Member News

The Three Stands Everyone Remembers

Walk any trade show floor and you’ll notice three types of stands that consistently draw crowds:

1. The ones giving away something premium (not pens – everyone’s giving away pens)
2. The ones with something interactive or experiential happening
3. The ones where people are clearly having a good time

Notice what’s not on that list? The stand with the best product specification sheet.

Why “Just Talk to People” Doesn’t Work

The advice you always hear is “be proactive, engage people as they walk past.” And yes, that works… if you enjoy being that person desperately trying to make eye contact with people actively avoiding eye contact with you.

There’s a better way: create a reason for people to naturally congregate at your stand. A demonstration. An experience. Something shareable. Something that creates a moment worth stopping for.

I’ve seen stands with objectively boring products (industrial components, business software, financial services) absolutely dominate trade show footfall because they understood this principle. They created an experience that drew people in, then had the conversation about their actual offering.

The Follow-Up Problem Nobody Talks About

Here’s the other issue: even if you do get footfall, what happens next? You collect business cards or scan badges, the leads go into your CRM, and… most of them go cold within a week.

Why? Because there’s nothing memorable anchoring your brand in their mind. They visited 47 stands that day. Unless you gave them a reason to remember you specifically, you’re just another logo in a sea of logos.

The stands that win aren’t just attracting people – they’re creating memorable moments that stick. When someone from your target market is ready to buy three months later, you want them remembering “oh yeah, the company from that trade show where we…” not “I think I picked up their brochure somewhere.”

What Actually Works

The most successful exhibitors I’ve seen do three things consistently:

1. Create a genuine experience – something interactive, entertaining, or valuable that people actually want to engage with
2. Capture data properly – not just collecting cards, but creating a reason for people to actively want to share their contact details
3. Follow up with context – referencing the specific moment/experience they had at your stand, not just “nice to meet you at the trade show”

This isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about understanding human psychology. People remember how you made them feel, not what your brochure said.

The Question Worth Asking

When was the last time you visited a trade show as an attendee? Which stands did you actually remember the next day, and why?

Now look at your own stand strategy. Honestly – are you creating something memorable, or just hoping your product sells itself?

Victor Barker is Managing Director of Barkers Photo Fun and Branded.Photo, creating engaging experiences for corporate events and exhibitions across East Anglia. If your exhibition stand needs more than just banners and brochures, let’s talk: www.branded.photo

Join us on 18 February 2026 at 12:30 for a specialist Business Relief Lunch & Learn at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in Norwich.

Designed for accountants and tax professionals, this session explores the practical application of Business Relief in inheritance tax planning and on sale of a business, with insights from:

• Alistair Maguire, Triplepoint 
• Andy Howe, Downing LLP

A valuable opportunity to deepen technical knowledge and connect with fellow professionals. Limited spaces — reserve your place today

Hosted by: Maria Spencer, Iceni Financial Advisers Ltd
[email protected]

I started the week working out of the Chamber’s hub in Norwich.  Sole trader’s can often feel isolated because WE are the business.  We don’t have a marketing manager, administrator, finance specialist or anyone else to support us.  At the hub I met the Norfolk Chamber’s team and Katie in particular was superb in helping shape my thinking when we were talking about an avenue that I am looking to explore further.  The facilities are great too; I booked the pod for a couple of calls and the rest of the time I used a desk I’d booked.  I’ll be honest, I also took advantage of the coffee machine there and the latte comes recommended!

The best thing a business can have is a word-of-mouth recommendation and this week I had a new client introduced to me who is based in Singapore.  This client is a student working towards their iGCSE’s and with mocks fast approaching we used the time to prep for her French oral exam.

I’ve had an interesting mix of clients this week and flexed my instructional method depending on the individual in front of me.  In some cases I have targeted learning based on a more conversational method whereas others needed to drill down into written french and translation.  Depending on their individual needs I focus lessons either on subject matter that suits the individual or on a state curriculum.  This week’s topics have included one client who has returned from their holiday home in France, the current global geopolitical situation, trying to fit into British society as someone from a different county, fatherhood and in other cases more structure grammatical tuition such as using different tenses.

Whatever your motivation, whether you are starting from new and always wanted to learn the language, whether you are more experienced and want to develop your conversation, you might be looking for guidance in-country with healthcare or house buying or perhaps you are looking for support for your business, give me a call with no obligation on 07930 444 078 or email me on [email protected] anytime.

A la prochaine!

Florence

The College of West Anglia (CWA) has presented a handcrafted replica of the historical St George and the Dragon plaque to King’s Lynn Guildhall, marking a special moment as restoration of one of the town’s most significant heritage buildings gets underway.

The replica has been created by Anne Roberts, a long-standing member of the College of West Anglia’s Art and Design team, with support from Paul Ebbens, Ceramic Lecturer, and Matt Moore, Art and Design Technician. The project was further supported by Kim Leonard, Treasurer of the King’s Lynn Civic Society, who crafted the wooden backing on which the Guild plaque is mounted.

The piece has been produced as a tribute to an original medieval timber painted panel and the seal of the Guild of St George, both of which display this same design. There was also a large piece of carved masonry displaying the design, last known to be in St George’s Yard, which was off Norfolk Street. All three of these pieces are integral to the history of St George’s Guild and are thought to date back to the 15th Century.

The Guildhall of St George, located in the heart of King’s Lynn, is the largest surviving 15th century guildhall in England and has played a central role in the town’s cultural and civic life for over 600 years. It has an unparalleled history of theatrical performance and is the last working theatre thought to have hosted William Shakespeare.

As the flagship scheme of the King’s Lynn Town Deal Programme and a priority of the Pride in Place Programme, it is currently being sensitively preserved and enhanced by the Borough Council as a local, regional and international centre for arts, creativity and theatre for everyone to enjoy.

The replica plaque’s formal hand-over ceremony took place at the College of West Anglia’s King’s Lynn campus, where Kerry Heathcote, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO at CWA formally presented the plaque to King’s Lynn Mayor, councilor, Andy Bullen, marking the culmination of the project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kerry Heathcote, who is also Vice Chair of King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board, said, “This plaque represents a meaningful collaboration between the College of West Anglia and one of King’s Lynn’s most treasured historical buildings. It is a privilege to see the skill, care and historical understanding that Anne, Matt and Paul have reflected in a piece that honours the town’s medieval past and strengthens our connection with the local community.”

In recognition of the importance of heritage buildings to King’s Lynn and the wider region, the College of West Anglia has also published a new Introduction to Built Heritage City and Guilds Assured programme, introduced in September 2024. The course reflects the college’s commitment to preserving local heritage skills and supporting understanding of historic environments, ensuring future generations are equipped to protect and care for the town’s significant built heritage.

Councillor Simon Ring, Deputy Council Leader, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see this beautiful replica plaque presented to the Guildhall. It is a wonderful example of how our local skills, creativity and heritage can come together to enrich this landmark project.

“Gifts like this demonstrate the vital role that community engagement plays in the long-term success of the restoration. The future of this historic building depends not just on bricks and mortar, but on the sense of shared ownership, pride and participation from our residents, educators and creative partners. This contribution from the College of West Anglia is exactly the kind of collaboration that will ensure the Guildhall thrives for generations to come.”

Tim FitzHigham, Creative Director for the Guildhall and Cultural Officer for the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk said: “It is really exciting to receive such a thoughtful and appropriate gift from the College of West Anglia and especially one created with the talents of Anne Roberts, who has been a long-standing supporter of the arts and theatre at the Guildhall.

“The original on which this design is based stretches back to the heart of the 15th century and is central to the story of St George’s Guild. This design can be seen on the seal of the Guild of St George in the Stories of Lynn, and I encourage everyone to have a look at that too as it’s really very special. Plans are moving forward to ensure this wonderful gift stays safe during the renovations where we’d love it to form part of the interpretation journey of the newly opened site.”

Anne Roberts added “I really enjoyed the process of designing and creating the plaque with Paul and Matt. After being invited to create the plaque by the Shakespeare Guildhall Trust. We worked on the piece over six to nine months, developing the design around the original plaque which features St George and the Dragon, into a circular form. It was wonderful to see everyone at the presentation, and I’m looking forward to visiting the plaque once the Guildhall has been fully restored.”

The Guildhall and Creative Hub project will see the medieval venue, empty buildings and courtyards revived as inspiring, welcoming spaces for everyone, creating a heritage destination, new food and drink offer, a home for creative industries and a year-round programme of performances, events and education programmes. The main works started in November, with the site scheduled to reopen in 2028.

Led by the Borough Council, the project is in partnership with King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board, Historic England and Norfolk Museum Service, in collaboration with the National Trust who owns the freehold of part of the Guildhall site.

First Aid training course open to all.

Age UK Norwich has secured a place on the Social Impact Framework delivered by the NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub. This recognition means Age UK Norwich is now an approved supplier on a national framework that provides a compliant route for all NHS organisations, part or fully government funded organisations and blue-light services to access social impact and community led services.

The NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub is a procurement and advisory partner supporting NHS and wider public sector organisations to achieve value, efficiency and specialist expertise where it’s needed most. By bringing together people, insight and innovation, they strengthen the organisations and communities they serve. From trusts and ICSs to local authorities and emergency services, they work collaboratively to turn complex challenges into shared achievements. Their frameworks provide compliant, approved routes to market designed to improve outcomes and maximise value.

Being awarded a place on the framework allows eligible organisations to access Age UK Norwich’s services through an established procurement route, supporting collaboration and shared goals across health, care and community services.

Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich said “We are pleased to be awarded a place on the Social Impact Framework delivered by the NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub. This provides an important opportunity to strengthen partnership working and support positive outcomes for older people in Norwich and beyond.”

Age UK Norwich will continue to work locally to deliver vital services for older people, while contributing to wider social impact through partnership and collaboration.

For more information about Age UK Norwich and its services, visit www.ageuknorwich.org.uk

2025 was a truly special one for Age UK Norwich as we proudly celebrated our 80th birthday, marking eight decades of dedicated support for older people across our city.

Our anniversary year brought together supporters, partners, volunteers and members of the community through a series of memorable events. From our 80th Birthday Garden Party, which welcomed people together to celebrate in true community spirit, to our ’80 Years in the Making’ exhibition, sharing stories and reflections from across our history, each event highlighted the impact Age UK Norwich has had, and continues to have, in the lives of older people.

Alongside these celebrations, we were also incredibly grateful to see the generosity of our supporters shine through multiple fundraising events held throughout the year. 

Thanks to this amazing support, we are delighted to say that we reached the £80,000 fundraising target we set ourselves to mark our 80th year – a fantastic achievement that will help us continue supporting older people across Norwich.

While our 80th birthday gave us the opportunity to reflect, the past year has also shown just how essential our services remain today.

Our Fundraisers

• Run Norwich

• Abseil the Forum

Over the last 12 months, Age UK Norwich has:

• Supported thousands of older people across Norwich
• Responded to an increasing number of enquiries for advice, information and practical help
• Delivered hundreds of hours of support through our dedicated staff and volunteers
• Helped older people remain independent, connected and supported in their own homes

As Norwich’s older population continues to rise, so too does the demand for our services. More people are living longer and facing challenges such as loneliness, financial worries and health concerns. For many, Age UK Norwich is a lifeline.

Our support does not end with our 80th year. In fact, it is needed now more than ever.

Speaking about the year ahead, Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich, said “Celebrating our 80th birthday has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history and the incredible support we receive from our community. As we look ahead into the new year and beyond, our focus is firmly on the future. Demand for our services continues to grow, and we are committed to being there for older people across Norwich. With continued support, we can build on our legacy and ensure no older person feels alone or unsupported.”

None of this would be possible without the kindness and commitment of our supporters. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Age UK Norwich throughout our 80th year including our volunteers, donors, fundraisers, corporate partners, supporters and staff.

Your time, generosity and belief in our work have helped change lives, strengthen our community and ensure older people in Norwich feel valued and supported. Every contribution, big or small, has made a lasting difference.

As we move forward into 2026, we are asking our supporters to continue standing with Age UK Norwich. Your support helps us respond to growing demand and ensures older people across the city can access vital services, advice and companionship when they need it most.

Support Us into 2026There are many ways you can help make a difference:

• Donate – A one-off or regular donation helps us continue providing essential services to older people in Norwich. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real impact.
• Fundraise – Whether you take on a personal challenge, organise an event or join one of our fundraising activities, fundraising is a powerful way to support our work while bringing people together.
• Corporate partnerships – By partnering with Age UK Norwich, local businesses can support older people in their community while engaging staff and demonstrating social responsibility.
• Leave a gift in your Will – Leaving a gift in your Will is a meaningful way to support future generations of older people and ensure our work continues for years to come.

Together, we can build on 80 years of impact and continue making later life better for older people in Norwich.

Find out more

Contact Us

If you would like to find out more about our work, get involved, or support Age UK Norwich in any of the ways mentioned above, we would love to hear from you. Visit our website, follow us on social media, or get in touch directly to learn more about how you can help make a difference for older people in Norwich.

Creative Media students at the College of West Anglia (CWA) were recently welcomed to an inspiring guest talk from Ian Harding, a talented stop motion animator based in King’s Lynn.

During his visit, Ian shared insights into his career within the animation industry, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and technical processes involved in stop motion animation. With experience spanning short films, advertising, and independent projects, Ian provided a valuable real-world perspective of working within the creative sector.

Ian spoke to students about his journey into animation, explaining how his passion for storytelling through stop motion began locally and how his roots in King’s Lynn continue to influence his work today. He highlighted the painstaking nature of the medium, bringing characters and ideas to life frame by frame through detailed models, sets and precise movement.

As part of the session, Ian showcased clips from projects he has worked on, giving students an insight into the level of creativity, patience and dedication required to succeed in animation. The talk also explored the balance between digital and physical creativity, encouraging students to experiment with a range of techniques and approaches.

Speaking about the importance of stop motion and the role it plays, Ian said: “Stop motion gives students a hands-on way to create something away from screens and apps, encouraging them to use their imagination and express their personalities through their work. Bringing characters to life with care and attention to detail helps keep this traditional form of animation alive, while giving the students the freedom to explore their creativity in a meaningful way.”

The visit forms part of the College of West Anglia’s commitment to enriching the student’s experience through industry engagement, helping learners gain insight into creative career pathways and develop skills aligned with the demands of the sector.

New Year, New Studio!

Bold Creatures has launched a studio this year to support brands and founders getting their message out there, consistently. Based in the city centre of Norwich.

If last year taught you anything, would it be how hard it is to keep consistent with your marketing and online outreach?Maybe creating content wasn’t the strongest point of the year, maybe making time to get these done where all over the place, or simply, the strategy wasn’t clear.

I’m inviting you to try out a different approach this year, a more consistent way to nail it this year.

What it means for (some examples):

>> D2C brands: Come in or send your products to the studio and you’ll get a library of lifestyle or studio content you can use throughout the year. We can also theme those content for particular seasons or occasions (St valentines, holidays, halloween, etc…)

>> Consultants: Come in for half a day, we’ll generate a 90-day content library for your services or personal brand. Either as photoshoot and/or video content.

>> Founder’s Story: If your brand struggled with context as to why it exists in the first place, let’s get your story told right. A founder’s story is the best way to “humanise” your brand and build the emotional connection you want your customers to relate to, hence buying into your brand more than the cold hearted “buy now” call-to-action.

>> Alternatively, for anyone nervous about being on camera, I offer a 1-hour camera confident session and we’ll unlock some fears or misconceptions you may have. Because, if your brand could benefit from having you as the face of the brand, it’ll unlock more value than you think!

Exclusively for the Chamber Members, I’m offering a special discount, so if you’re interested, please email me: [email protected] and we’ll get cracking! 😀

High-performing teams aren’t born, they’re built. Our work with organisations shows that teams thrive when they’re supported by four key pillars: Purpose, Belonging, Safety and Accountability. These pillars aren’t buzzwords; they’re the foundation of teams that can adapt, innovate, and deliver results consistently.

Teams face pressures every day: change, workload, conflicting priorities, and the small frustrations that quietly chip away at energy and focus. High-performing teams don’t happen by accident – they’re created within an environment that’s intentional, thoughtful, and supported by these four pillars.

Think of them as your team’s framework. Purpose gives direction. Belonging builds trust and connection. Safety allows people to speak up, take risks, and innovate. Accountability keeps everyone on track and driving results.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be unpacking each pillar in detail: what it really means, how it shows up in your team, and practical ways to bring it to life.

Want to know how well your teams are performing and how they could improve? Drop us a message or find out more on our website www.blueherontraining.com

New year, new recruitment goals…!

That’s where PureKat Consultancy Ltd can help…

https://purekat.co.uk/why-choose-purekat/

We assist businesses to cut through the noise, untangle the tricky bits, and turn “we should really sort this out” into clear, practical action. No buzzword bingo. No overcomplicated nonsense. Just smart recruitment that actually makes sense.

Think of us as your calm, experienced voice in the room — the one that asks the right questions, challenges the right things, and helps you move forward with confidence (and maybe even enjoy the recruitment process).

As a fellow member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, you have been selected to receive our “Buy 1 get 1 half price “January Offer” for you to redeem until June 2026.

https://purekat.co.uk/permanent-recruitment/

Permanent Placement Fee Quotation upon request 

There is no fee for the PureKat team to resource candidates for your consideration; we only invoice if our candidate secures the role, so it’s a free “try before you buy” service.

**Then for your 2nd permanent placement, we will offer you 50% on any recruitment package (offer expires in June 2026)** T&C Apply.

If you would like to discuss how PureKat Consultancy Ltd could support your business with finding suitable, skilled and top notch candidates within your industry, please feel free to contact our Operations Director, Daniel Dagley on 01603 567354 or email [email protected] today.