Each week going forward, I will ask the team for their highlights of the week. Since joining the Chambers, I’ve realised just how much this team of Superheroes do behind the scenes, and my role here is not just showcasing what our members do and the benefits of being a member but what our team do! Here are this week’s highlights from the team: Nova Our brilliant, awesome team, the passion with which they have delivered a great mix of events this week, and how fantastic they have been engaging with our members. Jack
A couple of highlights for me this week.
On Tuesday, I visited The Hamlet Charity on Marion Road in Norwich for the opening of their new centre. A newer member who has recently rebranded AND completed a refit of a new facility for children and adults living with complex disabilities. It’s amazing to see the work our members do first-hand, whichever sector they come from.
Then I had pleasure of helping Caroline and Katie host our final business breakfast of 2023 at Roar Dinosaur Adventure. We heard from the park Director Adam Goymour and Zoe Bunter from Caring Together, a charity dedicated to supporting those doing unpaid care work for a family members and friends. Zoe told us about a change in the law from April 2024 that means employees are entitled to 5 days unpaid leave to help with their caring responsibilities and a great discussion followed on how this could benefit employers by reducing staff turnover and improving the wellbeing of team members.
Rick (Me) It’s been exciting week talking about future plans, and putting the job spec together for the new marketing coordinator that will be working with me (see more info here) – Keep your eyes out for some new things coming soon including a members-only newsletter which will have additional opportunities for members to communicate what they do, including promotions and offers for one and another. Oh and following the small win last week of getting a photo of Julie on social media, getting Jack to work with me on a small promo video for the Bank of England Lunch was a win, more of these to come in the future! Shelley Two weeks into my new role, it’s been a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and enjoyment. Right from the outset, it’s been a rapid-paced journey. I thrive on challenges and seize every opportunity to make a positive impact. However, what has truly elevated this journey is the exceptional team I’ve joined. They’re not merely supportive; they’re the kind of amazing that transforms work into an exhilarating adventure. I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to send messages on LinkedIn. Your overwhelming support and kind words have truly touched me. I cannot thank you enough for being an incredible source of encouragement. Andrea I have had a busy week this week ahead of some annual leave. So, as well as trying to make sure that I’ve left things in order, I’ve had 3 great external meetings. The first with David from Hansells Solicitors on Tuesday, discussing how we can support them and their teams across our region. I also had meetings with 2 potential new members so hopefully we can welcome those very soon. I’m also in discussions with 3 fantastic member organisations about having regular networking sessions in North Norfolk which we can hopefully kick off in the New Year. Caroline Follow some great Mentor Monday sessions to finish up this year, here’s some great feedback we’ve received. From the Nicolle Matthews sessions “Nicolle was really friendly and open to discussing anything I had in mind. She listened carefully and gave excellent advice. I felt really comfortable discussing topics with Nicolle and could tell she really cared and had an interest in giving me advice.” From the Stephen Balmer-Walters session “I did not expect this session to be as much about me as an individual and that has been very valuable as I have all the tools it’s just how I apply them.” Katie It has been a busy week. I had a great day in Kings Lynn on Wednesday with a meeting with Vicky from Discover Kings Lynn, and we are planning to reinvigorate Kings Lynn events by working together with the BID. The other big news is today was the first Co.Solo event, with new faces and connections made. Sam & Ethan (International) We are following on from the webinars last week with Chamber Customs. The deadline for the switchover from CHIEF to CDS export customs declarations is 30th November 2023. From here, all customs declarations will be submitted through the new and improved CDS system, including those used by the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. All our clients are now up and running on the CDS systems and have had declarations submitted over the past months, which have been used successfully throughout. Following a great event at ROARR dinosaur park, my picture of the week has to be the photo featuring three of our team, all smiles, well done Caroline, Katie and Jack. Thanks for reading. I will have more highlights next week! Rick Notley Marketing & Communications Manager
