The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP) recently consulted members of the West Norfolk Chamber Council on the pre-consultation draft of their Plan for Growth. Having reviewed the Plan, the West Norfolk Chamber Council highlighted the following areas that they would like to see the NALEP consider within their Plan for Growth:-
Improvements to the A47 are seen as vital by West Norfolk businesses to assist economic growth. However they voiced their concern that any improvements would put further constraints on the existing bottleneck routes around King’s Lynn. They asked for these concerns to be taken into consideration when planning the improvements to the A47. One suggestion was for an additional river crossing to ease congestion around King’s Lynn.
One of the most congested rail routes from Norfolk to London is the King’s Lynn to Kings Cross line and they would like to see equal emphasis placed on this route, as well as the Norwich to London Liverpool Street line.
Tourism for West Norfolk depends on good roads and good communications, however improving these aspects may have a detrimental effect on the very thing that attracts the tourists. The West Norfolk Chamber Council sought reassurances from the NALEP that the character of the region would not be lost due to growth, whilst benefitting from improved roads and communication links.
The NALEP advised that they would take the above comments into consideration when revising their Growth Plan, which will go out for wider consultation at the beginning of April.
Health and safety rules can seldom escape the accusation of bureaucracy, and those emanating from Brussels are especially likely to provoke suspicion and discontent in business circles.
So what is to be made of the latest proposals from the European Commission to improve workers’ protection against exposure to hazardous chemicals?
To some extent this is a tidying up exercise as the EU already has five directives in this area and what the Commission wants is to make sure that they all tally with its latest rules on the classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) of chemicals.
In practical terms this means that manufacturers and suppliers of chemical substances and mixtures will (if the proposal is adopted) have to provide harmonised labelling information on hazard classification, alerting the user to the presence of hazardous chemicals, the need to avoid exposure and any associated risks.
This will, the Commission argues, allow employers to put in place appropriate risk management measures to protect workers’ health and safety, such as process enclosure, ventilation systems and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
It emphasises that the proposals have already been the subject of two rounds of consultation with employer and trade union representatives at EU level (the social partners).
Existing EU chemical classification and labelling legislation will be repealed on 1 June 2015 when new rules come into force so expect this latest piece of “red tape” to be implemented at about the same time, assuming it is accepted by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
Last week came the news that Colman’s, after a long history with the city, was joining Britvic in moving the majority of their production out of Norwich. Whilst this was disappointing news for Norwich – it is by no means representative of the state of the whole of the Norfolk manufacturing community.
The manufacturing sector is spread right across Norfolk. Many have a long history with the county and will continue to evolve with the use of technology and maximise plans to capitalise on future opportunities. Norfolk Chamber has gathered a small snapshot of Chamber members manufacturers who have been highlighting their successes in 2017 and identifying some of their plans for 2018.
Broadland Wineries, based in Norwich, outlined how they have added new talent to their team and have exciting plans to increase their customer base.Chairman, Mark Lansley said:
“In 2017 Broadland Wineries had a tougher year due mainly to the increased cost of imported wines and the fall in the value of the pound. But recently the company has added new talent to its team and has teamed up with Sir Ian Botham and other strategic partners to further develop its branded wine range, alongside its private label offering, to further increase its customer base, so the company is fairly optimistic for 2018”.
Pasta Foods, who have sites in Great Yarmouth and Norwich, has increased their exports over the last year,Michele Conway, Sales Directorsaid:
“In 2017 we have seen an overall increase in our export business and integral to our success is the support we receive from the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, who we use to legalise our documentation. We plan to grow our export business even further in 2018 targeting growth on every continent.”
Esther Evans, Managing Director of STM Packaging Group Ltd I Norwich, explained how her organisation has developed new export opportunities in central and southern Europe and have ambitious plans for 2018. She said:
“We have really benefited from the weaker pound value in 2017 and have developed some new and valuable export accounts in central and southern Europe. As a result of our manufacturing being situated in the east of England, the logistics for this export are quick, viable and efficient.
“We have ambitious growth plans for 2018 in niche and specialist markets that allow us, as an SME, to offer very high levels of customer service and innovation which the larger and less flexible companies are unable to match. This also gives us good added value opportunities and the chance to develop and retain long-term relationships with those customers.
“We are also looking to develop strategic alliances with other local SME’s who manufacture similar and complimentary products so that we can all develop and grow together and take advantage of the market reach of each company. The delivery of any strategy only works if the team understand the objectives and all of our colleagues at STM Packaging Group are genuine and committed people who will ultimately benefit from their own success.”
Another positive for Norfolk is that our infrastructure continues to improve, albeit at a pace slower than most businesses would like. Over recent years, government has allocated funding for improvements to road and rail infrastructure. Our ability to gain access to superfast broadband is also improving, but more work still needs to be done. It’s time to accelerate all those plans to head off any feelings that infrastructure is a barrier to business growth!
Commenting on the future for Norfolk businesses, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“To better enable the Norfolk business community to grow, we will to continue to work with our partners to lobby hard to gain greater infrastructure improvements that are delivered as soon as possible to maximise the benefit for the local business community.
“There are a great many business prospects going forward, with opportunities such as the Cambridge to Norwich Tech Corridor and the Enterprise Zones in Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Norwich – all designed to develop greater economic growth and jobs for our region.
Throughout 2017, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has seen an improvement in the confidence of local businesses who are exporting outside of the EU.
Compared to previous years, the number of export documents from businesses in Norfolk, together with the value of goods, has increased in 2017.
Norfolk Chamber has the expertise to support all types of businesses across the county with help, advice and documentation to allow them to trade overseas. We are the only organisation authorised by HM Government and HMRC in Norfolk to check and stamp export documentation on their behalf.
The recent statistics show that Norfolk Chamber’s International Department has seen a 4% increase, compared to the previous year, in the number of export documents for outside European Union – with the total of 5,100 documents being processed. This has led to a 3.8% increase in the value of export goods from £112.5m in 2016 to £117m in 2017.
Commenting on the increase, Julie Austin, International Trade Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“These latest figures demonstrate that Norfolk exporters remain optimistic about what the future holds, despite the many unanswered questions post-Brexit. This is a timely reminder that businesses are doing their best to ignore the economic uncertainty and are focussing on the success of their own operations.
“Trading overseas can be complex, so whether you are breaking into a new overseas market for the first time, or you’re already an experienced exporter, keen to develop your international operations, you’ll find all the help you need at the Norfolk Chamber, with friendly advice and a prompt service.”
Chamber member, Pasta Foods are a major exporter in Norfolk, with multiple sites in the county. They are a business to business food manufacturer of pasta and snack pellets and are currently exporting to over 40 countries worldwide.
Michele Conway, Sales Directorsaid:
“In 2017 we have seen an overall increase in our export business and integral to our success is the support we receive from the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, who we use to legalise our documentation. We plan to grow our export business even further in 2018 targeting growth on every continent.”
If you are wanting to increase or start exporting in 2018 contact the International Department at Norfolk Chamber call 01603 729715 or email: [email protected]. Visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for more information.
Tech Nation has launched a great new set of awards. This competition is an exciting opportunity for innovative, early-stage tech start-ups. To find out more and be part of this great chance click here
The prizes include for winner;
Tailored/bespoke package of support worth over £4000 per winner that includes:
1-2-1 mentoring with a high profile mentor
Facilitated introductions to investors and corporates
Bespoke PR campaign
One-to-one BDODrive Accelerate session focused on unlocking your growth potential and identifying the tangible steps you need to take
Financial contribution towards a conference of your choice
Pitch training and coaching
Networking opportunities with investors, heads of accelerators, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders
Gnaw adds the deliciousness and fun into chocolate, with cheeky additions added to their chocolate such as love heart and banana splits sweets. Started back in 2011, the brand and business have grown strength to strength, with the recent success of several awards such as being selected as a finalist in the Norfolk Business Awards 2018 and Finalists in the UK Packaging awards 2018. With the addition of the British Chamber of Commerce Awards, 2018 has certainly been their award Gnawyear!
Starting with supplying their product within the region, Gnaw has now grown extensively, with a strong partnership and trade in France, and a number of other European countries. However, their export does not stop in Europe! They now export globally to Russia and Asia. Praised by the British Chamber of Commerce Judges for having a ‘100% commitment to international trade and with their innovation and locally sourced products are a great advocate for UK produced goods.’
Winning the BCC regional awards requires meeting several key criteria for the Regional Export Business of the Year, details are below;
• The level of exports when compared to the size and sector of the organisation
• The barriers that have been overcome e.g. languages
• The degree to which products/services are new and market non-traditional
• Innovative approaches to establishing and entering new markets.
As the winner of the Regional Small Business of the Year award (Yes, two awards!! Hurray!). Gnaw was commended and highlighted for their progressive knowledge by the BCC Judges for ‘spotting the trends in the marketplace, this forward-thinking company developed a new innovative range.’
They were also highlighted for their progressive approach with the launch of their healthy ingredient’s bars. The Judges work with the guidelines below to judge each submission.
The judges will be looking at:
• What differentiates the company’s products/services from their competitors
• Strong managerial and financial performance
• Innovation
• Potential for growth
• Evidence of the business’s commitment to staff
It is clear Gnaw have worked very hard to achieve these awards. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is delighted for Gnaw and we wish them all the best in the next stage of the completion. https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/chamber-awards
On Thursday 8th November we were at The Boathouse in Ormesby, an absolutely beautiful venue with stunning views over the broads. It was a bright morning and everyone was in good spirits, especially once the speakers were underway.
Mark spoke about how the Post Office supports businesses banking needs through being part of a wide network that have long opening hours and work with most high street banks. Jon brought some much needed post-breakfast energy to the room through his unique approach. Firstly delegates had to greet each other in a low energy way, this was gradually amped up until people were “high tenning” each other and laughing away. His main aim was to highlight how you approach the day has a real impact on your own experience but also other people.
This was certainly not your typical stuffy business breakfast and we certainly enjoyed ourselves, judging by the smiling faces around the room so did all the delegates too!
East Coast Hospice were our feature charity, they are fundraising to build a ten-bed palliative care facility with day care and complementary therapies for the people of Great Yarmouth & Waveney. They currently have planning permission on the 7.54 acres of land they own and the hospice will provide specialist end of life care as well as supporting and training other agencies and carers.
At a recent meeting of the Chamber’s Planning & Development Group, a debate was held with the Highways Agency, Norfolk County Council, Norwich International Airport and various utility companies, including BT, Anglia Water and UK Power Networks on how to unlock growth through infrastructure delivery.
The debate highlighted that whilst there was a certain amount of cooperation between each of the utilities and the public agencies, there was little or no discussion with landowners and the development industry. Most of the utilities planned their capital expenditure programmes for a 5 or 8 year period and did not take into account speculative development. This is clearly a problem when developers are often keen to try and bring forward development quicker than this timeframe, especially when the utilities only consider development as not being speculative if it has planning permission.
The meeting discussed potential ways of working around these problems, including the opportunity for new types of funding and income streams to come into the market. It was clear that it is essential for developers to talk to the utilities at the earliest stage possible. The Chamber Planning & Development Group agreed to continue their liaison with the utilities and would advise the teams of any constraints that they were made aware of that stopped growth from coming forward.
All parties agreed to work together to lobby Government in respect of rail, road and general infrastructure improvements.
Last week two of our favourite colleagues got engaged!
We are super happy for Sam and Jack. Sam and Jack both started working at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce back in 2013 as apprentices. As many of you will know they have both flourished in their careers since then. Jack is now the IT and Data Manager and Sam is the Conference and Events Manager, they are both key members of the team who contribute to a whole range of Chamber of activities.
We wish them well and can’t wait for the big day!!
Norwich School has been awarded Norfolk Chamber’s highest level of their Young Chamber Enterprise Recognition Award.
The Chamber’s Young Chamber Enterprise Recognition Award is an award recognising and celebrating education establishments in Norfolk that are committed to improving the employability skills of young people in our region.
Bearers of this award will have evidenced a clear understanding of the local business needs and will be working to equip students with the necessary skills as well as creating opportunities for students to engage with local organisations. An education establishment with the ‘Commended’ Gold Tick will have shown the most commitment to student employability outcomes and has gone above and beyond in delivering a culture of enterprise.
Norwich School were able to show their commitment to enterprise engagement across the life of their students. The Young Chamber judges were particularly impressed with the sustainable and focussed programmes that were in place to encourage students to consider their future opportunities in the world of business, which is why they awarded the ‘Commended’ level.
Norwich School is delighted to be ‘Commended’ in the Enterprise Recognition Award. Tom White, Head of Economics and Business Enterprise said:
“We’re very pleased to receive this award as it is the outcome of a sustained team effort. Norwich School approaches enterprise education from a wide angle. My colleagues have carefully put together a curriculum that is rich with work experience, community service, careers fairs and enterprise activity days. We have the active support of governors, parents and local business enhancing what we can offer in school. I am grateful to all the mentors, advisors and business people who have contributed to this success.
“The Enterprise Recognition Award also highlights the high level of engagement we see from our pupils. In the classroom and their clubs, societies, competitions and Young Enterprise companies, our pupils show a commitment to enterprise. They are frequently resilient, creative, dynamic and entrepreneurial. Congratulations on their achievements.”
Presenting the award, Glyndwr Thomas, Finance Business Partner at Aviva and Board member of Norfolk Chamber’s Young Chamber Board said:
“Recognising Norwich School with this award is fully deserved. Their commitment to embedding an enterprise approach is admirable and the evidence of the positive outcomes this creates is particularly encouraging. Giving our young people the skills and the opportunities to work with businesses and to prepare them for the world of work is critical to the success of Norfolk enterprise.”
Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance and Public Affairs and a member of the Young Chamber Board said:
“One of Norfolk Chamber’s key priorities is helping to bridge the gap between business and education. Our Young Chamber programme is designed to help create stronger business engagement with schools and support the raising of young people’s aspirations and soft skills.
“We are delighted to be able to award ‘Commended’ status to Norwich School. They have an active agenda of engagement with the local business community and are very proactive in ensuring their students have access to business engagement opportunities, such as supporting Norfolk Chamber in the delivery of our B2B event, as well as running their own Young Chamber group, where the students deliver their own business breakfasts.”
Norwich School is particularly keen to help support other schools to achieve an Enterprise Recognition Award, commenting on this, Nicola Hill, Assistant Head said:
“We would be delighted to talk with any school who would be looking to put themselves forward for this award in the future – we worked together with many colleagues in our own school to put ours together and would enjoy helping other schools to do the same.”
That’s the question Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is asking. Always committed to stimulating debate the Chamber is asking you if the Norfolk brand is a help or a hindrance when it comes to marketing.
Famously, Aviva scrapped its 200 year old trading name of Norwich Union with the objective of growing the brand, and helping it to compete on a global scale. The strategy was that ‘Aviva’ would appeal to an international market more than Norwich Union.
By the same token, Bernard Matthews have proudly trumpeted Norfolk as the very essence of a successful brand. Being branded ‘Colman’s of Norwich’ has kept people as keen as mustard in that international organisation’s products. But then, whilst Start-Rite have not put a foot wrong in their marketing, they’ve never added Norfolk to the branding.
Now comes the exciting news that Hoseasons have commissioned a £1 million TV advertising campaign to promote their 28,000 places to stay across the UK & Europe, and it features entirely Norfolk scenes.
Simon Altham, Managing Director of Hoseasons describes the commercial as a “marvellous showcase for Norfolk’s tourism offering”.
Hear his views on how the Norfolk brand has given Hoseasons a competitive advantage at the Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast.
Caroline Williams, Chief executive of the Norfolk Chamber said “Businesses need to understand that using the ‘Norfolk brand’ can enhance their offer. It’s a point of difference, and separates them from the generic nationals. It can make their offering entirely unique. We’ve put Norfolk at the heart of what we do. We’re the Norfolk Chamber and proud of it!” Join the debate.