Chamber News

The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NA LEP) is establishing a Norfolk and Suffolk Growth Hub with finance from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

The Growth Hub will provide Norfolk and Suffolk businesses with a ‘no wrong door’ route for accessing local and national business support, ensuring that businesses in these 2 counties maximize the advice and guidance and support available to help them grow and to help in new job creation.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding agreed between NA LEP, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber will be responsible for the management of the Growth Hub, with other elements provided by delivery organisations in the project including Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, enterprise agencies NWES and MENTA, Finance East, University of East Anglia, University Campus Suffolk and Norwich University for the Arts.

As this is a Norfolk and Suffolk wide partnership the Growth Hub will be supported by many other partners including FSB, Institute of Directors, Eastern Enterprise Hub and the Norfolk and Suffolk Norfolk Local Authorities.

The Growth Hub team will provide a first point of contact for any business seeking business support and assistance. The Growth Hub will also give easier access to both local and national business support programmes and initiatives, as well as direct access to several new business support programmes, including: a Small Grants Fund; an Innovation Readiness Programme; Innovation Vouchers; and a Business Start-up.

Andy Wood, Chairman of the New Anglia LEP, said: “We know that business support is complex and often businesses aren’t able to find the help and support they require. Our aim is to break down the barriers caused by this uncertainty and guide businesses to help and support to enable them grow to their full potential.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be a partner in this exciting new initiative to coordinate business advice and support across Norfolk and Suffolk. The launch of Norfolk and Suffolk Growth Hub comes at a time when positive economic recovery is starting to be seen. We are confident that the Growth Hub will help facilitate opportunities to allow more local businesses to reach their full potential, which in turn will be good for continuing economic and employment growth across our two counties.”

Brenda Arthur, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve secured funding for the business support element of our City Deal, which is a huge boost for the Greater Norwich economy. It will allow us to improve help available to local businesses for innovation and enterprise, which will in turn generate sustainable growth in quality local job opportunities.”

George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is the news we’ve been waiting for, for a long time. It will unlock even more business potential within our region. I can’t exaggerate how important this news is, not just for Norwich but for the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk. I want to thank all the people who’ve been working so hard for so long to achieve this fantastic outcome for us all. Any support to help boost business growth can only be a good thing and it appears that the Growth Hubs will allow the creation and development of business growth opportunities using practical and tangible means.”

Peter Funnell, President of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The main barrier to businesses small and large taking up business advice and support is that the business community often finds the current landscape complex, opaque and difficult to engage with. The Chambers in Suffolk and Norfolk, and all our partners including NWES, Menta, Enterprise Hub, FSB and IoD, will introduce a ‘no wrong door’ service that will improve access and at the same time broaden the range of services on offer. This is the grass rooted support that businesses in Suffolk and Norfolk need and we are delighted to be leading such an exciting initiative working with our key partners.”

Councillor Mark Bee, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Nationally, less than 50% of SMEs seek advice, but those that do are twice as likely to grow. The provision and promotion of business support programmes that help local businesses to thrive is therefore a vital part of supporting our economy to grow. The securing of this funding will help to enhance and coordinate business support across Suffolk and Norfolk, helping businesses to access the most effective support to help them grow and create jobs.”

David Ellsmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: ”This is very welcome news. The success of our City Deal bid has enabled the creation of a growth hub for Ipswich and surrounding area which complements the work the Council is doing with its own business support programmes through the Jobs & Skills Fund, Apprenticeship Brokerage and other schemes.”

Chris Soule, Policy Lead at the East Anglia Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The programme will bring real and tangible support to our members and will transform this region. The growth fund is for people like our members, it is about government putting its trust in Small and Medium businesses to deliver where others have failed.”

A recent meeting of the Chamber’s Planning & Development Group (CPDG) highlighted that the property market appears to be booming. New build residential house prices and sales are very positive, possibly as a result of the Help to Buy scheme.

The industrial property sector is also strengthening, especially as prices are becoming more realistic, however the office market is not faring as well. There is a depletion of Grade A office space in Norwich and a glut of old office stock, the majority of which is outdated and not what most modern businesses are looking for. A change in the planning regulations means that a ‘change of use’ may be possible for some of this old stock and this may result in the office market improving going forward.

The retail property sector is also ‘holding its own’ however market towns continue to stagnate as a result of supermarkets and competition from Norwich itself.

The letting market is also experience a steady upturn. A recent national survey highlighted a strong shift towards the private rental market, particularly for the younger generations, who simply cannot afford to get onto the property ladder.

Jonathan Cage, Chair of the CPDG said: “It is encouraging to see the upturn in the property market. We need to stay focussed and help drive forward growth to make the most of the opportunities in terms of both housing and the commercial sectors to boost economic growth in Norfolk.”

Disraeli once said “The Youth of a Nation are the trustees of posterity” ,”You can get your money and you put it in the bank, or you can put it in the youth. You can put it into our future” Will i Am.

From the 1800’s Victorian society to the modern world of the celebrity, the importance of investing in young people has and will be ingrained in the fabric our society and politics. It’s true then that this principle can be applied to business as the young are indeed our business of tomorrow but they can also help your business in the here and now.

As the nation steps forward finally into economic growth, after battening down the hatches businesses will be ready to grasp new opportunities available to them with both hands but many don’t have the time or the resource to do so. In the last two years of talking to our members I have been repeatedly told that the biggest challenge to our small businesses is that they are time poor and can’t afford to recruit just yet. The solution that continues to help give a huge boost to a small business is to take the leap of faith that is investing in our young people as young apprentices. Over the last 12 months Norfolk Chamber has helped dozens of our members large and small to take their first steps in taking on their first ever apprentice and start reaping the rewards. The key has been that having a young apprentice supporting your business has given the mangers and owners of businesses an economically viable way to spend more time to concentrate on growing their business rather than in the office or out on the site with the smaller yet vital tasks.

Robert Ashton, the Barefoot Entrepreneur said: “As I get busier, I find myself with less time to do the smaller tasks within my business, such as research or social media marketing – the tasks that ultimately help keep my business running. With Apprenticeships, I found a way that I could take on an extra pair of hands and through them met my apprentice, Chris Reeve. Now I can focus on what I do best and Chris has taken over the bits I don’t have time for while he works towards gaining a qualification and actually works on projects that fit his skills set, not folding and sending letters all day!” To the surprise of many a business leader, investing in a young person had rewarded them tenfold as what they may lack in general work experience they more than make up in enthusiasm, boundless spirit and ‘out of the box’ thinking.

Graham Footer CEO of Disabled Motoring UK comments on the impact of young minds in his business. “I am delighted that Disabled Motoring UK has once again had the opportunity to offer two young people the chance to join the organisation on an apprenticeship scheme. We know from previous experience that apprentices benefit the organisation in so many ways. Their enthusiasm, hunger to learn new skills and desire to prove themselves all add an extra dimension and gives the rest of the team here a real boost. On a personal note, I get a huge amount of satisfaction that we have given a young person an opportunity to begin their work career, gain valuable experience and develop their skills.

The Norfolk Chamber has made a commitment to support businesses by setting up the Apprenticeship Broker Service which is designed to help them consider all the implications of taking on a young apprentices, support them with finding the right qualification andOne of the first businesses we helped was Lamberts in Norwich who ever since have not looked back.

Trina Beare Director of Lamberts comments on the support received by the Chamber. “I have Chris to thank for introducing Lamberts to Apprentices. During one of his visits 12 months ago, the topic arose. Having little knowledge of the training schemes available to young people, i was very interested to find out what it involved and how it worked. Chris spoke at great length of the advantages and benefits of employing a younger member of staff on such an Apprenticeship programme. In March, Jordan joined us as an Apprentice Warehouse Assistant. I have to say, it’s been a very positive experience for all of us. Jordan’s enthusiasm and commitment to the company has been unfailing from the start, and he’s become an extremely valuable member of our team here at Lamberts. We are extremely proud of him for what he has achieved so far, and look forward to being an integral part of his future career”.

Jane Mccall from High Way to training has been actively engaged with training of Norfolk young people throughout her career and after using the Chamber Broker service, went the extra mile in taking on young apprentices and has a total of 8 apprentices working at bother of her new sites.

Jane comments. “We have watched our apprentices grow in confidence and ability during their first few months, developing their skills and identifying a career progression. From their perspective, they are learning and earning; as they grow and develop in our business, we see the growth from their commitment within our operations and the excellent repeat customer service their involvement is bringing. We have eight apprentices currently across hospitality, business administration, retail and warehouse working in our cafe’ at Saints, 23 St John Maddermarket and Ecogreen Store Unit 19a St Mary’s Works Duke Street. Our apprentices now effectively assist in daily operations and are actively promoting our products and services within the local community; they have quickly become assets to our businesses.”

These are just a few of the recent success stories of young people being brought into a business and really having a measurable impact in helping the business grow.

At the Chamber we started our apprenticeship journey over 18 months ago with Katie joining us here in the membership team. Since then she has gone from strength to strength and now is a key member of the events team taking lead on her very own events. Due to the success of Katie, we now have two other apprentices here who have become vital members of the team and with them we have been able to grow.

If you want to look into how you too can benefit from taking on a young apprentice then let the Norfolk Chamber Apprenticeship Brokerage Service help you by contacting Chris Perry on: 01603 625977 or e-mailing [email protected]

Chris Perry- Business Manager Norfolk Chamber

Many smart business owners and managers are waking up to the advantages of Vehicle Tracking and Telematics as a way of saving money and increasing business profits.

Whether you have 3 or 300 vehicles in your fleet it pays to manage and control your vehicle costs. Increasing efficiency is a fast way to reduce costs and add bigger profits to your bottom line.

We specialise in working with business owners, fleet and transport managers to use advanced technology that can help –

Reduce fuel costs significantly – one of our recent clients enjoyed a 27% saving in less than one year.

Reduce vehicle damage, wear and tear – by monitoring driving styles and behaviour, with positive feedback to drivers.

Control Job-Flow Management – our systems and support enable you to increase efficiency, cutting down on wasted travel time and delivery schedules.

Safety & Security – now you can monitor where drivers and, more importantly, your loads are. Also reduce the risk of fraudulent accident claims.

Finance & Tax Savings – vehicle tracking meets HMRC’s strict rules on fuel and mileage evidence, helping you to recover costs.

Communications – enjoy increased efficiency through real-time communications with drivers and agents, cutting down wasted transport costs.

More than just ‘little black boxes’ –

At Independent Tracking we deliver a full consultancy and advisory service to our clients, helping them to access the range of benefits that cutting-edge telematics can deliver.

A comprehensive approach means that first we analyse your business transport requirements and usage, enabling us to create a powerful solutions that will produce fast benefits and savings.

Our comprehensive approach to working with you isn’t limited to basics like fuel savings; we also help you to reduce issues like accidents and fraudulent collision claims. Our systems are also crucial in enabling you to satisfy the increasingly strict rules for tax reclaims on vehicle use and fuel costs.

By maintaining a close relationship with you we can help to monitor how best to apply our Cost-Savings Recommendations and Solutions Packages. On-going support and full training ensure that you’ll see benefits quickly as you adopt these.

What we’re known for –

We’re very proud of the reputation we’ve gain in just a few years for practical and effective solutions that meet our clients’ specific needs.

But it’s more than that; it’s about helping others understand the real benefits that new technology can deliver, and quickly. Our case studies demonstrate this clearly.

In a no nonsense manner we will work with you, to find out what you need, what will give your business the greatest benefit and most importantly, what really works for you.

As a smaller and effective team, we deliver on our promise of real customer service and at the same time carry the weight and pedigree of representing a leading global brand through our partnership with TomTom.

At Independent Tracking we serve the needs of clients at any size or scale. If your fleet is three, or three hundred vehicles, we believe that all of our customers should speak to someone familiar and reliable when they need help or advice.

From advising on products to arranging purchase finance we are with you every step of the way on your journey into the world of telematics. And when you are ready to expand your fleet, change vehicles or upgrade your system we are there to offer help, advice and support.

Right from the beginning we very carefully selected our partner companies when we started trading. We are only happy to recommend and sell products that we are happy to use, so we don’t have to offer a huge number of companies products, preferring to build a reputation as selecting and offering the best.

We know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident when using new technology, that’s why we will offer you free initial training and if required, are happy to arrange further instruction for you and your team. Our aim is to drive your best result.

Working as we do as official partners of TomTom we know we have all the backing required to be able to deal with any requirement and on any scale.

Talk to us to day and find out why the smart people choose Independent Tracking.

www.independenttracking.co.uk0845 459 4998TwitterGoogle+

Alex Morris, Lambda Films, showed up ready to give the delegates a delightful insight into the world of video marketing. Alex opened by talking about the best way to get their videos out there: YouTube. He showed the delegates some of YouTube’s most famous videos and some of the best marketing videos it has to offer. He delved into the analytical side of YouTube and different ways of how to use the site so that delegates gained a full understanding. Alex felt his attendees gained a “greater understanding of the YouTube platform.” Alex also interacted greatly with his delegates, involving them by asking questions and getting them to share their video marketing stories. Alex also got the group to share the video editing software they use personally, and told them how simple it is to create a video, even on a Smartphone. If he could give the delegates on top tip, it would be to “get shooting!” Alex felt his highlight of the Session was “expanding people’s minds first thing in the morning!”

The latest infrastructure report from Norfolk County Council provides an update on the progress of the A11 improvements; the work being done to improve the A47 corridor; and the latest news on the Northern Distributor Road. It also outlines the rail improvements, the Better Bus Area Programme and the most recent news on the Better Broadband campaign. The full details are attached.

Read the latest information from the British Chambers of Commerce Energy Group in the attached document. This update will highlight the latest call to action to maximise North Sea Oil and Gas; a review of the business energy market; more proposed fracking sites for Lancashire; as well as the latest Carbon Capture and storage project to get funding.

The latest report for Norwich City Council has highlighted the business confidence continues to climb. The BDO LLP report highlighted that business optimism was at its highest level for 22 years in January, suggesting the economy will continue to grow rapidly over the coming six months. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to maintain interest rates at 0.5 per cent this month, despite the lower than target inflation rate

The number of apprenticeship vacancies in the East of England posted online between August and October increased by 23% to 3,640, according to figures from the National Apprenticeship Service. Meanwhile online applications for apprenticeships rose by 33% to 39,600 in the region.

Construction has begun at Pointers Field on the first affordable homes that Norwich City Council has built in the city for more than 20 years. These new Norwich City Council 6 homes are of huge significance. Not only as the first council homes to be built for a considerable period of time, but also as the first milestone in the council’s commitment to building an additional 250 homes across the city over the next five years, as set out in the latest housing strategy.

The full report is attached.

During this Chamber Session Chand Chudasama, Price Bailey, shared with delegates his top tips for inspiring innovation within business. He spoke to delegates about structured plans within their offices to drive profitable growth for their businesses. If Chand could give one top tip to take away, it would be to “think long term” about building innovation within your business. Chand’s highlight from the Session was that the audience asked questions and really got involved, creating great interaction within the group.

The public sector is the UK’s single largest marketplace, spending over £238bn on goods and services each year. The Supply National SME Engagement Programme recognises the opportunity this holds for UK SMEs and provides them with all the tools and knowledge needed to successfully compete for public sector business.

There are three easy steps to winning your share of the Government’s £238bn annual spend:

1. Find the right opportunity Register with the Supply National SME Engagement Programme and gain instant access to FREE public sector contracts in the local area of your choice.

2. Learn how to win tenders The Supply National SME Engagement Programme gives you a competitive edge by keeping you constantly informed of the latest developments.

3. Prepare to grow Access our proven procurement training workshops and webinars and discover how to submit successful tender bids.

Why is now the right time for your business to work with Government?

• Payment: Government has committed to ensuring that SMEs get paid faster
• Opportunity: Contracts are available now for SMEs across all sectors
• Simplicity: PQQs are to be abolished for contracts under a value of £100,000
• Speed: Contracts are being awarded more quickly than ever before
• Innovation: Procurement practice is now more SME-friendly
• Business-focused: 25% of central government contracts for SMEs by 2015
• Longstanding: Government is a great customer now and for the future
• Engagement: Direct and indirect spend with SMEs is up by £5bn since 2010

There has never been a better time for SMEs to work with the public sector. The Supply National SME Engagement Programme is the clear choice for turning the ambition of growth into reality.

Register for FREE now and start winning new business today.

On Thursday 27 February over 70 Norfolk Chamber Members attended our sold-out business breakfast to learn about HP’s innovative ambition for Norfolk.

As our venue sponsor, Norwich Cathedral provided the stunning location for the breakfast, in the beautiful Weston Room. Our host for the morning was Norfolk Chamber President, Ian Hacon CEO of Blue Sky Leisure. After hearing from our sponsor, Ian started the breakfast with a Norfolk Chamber hallmark ice breaker activity, designed to get everyone talking, introducing themselves and exchanging business cards. The room was packed, buzzing with conversation, as delegates took part in ‘One Truth, One Lie’ whereby they had to say two facts about their business, one of which was false and the other true and delegates had to guess which ones was which.

Over breakfast the networking continued, and was followed by delegates taking part in a Safari move that enabled them to meet with a whole new table of contacts. We heard from Russell Ede, Employment Coach at our event featured charity, the Shaw Trust who took a few minutes to talk about to work they are doing locally.

It was then time to hear from our two keynote speakers, Patrick Stephenson, Account Executive at Hewlett Packard and Tom Baker, Chief Information Officer at Norfolk County Council about the Digital Ambition Project.

Patrick explained how HP want to work with innovative local suppliers and small businesses to collaborate with Norfolk County Council on the digital ambition project. The project aims to create a new digital infrastructure for Norfolk with aims of becoming a ‘connected city’. HP intend to help businesses maximise social and economic benefit to the county by working with as many innovative SME’s as possible.

A Q&A session took place with various questions form delegates relating to aspects of the project, including a request to get companies together to innovate and bounce ideas of each other which HP are currently achieving through HP ‘Hot Houses’.

Delegates had a lot of positive things to talk about on twitter;

Ermine Sandler of Sandler Training tweeted“@Nrw_Cathedral beautiful breakfast in Weston room #chambernetworking @norfolkchamber #DigitalNorfolk”

Eastworkstweeted“Off to Launching Digital Norfolk @norfolkchamber this morning. Businesses looking to progress future for the region. #chambernetworking”

Norwich Cathedral ‏tweeted“Fantastic @norfolkchamber Business Breakfast at the Cathedral this morning.”

To view photos of the event, visit ourFacebookpage orGoogle+page

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills and HMRC are organising a series of workshops for high-tech SME’s who are looking to invest in R & D and innovation with the aim of growing and becoming more competitive.

The workshops will cover support provided by HMRC, the Technology Strategy Board, EU programmes, Intellectual Property Office (formerly the Patent Office) and the Design Council, and build on the popular programme of events launched last year.

This workshop will consist of a selection of 20 minute presentations followed by 10 minutes of questions on the following topics

• HMRC – R&D tax credits, Patent Box
• Technology Strategy Board – grants, knowledge transfer, networking, procurement opportunities and more
• EU – funding for business research and development and innovation – find out about the substantial opportunities under the H2020 programme launched this January
• Intellectual Property Office – patents, how to optimise the value of your intellectual property
• Design Council – help to strengthen the potential of your innovation, identify opportunities to commercialise your technology and then realise those opportunities through design projects

Registration will be from from 8am and a light breakfast will be provided, with presenting organisations providing short introductions from 8:30am. Delegates will then choose which of the individual presentations they would most like to attend. There will be a maximum of 30 delegates per presentation.

Date and Venue

Tuesday 11 March – Cambridge Hauser Forum – The Seminar Centre

If you have any food allergies that you would like us to be aware of or require any further information please email [email protected]