business?

It should not be assumed that familiarity with English is a given, especially in the former GDR where Russian was the second language, or in dealings with small companies and public sector authorities…

Carl Wright Purple Tuesday Ltd Cloud Computing – Friend or Foe The cloud is nothing new, but in recent years its importance to business has become much more evident and is being embraced by both small and large enterprises.......

Holly Stibbon Smart Messenger Email Marketing Tips: What is a pre-header?

In short a pre header is a fantastic way to get your emails opened. On your smart phone or email browser you may have noticed a small piece of text after the From Name and the Subject .....

Tom Farrand Novagraaf UK Controlling the Twitter jitters It’s not a surprise to hear from corporate brand owners that a major promotion of their advertising and PR spend and effort is now concentrated on social networking sites. ..... www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge

Tom McGarry EDF Energy Local Nuclear supply chain opportunities As part of its procurement strategy for Sizewell C, EDF Energy has partnered with the Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce to support local businesses that want to become part of the supply chain ......

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To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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SERVICES

SERVICES Running a business can be challenging, so we take away the worry by providing you with expert help and advice at low cost or no cost.

Chamber members are entitled to a number of commercial benefits including healthcare plans, HR support and insurance cover and money saving schemes. These will not only help save on operational costs, but the services can be used by all employees.

FREE-Promote your business on the Chamber website Raise your profile and keep ahead of the competition by getting your brand and business noticed throughout the local business community and beyond.

You can upload your success stories and share your knowledge. We will send out your news and knowledge articles on our various social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+. The best articles will also be considered for our Norfolk Voice magazine.

is available to you via a telephone advice line 24/7. You also have access to a practical and easy to follow online reference manual in employment law and HR.

Chamber Health & Wellbeing In conjunction with AXA PPP Healthcare and Westfield Health we can offer Chamber members access to affordable private medical insurance. In today’s competitive work

FREE Chamber Legal Support The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has arranged Legal Expenses Insurance Cover to protect its members against unexpected legal fees and financial penalties. This essential benefit is part of your membership package and includes access to a 24/7 Legal Advice Line. Your business can benefit from over £670,000 worth of cover and you will have access to £65,000 worth of professional fees each year to cover matters such as employment disputes, prosecution defence, Tax, VAT, PAYE, NIC and HSE investigations, Data Protection, Property legal protection and Landlord disputes.

FREE Chamber HR Gives your business FREE access to a complete human resource and legal package. You will have unlimited access to qualified specialists on any employment law and HR issue which

point of delivery. They will issue a letter of demand on your behalf requesting payment of the overdue account. A significant number of cases are resolved by this method.

Chamber Utilities Norfolk Chamber members service Chamber Utilities™ has published a free ‘Quick Guide’ and launched a Renewal Reminder Service to help Chamber members avoid making costly mistakes on renewing energy contracts. The guide advises organisations how to avoid falling foul of expensive ‘out-of-contract’ and ‘deemed rates’, which sting many businesses each year.

Chamber Purchasing environment running a successful business is greatly dependent on a healthy and motivated team.

Chamber Invoice Finance In partnership with RBS and Natwest, the Chamber Invoice Finance offering covers a comprehensive spectrum of financial solutions focused on helping businesses manage their cash flow by releasing money tied up in outstanding invoices, inventory or assets. The solutions consist of three main strands: Invoice Factoring; Invoice Discounting and Asset Based Lending.

Chamber has used its combined purchasing power nationally to obtain instant discounts of up to 61% off the standard fleet rates, on The AA Roadside Assistance Services, a dedicated service for Chamber members.

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/services

Chamber Debt Collection The scheme provided by Effective Credit Collections Ltd provides two distinct services. The first is a letter before action scheme, free at the

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export

EXPORT

Trading overseas can be complex, so whether you are breaking into a new overseas market for the first time – or you’re already an experienced exporter keen to develop your international operations – you’ll find all the help you need at the Norfolk Chamber, with a friendly and prompt service.

Considering becoming an exporter?

Exporting for the first time can be a daunting experience but we can offer help and advice on starting your export journey. If you’re considering launching a product in a foreign market or have received an enquiry from overseas for the first time, we can point you in the right direction.

Advice and Guidance The International Trade Team is made up of fully trained and qualified staff, with a strong commercial export background. If you have any questions or just need clarification on anything related to exporting, please do not

hesitate to contact us – you may find that we will have the answers for you there and then.

ATA Carnets Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has been chosen to represent London Chamber of Commerce on advice, guidance and issuance of ATA Carnets in the East of England. The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty/tax free TEMPORARY import of goods for up to one year.

Export Documentation Our documentation service is available to both Members and Non-Members

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of Norfolk Chamber. However being a member entitles you a range of Discounts on our Standard Rates. We offer e-zCertXpress, European and Arab Certificate of Origin; Legislation of Documents; EUR1 and ATR Movement Certificates; International Import Certificates and Export Forms and Stationery.

Incoterms® 2010 As international trade becomes increasingly complex, universally used rules are essential to avoid misunderstandings and costly disputes.

Regularly incorporated into sales contracts worldwide, Incoterms® rules define, in a set of three-letter trade terms, the risks and responsibilities of buyers and sellers in an international sales contract. We holds stocks of these latest publications available for both Members or Non-Members to purchase.

Letter of Credit Service There is an unfounded fear of Letters of Credit which means that many companies are possibly losing business as they are not willing to agree to these terms of payment. Through our

To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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Statistics

200 5000 79% 200+

Approx 200 businesses per annum raise export documents

5,000 documents processed each year

79% Certificates of Origin processed by e-zCert

Translations into 200+ languages

associates in Bristol, Norfolk Chamber provides a comprehensive and costeffective Letter of Credit Service.

Although this is a fairly new offering from us, the service itself has been ongoing for 15 years and to date has a record of 98% acceptance on first presentation and 100% on the second attempt.

International Trade Newsletter Each month we issue a Newsletter which arrives with you as an email.

The British Chambers of Commerce are notified of new rules and changes as soon as they happen, and forward this news immediately to all the local Chambers, so you can be sure of having up to date information.

Training Courses We have for many years provided a wide range of Training Courses which have been specifically designed for staff involved in exporting and/ or importing cargo to and from the UK. Through our linkage to the British Chambers of Commerce, we are delighted that these courses will

become accredited from January 2013. The ‘core 6’ course set will be accredited by the BCC as a family of short courses. They are individually and collectively relevant to SMEs who wish to improve the skills and competence of their staff.

Translation Service The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Translation Service can help you communicate effectively with your overseas clients in their native languages. Working with our comprehensive database of highly qualified native speaker translators, we can ensure that your documents are translated swiftly and accurately.

“Many thanks for your very helpful assistance, it is nice to find someone who is not only very knowledgeable but also willing to be helpful and has a bright bubbly nature. A pleasure to have done business with you.”

Nigel Woods, Mercedes-Benz of King’s Lynn

“Excellent! Thank you for the high quality service as normal.”

Jason Reeves, Gigawave

“I really appreciate your support – not sure where we would be without your team!”

Suzie Hodge, Formedium

International Trade Events Norfolk Chamber regularly organise topical events, covering high growth markets around the world. National speakers explain the business opportunities available in these countries, and advise delegates how to trade there successfully. Informative workshops offer advice and guidance on specific areas of exporting such as Finance and Customs Procedures.

www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/export

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voice of business

voice of business Chamber Board The Norfolk Chamber Board is made up of members from across the county and ensures that members’ interests are represented at local, county and national levels and as Directors of the business ensure that the Norfolk Chamber continues to drive forward its vision and objectives.

Area Councils Started in 1896, the three local area councils cover Norfolk with key responsibilities for the Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and West Norfolk Areas.

Each Council has a representative spread of size and sectors on the council and work closely with their local MPs and local authorities.

Planning & Development Group Formed in 2011, this group consisting of representatives of sectors and businesses with key expertise relating to planning has been concentrating on ensuring that the local planners understand the impact of the new National Planning Policy Framework and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Business and Finance Group Finance remains a key area of concern to our members, so the BFG was formed to bring together the key banks and accountants to discuss what needed to be done to enable our members to be able to invest in their businesses.

Working together with Chamber members, the Norfolk Chamber Board, three local Area Councils and two Special Interest Groups work with partners to make a vital difference to Norfolk’s local environment, as well as lobbying Westminster with the British Chambers of Commerce on key national issues affecting business.

Have your say Consultations

Providing a modern day infrastructure

The Norfolk Chamber network are frequently asked to take part in public consultations involving regular meetings with the MPs and public sector partners. Many more are listed on our website including the British Chambers of Commerce QES survey, respected by the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England, which enables the voice of Norfolk businesses to influence their decisions.

For our businesses to compete, an effective transport and communication system is essential.

Investment in major infrastructure projects is a long-term economic priority and simply must not be sacrificed to tackle other short-term difficulties. We will lobby local and national government to listen to our needs.

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To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

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STATISTICS

600m 9615 100m

CREATINg A wORKFORCE, INCLUDINg yOUNg PEOPLE, wITH THE SKILLS TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND Our focus must be on increasing quality of skills through high levels of education and training to produce skilled, creative and productive people. The Chamber business community working closely with our schools, colleges and universities can ensure our young people understand the world of work.

opportunities. Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, who start up new ventures and create local jobs. Enabling access to supply chain opportunities.

A47 improvement would add 9,615 jobs over 10 years

Improvement to Norwich/London line would bring £100m economic benefits

1337 1bn

INFRASTRUCTURE

Completion of A11 will bring £600m economic benefits

We will act as a catalyst to enable business to grow locally and globally.

Delivering key export assistance and linking businesses to international

80% 45m 42%

80% Sizewell C supply chain is non nuclear

CUTTINg THE COST OF DOINg BUSINESS We will use our collective expertise to identify barriers to business growth and call upon Government to reduce and simplify regulations, and cut its cost to businesses, leaving companies free to grow and create jobs. There needs to be a genuine reduction in unnecessary red tape facing firms at a local and national level.

Net regulatory cost to businesses in the UK is £45 million

SUPPLY CHAIN

DELIVERINg gROwTH THROUgH ENTERPRISE AND SUPPLy CHAIN DEVELOPMENT

R E D TA P E

If Norfolk up-skilled it could benefit from an additional £1billion and create 2,500 new jobs

SKILLS

Broadband improvement would enable 1,337 jobs over 10 years

42% of regulations fall outside the one-in-two out policy

To find out more go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/policy

“Norfolk Chamber members want to see follow through on commitments to reduce regulations, deliver substantive reform of the planning system, and improve public procurement. It is vital that the Government promotes business and export growth, supports construction and house-building and enables private investment in capital and infrastructure.”

Caroline williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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Deliciously different...

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For truly exclusive dining hold your own private dinner, ask for the Debut Kitchen Table and experience first hand our outstanding new kitchen!

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01603 773 227

Visit our website: http://debut.ccn.ac.uk Follow us on Twitter: @Debut Restaurant

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APPRENTICESHIPS AT CITY COLLEGE

NORWICH

REAL JOBS WITH REAL EMPLOYERS City College Norwich offers a complete one-stop-shop for businesses interested in getting the best from Apprenticeships.

Our Employer Partnerships team will work directly with you to ensure that your business gains the most from the opportunities that Apprentices can add.

CONTACT US NOW TO FIND OUT MORE: t: 0800 328 3616 e: employerpartnerships @ccn.ac.uk

www.ccn.ac.uk/apprenticeships

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twitter:@norfolkchamber

GOLD PATRONS

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