The BBC would like to alert you to an opportunity to volunteer your time to assist at the Radio 1 Academy – a week of workshops and activities aimed at young people interested in the music, film and digital industries, ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
Taking place from 9-15 May at Open in Norwich and run by BBC Learning, the Radio 1 Academy will welcome thousands of young people, mainly 16-19 year olds, to take part in workshops, learn from professionals and help inspire future careers in music, journalism, gaming, film and television.
The Academy will require help with some roles assisting in the workshops. These roles will be coordinated by the BBC. Please send your details and fill in the attached application form to the BBC to register your interest now.
Please note: You have to be over 18 to apply and working hours would be up to a maximum of 8 hours per day including a lunch break. The BBC will cover all expenses including travel and lunch.
Please email [email protected] by 20th April with the required details.
We are offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free pass to some of the key business events hosted by Norfolk Chambers.
What you need is what we do, and attending our events will enable you to unlock all the skills and resources of the Norfolk Chambers Team – and so much more!
The prize includes a Norfolk Chamber’s event pass to the value of over £200, with tickets to events such as The Big Debate, Talking Tech, B2B after party, Bank of England event and our money can’t buy Business Leader Event.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, head over to our LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram account @NorfolkChamber and let us know in the comments on the competition post: Why would you like to have a Norfolk Chambers event pass for a year?
Please also make sure that you:
Are following us
Like the post
And tag in a business that you think might be interested in a Norfolk Chamber events pass.
The winner will be selected by our senior management team on Monday 31 May.
Terms and conditions
These terms and conditions apply to the ‘Win a Norfolk Chambers Event pass for a year competition promoted by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce (which we will refer to as “Norfolk Chambers”, “we” or “us”).
By entering this competition you agree to abide by this terms and conditions.
By entering this competition you are agreeing to Norfolk Chamber using your comments posted on the competition posts for marketing purposes.
The competition is open to all Norfolk businesses and organisations, including charities and social enterprises.
Entries to the competition excludes Norfolk Chambers employees and their immediate families, or anyone else connected with the promotion.
Businesses can enter the prize draw by following Norfolk Chambers on social media, liking the competition post, tagging in another business, and telling us why they would like to win a Norfolk Chambers of Commerce event pass for a year.
Businesses can enter via the competition post on Norfolk Chambers LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and can enter via all four platforms, but only once per platform.
The closing date for all entries is Monday 31 May, 2021. All entries received after this date will not be considered. The winner will be chosen from all entries by the Norfolk Chambers senior management team. Their decision is final.
In the event of the winner not taking the prize within 7 days, the senior management team will select another winner from all entries.
We reserve the right the verify the eligibility of entrants and to check their identity.
The prize is a year’s event pass to key Norfolk of Chamber events including: 1 x B2B After-party Ticket – Worth £15, 1 x Big Debate Ticket – Worth £25, 1 x Talking Tech Ticket – Worth £40, 1 x Ticket to Boards on the Broads – Charity donation of £10 made on your behalf, 1 x Ticket to the Bank of England event in November – worth £35, Invites to all Business Leaders Events – exclusive money can’t buy invitation. Total prize value is approx. £200.
We reserve the right to change the total prize value, subject to changes with event ticket prices.
There is no cash alternative.
The winner will have their picture and story published on our e-zine Norfolk’s Voice and will be part of a marketing campaign to promote this.
We reserve the right, acting in our sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant and withdraw/withhold any prize from a winner who:
is found to have abused or tampered with the operation of the competition.
has acted in any manner deemed by us to be in violation of these terms and conditions
is found to be ineligible or fails to provide promptly any requested evidence of eligibility.
fails to respond to a winners notification within 7 days.
If any provision of these terms and conditions is held invalid by any law, rule, order or regulation of any government, or by the final determination of any court of a competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the enforceability of any other provisions not held to be invalid.
These terms and conditions, its subject matter and its formation, are governed by English law. You and we both agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction in connection with these terms and conditions and your entry into competition (including any claims or disputes).
Promoter: Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, 9 Norwich Business Park, Whitling Road, Norwich, NR4 6DJ.
The Norfolk Chamber would like to congratulate all the candidates who were successfully elected to their seats in Norfolk. We look forward to working closely with them to supportNorfolk businesses to drive forward economic growth.
The 9 Norfolk MP’s are:
BROADLAND-Keith SIMPSON (Conservative) HOLD
GREAT YARMOUTH-Brandon LEWIS (Conservative) HOLD
MID NORFOLK-George FREEMAN (Conservative) HOLD
NORTH NORFOLK-Norman LAMB (Lib Dem) HOLD
NORTH WEST NORFOLK-Henry BELLINGHAM (Conservative) HOLD
NORWICH NORTH – Chloe SMITH (Conservative) HOLD
NORWICH SOUTH-Clive LEWIS (Labour) GAIN
SOUTH NORFOLK-Richard BACON (Conservative) HOLD
SOUTH WEST NORFOLK-Elizabeth TRUSS (Conservative) HOLD
Urgent changes are being made to local access arrangements at the Postwick junction road works to reduce the risk posed by traffic queuing back on to the westboundA47.
From Monday evening (15 June) after the evening peak, access to Postwick village and Brundallwill no longer be possible via the existing bridge over the A47 (although access to Postwick Park & Ride will be retained). This is because traffic management changes for a new phase of work on the new Oaks Lane roundabout, to the south of the A47, have resulted in traffic queuing back down the slip on to the dual carriageway.
Adjustment to the temporary traffic light timings did not solve the problem, so the access to Postwick village via the existing bridge and Church Road has had to be closed to ensure a free flow of traffic leaving the A47, maintaining safety on the westbound carriageway. Traffic heading for Postwick village and Brundall is being diverted via the A47 to the Cucumber Lane roundabout. This is likely to be necessary until construction of the Oaks Lane roundabout is complete, in about four to six weeks.
Norfolk County Council apologises for the inconvenience this will cause to local residents.
Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* – and you can now register for your free fast-track tickets!
The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar.
For visitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and make connections at this prestigious event. Registering for your tickets now will enable you to avoid the queues on the day so that you can start to connect with businesses straightaway.
At B2B you can:
Meet and connect with over 100 exhibitors in the exhibition hall.
Attend free business workshops and seminars in the Co.llaboration Hub sponsored by Lovewell Blake.
Get free 1-to-1 advice at our Co.mmunicate Hub with Knowledge Hour Live sponsored by Spire Solicitors (booking available soon).
Join in our speed networking sessions throughout the day in the Co.nnected Hub.
Get some fresh air and connect with businesses in our Outdoor Hub sponsored by Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance.
Relax and catch up with colleagues and acquaintances in our Food and Drink Hub sponsored by Proudly Norfolk.
Join us for the B2B after party for drinks, snacks and a good old catch up!
There is also free parking available at the event.
You can register for your free fast track tickets here
*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.
In the three months to February 2015 employment rose by 248,000, while unemployment fell by 76,000
The proportion of people aged 16 – 64 in work was 73.4%, the highest since record began in 1971
The total unemployment rate fell to 5.6% and the youth unemployment rate declined to 16.1%
Total pay including bonuses rose by 1.7% compared with a year earlier, while pay excluding bonuses rose by 1.8%.
Commenting on the labour market statistics for April 2015, published today by the ONS,David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The latest figures continue to highlight the dynamism and resilience of the UK labour market. Rising employment levels and falling unemployment supports our view that the UK economy will record steady growth in the first quarter, despite the recent disappointing construction and production figures.
“And it is very welcome news that wage increases are now higher than inflation and are boosting living standards.
“However, challenges remain – we must address the youth unemployment rate. Although it continues to fall, it is still more than three times the national average.”
David Bharier, BCC Business Insight Manager said:
“The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey* shows a steady level of growth in employment levels since the 2008-09 recession, despite slight slowdowns in recent quarters.
“However, a majority of firms from both the manufacturing and services sectors struggle to find the right staff, with 69% and 65% reporting recruitment difficulties in the last three months, respectively.”
As mentioned in last week’s news article, those businesses who imported from the EU and made a Simplified Declaration, or have yet to make any declaration at all, you need to be ready to make your full declaration at the 175 days later point. Be careful: If you’re receiving, or have already received goods from the EU, and are not doing full declarations, you are potentially accumulating duty debt and could be subject to HMRC penalties. Filing a Customs Declaration is a legally binding act between the UK Trader and the UK Customs authorities. Unless you are buying under DDP terms (Delivered Duty Paid), as the importer you have the right to choose your customs agent, and also the obligation to report information to HMRC accurately and correctly. Here at Norfolk ChamberCustoms, we have the resource and expertise to support you with your Import and Export Declarations. We have Capacity. On the 25th of June, the Norfolk Chamber’s International Team presented an hour long Webinar, titled “Maximising your international Trade”. Follow this link ,to discover how the Norfolk Chamber can help you with your business’ International needs, and meet the International team that will be looking after you. Also, find attached the ChamberCustoms brochure, which gives you more detail of the Customs Declarations service available to you now.
The term ‘apprenticeship’ will be protected in law, the government has just announced. It is hoped that this will strengthen their reputation and ensure apprenticeships are recognised as a career path equal to higher education.
With over 2.2 million apprenticeships created since 2010 the government will also enshrine in law its commitment to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.
With apprenticeships giving hope and opportunity to more young people, and helping all types and sizes of businesses grow in communities across Norfolk, the Skills Minister will legally protect the term ‘apprenticeship’ through the Enterprise Bill. This will give government the power to take action when the term is misused to promote low quality courses.
To ensure that more young people can benefit the minister has also announced that public bodies will now be set targets to take on more apprentices. Schools, hospitals, prisons and police forces will all be creating opportunities for young people to get on.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: ‘Many businesses have come to recognise the value of apprentices and schools are starting to promote them as a real alternative to University. However, there remains a perception from many parents that apprenticeships are second best. In Norfolk there are some fantastic opportunities for young people with fast growing companies and it is a positive move that the government also recognise how important they are to the local economy’
Growth: 63% of firms surveyed confident in their growth prospects over next 12 months
Restarting: 53% already operating at pre-pandemic capacity; 80% expect to be by October
Barriers: 38% cited further lockdowns as a barrier to re-opening, while 37% cited ongoing social distancing measures
Finance: 44% believe access to finance will help overcome the remaining barriers to fully restarting operations
UK small businesses are increasingly confident in their ability to grow and power the economic recovery, although many still have fears about the ongoing impact of Covid restrictions. This comes according to new data published today by the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Funding Circle, the UK’s largest small business loan platform.
The survey of more than 1,000 firms, almost all SMEs, reveals the majority (63%) are emerging from lockdown with either concrete plans or intentions to grow their business over the next 12 months. The manufacturing sector (68%) is particularly optimistic, while nearly six-in-ten (58%) of the hardest hit business-to-consumer (B2C) firms such as hospitality, catering and retail still anticipate growth.
Although the UK economy is yet to fully reopen, many businesses have demonstrated their resilience and are already carrying out their vital role as engines of economic growth. More than half (53%) said they had already restarted or returned to pre-pandemic levels in April, with a further 27% expecting to reach this milestone by October. By the end of the year, 91% of businesses expect to have fully restarted, with only 1% not expecting to restart for the foreseeable future.
For many, the biggest barriers to reopening are Covid-related, such as the risk of further lockdowns (cited by 38% of respondents) or social distancing requirements (cited by 37%). Concerns around reduced customer demand (33%), inflation pressure (18%) and recruitment difficulties (14%) are also weighing on UK businesses.
Access to finance will be key in helping SMEs to unlock their full growth potential, with nearly half (44%) believing it will help overcome the remaining barriers they face.
Commenting on the findings, Claire Walker, Co-executive Director of the BCC, said: “The ability of businesses to bounce back from the devastation caused by Covid is a huge testament to their resilience. Although, the financial support put in place by the government to help many through the last 12 months will have played a crucial role.
“The government must now clarify the future of safety measures, such as social distancing, and set out a clear package of support that would be available should further restrictions be imposed on businesses this year, or in the years to come.
“Firms will feel more confident and will be more willing to invest in jobs and in developing their business, if government can give assurances that a safety net of financial support will be provided should there be a need for restrictions which reduce or stop commercial activity in order to protect public health.
“There is cautious optimism growing among firms that as the economy now gradually unlocks, they will be able to push on and return to growth. But the shadow of Covid is very long; many firms still feel uncertain about what the future holds. Having access to finance to help them weather this continuing uncertainty may well prove vital.”
Lisa Jacobs, Europe Managing Director at Funding Circle, added: “While the road to recovery won’t be straightforward, it is great to see SMEs are looking towards the future with such optimism. From our conversations with customers, it’s clear their appetite to invest in their businesses is as high as ever. We’re ready to continue helping them access the finance they need to overcome the remaining hurdles they face, and achieve their growth ambitions.”
Town Deal Board members were delighted to hear today’s Government announcements, that King’s Lynn’s Town Deal Board had been allocated the maximum amount of £25 million to press ahead with a range of projects. Graham Purkins, Chief Technical Officer of Merxin, and Chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted to receive notification that our King’s Lynn’s Town Investment Plan submission has been successful. “The collaborative working between the Town Deal Board and borough council in conjunction with valuable and constructive engagement with the local community enabled us to submit a strong proposal through which we have secured the maximum possible amount of funding. This is a significant achievement, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment that has made it possible. “Last year we received a smaller amount through the Accelerated Towns Deal Funding which has enabled us to start improvements to our town centre and the initiation of a new School of Nursing in partnership with the QE hospital and the College of West Anglia. We are already making a difference. “Receiving the Towns Fund money will now enable us to start the process of delivering the broader range of projects identified in our plan and help us all work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for King’s Lynn.” The projects are split into four general themes: – economic productivity through urban regeneration, planning and land use; skills and enterprise; and infrastructure and connectivity.
Michael Baldwin, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council and member of the Town Deal Board said: “This is very welcome news for King’s Lynn, we are looking forward to working with the Town Deal Board and the wider business community to deliver some fantastic improvements to King’s Lynn that will help boost the local economy.”
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and borough’s lead representative on the Town Deal Board, added: “This announcement is really great news for the town, as it brings significant external investment to a range of priority projects that combine to deliver major improvement. All the projects submitted in the bid were developed through consultation with the public and engagement with stakeholders and local businesses through the Town Deal Board we established as part of the required process. “I am delighted that central government has recognised the need for this funding in King’s Lynn and can see, through the strength of our bid and board, the clear benefit that can be realised here. “We are awaiting the exact details of the next steps but are so pleased the exciting work of bringing the projects to fruition with partners, in consultation with stakeholders and the wider community, can now begin to start in earnest. Commenting on today’s announcement from the government’s Towns Fund, James Wild MP, said: “I’m delighted to have helped secure this major investment to boost skills, improve the town centre, promote our strong Shakespeare links and heritage, and support new and growing businesses. “With funding already secured for a new School of Nursing Studies, North West Norfolk is really benefitting from the government’s commitment to spread opportunity and level up. “I now look forward to helping deliver these ambitious plans as part of the Towns Fund board and making Lynn an even better place to live, work, and visit.” Further details about the Town Investment Plan and Town Deal Fund projects can be viewed at www.visionkingslynn.co.uk
There are now 4 more trading cards to co.nnect with, as the remaining members of Team Norfolk Chambers joins our mission to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk.
Team Norfolk Chambers is here and ready to help support you and your business with a range of skills such as making business connections, promoting what you do and how you do it, giving you access to exclusive discounts, helping you make change, and crafting bespoke business support specifically for you.
Now there are 4 more members of the Team to get to know. Introducing Charlotte Upcraft, Paul Vincent, Nova Fairbank and Chris Sargisson. As with the other members of Team Norfolk Chambers, each have their own trading card with a moniker that highlights the key skills they can offer Norfolk businesses.
Charlotte, AKA The Fixer is the project coordinator queen, helping support businesses with projects that can enable them to do better business. Paul, AKA Mr. Finance helps businesses navigate the challenging world of finance and accounting, he has non-stop energy and can help businesses get the financial support they need. Nova, AKA The Guru is the ‘holder of the knowledge’ and can help businesses get the know-how they need to help their business grow. Finally, Chris, AKA The Disruptor enables those businesses whose results need a boost to develop strategy that refocuses on customer experience, digital transformation and developing a workforce with a renewed mindset to help the business gain a bigger part of the market it seeks.
The four join the Membership and International teams, and together Team Norfolk Chambers can help make things happen for businesses like yours. If you need bespoke support for your business – we can provide membership that can be as individual as you are. If you need to increase your customer base – we can connect you to like-minded businesses. If you need to shout about a project/product you have launched – we can amplify your message. If you need exporting advice – we can help you trade globally. If you know what you want to do but don’t know where to start – we can support you by making collaborations.
Each of us have difference skills, but when we co.llaborate we are a unique force for your business.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Spire Solicitors will be the sponsors of the Co.mmunicate Hub at B2B this October.
Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14 October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* and Norfolk Chambers are delighted to confirm that Spire Solicitors will be the official sponsors of the Co.mmunicate hub at the show.
The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar.
The Co.mmunicate hub is the place where businesses can talk one-to-one with business specialists to help grow their business. Experts from a range of specialisms will be available for 15-minute slots throughout the day (more information on who and how to book coming soon). The hub is part of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s Knowledge Hour, which encourages businesses to allow employees to take 1 hour a week for learning and development.
Matthew Downing, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial at Spire Solicitors LLP, said: “Norfolk Chambers does a great job of supporting local businesses throughout the year and this event will be an excellent opportunity for the local business community to finally see each other again after such a long time apart. We are proud to be sponsors of the Co.mmunicate Hub, which incorporates Knowledge Hour and Norfolk Knowledge Hub, and we look forward to seeing you all at our stand on the day.”
For exhibitors and visitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and have a presence at this prestigious event.
Alongside the Co.mmunicate hub, you can also meet a plethora of businesses in the exhibition, take part in speed networking sessions throughout the day, go to a free workshop or seminar, relax in the Proudly Norfolk food hub and join us for the B2B after party (ticketed event).
Free tickets to the exhibition are now available so that you can gain fast-track entry on the day. Register here
*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.