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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MARCH APRIL 2013

NorfolkChamber ofCommerceThe Ultimate Business Network

Unlocking the Potential of Norfolk’s Young People

David Lawrence Easton and Otley College

Answering the big questions on business and education

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NORFOLK VOICE

Are you thinking what we think you are thinking? “That’s a bit far fetched!” Well, of course it is! Or is it …?Easter is a time when many of us will tuck into an Easter Egg as we celebrate Easter and all that goes with it. When we break open the packaging, tear off the wrapper and bite into that delicious chocolate, we might be surprised to know that what we have just done involved at least seven, (yes that’s seven!), data centres. And that isn’t really the true number, just the ones that are directly involved.

How? Here goes …The design of that sumptuous egg was made on a computer. The designer didn’t just design the one you’re eating; they designed hundreds of versions of this and other eggs. The designs will need to be processed and stored and this will involve a data centre. The chocolate that you’re eating will have been mixed and processed by machine and that will be controlled by a computer in … a data centre. The mould that was used to shape the egg was designed and manufactured using machinery that was

controlled by a data centre. The printing of the wrapping was carried out by a machine that was controlled by a computer in a data centre. The packaging process was controlled by a computer in a data centre. Distribution is automated through a data centre. When you bought the egg, the shop that you bought it in probably updated their stock records, (and potentially re-order process), via a computer in a data centre. Amazing though it is, everything that we do in modern day life touches at least one or more data centres. It isn’t just the technological things that we do, it is absolutely everything, from shopping to paying our taxes, to eating an Easter Egg.

Of course, there are other types of Easter Egg. Some computer programmes have Easter Eggs too. Take, for example, Google. Type ‘Zerg Rush’ into Google and your screen will be inundated with lots of coloured ‘O’s. The point is that you point and click to get rid of them, but its impossible to get rid of them all! At the end of the ‘game’, the page displays GG for ‘Good Game’ and your results. More fun maybe, try typing ‘do a barrel roll’ into a Google Chrome search bar. The result might make you smile! Google isn’t the only programme that has Easter Eggs. Try typing =rand(5,5) in to Microsoft Word, (with a return after the bracket), and see what happens.

Easter Eggs are little programmes that are buried in computer programmes on purpose. Some people spend many hours hunting them – just as others might go on a chocolate Easter Egg hunt.

So, as you tuck into your Easter Egg this year, spare a thought for all of the data centre operators and data centre support staff that will be working around the clock to keep the data centres operating. The MigSolv data centre in Norwich is always available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – just so that the processes that might go into your Easter Egg production, or anything else that you do, can keep doing what they do to make modern life happen.

If you would like to know more about the data centre services offered by MigSolv, or even about Easter Eggs, why not email us at [email protected] or call us on 08451 424242 or 0845 251 2255.

Easter Eggs means Data Centres.

MIGRATION SOLUTIONS LTD


CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

Contents.

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In this issue of Norfolk Voice, as part of Norfolk Chamber’s 2013 campaign, we are looking at how to ‘ Unlock the Potential of Norfolk’s Young People.’ We are highlighting the importance of the business world getting involved in our schools and colleges to help our young people understand their career options and what the world of work can offer them. We also look at how our schools are stepping up to the challenge and some of the organizations which are involved.

Our campaign kicked off with an amazing event in February with our MPs, colleges, schools and business members all round the same tables. We will be ensuring that the passion within our businesses and education organizations create change so that together we can really make a difference.

In the Big Interview we feature David Lawrence, the Principal of Easton and Otley College. David recently got the Royal seal of approval when he picked up an OBE from Prince Charles to recognize his services to land-based education in this region.

In The Last Word, we hear from Marie Francis, the Chair of InCrops Ltd and a board member of Adapt. Marie has helped these companies develop innovation and commercialise research in low carbon and plant derived products.

2013 will be challenging for us all, but the Chamber will ensure that we highlight to you supply chain opportunities, help you connect and do business across Norfolk and beyond, and ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear where it counts.

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Welcome/Contents

Member News

Member News

Chamber News

Member News

Chamber Policy

International Trade

The Big Interview

Commercial Property

Cover Feature

Finance

Chamber Events

Member News

Take a Break

New Members

A Week in The Life Of

The Last Word

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CONTENTS

Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENqUIRIES:

[email protected]

NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Norwich Office:

9 Norwich Business Park,

Whiting Road,

Norwich NR4 6DJ

Tel: 01603 625977

Fax: 01603 633032

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Helen Longley, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 887 3812 email: [email protected]

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:[email protected]

E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Norfolk Voice cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Norfolk Voice.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

MARCH/APRIL 2013

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NORFOLK VOICE

I am so pleased that we are revisiting the subject of Unlocking the Potential of Norfolk’s Young People in this issue of Norfolk Voice.

Whilst it is only a few months since I mentioned City Academy Norwich I am delighted to have the opportunity to refer to them as an exemplar once again. For several years I have been a governor of the academy and am enormously proud of the achievements of the young people there. With the support of a dedicated and talented staff team the students have transformed a failing school into an academy that is full of energy and optimism; as well as achieving amazing results.

As we look at ways to unlock the potential of our young people, I think that there are many lessons we can take from City Academy. The governors and teachers have worked hard to bridge the gap between the school and the ‘outside world’. Students are keen to learn from mentors and to grab every opportunity that comes their way. Importantly, the business community has given its time to providing these opportunities: ensuring that students understand that success is about more than academic prowess. Students have been helped to develop a sense of ambition and entrepreneurial spirit as well as a belief in the value of hard work and practical skills.

I was proud to be part of the recent Norwich for Jobs launch which aims to reduce the number of 18 to 24-year-olds in our region claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance by half in just two years. The plan is to offer a wide range of opportunities – from apprenticeships and pre-employment training to work experience and mock interviews – to young people; dramatically improving their chances of finding a job. I would urge any businesses that might be able to get involved to find out more by visiting www.norwichforjobs.org.uk.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t about helping school-leavers to find work. Unlocking the potential of young people and benefitting from their enthusiasm, skills and fresh outlook is critical if we are to re-energise our economy.

Unlocking potential Within Norfolk’s Young People.

DAVINA TANNER President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Despite the ice and snow, the Branding Norfolk: A Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast event went down a storm with the plucky delegates that persevered to attend this first class networking breakfast doing great business.

Delegates heard from Simon Middleton, founder of Brand Strategy Guru & Banjo’s Direct, and author of How to Build a Brand in 30 Days. Simon spoke about his bet with two MBA Students at the UEA that he could not create a brand in 30 days using his three branding principles. After one year of trading as Banjos Direct, a brand built entirely on Simon’s key principles to branding, it is a market leader.

Simon explained how he achieved this with no money for advertising and by continual self promotion through online press services and releases. He sums it up as “tell a great story, be distinct and challenge your competitors”.

In addition to Simon, delegates also had the opportunity to hear from James Kearns, Chief Executive of BUILD Charity, the event’s featured charity. Every Chamber event will now have a featured charity and is the Chamber’s way of supporting local charities by raising their profile.

James said: “Business networking is becoming more important for charities and voluntary organizations. The Chamber provides opportunities to meet and spread a message for partnership working, as well as a platform for changing perceptions of charities that are businesses.”

Branding Norfolk was also the first event at which apprentices from a local company attended to engage with the business community as part of the Chamber’s 2013 campaign to ‘Unlock the potential of Norfolk’s young people’. Eleanor Angel and Jodie Slaytor from Great Yarmouth College took part in the event’s networking opportunities and wore specially made t-shirts for the occasion.

A Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast.

Don’t forget to register on the new website to keep up to date with supply chain opportunities for EDF Energy’s Sizewell C project. 80% of the contracts awarded for this project will be non-nuclear, so there are huge opportunities for companies from a broad range of industries. www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk

Be part of the chain.

Great Yarmouth College apprentices Eleanor

Angel and Jodie Slaytor, with Caroline Williams

Since its inception in 2002 the full-service agency has doubled in size, appointed a Non-Executive Director, purchased its own business premises and received various trade awards.

Ben Handford, Managing Director and co-founder, said: “We’re thrilled not only to be in business ten years on but to actually be thriving in spite of the current economic climate. We remain as excited about each milestone as we were when we sent out our first ever invoice, and banked our first cheque - they’re now just bigger, like buying our own building, and working with some of the world’s biggest brands.”

The Norfolk-based team, including co-founder David Lloyd, Creative Director, provides marketing, advertising, branding, e-marketing, PR and more for brands such as Qantas Airlines, Weight Watchers, Hello Kitty, and Mind, the mental health charity as well as for several local businesses including Norfolk Country Cottages, Bryan Turner Kitchens and Hobbies.

Naked recently received the Business Partnership Award from Mind and was runners up at Hello Kitty’s design day annual awards. Naked were also recognised as one of the first businesses in Norfolk to receive the Carbon Charter award.

Naked team marks ten years in business.

Naked Marketing has celebrated its tenth anniversary serving international and local clients from its offices in Hingham and its achievement in recording in excess of £4m gross turnover to date.

Norfolk based charity BUILD, which provides social, leisure and learning opportunities to young people and adults with disabilities, is planning a series of community based fundraising activities this year and is looking for commercial partners.

An opportunity exists for a partner to support a group of UEA Medical Students planning a five a side football match which will last for more than 43 hours in September to re-write the Guinness World Record.

Underlying sponsorship is required to fund the requirements (set by Guinness) to film the action, and fund referees and appropriately qualified time-keeper’s fees, as well as the welfare support systems required for such an endurance activity.

Sponsors will have the opportunity to be associated with the record attempt, the pre-event media launch and marketing activity, and

the post event reception, as well as accessing BUILD’s employee shadowing programme which provides muitual staff development opportunities.

The sum of £2,500 is being sought to underwrite the event, so that all money raised by the players and supporters can go directly to the charity, and its beneficiaries.

If you are interested in further discussions about this, or other opportunities for partnership working with BUILD Charity, please call the Chief Executive, James Kearns on 01603 618029 or E mail [email protected].

BUILD Charity seeking sponsorship partner for World Record Attempt.

CHAMBER DIGEST

Exhibitions prove big business for TMS Media

Creative design agency TMS Media has won three major exhibition contracts worth nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

One deal is to design, install and project manage exhibition stands for a national pharmaceutical company at ten conferences across the UK over the next two years. The others are both supporting the regional energy industry.

Based at the Gapton Hall estate, TMS Media has been providing design, publicity, website and other marketing services for more than 20 years.

Kathrine Overton Book keeper, Jodie Cole Graphic designer, Dan Bradfield Graphic designer, Caroline Rust Non-Exec Director, Ben Handford Founder, David Lloyd Founder

PAGE5

MEMBER NEWS

MARCH/APRIL 2013

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MEMBER NEWS

Work has started on a new £1 million relocation development in Lowestoft which will complete an office Business Park launched nine years ago.

A 6,000 sq ft, three-storey building is being built at Quay View Business Park as the new Lowestoft office for chartered accountants and financial advisors, Lovewell Blake, currently based in Oulton Broad.

The new offices are being built by Wellington Construction for Oldman Properties – both of which are based at the Park. They will house 43 Lovewell Blake staff and partners.

Lovewell Blake partners Andrew Turner, Paul Briddon and Mark Haylett, Philip Oldman and Andy Oldman from Oldman Properties, and Wellington Construction managing director Paul Pitcher and construction director Paul Ollington broke the ground at a ceremony to mark the start of construction.

The office is expected to be handed over to

Lovewell Blake in the autumn for completion of the fit-out, with the firm moving in during the first week of December.

It is the ninth and last office to be built at the Quay View Business Park, which was launched in 2004 by Oldman Properties. An estimated 350 people will be employed on the Park once the new building is handed over.

Philip Oldman said: “Quay View Business Park was an ambitious project when we undertook it nine years ago, but despite much of that time spent in difficult economic conditions, we have developed an average of one new office building a year over that period, bringing investment and jobs into the town. We are proud to have created a real business asset for Lowestoft.”

Andrew Turner said: “In our 155th year, this office move is another exciting milestone for Lovewell Blake and one which we believe demonstrates our continued commitment to the town of Lowestoft.”

Construction starts on new offices.

The £16 million Norwich Research Park Enterprise Centre is to break new ground when the project team employs a collaborative Single Point of Delivery approach to build the sustainability project at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The approach will ensure that all aspects of the building are optimised and unnecessary cost eliminated through integrating design management and construction processes.

Morgan Sindall, as the Single Point Deliverer, will take responsibility for the design and build, utilising a team including architects Architype, civil, structural and environmental engineers BDP and Churchman Landscape Architects.

The project is part-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in addition to funding from UEA, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Norwich Research Park and the Building Research Establishment.

Collaboration is the key to sustainability.

The sod cutting ceremony

CHAMBER DIGESTBusiness Mentors needeedWymondham College is looking for Business Mentors to help with its Entrepreneurship Elective, a course run for Year 9 and 10 students.

Since September, students have been undertaking a 12-unit course covering all aspects of Business, from Strategy to Finance, Risk Management to Marketing.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Kirsty Bray:

E: [email protected] T: 01953 609000 ex4385

Norwich Brokers and Financial Planners Alan Boswell Group (ABG) took more than 130 pupils to Norwich Theatre Royal’s production of ‘Aladdin’ as part of its Access to Theatre project.

The Group created the project, targeting children who would not usually get the opportunity to experience the theatre, working closely with the Education Manager, Jason Raper, at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

ABG staff nominated local schools to benefit from the project. The selected schools were:

n St Michaels Junior School, Bowthorpe, Norwich, - championed by ABG Loss Adjuster Sharon Coombes-Hoar

n Cavell Primary, Lakenham, Norwich - championed by ABG Insurance Adviser Kelly Hydon

n Cliff Park Junior School, Gorleston on-sea, Norfolk – championed by ABG Account Executive Zoe Kerswill

Group Director at ABG, Chris Gibbs, said: “It was really rewarding to establish our own project working with the Theatre Royal Norwich, giving local school children the chance to experience theatre for the first time.”

Business help celebrate Panto visit.

Chris Gibbs

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PAGE TITLE


NORFOLK VOICE

Nearly 200 people attended the Norfolk Chamber’s conference on Friday 8 February, aimed at bringing businesses face to face with education leaders, MPs and employees of the future.

Called ‘Unlocking the Potential of Norfolk’s Young people’, the conference, held at Dunston Hall, and sponsored by Norse, Greater Anglia and Dunston Hall Hotel, tackled the hot topics of youth unemployment and access to apprenticeships.

As part of the Chamber’s ‘Young People’ theme for 2013, the event focused on three key areas; bridging the gap between education and business, creating opportunities for young people in the Norfolk supply chain and help for young start-up businesses.

Elizabeth Truss MP spoke of changes to the national curriculum, particularly for maths and computer science and was followed by Michael Rose, Head of Wayland Academy who, after quoting Tennyson, talked of how the Academy have successfully placed 140 out of 146 students into work and training.

Tom McGarry, of EDF, spoke of the need to create more opportunities for young people in the supply chain locally, and of the work EDF are doing in creating a range of employment opportunities for all at the Sizewell C development. Chloe Smith MP spoke of the Norwich for Jobs campaign, highlighting the pledge for businesses to create employment opportunities for young people.

The event drew to a close by focusing on young start-up businesses, with Richard Bacon MP talking of the need to support and inspire young start ups by rallying businesses, education leaders and young people to take action. He said “It’s been fizzing with ideas and I think the event has been incredible.”

The final speaker of the day was Jack Passant, of Holly & Beau – one of the first young start-up businesses in Norfolk to obtain funding from the government backed Foundation East Scheme.

Jack spoke of the need to not just train students with a skill, but to combine it with practical business advice.

Norfolk Chamber CEO Caroline Williams said: ‘The aim of the event was to get businesses, schools colleges and young people together in one place to share views and get to know each other. The next stage is key actions so that in the long term we can make a difference.”

The event was very well received with plenty of delegates taking the opportunity to comment on twitter:

“Absolutely fantastic @norfolkchamber 'MPs Event'. Superb speakers & buzz from biz to support young people. Well done all #unlockingpotential” – Hugh J Boswell

“Great turnout at @norfolkchamber #UnlockingPotential of Norfolk's young people event” – Simon Wright MP

Delegates went on to say:

“This was an excellent opportunity to engage with employers and key stakeholders in the skills debate with a clear focus on Norfolk.” Chris Challender, The College of West Anglia

“A great event that fully engaged local Norfolk businesses with the local community supporting young people in finding jobs or starting up a business.” Richard Moore, Business Wealth Club

View the event at www.mustardtv.co.uk

MPs Event - Unlocking the Potential of Norfolk’s Young People.

CHAMBER NEWS

Norfolk County Council in partnership with training providers at the College of West Anglia, City College Norwich and Broadlands Training Services, has received a great response to its recent Apprenticeships Norfolk scheme.

The fund will see up to 400 apprenticeships in small and medium-sized businesses created over the next two years thanks to £3.5m in funding from the county council.

This investment seeks to create apprenticeships in sectors which are creating jobs for the future with a particular focus on - engineering, energy, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, creative industries, health and social care, agriculture and food and drink.

Employers within the target sectors, who qualify for funding from the scheme, can receive up to £10,000 when they take on an apprentice.

Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, added: “This scheme will create many interesting and valuable opportunities for young people exploring their choices and wondering what next steps to make.”

One of the people supporting the venture is Elli Chapman, Director of Culture Works East, who said: "When I heard about the fund I thought it was a fantastic idea and something I passionately wanted to get involved with.

“Culture Works already support a number of young people in entry level roles within our company, it is important to invest in our sector.”

For more information regarding the scheme and to see if your company could benefit from this funding, please contact the Employer Partnerships team at City College Norwich by email on [email protected] or call 0800 328 3616

Up to £10,000 for taking an apprentice.

MEMBER NEWS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 PAGE9PAGE9

Impressive growth for healthcare broker.

MARCH/APRIL 2013

Programme launched for West Norfolk’s entrepreneurs.A new free business start-up programme has been launched in West Norfolk. The Enterprise Norfolk programme is being delivered in association with business start-up support specialists TCHC.

Enterprise Norfolk, which is jointly funded by Norfolk County Council and the Borough Council, aims to help up to 300 would-be entrepreneurs and create at least 50 new businesses in West Norfolk over the next two years .

The programme is designed to help anyone with a business idea to make it a reality. Budding entrepreneurs from West Norfolk will be able to access workshops covering all the points they need to consider in becoming self-employed or setting up their own business.

Councillor Alistair Beales, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “Supporting business development through these tough economic times is crucial. One of our top priorities is to encourage and support business growth in the area, whether that’s new businesses or existing businesses which need help and support to

expand. The programme will complement our existing business support role, providing in-depth advice and support to those looking to get a new business off the ground.”

Graham Coultas, Director of Enterprise for TCHC, said: “Our training workshops and individual mentoring sessions will cover all aspects of running a business from finding customers, marketing and selling through to managing finance, tax & VAT, and presenting a business plan to a bank.”

Ann Steward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Norfolk County Council, said: “It is fantastic that there is now a scheme in the West of the county for local entrepreneurs to realise their business ambitions.“

TCHC will be running the Enterprise Norfolk programme in West Norfolk throughout 2013. To book your place contact TCHC on 01923 698436 or email [email protected]. Venues will be confirmed at time of booking. To find out more, visit www.tchc.net or the business pages on the borough council website www.west-norfolk.gov.uk

A Norfolk business has grown on average more than 30% per year, for the past five years.

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

With hundreds of company schemes, Anglia Healthcare’s portfolio has increased over the past two years from £1 million to £3 million, which means it’s now one of the largest specialist healthcare brokers in East Anglia. The company’s client retention levels currently stand at 98%.

Other business developments include the introduction of international health insurance for ex-pats or those working overseas, group income protection and arranging self-funded schemes for larger companies. The company has also recently re-branded and launched a new website www.anglia-healthcare.co.uk

Debbie said: “We wanted to prove that growing a thriving business during a recession is possible, as long as the offer directly meets current market need.“

In 2010, Debbie was joined in the business by daughter Victoria, who previously worked in

Canary Wharf and who is now responsible for managing her own client portfolio and assisting with business development. Anglia Healthcare has recently recruited two new team members which takes the staff count to seven. The company has also just launched its own apprenticeship programme.

More and more businesses and young people are realising that Apprenticeships aren’t only limited to traditional fields.

Debbie Jones and daughter Victoria

PAGE TITLENORFOLK VOICE


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PAGE11FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

Create AirAs our cities continue to grow, with increasing levels of traffic movements and pressure for decentralised energy systems including Biomass CHP, the management of our Air Quality within towns and cities is becoming increasingly important. It is with this in mind that Create Consulting Engineers Ltd have established a specialist Air Quality/Odour team under the overall control of Lucinda Pestana.

Locally, Norwich City Council has currently declared four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s) within the city. These are St. Augustines, Castle, Riverside and Grapes Hill. All the AQMA’s have been declared as a result of exceedences in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). However, there have been discussions between the City Council, County Council and Defra that it would be preferable to revoke the existing four AQMA’s and replace them with one larger area encompassing the whole of the city centre and it was concluded that the council should go forward with declaring the whole city centre as an AQMA for NO2. This hasn’t happened yet, but should take place in the next air quality review this year (2013).

When this takes place, it will significantly affect any future proposed developments within the city centre because a much larger area will be declared as an AQMA which will subsequently require detailed air quality assessments to accompany all planning applications.

Create’s professionalism and expertise in undertaking air quality assessments would

be a key component in achieving a successful planning permission. Create have recently completed Air Quality assessments for a number of major development sites within the city as well as strategic housing schemes in Wymondham, and Aylsham. Create also have a number of ongoing commissions throughout the UK.

In addition to undertaking Air Quality Assessments, Create can also advise on odour abatement issues from sewage treatment and effluent works. Create have recently undertaken a number of detailed odour assessments as well as presenting expert evidence at planning inquiries on this issue.

Create NoiseThe impact of noise upon the population is a problem which is looked at increasingly seriously by local authorities in the UK.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise, advise that long term outdoor noise levels of 55 LAeq dB(A) can result in serious annoyance to those members of the population exposed. It also advises that in the European Union, about 40% of the population are exposed to road traffic noise which exceeds this level.

In March 2012 the current Planning Policy Guidance 24 document was superseded by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However this document does not provide any detailed guidance on noise assessments. Therefore, in the absence of any other local guidance, which still seems to be the case for most local authorities across the country, PPG24 guidelines and procedures are still being widely used to assess/quantify noise impacts.

Create Noise is Create Consulting’s Noise and Acoustics team and provides expert advice at all stages of the development process. We can prepare environmental management plans for construction operations, calibrate, validate and use noise modelling software to cover a wide range of procedures including Calculations

of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) the Calculations of Railway Noise (CRN) and BS :5228 part 1. Noise And Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites and also undertake noise and vibration monitoring in accordance with required guidelines.

Create Noise also provides practical and deliverable mitigation advice, working with Create’s other internal design teams, who specialise in BREEAM, Code, Energy, Transport, Civils and Structures. We can also prepare reports for inclusion into full EIA’s, namely ES Appendices, Chapters and technical summaries.

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NORFOLK VOICE


The Chamber delegation included business members from Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers, the local MPs, and representatives from Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, EEEGR, Orbis Energy and the New Anglia LEP. Mr Hayes commented on the fact that it was good to see public and private organisations working close together for a common aim.

Mr Hayes advised that he recognised the East of England as being of national importance to UK PLC as a major ‘all energy hub’ for the UK with its unique mixture of gas, nuclear, on and offshore wind and bio and was interested in the key points which the delegation brought to his attention.

n There was a need for a level playing field across the key geographic areas involved in offshore wind. Currently out of the six areas identified by the Government as Centres of Renewable Engineering, two of which

are Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, do not have Assisted Area Status which precludes us from accessing funding such as the Port Development Fund.

n It was highlighted that the planning process involved a number of Government departments. The delegation requested that it would be beneficial for plans to be consulted on with the Planning Inspectorate to prevent serial appeal and resubmissions. Specific reference was made to a fast decision needing to be made in the spring relating to EAOW’s planning application. Mr Hayes recognised that until the strike price was confirmed it created uncertainty for the developers and their supply chain.

n Due to delays relating to the offshore wind planning process the delegation requested that there was an extension of business rate

relief within the GY/Lowestoft Enterprise Zone to 2018 from 2015 to attract suppliers to the area.

n Skills were discussed and the Minister agreed to support us by talking to other Westminster departments to reemphasise the needs of the industry and the supports it needs. A key point brought up was the fact that businesses were penalised if they had taken on an apprentice within the past 3 years.

This was a great first meeting with the Minister who agreed to take on board the delegation’s comments and to review what actions could be taken. Mr Hayes will be in Norwich on 9 May, speaking at the Chamber’s Sustainability 2013 Conference and meeting industry leaders over lunch.

East of England business delegation highlights opportunities to Energy Minister.

Norfolk business add their weight to Westminster East Anglia Rail Summit.

A Norfolk and Suffolk Chamber-led delegation recently met John Hayes MP, Energy Minister, in Westminster to highlight issues and opportunities facing the energy sector in the East of England.

Norfolk businesses attended a recent East Anglia Rail Summit organised by Chloe Smith MP in Westminster. It was attended by local MPs, Local Authority leaders, New Anglia LEP and Chamber member business leaders from across Norfolk Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

The session with the Rail Minister, Simon Burns MP, discussed the key issues facing the rail network in East Anglia, in particular the next steps on franchising and Network Rail’s strategic business plan as well as work being carried out by Greater Anglia. Topics discussed were the need for faster travel times, improved rolling stock and other infrastructure projects, such as station improvements.

Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses across Norfolk, including Great Yarmouth, need improved rail infrastructure in order to create the economy and the resulting jobs which we are all striving for. An independent economic study showed that the improvements called for would contribute £3.7bn to the region’s economy. The East Anglia Rail Summit allowed the Norfolk business voice was heard loud and clear in Westminster and to remind all delegates that we need improved railways to improve business growth.”

Companies attending were Aviva, Blackwell Print, Gardline, Create Consulting and Hugh J Boswell.

JULY/AUGUST 2011 PAGE13

CHAMBER POLICY

At a recent meeting of the Norfolk Chamber Planning & Development Group, members highlighted that signs of improvement were showing in the development market, particularly with regard to house building, although there is still little appetite for large scale housing developments. In addition, members noted that increased interest from large estate land holders, large landlords, private equity groups and strategic land developers was becoming apparent in this region.

The Group also received an update on what was happening with the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Inspector has reviewed the proposed GNDP CIL levels and has made his recommendations in a draft report.

The final report was due to be published by the GNDP in February and will go to the Cabinets, of all local authorities involved, for their approval to adopt.

Following on from last summer’s Planning Group debate with Norfolk’s Local Authorities on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), it was agreed that more engagement with both the utility companies, the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency would be beneficial, to try and understand the constraints and

opportunities which face each stakeholder. As a result a meeting with these stakeholders was organised for Monday 4 March.

Jonathan Cage, Chair of the Group, said: “The Chamber Planning & Development Group are keen to ensure that the projected growth for the Greater Norwich area can be delivered and that the County fully realises its potential, we are looking forward to finding key areas of collaboration to improve the planning and development processes within the Norwich area.”

NPPF: Joint implementation - Key stakeholders invited.

MARCH/APRIL 2013

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Customer Care Programme, which will be delivered by the local area councils in Norwich, West Norfolk and Great Yarmouth. The aim is to create a listening post in each of these areas to ensure that local member opinions are heard.

Over the next few months, a member of the area council in your area may be calling you to ensure that your voice is heard and local policy issues can be taken into account when planning Norfolk Chamber’s future lobbying activities.

If you want to have your voice heard immediately, please contact Nova Fairbank on Tel: 01603 729 713 or Email: [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your input.

New Customer Programme Launched.

At a recent meeting of the Chamber’s Business & Finance Group (BFG) they heard from three organisations, who can offer SMEs possible alternative finance solutions, when the high street banks turn them down. B2B Cashflow

Solutions, Foundation East and Norfolk Credit Union outlined their services and highlighted case studies as to when and where they can provide alternative solutions.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

PAGE15

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director answers your exporting questions......We import goods on a regular basis but we tend to buy them in US Dollars. On what basis do we convert this for the UK Customs entry?

On the day of entry to Customs, your forwarder will convert the currency to sterling at the daily rate shown on the HMRC websites at both www.hmrc.gov.uk and www.uktradeinfo.com. This is a legal requirement.

I would like to be able to check Import Duty Rates applicable to my customers overseas but I can’t access the EU Market Access Database which I normally go to. Is there anywhere else I could try?

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) website may be able to help. The address is www.wcoomd.org. On the home page, select ‘About us’ from the left hand side and then ‘National Customs Website’. Select your country and it will take you into the tariff pages. Please note that some of the links do not always work and many of the pages are in the countries’ national languages, but it’s still worth a try.

I have been advised by our overseas client that they require a EUR1. However, the value of the goods is quite low so I thought I could just include a declaration on our Invoice instead. Where can I find the actual ruling on this?

Every exporter should hold copies of the HM Customs Notices which explain all the rules. The section you need to look out for this particular query is in Notice No. 827, Section 6.1. You can either obtain a free copy of all the Notices (812, 827, 828, 829, 832) by calling HMRC National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm) or take a look at their Website www.hmrc.gov.uk and follow the link for Import and Export.

What are IPR and OPR?

Inward Processing Relief (IPR) is a method of obtaining relief from Customs duties and VAT charges. The relief applies to goods imported from outside the EU, processed and exported to countries outside the EU. IPR provides relief to promote exports from the EU and assist EU companies to compete on an equal footing in the world market.

Outward Processing Relief (OPR) is a method of obtaining relief from Customs duty. The relief applies to goods imported from non-EU countries

which have been produced from previously exported EU goods. OPR enables companies to take advantage of cheaper labour costs outside the EU, while encouraging the use of EU produced raw materials to manufacture the finished goods. Goods may also be temporarily exported to undergo processes not available within the EU.

Can I buy the Incoterms® 2010 Rules locally?

You can buy it direct from the ICC, however most Chambers of Commerce in the UK will have obtained stocks of these from the ICC at a discounted price, for supplying locally. Norfolk Chamber has recently obtained a further delivery from ICC which are available to buy at a special rate of £47.50 for Norfolk Chamber Members and £65.00 for Non-Members (Vat is not applicable). To order your copy/ies, please call the team on 01603 729706 or email [email protected]. Norfolk Chamber also hold regular training seminars on the new rules, and are offering 10% discount on the price of the book if you purchase the book and attend the seminar.

For help and advice any other matter relating to International Trade, you can contact Tracey direct on Tel. 01603 729711 or Email. [email protected]

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NORFOLK VOICE

THE BIG INTERVIEW When it comes to preparing students for the world of work, Easton and Otley College is well placed thanks to a flexible approach to training and education.The institution, which was created in August last year when Easton and Otley colleges merged, says that its main purpose is to try to ensure that its learners find work when they finish their course or progress on to other educational courses.

Split between Easton, Norwich, and a site near Woodbridge (based eight miles north of Ipswich), the college specialises in land-based programmes as well as those in the construction, equestrian and sporting fields.

Courses on offer range from Foundation Learning to Full Honours Degrees in subjects including Agriculture, Animal Management, Arboriculture, Veterinary Nursing, Countryside Management, Equestrian Studies, Sport, Gamekeeping, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering and Construction.

The Principal is David Lawrence, who has a background in agriculture. He rose to the position of a farm manager based in Cambridgeshire before eventually going in to teaching 24 years ago.

Since the move into education, he was named Principal at Easton in 1992 before gaining his current position that will see him lead the new merged college that will primarily serve Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire – although the plan is to eventually reach out to other areas of the UK.

David said: “We are very much a vocational college. What drives us is producing the kind of students that the industry needs because if that happens, they can find employment and progress in their careers.

“Our task is to produce students with the right skill capabilities, people who understand the language of the sectors into which they will go. We produce students who are highly motivated and understand what is required of them when they go into work.”

David believes that the college should offer hope to all its students, including those who, for whatever reason, did not highly achieve at school.

He said: “We take the view that you may leave school with nothing but by the time you have left us you can have achieved a degree.

“I think the companies in the industries that we serve buy into what we are doing. Our aim is to make sure that all of our students gain the right training and skills when they leave us to be ready to hit the ground running when it comes to finding employment. We also support students who want to progress with us (or others) by moving into higher education.

“The key to what we do is working with industry and understanding its needs. We need to be part of industry.”

As part of this, the Easton campus has been strengthening the links with local businesses via The Rural Enterprise Hub based on the college grounds.

This co-ordinates the College’s business support activities and oversees advice, information and grants to rural businesses. The Hub played a leading role in establishing LandSkills East, which works to improve local industry‘s access to training and skills programmes.

Business advice to farms and other rural enterprises is provided through the Rural Business Advice Service (NRBAS), whose experienced and highly-trained staff work closely with individual businesses to support them wherever possible.

An important reason for the college’s success, David believes, is the way it listens to industry and is prepared to challenge the kind of conventional thinking that can constrain student progress.

He said: “One of the big problems when we talk to private and public sector partners is silo culture - this idea that everything is separate. Apprentices go in one place, someone else goes in another - whereas what is needed is a more flexible approach.

“We need to be able to learn new tricks, rather than being constrained by what has gone before. We have to realise that may well work for a company like BT as random example, may not

work for an agricultural business. Therefore we have to adapt our courses accordingly.

“I think industry is very pleased with the way we approach our work. Most of our students find work locally. Take agriculture as an example we cannot keep up with the demand because we have an aging workforce in the UK which needs replacing.

“We produce students who understand the requirement for stewardship. The notion of stewardship is an important one for us - this idea that you leave the land better than you found it. Much of our education is based on understanding the responsibilities.”

Although committed to producing students with an understanding of business, David does not believe that they should leave college and immediately set up their own companies.

He said: “I would never discourage anyone from taking on and trying to run their own business. For example, one of our Easton apprentices has done just that and is successfully running a floristry and craft business at the age of 24 (Jasmine’s Florists).

“But, overall, my gut feeling is that they should get a job first, spend time in the industry so that they understand it and learn the sometimes painful lessons before they start up on their own.

“However, there are opportunities in areas such as livestock management, habitat work, landscaping and horticulture as contractors and sub-contractors.

“What we want to do is turn out young entrepreneurs who have the capacity to run their own business.”

Flexibility the key to college success.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

PAGE17

THE BIG INTERVIEW By John [email protected]

“We take the view that you may leave school with nothing but

by the time you have left us you can have achieved a degree.

David Lawrence Principal Easton and Otley College

MARCH/APRIL 2013

PAGE TITLE


NORFOLK VOICE MEMBER NEWS

Fendercare Marine has announced the launch of a new division, Fendercare Marine Equipment and Lifting Services, located at its Great Yarmouth base.As well as existing shoreside support, Fendercare Marine Equipment and Lifting Services will offer mechanical, electrical lifting equipment, hydraulic equipment and winches, lifting slings and load/stress monitoring equipment.

The new services are available not only to the renewable industry but to the oil and gas offshore sector and onshore industrial sectors.

The company, one of the world’s leading suppliers of marine products and services, opened its energy support base in Great Yarmouth in July last year.

Nick Connolly, General Manager of the Great Yarmouth base, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Fendercare Marine to build on its first class reputation by further expanding its Lifting Equipment business.”

The new division brings together several of Fendercare Marine’s UK based hardware sales and services divisions, adding new products and services.

Eric Plane, Fendercare Marine Managing Director, said: “The launch of Fendercare Marine Equipment and Lifting Services is a very exciting development for us.

“The success of our Great Yarmouth base has exceeded our expectations, so this move means we can help even more of our offshore marine customers and our onshore industrial customers. Not only that, but it also demonstrates our long term commitment to East Anglia, generating additional employment and revenue to the Great Yarmouth economy.

“Fendercare Marine is celebrating 25 years trading in 2013 and we are confident that this venture will be another great milestone in our history.”

Marine company announces new division.

CHAMBER DIGESTPoly-Tough lowers carbon footprint

STM Polythene Ltd has launched Poly-ToughTM, a new high-strength polythene film. Exclusively manufactured by STM Polythene Ltd, Poly-Tough offers customers the opportunity to make substantial savings when compared to a regular polythene material. Poly-Tough can be used to make a wide range of products including bags, envelopes, covers, tubes and wraps.

Staff from Hugh J Boswell hosted a networking dinner at The Waterside Rollesby where thanks to the support of local businesses, the event raised more than £2,500.

Two days later, Hugh J Boswell, along with fellow Norwich based law firm Howes Percival LLP, entered a team of 27 runners into the East Anglian Air Ambulance Runway Run. The team was awarded the prize for largest event fundraiser.

In total, Hugh J Boswell raised £7,336 over the weekend, in addition to the £6,500 already raised in the past year since the firm started its three-year commitment to raise £20,000 for the air ambulance charity.

Peter Foster, Director, Hugh J Boswell, said: “We’re all thoroughly enjoying our three-year commitment to raising these funds for such a worthwhile charity, which we feel passionate about supporting.”

Support for air ambulance team.

The latest in a series of fundraising initiatives by Norwich insurance brokers Hugh J Boswell resulted in a cheque for more than £7,000 being handed over to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

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NORFOLK VOICE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

The challenges presented by the property market are why many business owners and managers turn to specialist companies who are experienced in the field.

That decision makes even more sense when taking into account the past 12 months, with the effects of the recent recession still being felt and the slow rate of recovery complicating the judgements that need to be made.

Some companies delay or even abandon plans in difficult trading times, and others proceed more cautiously, but on the flip side, the economic downturn has led to competitive property prices in many areas.

It is often said that the best time to invest is in a downturn and the same could be said to be true when it comes to property. Moving into somewhere bigger and better is a show of confidence that speaks volumes for clients and prospective clients.

Some property industry exponents say that they are seeing a slow return in confidence when it comes to investing. Companies are starting to feel that the time is right for expansion again.

The role of the property consultant when a company has decided to invest is to take as much of the hassle away from the process as possible and that starts with locating the kind of sites that would appeal to a client.

Consultants have a vast knowledge of land and buildings available and their expertise is invaluable when it comes to selecting the best one. Their knowledge can save a lot of time. For those in the know, there are some excellent opportunities available in the Norfolk area.

Recent surveys of businesses seeking to expand or relocate have suggested that the main considerations when it comes to investing in new property have been the need to keep costs under control and also the impact a purchase or lease may have on company cash flow. That is true of all companies but particularly so for small businesses taking their first tentative steps towards expansion.

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

When the right site has been selected by the client, property consultants are crucial when it comes to brokering the deals because they understand their clients’ needs, and anxieties, and are able to negotiate with property owners to secure the best terms.

Once terms have been agreed, property consultants will also be on hand to offer a continuing service until the move has been made and the client is happily settled in a new home. Even in difficult times, investing in property can make good business sense.

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PAGE21PAGE21MARCH/APRIL 2013

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION

PAGE23NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Opening Minds….Realising Potential.

Students from Sewell Park have been bridging the gap between business and education by inviting employers and entrepreneurs to advise them what they need to learn in order to compete in a global marketplace. Using the CBI education and skills survey 2012, this group of student “business ambassadors” identified that the top business priority for 14-19 education was employability skills – ranked first by 71% of the businesses surveyed, and higher on the list of “must-haves” than numeracy and literacy.

So how do we find out what these employability skills actually are?The school is committed to a “student-led” approach to learning. In order to identify these employability skills the student business ambassadors organised a conference in January at the Hostry, Norwich Cathedral, inviting representatives from local businesses to help them answer this key question. Using a focus group style with questions they prepared themselves, and inspired by the CBI report, our students grilled their guests. And their findings?

“Resilience, hard work, attitude and keenness are important”

“General skills and personal skills are just as important as academic grades. Motivation and teamwork are very important”

“the biggest skills are confidence and common sense”

“employers favour volunteering, experience, Saturday jobs over high grades”

“Qualifications are needed, but social skills, motivation and confidence are needed too”

“different companies ask for different qualifications but they all look for self confidence”

“You need to be different, stand out, be useful. Personality is very important”

“integrity, resilience, make yourself known. Be memorable”

28 people from local businesses kindly participated in the conference, generously sharing their time and expertise. They commended the young business ambassadors on their hard work in leading the conference, with one delegate commenting “I have to highlight the professionalism of your students… they have demonstrated all of the qualities that we want”. The impact on our students has been noticeable, as Jordan, in charge of the conference team put it: “This has given me confidence in my future, I’ve now got a head start”

The hard work lies ahead. The school’s curriculum is already tightly packed and our success is measured in academic outcomes. Our team of young business ambassadors are keen to share their findings with their peers, and work with businesses and teachers to create new opportunities for all students in school to further develop these important employability skills. They were inspired by the commitment and willingness of local business to support their growth when they attended the MPs Event at Dunston Hall in February.

Could you help us? If you would like to support our students in their hard work to put business and enterprise at the heart of our students’ learning, please contact our Community and Enterprise Coordinator Emma van Deventer on 01603 411721 or email [email protected]

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NORFOLK VOICE


How do we bridge the gap between education and business? What opportunities exist for young people in the Norfolk supply chain? What do our young start-up businesses need? These are among the biggest questions facing business today. Challenging questions they may be, but businesses and organisations across Norfolk are trying to answer them, as are educational establishments.

One example is Wymondham High Academy, which is developing a partnership with local businesses. The first collaboration is its engagement with Norwich-based social enterprise The Grow Organisation, an

umbrella social enterprise offering training and qualifications, volunteering opportunities, placements and professional work within the horticultural field.

The group, which consists of individual social enterprises, charities, and national franchise partners, contracted the Academy‘s students to rebrand it, including a revamped website and new marketing literature.

Another example of the partnership approach is Wymondham training company Britannia Training, which offer an extensive range of training courses and a consultancy service, and has contracted the Academy to work on its marketing.

Justin Smith, Academy Director of Enterprise and Community, said: “As a school, like many others, we have tended to be inward-looking, focusing on improving grades, which we have done very successfully.

“We have seen many of our students go on to university but more and more are asking if that

is the best thing for them, can they afford it, is it the right route to take? They are now looking at the likes of apprenticeships and seeing them as more attractive.

“What we are seeking for our students is to move beyond simple work experience as we aim to bridge the gap between education and work. Projects such as our partnerships with The Grow Organisation and Britannia Training allow the students to learn about many aspects of the workplace, from meeting the client and negotiating with senior business people to developing ideas and costings.

“We are very keen that this is a proper partnership, that it is not just a case of cheap labour, that our students get something out of it and that companies can maybe identify young talent who can join their workforce.

“As we develop this programme, we hope to involve all aspects of the curriculum.”

On the business side, take Jack Passant, of Norfolk start-up Holly and Beau, which specialises in outdoor products and clothing, who believes that Government support is crucial to bridge the gap.

He cites the recent £30 million boost to the Start-Up Loans scheme announced by Prime Minister David Cameron to help young people start their own businesses. The additional money will boost the total available for Start-Up loans to more than £110 million over the next three years.

Jack said: “With unemployment amongst younger people so high, schemes such as the18-24 start-up loans provides an opportunity for these younger people to become self-employed by starting their own businesses.

“It is a huge confidence boost knowing that there are organisations and mentors that want to help and give free advice to younger people who are keen to start their own business.

“The start up capital for any new business has always been the first major hurdle. It is great news knowing that the budget for the 18-24 loans is being increased; this will encourage more business start-ups as well getting younger people back into employment.

“I have noticed that many companies offer discounted products and services for young people setting up their businesses. Taking advantage of these offers will benefit many new start-ups as well as help to keep their costs down.

“Because of the huge response for this loan scheme, I feel that this should not be a ‘one off’ project to encourage new business start-ups.”

* If you wish to explore opportunities with Wymondham High Academy, Justin can be contacted on [email protected]

Answering the big questions on business and education.

COVER FEATURE

PAGE25MARCH/APRIL 2013

It is a huge confidence boost knowing that there are organisations and mentors

that want to help

She said: “As leaders in education, we are acutely aware of the need for our young people to be skilled in the right fields in order to support them in becoming successful employees who contribute greatly to industry in the UK.

At Venture, we responded to the need for local and national employers to work with us to ensure our students felt ready for the world of work by creating regular ‘Venture BBs’. These are termly Venture Business Breakfast meetings which bring together staff, students and business and education leaders with the sole remit of better preparing students to become part of a workforce.

“At the first meeting, we pledged to act on our conversations rather than merely talking abut the problems. We discovered that students are wrong about job opportunities in the Great Yarmouth area – they assume there is nothing for them when they leave us, but they are wrong. We learnt that major employers like Seajacks often find recruitment of trainees to be a challenge, yet we know that we work with many young people who would jump at the chance to work in the oil and gas industry.

“We decided that demystifying our students about local and national career opportunities was the best way forward, so we invited companies in to give our students professional training sessions so they could sample a ‘day in the life of’…

“The first one we ran was in response to a large group of children telling us they had entrepreneurial skills and aimed to run their own businesses. We asked Enterprise GY to join us for a session to let students know about the support available to them. 12 students attended the session and gave such positive feedback. The mistake many schools make is to only offer these sessions to Year 11 children – we opened it up to all Year groups. This is crucial in terms of building aspirations and giving our young people a clear focus on the future.

“This new system of training snowballed rapidly and since the first one, we have hosted a range of sessions to engage young people in their future plans and to bridge the gap between education and employers. One of the most successful was a full training day for aspiring architects run by Great Yarmouth based, PURE. Again, we invited a range of students who all enjoyed the day and had a genuine practice run at creating a building design to a real brief. Local award-winning butcher Andrew Edmonds has also worked with us to provide interview practice and fine art trial sessions – there’s a range of talent on our doorstep.

“On the list for the coming year are sessions run in collaboration with Lowestoft College to prepare students for careers in the offshore industry and the creation of a working partnership with Nexus Engineering based in Gorleston. At Venture, partnerships between education and business go from strength to strength.”

Principal Nicole McCartney said: “At Venture we are extremely proud of the relationships we have built with business leaders.

“There is much to be proud of in Norfolk and we need to ensure our students value the opportunities available to them. High aspirations are essential to children’s confidence and independence as they develop - our core responsibility is to engender a passion for learning and a commitment to success.”

NORFOLK VOICE


Getting the skills training right.

Identifying the right skills for our young people is crucial, according to Naomi Palmer, Executive Vice Principal, Ormiston Venture Academy & Ormiston Endeavour Academy.

MP Chloe Smith with students at the MP’s event

COVER FEATURE

PAGE27MARCH/APRIL 2013

Michael Rose, Headteacher of Wayland Academy in Thetford, said: “At Wayland Academy, we have recognised the importance of having breadth and challenge within our curriculum.“A few years ago, we were able to build the pioneering Skills Centre where we deliver Construction and Engineering courses. We were at the forefront of the National Diplomas particularly in Construction and Engineering and produced outstanding regional results – serving not just Wayland but other high schools in Norfolk. Courses continue to be delivered by our staff and representatives from City College Norwich and Easton College.

“Two years ago, one of our Construction and the Built Environment students gained one of the highest marks nationally (in the top four) and was headhunted by a company within three months. Last year, more than 90% of our Engineering students passed their diploma and have moved onto FE colleges with one student gaining an Apprenticeship with KLM in Norwich.

“So we know our children in Wayland and in Norfolk can be the best and we know that we can balance academic and work-related learning courses to ensure employability and success.

“We continue to accept that what and how we teach our young people is vital for future employability and whilst there continues to be a framework to raise academic standards we should also offer a range of learning

opportunities to enhance their future skills and qualities that are employability focused.

“We must offer our young people the best opportunity to succeed. Our curriculum will continue to offer a wide range of learning opportunities as we intend to extend our days next year with other vocational and academic options.

“We want to be creative as an educational institution and we have been working alongside Robert Ashton , the Barefoot Entrepreneur. We have been working to set up an innovative new 16-18 (or older) ‘enterprise’ apprenticeship

programme that will encourage young people to explore business opportunities and lead, hopefully into self and small business employment.

“We see a future where it is easier for enterprising UK teenagers to develop entrepreneurial attitude, experience, skills and careers within their local small business community.

“We seek to creatively use recognised apprenticeships as a pathway to connect young people with local small business employment in ways that overcome current barriers and create new jobs.

“We expect to blend education with economic development, creating enterprise focused clusters, then these work together to grow a local economy and create new jobs.

“Eventually there will be a host school/academy, a partnership college and we will recruit a number of apprentices (mainly 16-18 years) working towards a L3 Diploma in Enterprising Skills in an Enterprise Environment.”

“I believe apprenticeships should now be at the heart of our communities, urban and rural, particularly in Norfolk – they can equip young people with the skills employers need to prosper and compete – often in that global market.

“Research has shown apprenticeships help improve employers productivity and give them a competitive edge, employers can recoup their costs often in a year – or as in our scheme with supporting sponsorship to reduce costs.”

Standing up for young people in Norfolk.

Michael Rose


NORFOLK VOICE FINANCE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A £30 million boost to the Government’s Start-Up Loans scheme has been announced to help young people start their own businesses.

The additional money will boost the total available for Start-Up loans to more than £110 million over the next three years.

In addition to announcing the new money, Prime Minister David Cameron also revealed that demand from those who had just missed out on the scheme, and the challenges faced to secure loans, had prompted the Government to extend the age limit for application from 24 to 30 years old.

More than 3,000 people, including those from Norfolk, have applied or registered an interest in a Start-Up loan and they receive support and mentoring to develop their ideas.

When the business plan is approved, they will be able to access financial support in the form of a low interest loan typically in the order of £2,500 with a repayment period of up to five years.

Mr Cameron said: “Start-Up loans are an important part of my mission to back aspiration, and all those young people who want to work hard and get on in life, so this country competes and thrives in the global race.

“They are a great way to help this next generation of entrepreneurs get the financial help – and the confidence – to turn that spark of an idea into a growing, thriving business.

“It is by backing our entrepreneurs and championing small business that we can drive forward and grow the economy, and equip this country for the highly competitive era we are in.”

To administer the Start-Up loans, the Government created a new body to provide guidance and direction, the Start-Up Loans Company, chaired by entrepreneur James Caan.

He said: “There has been a major shift in the way business is viewed by the public, and

entrepreneurs are now seen as creative and exciting role models and I am delighted to see that more and more young people are now looking to set up their own business.

“It is only with this renewed focus on youth entrepreneurship that we will create more jobs and wealth and see the economy flourish once again.

“Start-Up Loans enable young people to harness their skills, and gives each budding entrepreneur not just a low interest loan, but also the help and support from an experienced mentor to guide them to success. I am proud to chair the Start-Up Loans Company, responsible for delivering this excellent initiative.”

Business Minister Michael Fallon said: “The Government is determined to back young people who aspire to get on in business and create jobs. The Start-Up Loan scheme has been very popular and the extra investment will help to meet the demand for this kind of assistance.”

More information is available at http://www.startuploans.co.uk

Loan scheme aims to support budding entrepeneurs.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

NORFOLK VOICE


Newman & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors have been serving local businesses and individuals in East Anglia for over 20 years.

We provide an efficient, friendly and competent service through our professionally qualified staff and believe that there is real value in developing

long-standing professional relationships with our clients.

Please contact us to arrange a free initial consultation.

4b, Church Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4DDT: 01379 640640

E: [email protected]: www.newmans-online.co.uk

Real Time Information (RTI) – The biggest change to PAYE in 70 years!

Many employers will have recently received a letter from HMRC informing them of their mandatory enrolment in RTI, the new monthly reporting regime for those operating a payroll scheme. For some, this may represent a significant additional administrative burden, especially for those still preparing manual payroll records. If you are already using recognised payroll reporting software, you should receive an update in time for the change to RTI in April this year. However, whatever your situation, it is advisable to review you current payroll solution and consider whether external assistance is required either in an advisory capacity or to prepare your payroll for you and ensure RTI compliance.

Annual Investment Allowances (AIA’s)

Annual Investment Allowances have increased from £25,000 to £250,000 for the two years starting 1st January 2013. AIA’s allow a 100% deduction from taxable profits for capital expenditure up to the AIA limit. This represents an opportunity for those businesses with cash reserves or with access to finance to invest in their businesses and receive substantial tax relief. Careful timing of capital expenditure is required to maximise the tax relief from the increased allowances in both the current and subsequent tax years. Speaking with your tax adviser is therefore a must to avoid any wasted allowances.

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

We offer a range of services tailored to suit our clients’ individual needs that include:l Tax Returns, Advice and Planning

l Preparation of Annual Accountsl Bookkeeping services and Management Accounts Preparation

l Payroll Services including Real-Time Processingl VAT Returns and Advice

Newman & CoChartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Newman & CoChartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

The rather spectacular, and unexpected, announcement in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement was the tenfold increase in the annual investment allowance (AIA) for capital expenditure with almost immediate effect. From 1 January 2013, the AIA is increased to £250,000 for two years. This is intended to stimulate spending by businesses of all sizes in new qualifying plant and machinery.

AIA has been as low as £25,000 in recent years and is due to return to this amount from 1 January 2015, so this latest change provides a great opportunity to reconsider your capital expenditure budget. The allowance is allocated based on the date of expenditure. The allowance for an accounting period which straddles the date of the change is pro-rated according to complicated rules set out in draft legislation.

As always, the decision to make a significant capital spend should primarily be based on commercial viability but the increased allowance is a major benefit for those businesses with the resources to fund the investment.

What should I do now?

n Plan major expenditure according to the business period end in light of the available allowances; and

n Revisit capital expenditure budgets over the next couple of years to ensure this generous allowance is fully utilised.

Ready, Set, Spend!

For further information or advice on this new change and how it could help your business to save tax, please contact Diane Deller, Senior Corporate Tax Manager, on 0845 612 0411 or at [email protected] article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work in the UK and Ireland by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. ©Larking Gowen.

Diane Deller, Senior Corporate

Tax Manager

MARCH/APRIL 2013

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NORFOLK VOICE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Nationally, research by industry body CITB-ConstructionSkills revealed a stark picture of 2012. Last year saw 60,000 jobs lost, and a 9% fall in output and, over the past five years, the industry has gone through one of its most difficult periods since the Second World War.

The Construction Skills Network report – the industry’s annual skills forecast - lays the blame on:

n 5% downturn in private housing construction

n 10% per cent downturn in commercial sector construction

n 15% downturn in infrastructure construction

The prospects for the next five years are equally discouraging but the figures suggest that the East is proving more resilient than some other areas.

Recruitment to the industry nationally is predicted to run at an average of 29,050 a year from now until 2017, largely to fill vacancies arising from those leaving the sector and across the UK only Greater London and the East of England can expect to see employment grow in this period.

Construction output in the East of England is forecast to rise at an average rate of 1.2% per year over the five years to 2017. New work output is expected to see growth average 0.9% per year compared with a stronger figure of 1.5% on average per year for repair and maintenance. The strongest performing sector is forecast to be the industrial one, boosted by work on the logistics park adjacent to the London Gateway Port.

The East is expected to be one of only two regions and devolved nations to see construction employment rise each year on average, albeit by only 0.5%. The East of England has an annual recruitment requirement of 5,820, the largest in absolute terms across the UK.

To tackle the national challenge head-on, more than 1,400 construction bodies and employers have joined forces in the CITB-ConstructionSkills-inspired Construction4Growth campaign, which has been taken to Government ministers.

The plan suggests:Ways to get projects delivered as part of the Government’s pledged capital investment in construction

Investment in shovel-ready repair and maintenance projects to get unemployed construction workers back on site

A mandatory requirement for teachers to undertake taster courses to understand the value of a vocational career

Judy Lowe, Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: “Construction is a vital engine of UK growth. While construction struggles for its survival, it’s impossible to see how the UK economy can generate significant growth.”

“What’s bad for construction is bad for the economy, so doing nothing is not an option. There is too much at stake. Construction remains the only industry that can kick start the economy in the short, medium and long term. We know that, for every £1 invested in construction, £2.84 is generated for the wider economy. There are currently over 150,000 unemployed construction workers.

“This potentially costs the economy £2.1bn a year in unemployment benefit and lost tax revenue. The actions we are proposing are straightforward, easy to implement and will deliver the results that re-establish construction as an essential element of economic growth.”

Hope among the gloom for construction sector.

At first glance the predictions for the construction sector look gloomy but in among the darkness are shafts of light, including optimistic forecasts for the East of England.

CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS

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NORFOLK VOICE


SAFFRON HOUSING

Crocus Contractors.ADVERTISING FEATURE

Crocus Contractors is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saffron Housing Trust and has successfully executed a variety of projects over the last two years.

The initial activity was associated with the construction and delivery of small development projects consisting of between four and nine properties.

Crocus has an aspiration to provide opportunities to local businesses by increasing their turnover. Other benefits to the local economy are achieved from material acquisition and hire contracts.

The Crocus development team has over two years successfully delivered seven projects with a value exceeding £4 million, meeting key performance criteria associated with client satisfaction, time, quality, and cost.

The Contracting Services team continues to grow and build relationships with existing and potential clients. A number of refurbishment and conversion projects have been successfully executed, enquiries for future work are strong.

In 2011 Crocus Contractors took the opportunity to make use of the Government’s Feed in Tariff installing 804 Photovoltaic systems to Saffron Housing Trust’s stock. The project helped tenants reduce their dependence on expensive mains supplied electricity and the

income generated helps other energy saving initiatives.

So Crocus Contractors has provided a robust performance and delivered a customer focused service within an increasingly adversarial environment. It will continue to focus on the customer’s need and desires as a vehicle for growth and success.

If you have a project you would like to discuss please call Mick Loftus on 01508 532071 or e-mail [email protected]

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KNOWLEDGE

PAGE35

Top Ten Tips to improve your conference.

Unfortunately many conferences begin to go downhill from the moment the first speaker utters those all-too familiar words, "We have a lot to go through today, so we'll press on and try to get through it all as swiftly as possible."The easiest and most productive conferences stick to accurately-timed and well-rehearsed agendas and have good supporting content prepared in advance. For instance, embedding video sequences into your presentations can significantly raise the level of interest and engagement in the room - it's actually very simple to include video clips in PowerPoint slides. And of course, today your presentation can be made even more seamless by streaming it wirelessly from your iPad or other tablet - no more awkwardly standing within reach of your laptop's spacebar.

More importantly, video can convey a crucial point very clearly in just a few seconds - something that even the most eloquent speaker might stumble with on the big day. A video can of course also be approved and perfected in advance, so it's one less thing to worry about. Purely from a sympathetic onlooker’s point of view, we've put together some other suggestions that will also help make your event go with a swing:

1. Consider arranging overnight accommodation near (or at) the venue for key guests and speakers. We've all heard of conferences where the senior management team and main presenters were held up on the motorway for the most obscure of reasons - but, cows on the carriageway? Always be there ahead of your delegates!

2. Get your room and its acoustics correct in advance. Even for a modest event a dedicated conference-staging company can resolve a lot of potential issues at your venue ahead of time. Starting your day with a room that's freezing cold, missing the crucial cable to get the pictures on the screen, or a lack of batteries for your microphones isn't just a hassle for you, it doesn't present a very polished image to your guests!

3. Never put yourself in the position of wasting the pre-conference coffee and networking time to kneel by the podium shifting your slides or attempting to reinvent your talk with last-minute details. You'll risk look scatterbrained when you reach a slide you weren't expecting to see.

4. Avoid vague and rambling introductions about yourself or your business, think 'elevator-pitch', taking less than a minute to explain why you're the authority on your subject is often plenty - and hopefully you are the speaker everyone has already been anticipating hearing!

5. Use slides only to further reinforce or enhance what you're saying. The audience doesn't need you to read word-for-word from slides they can see for themselves. Otherwise, why are you up there talking? If you're adding nothing by being there you could have just emailed your PowerPoint!

6. Don't cover old ground and use the back-arrow to return to previous slides. Know when you've made your point then move on - skipping around your presentation will only serve to trip you up.

7. Unless you actually have a successful sideline in stand-up comedy be wary of using jokes.

Few things kill a presentation quicker than polite laughter to a mediocre gag, or an inside-joke which half the audience aren't in on. Strive to be interesting and relevant, not to attain the biggest laugh for a corporate anecdote.

8. Decide how you'll end your piece, go out with a bang - not a whimper! Winding-down to a vague close with "Thank you for listening" or by asking "Any questions?" more often than not gets a lacklustre response whilst the audience considers whether or not it would be polite to leave for lunch. If you're hoping for feedback, have a couple of pertinent questions in mind to ask your audience. If you're intending to do a Q&A with a large audience make sure your AV company will provide a wireless microphone for the room - it helps when both you and the rest of the room can actually hear the questions that are being asked!

9. Always compare presentations with other speakers in advance to avoid duplication, or unknowingly preempt something that will be happening later on.

We heard, via a conference organiser, of an AGM where the final profit for the year was to be revealed at the end of the morning session, complete with a rousing video build-up, drum-rolls, and pyrotechnics on the stage. At the very beginning of the day the Chief Executive took his place at the podium, welcomed everyone to the conference… and proudly announced that year's profit. The production team stifled a yell and sat down, head in hands. If there is a planned dramatic cue in the running order for the day make sure all the speakers are aware of it, there's no need to duplicate information - or worse, jump the gun!

10. Lastly, would your wider organisation benefit from being able to watch either the whole conference, or selected highlights? Don't miss the opportunity to make more of your investment in the day, or your guest speakers, by recording it for further syndication.

Tom Mountford - The JMS Group LTD

MARCH/APRIL 2013


NORFOLK VOICE

As we at the Norfolk Chamber work with the business community to increase the employment of young people in Norfolk, it is important that any business taking on new employees gets all the right help and ongoing HR support necessary. Our complimentary HR service is there as a resource to support you when taking on any new employees, dealing with situations that arise and keeping you up to date with legislation changes. As a small micro business looking to take on your first employee, or a large corporate looking to support your current HR systems, this service is designed to support you.

Worth in excess of £800 for the smallest company, this service has two distinct elements designed to give you the best support possible:

Telephone Advice Line- available when you want (24/7)

Online Reference Manual with hundreds of downloadable documents and templates.

This means that you never have to face an employment law or human resource issue alone.

Telephone Advicen Available when you want it (24/7)

n Unlimited access to qualified specialists on any employment law or human resource issue.

n You don’t have to book a call, you just pick up the telephone and call us when you need help

n You will receive friendly, down to earth and practical advice helping you every step of the way.

For instance:

n Is one of your employees constantly absent?

n Do you have a discipline issue?

n Have you a redundancy problem?

Online Reference & Downloadable DocumentsA bank of hundreds of HR documents (letters, policies, procedures, templates)

Can be downloaded, edited and saved in your ‘My Account’ or in your own filing system.

You can download the documents as many times as you need

For instance:

n Do you need a Contract of Employment template?

n Do you need policies to add to your Employee Handbook?

n Do you need to know how to deal with a disciplinary?

“Lintott Control Systems Limited has a strategy to partner with specialist service providers to achieve its corporate objectives and to maximise stakeholder value. Since joining Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, the Company has regularly used QDOS to support its HR infrastructure and the continued evolution of people-based best practice. Alongside expert consultation, QDOS has helped with the implementation of a replacement Employee Handbook. The service received has been excellent.”

Frances Davis, HR Manager

Thinking of taking on a young person?

Make use of the FREE Chamber HR Service to support you.

Chamber HR ForumThe increasing complexity and the sheer volume of modern employment law put many businesses under enormous pressure and it can be difficult to keep up with all the changes.

The Chamber HR Forum gives HR and training professionals the opportunity to meet face-to-face quarterly, to learn about new developments and discuss the challenges faced by organisations in dealing with new legislation.

Suitable for all those with responsibility for HR, the Forum provides a friendly and informal environment to network, share knowledge and to receive sound professional advice.

See www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events for upcoming HR Forum Dates.

MEMBERSHIP

Diary Dates.

CHAMBER EVENTS

MArCh

Opportunities 2013 WHEN: 14th 10:00-17:00

WHERE: Norwich City Football Club

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This B2B Exhibition incorporating a Meet the Buyer event , informative workshops and a unique Networking United event is a must-attend for all Norfolk Businesses. There are plenty of ways to enhance your business at this free to attend event. Meet the Buyer run in conjunction with Norfolk County Council. Media Sponsors; Archant. Open to all businesses.

The Global Marketplace Series: Spotlight on… Emerging Europe

WHEN: 19th 15:30-18:00

WHERE: Sprowston Manor, Norwich

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Hear from a selection of speakers who will explain how to access the outstanding markets within Emerging Europe. Delegates will be provided with advice and tips on what to look out for when looking to export to this region for the first time, whether you have never shipped overseas before, or are a seasoned exporter.

Lord Green Business LunchWHEN: 25th 12:00-14:30


WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Norfolk Chamber and Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, for a Business lunch covering essential international trade issues for Norfolk Businesses. Sponsored by Barclays, PricewaterhouseCoopers & Sprowston Manor. Member only event.

April

Norwich Business BreakfastWHEN: 18th 07:45-09:30


WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Norfolk Chamber for a morning of fantastic networking opportunities over a tasty breakfast and meet other local businesses. Member only event.

Meet the ChamberWHEN: 25th 15:30-17:30

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This free, informal event is a great opportunity to meet me and the team and network with some other businesses over a coffee. You will be able to find out about how the Norfolk Chamber can help you grow and develop your business in 2013 and beyond.

Chill Time! WHEN: 25th 17:30-20:00

WHERE: Vodka Revolution Norwich

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: How would you like to take time out after work to meet up with other interesting business professionals for a glass of something cool in a relaxing atmosphere? Then you need Chill Time! – a series of informal after-hours networking events from the Norfolk Chamber. Member only event

MAy

Great Yarmouth Business BreakfastWHEN: 2nd 07:45-09:30

WHERE: Great Yarmouth Racecourse

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Norfolk Chamber for a morning of fantastic networking opportunities over a tasty breakfast and meet other local businesses. Member only event.

Save the date: Sustainability 2013WHEN: Thursday 9 May 2013

WHERE: John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park

MARCH/APRIL 2013

This year’s Norfolk Chamber Super Bowl Challenge was a hard fought contest. 24 teams, comprising of 150 members, took on the challenge and everyone got down to the important business of bowling.

Teams included last year’s winners Price Bailey who were defending their title plus several new teams taking on the challenge such as Antero’s LLP, IP21 and Eaton Vale Activity Centre.

There was a tie for the trophy and Price Bailey took on Lovewell Blake in a Bowl-Off for first place. After a tense re-match, with only a slight advantage the winning team was Lovewell Blake. Team Captain, Adam Mayes said “It was my first Norfolk Chamber of Commerce event and I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the rest of our team!”

There was a great atmosphere with a healthy amount of competiveness and as usual there were some interesting bowling techniques. The most stylish of which and worthy of a certificate was APR’s Alex Singleton who swung the ball round over his head and got a strike!

Stylish in his own way was Mark McWilliams from Leathes Prior. With his tie tied round his head and Rambo style bowling he was voted the most entertaining bowler. The single highest score was awarded to Mike Newiss of Create Consulting, with Price Bailey’s Josh Castello-Hall coming a very close second.

The worst team score went to mixed team The Bowling Stones who may have had the lowest score but looked like they were having the most fun as they celebrated last place with a team cheer and one team member even proudly tweeted: @ConsultEast ‘@norfolkchamber Hooray we won! Agreed it was for the lowest scoring team but hey who’s counting! #ChamberSuperBowl’

While everyone then tucked into the delicious buffet put on by Hollywood Bowl in Norwich, members were already planning to beat their competitors in next year’s challenge.

Superbowl challenge.

Emerging Hungary

The winning team from Lovewell Blake

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MEMBER NEWS

Companies in East Anglia that struggle with tough and re-occurring problems can increase productivity, and save time and money, by utilising root cause analysis (RCA) techniques taught by training company Sologic in collaboration with The Red Cat Partnership.

RCA is a modern method of problem solving which enables users to methodically and systematically identify root causes of faults and problems, rather than just how to fix them. By learning the proven technique, productivity can be increased, and time and money saved.

Jonathan Batchelor from Sologic said: “The Sologic state-of-the-art RCA method has been delivered to thousands of delegates and is

proven to achieve real results. We are delighted to have teamed up with the premier health and safety consultancy in Norwich, The Red Cat Partnership, to help spread the word that the course is now available throughout East Anglia.

“Managers who have been trained to use RCA go on to save their organisation an average of £25,000. While this is very impressive, learning how to report problems and obtain solutions is just as important.”

Sarah Daniels from The Red Cat Partnership said, “I am very passionate about the programme and am pleased that East Anglian companies now have the chance to be educated in this advanced problem-solving technique. By looking at how an incident occurred, and investigating root causes, you can stop it happening again. Once learned, your mind will look at things differently.”

Sologic are offering bespoke courses for individual companies’ own personnel as well as two-day courses which anyone can attend -- the first one being held at Park Farm in Hethersett.

For more details, go to: www.rootcauseanalysistraining.co.uk email [email protected] or call 01252 723816. To contact the RedCat Partnership go to www.redcat.gb.com email [email protected] or call 01603 502136

Problem solving initiative could save companies thousands.

Profits soar as new eco-cars launch.

Electrical engineering company Dabbrook has completed a $1.25m deal to supply a solar power system for a new offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Suez.

It is the biggest single contract in a 30-plus year history for the Great Yarmouth-based company.

The project incorporates more than 200 square metres of solar panels, creating a 36KW photovoltaic array, to be installed between the helideck and lower deck of the Hilal B platform off Egypt.

Cairo-based Enppi is building the new platform for owners GUPCO (Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company) in Alexandria and contracted Dabbrook for the concept, design, engineering and build of the modular solar power system.

Dabbrook director and founder Stuart Smith said: “It’s a prestigious order for us and was won against stiff competition over 18 months of talks.”

In a separate deal, Dabbrook’s parent company Tideland has won the contract to supply navigation lights – built by Dabbrook – also for the Hilal B platform.

New system proves major boost for Dabbrook.

Norwich-based ABC Taxis has overcome the tough economic climate to achieve increased profits over the past year.Turnover at ABC Taxis increased by 15% to £4 million last year after it joined forces with US2U Consulting to improve customer service and public image. ABC Taxis has 120 self-employed drivers and is looking to recruit 15 more.

Simon Callender, ABC Taxis Director, said: “We have had a very successful year after working with US2U Consulting.”

Rachel Blackburn, US2U Consulting Director, said: “We are always delighted when our clients increase their profits after working with us.”

MARCH/APRIL 2013


NORFOLK VOICE MEMBER NEWS

The winner was announced at a prestigious ceremony at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton, Lowestoft. Entrants to the Business Person of the Year award were expected to demonstrate exceptional vision, business flair and leadership.

Graham, the owner and managing director of Great Yarmouth-based 3sun Group, a leading provider of products and services to the global energy industry, was awarded the title for his outstanding contribution to the overall business performance of the company and his consistent dedication in achieving the business goals.

The award was also in recognition of his ability to inspire others and act as a role model, which Graham has demonstrated with his substantial investment in training and development. He has created various training schemes to help his people excel and is a strong supporter of apprenticeships, while also actively recruiting members of the ex-forces.

Graham said: “Winning the Business Person of the Year Award is a great achievement for myself and 3sun Group as a whole, I am very proud that I have been awarded this title and that we have been acknowledged in this way.

“The win is in recognition of all of our hard work over the last five years as well as 3sun Group’s ongoing dedication to driving safety and quality standards forward in the renewables industry. 3sun Group has gone from strength to strength with an increase in our staff numbers from one to 175.

“This award win recognises our rapid expansion through hard work, excellent professional relationships and knowledge of the company’s target industries. I look forward to building on these achievements in the future.”

The Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the best talent in the industry with categories including Business of the Year, Product Innovation and International Trade.

3sun Group is headquartered in Great Yarmouth and also has bases in Oban, Aberdeen and in Bergen, Norway.

3sun Group’s Graham Hacon named Business Person of the Year.

Graham Hacon

For the third year running, Rogers & Norton took children from Nelson’s Journey to the Panto rather than sending out Christmas cards. Thirty children attended.Nelson’s Journey works with children who have suffered from bereavement and you can find more information about the charity at www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk.

Children from Nelson’s Journey meet panto Stars.

CHAMBER DIGEST

Proserv boosts global offering through US acquisition deal

Great Yarmouth energy production technology services company Proserv has acquired US company Total Instrumentation & Controls (TIC).

The acquisition of Houston-based TIC, which specialises in advanced process and control systems equipment and has a second manufacturing facility in Lafayette, increases Proserv’s talent pool by more than 300 people to more than 1,600 with the American-based workforce joining Proserv.

TIC provides installation and maintenance services to equipment manufacturing, drilling, production and pipeline companies.

Graham Hacon, managing director of 3sun Group, has been named as the Business Person of the Year at the 2012 Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Ridley Pinstripe.

TAKE A BREAK

It’s 10.59 am on a Wednesday at the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd and the atmosphere is somewhat chilly following a major announcement from the board three weeks ago.

Speculation had been rife that it would confirm that our owner had been released from his Caribbean prison cell, where has been incarcerated over an unfortunate misunderstanding involving several yachts, eight million dollars in used notes, a bunch of mercenaries and a disgraced former president.

However, when the announcement came it was somewhat less prosaic, involving as it did news of a major corporate drive on energy usage.

‘The winds of change they are a blowing in the world of Barking, Madd and Madd,’ quipped our Head of Facilities Management wittily, looking round the assembled gathering in the canteen, having written ‘leave pause for laughter’ on his notes.

In fact, the only sound was the winds of change blowing tumbleweed across the room.

‘Ah, yes,’ he continued hurriedly, ‘well, the thing is this. The company has seen the light (he sensibly ignored his note about another pause for laughter and ploughed on) and believes that it is time to reaffirm its commitment to saving the planet.‘

A commitment, incidentally, that has lacked conviction since our wind turbine blew over in a gale. What he also did not mention was the real reason for the decision, namely that our contract with LoadsaPower is costing us a shed-load.

‘So,’ he announced grandly, ‘we have commissioned …. (he paused for apathy) a study.’

The study in question was carried out by a team from Hugatree Lots Environmental Services (motto ‘we’re cheap and we know it‘).

Well, I say team. It consisted of two callow youths who wandered aimlessly around the building for a couple of days, talking to no one, turning lights on and off, tapping walls and jotting figures down on their clipboards in between stopping to text friends and slurp at high energy drinks.

Their conclusions, when they came, were astonishing; they reckoned that they could save the company £7.5 million in energy bills with a few simple housekeeping measures.

The main thrust of their argument was that staff had to play a much greater role in energy saving, that every time we turned a light on it costs us vast amounts of money and a polar bear died. It’s all a question of Corporate Social Responsibility, they said.

Obviously, the study caused quite a stir and staff ignored it. In fact, the place was lit up like the proverbial Christmas Tree for the next few days.

Which is when management stepped in and announced their own plan which is why the offices are in darkness, the heating has not been on for days and why everyone is working in duffle coats and mufflers. And why Lesley in accounts claims she saw a polar bear at the bus stop.

RidleyMARCH/APRIL 2013

Sudoku Mar-Apr

Sudoku Answers Jan-Feb

Answers in the next edition

Cartoons

“I have a note from my doctor. I’m allergic to criticism.”

“I like to begin every performance review with a compliment. Boy, I look good today!”


NORFOLK VOICE

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

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

What could a typical project look like?A typical Low Carbon KEEP project could address resource efficiency within a business, development of new products or services, innovation in process or attainment of accreditation. However, the scope for potential projects is huge so if you have a great idea, get in touch!

Contact us: [email protected] | [email protected] | Tel. 0845 196 4310/5818 | @LowCarbonKEEP

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New Members.Abacus Accountants Norwich ltd

07954 796660www.abacusaccountants-norwich.co.ukAccountancy Services

Arc Electrical

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Arthur Jary & Sons Funeral Directors

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Aquarius Datatel ltd

01493 888449Communications

Bespoke Brazil

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Best Bar None Norwich

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Big Skies Food Company

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Boswell Financial Services ltd

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Burton Green Design

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Chadwicks ltd

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ClS Communication

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Control Energy Use ltd

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Credo Asset Finance

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Cunningham Consulting limited

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Curveball Media

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EDF Energy

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Follow Creative

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Gordon Signs and interior Displays ltd

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heatrae Sadia

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heritage Contract Services ltd

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inspire Norfolk

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James Martin

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learning Compass limited

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McDonald hall limited

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NBC Bird and pest Solutions

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The JMS Group limited

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Universal Wealth Management llp

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US2U Consulting ltd

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MARCH/APRIL 2013


NORFOLK VOICE

This summer NILE is expecting to welcome over 1000 English language, subject and vocational teachers from all over the world to Norwich.

How could you and your business benefit from meeting them?

Contact our Business Development Director, Sarah Mount, at [email protected] or call 01603 664473 to

discuss how your business and NILE could work together next year.

Because NEWS never stops

www.247-business.co.uk

WORLDNEWSBUSINESSNEWSFINANCENEWSTECHNOLOGYNEWSHEALTHNEWSEDUCATIONNEWSTRAVELNEWS ENVIRONMENTNEWSJOBSNEWS

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

A week in the Life of...

I had a typical Monday morning writing a to-do list for the week, catching up on e-mails and we had the usual staff meeting to catch up on what everyone is doing for the week. In the afternoon I went to Norwich City Football Club for a site visit to finalise how our Opportunities 2013 event will run.

I had few final things to prepare for our International event the following day. Making badges and delegate packs and getting the slides ready. We were also busy preparing for the MPs event at the end of the week, getting everything that we needed signed off.

Our Meet the Buyer online booking system launched, so the first thing I did was a final check that it was all working and I then made the link on the website live. I had already scheduled the email alert which launched the bookings at 9am as planned. The rest of the day was spent doing a lot of printing. 180 delegate packs and badges for the MPs event kept the events team busy! I also confirmed catering numbers and sent delegates their packs, which we always do 48hrs before an event.

The day before a big event is always busy and this was no exception. Finalising all the little details, including the host sheet as I had a briefing with our event host, so he was happy with what he needed to do. I also sent out delegate packs via e-mail to everyone attending our event on Monday, which was an International event that had to be rescheduled because of the snow!

Friday morning was spent getting everything we needed to take packed and ready for the MPs event, ticking things off the checklist as we went. We set off for the venue after lunch to set up and delegates started arriving from 2.30pm. The event flew by as they always do as we are so busy, but it was a great success and a brilliant end to a busy week.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

MARCH/APRIL 2013

Free to attend, ‘Opportunities 2013’ is four events in one. It features Open4business, a tried and tested Meet the Buyer event where suppliers will have the opportunity to pitch to key private and public sector buyers at up to four pre-booked, 10-minute, one-to-one meetings. This year there

are more buyers than ever before, with more than 35 signed up for the event. They include a wide range of councils and colleges, Kinnerton, Adnams, Perenco, Norwich City Football Club and many others.

The ‘Opportunities 2013’ event also features Norfolk’s largest business exhibition, where suppliers from around the region can promote their products and services. The exhibition is divided into six themed business zones designed to help you grow your business and find the areas which are of most interest. They are Enterprise, Advice & Finance, Hospitality & Leisure, Technology, Promotion & Marketing and HR & Training.

Many exhibitors run competitions, special offers and giveaways on the day, so there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to pick up some free goodies or services at much reduced prices.

Visitors can also attend three 40-minute interactive and informative topical workshops to help boost business skills and give a real competitive edge. Topics are: ‘Networking so easy anyone can do it’, delivered by Mark

Rhodes, of Rhodes2success; ‘Broadband: it’s more than just speed’, by Mike Joes of Modello (sponsored by BT Business); and ‘How to get results for email marketing’, by David Tillyer, of 101 Smart Ltd.

For the first time, ‘Opportunities 2013’ will feature a Networking United event that will bring together a range of Norfolk networking groups under one roof, with the aim of making those vital connections. The networking groups attending are; Best of Norwich, Federation of Small Businesses, Business Network International and Norwich Kitty.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, said: “Our ‘Opportunities 2013’ show is essential for the business diary because there is so much going on, so many chances to make new contacts, find new business and learn new skills. In a recession we all need opportunities like this and it’s all here under one roof, featuring the cream of Norfolk business.”

To find out more about ‘Opportunities 2013’, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk.

Clare WiltshireEvents co-ordinatorNorfolk Chamber of Commerce

Make a date for the ultimate business event.

Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Opportunities 2013’ event on 14 March at Norwich City Football Club is a must-attend for business owners, directors, marketing and sales managers because it’s Norfolk’s ultimate business show.


NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name: Marie FrancisCompany: inCrops ltdJob title: Chairman

Biog:Marie Francis is Chair of InCrops Ltd and a board member of Adapt. These companies, owned by University East Anglia, develop innovation and commercialise research in low carbon and plant derived products. Projects underway include the creation of new, local, supply chains to provide sustainable building materials, support for small and medium sized businesses to develop innovative ideas in bio-renewables, the use of algae to produce energy and speciality chemicals and the administration of a venture capital fund ensuring businesses and entrepreneurs can access early stage funding in these areas.

She is also Independent Chair of the Rural and Farming Network East and has managed an arable farm in Norfolk, written extensively on the industry and held a wide range of non-executive appointments concerned with agriculture, food production and rural development. She was awarded OBE for services to agriculture and the rural economy in 2003.

What did you want to be when you were young?A jockey; it seemed the only way of making money out of riding horses.

What could you not live without?Radio 4.

If you could invite any two people to dinner, who would they be and why?Trevor Bayliss, the inventor of the wind up radio. He does not fit neatly into a box, he is a serial entrepreneur, previously a stunt man and swam for Great Britain. His inventions have helped in Africa and he continues to support other inventors.

Zaha Hadid the architect. She has challenged stereotypes: born in Iraq, becoming a world class architect in an area dominated by men. She has changed the way people perceive buildings and designed many that combine beauty and functionality and challenge conventional thinking.

If you could build a house anywhere in the world, where would it be?In Norfolk or Suffolk, on a hill with a countryside view or overlooking the sea.

What makes you angry?Government and corporate speak that says a lot but is all jargon and means nothing. Most mission statements come in this category!

If you only had a £1 left in the whole world, what would you spend it on?I would keep it to make into a pendant to remind me years later that I had faced difficult financial times and survived.

What is the best thing about Norfolk?It is not on the way to anywhere. I love the rural life but with easy access to a wonderful city, Norwich, and the ability to go to London for the day, but still come home again.

What is, in your opinion, the greatest invention ever?The aeroplane. It was created by people that believed the seemingly impossible could be achieved if they worked and experimented long enough. Other innovators have fine tuned it and now air travel is taken for granted. It has led to space travel and exploration and will continue to result in ever more discoveries.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?To always appreciate those around you and make sure they know.

If you could come back as an animal in your next life, what would it be and why?An otter, because they live in Norfolk, are free, lively, both parents bring up the offspring which live with them for the first year. It also means lots of fish to eat, which I like.

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