Chamber News

“Financial advice for you and your business.

As proud Headline Sponsor of the Business Zone at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show, we are excited to be part of one of the region’s most anticipated events.

Our presence at the show reflects our commitment to championing Norfolk’s businesses and the future of succession planning. With a strong focus on intergenerational wealth, business continuity, and legacy, we’re here to connect with individuals, families, and business owners who are thinking ahead.

Our experts on the day can talk you through inheritance tax planning, strategies to minimise tax liabilities and ensure that more of your wealth is preserved for future generations.

For both you and your business

Our specialist Employee Benefit Consultants provide employee benefits advice, consultancy and support to clients of all types and sizes, whether they need assistance with workplace pensions, group risk or staff communications.

We are dedicated to servicing local businesses and our aim is to offer our clients unrivalled employee benefits expertise and unmatched levels of service.

How we can help

Whether you need holistic financial advice, understand the evolving landscape of inheritance tax, scaling up or looking to sell your business, our experienced professionals are here to guide you through every decision, we’d love to welcome you to our stand.

Book time with us at the Royal Norfolk Show: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/

Succession Wealth is a trading style of Succession Wealth Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number 588378. For further details on authorisation and registration details, please refer to the Key Disclosures section.”

At this year’s Festival of Knowledge, we had the pleasure of speaking with a representative from Lovells, a leading construction company passionate about inspiring the next generation of talent. Their message was clear — construction is not just about bricklaying; it’s a world full of diverse career opportunities that often go unrecognised.

“Construction is such an underrated industry,” they explained. “There’s a common misconception that it’s only for people who aren’t academic, but in reality, there’s a huge range of roles — from architects and designers to quantity surveyors, estimators, and even administrators — that keep the industry moving.”

The construction sector plays a critical role in building our communities, and yet there’s a noticeable skills gap. Lovells highlighted that for every tradesperson on-site, there are 10 to 15 people behind the scenes ensuring the project runs smoothly. This includes project managers, engineers, health and safety officers, and more — roles that require a broad range of skills and talents.

A Career for Life

One of the most inspiring takeaways from the conversation was the potential for career progression in construction. “There’s a real pathway for growth,” they shared. “You can start as a carpenter or bricklayer and end up as a site manager, construction manager, or even a regional managing director. I know people who started out on the tools and now earn six-figure salaries.”

It’s not just the career progression that makes construction a compelling industry; it’s also the variety of work and environments. “You’re outside, meeting new people, learning new skills, and constantly developing,” they added. “It’s a career where no two days are the same.”

Opportunities for Women in Construction

A key point raised was the increasing number of women in construction roles. Lovells is proud to have female bricklayers, site managers, and other professionals driving their projects forward. “One of our site cleaners is now a trainee site manager — it just shows how accessible career growth is in construction.”

The team emphasised that construction isn’t a ‘one-path’ career. People can start in one role and transition into another, carving out a career that suits their skills and interests.

A Focus on Mental Health

Another inspiring aspect of the conversation was Lovells’ commitment to mental health. Their team has expanded its number of Mental Health First Aiders and regularly runs mental health workshops to ensure their workforce feels supported.

“We’ve seen a shift in recent years. More people are opening up about their struggles, and it’s important they know there’s support on-site,” they explained. “It’s not just about building houses — it’s about building people up too.”

Why Events Like Festival of Knowledge Matter

Lovells’ team praised the Festival of Knowledge for giving them the chance to engage with young people directly. “Events like this are crucial,” they said. “It helps break down the stereotypes around construction and shows students that it’s a career full of opportunities — for everyone.”

As Lovells highlighted, the construction industry has space for every skill set, background, and ambition. Whether you’re hands-on, creative, analytical, or a people person — there’s a role waiting for you.

So, to all the young people who attended the Festival of Knowledge — the future is being built, and you could be a part of it.

Business sentiment in Norfolk has fallen sharply as new data from the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2025 reveals mounting concern over rising tax burdens and slowing growth.

The findings, based on responses from more than 5,000 UK firms, including organisations in Norfolk, highlight the impact of the recently introduced national insurance hike and continued cost pressures, prompting warnings about reduced investment, subdued confidence, and widespread price increases.

– 66% of Norfolk businesses say tax, including national insurance, is now a concern, the second highest level on record following a peak in the previous quarter  

– Business confidence remains subdued, with less than half of UK firms (48%) expecting turnover to increase in the next 12 months  

– A third (34%) of businesses have cut back on investment in the past three months, while only 20% have increased investment  

– 74% of Norfolk firms are expecting to put up their prices over the next three months, with labour costs continuing to be the main driver.

 The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 shows that business sentiment remains very weak as taxation continues to be the top concern. 

 66% of Norfolk’s surveyed firms cite it as a worry (compared with 63% in Q4 2024), the second highest level on record.  

Business confidence remains low, with only 23% of Norfolk businesses expecting turnover to increase over the next 12 months, way below the national figure of 48% (a figure itself down from 49% in Q4). In comparison, pre-Budget confidence was 30% for Norfolk businesses in Q2 2024 and 36% in Q3 2024. Nationally, confidence levels are lowest in the retail industry (38%) and the transport and logistics sector (40%).   

The survey was carried out before the recent Spending Review, with the fieldwork conducted between 10 February and 10 March. The data from over 5,000 businesses across the UK (including those in Norfolk, of whom 88% are SMEs) also shows that most firms are expecting to raise prices. 

 Tax remains the top concern, with inflation still a worry  

With the national insurance rise now in effect, concern about taxation remains the main concern for businesses – cited by 66% of responding firms in Norfolk. Yet this is down slightly from 75% in Q4 2024. This is the second highest level of tax concern since 2017, when the BCC started asking this question. The levels in certain sectors around the country are higher, with 68% of transport and logistics firms and 64% of production and manufacturing businesses raising tax as a concern.  

Concern about inflation has reduced slightly since the previous quarter – 46% compared to 49% in Q4. Concern about inflation is most prevalent in the construction industry, with 57% of firms identifying it as a concern. Worry about interest rates has dropped slightly to 23%, compared to 25% in Q4.    

Business confidence remains subdued following Budget measures  

Business confidence in Norfolk has fallen further since the immediate aftermath of the Budget, with 44% of our county’s firms say they expect their turnover to increase in the next twelve months. Across the UK, the figure is 48%, which is the lowest since the aftermath of the mini-budget in late 2022. A fifth (21%) of UK businesses expect turnover to worsen (the same as Q4), and 31% expect no change.   

Profitability confidence for our local businesses also continues to be hit. 36% of firms expect profits to increase over the next year (virtually unchanged from 35% in Q4), while the same number of businesses expect them to fall has gone up (36% in Q1 vs 32% in Q4).  

Most businesses are planning to raise prices   

Nearly three quarters (74%) of Norfolk’s responding firms say they expect to raise their prices in the next three months, a big increase on the 44% Q4. While 55% of businesses expect prices to stay the same, and only 1% expect them to decrease.   

Labour continues to be far and away the main cost pressure for firms across the county, cited by 85% of businesses (83% in Q4). Looking nationally, the issue is most significant for the production and manufacturing sector, with 82% reporting it as a challenge, followed by 81% of firms in the transport and logistics sector alongside hospitality businesses. All of which are major employers in Norfolk.   

More firms have cut back on investment plans  

As local businesses navigate rising cost pressures, 34% of responding firms say they have cut back on investment plans in the past three months, up from 28% in Q4. A mere 12% of businesses say they have increased investment plans, a big fall from the 25% in Q4. 

The issue is more marked in certain sectors around the UK, with 40% of hospitality firms and 35% of retailers reporting a scaling back of investment plans.   

Business conditions struggle  

The percentage of respondents reporting increased domestic sales has actually increased slightly to 27% compared to 22% in Q4, bucking a national downward trend. 44% reported no change and just under one third (29%) of firms said they had seen a decrease in sales. Nationwide retailers were the most likely to have seen a fall in sales (37%) followed by manufacturers and hospitality firms (35%).   

A third of businesses (43%) report a fall in cash flow over the last three months, up from 34% in Q4. Meanwhile, an unprecedented low of 13% of firms have seen an increase, while for 44%, cashflow has remained the same.  

What Norfolk businesses say:  

Medium-sized consultancy business  – “Rise in National Insurance will be a significant hit.” 

Medium-sized accountancy business  – “Tax changes are severely damaging profitability, and this will feed through to salaries and pricing.” 

Micro retail business  – “Tax burden is even more evident this, and I fear for the future.” 

Large tourism business – “We have chosen as a business to retain our headline pricing, but have increased some costs due to investment and staffing costs. We have reduced costs and delayed some recruitment. 

Medium-sized manufacturer – “Noticeable drop-off in domestic business since last Autumn, and competition is dropping prices significantly to gain work and keep ticking over.” 

Small environmental consultancy – “We operate in the sustainability market, and the current Net Zero fatigue and geopolitical rhetoric is a concern.” 

Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:  

“It’s obvious that business sentiment has been at a low ebb following the Autumn Budget last year, and this new dataset shows no improvement to that. By several of the metrics, we have seen a further worsening across the country. For many Norfolk businesses, the Spring Statement was a further blow.  

“This is to be expected as costs have piled on businesses simultaneously. On the domestic side, tax rises, specifically the NICs increase, are consistently cited by businesses as a concern. Added to this, an emerging global tariff war could prove a major blow for both importers and exporters.  

“The end result is a low growth outlook, weak investment among SMEs, and damage to global trade. As we see from the data, as more firms expect price rises, this could further fuel inflation and limit further interest rate cuts.”  

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

“The national insurance rise has been an impending concern for months. From this weekend, it will become a toxic reality for millions of businesses across the UK.   

“Our survey shows tax continues to remain the top concern, with firms telling us they are planning to cut investment and raise prices, just to balance the books. In the past 24 hours, exporting firms have been dealt a further hammer blow by US tariffs. The cost pressures for business at home and abroad are now huge.   

“Sustained economic growth will only come through businesses, not government. While there were some limited announcements in the Spring Statement, which we welcome, it is hard to get away from the bleak growth predictions.   

“We urgently need the government to publish a wider tax roadmap, which includes national insurance, to give firms a direction of travel to lower cost pressures. Ministers must also focus on infrastructure projects and promoting exports as a springboard for business growth.   

“The Employment Rights Bill also threatens to fuel further costs and complexity on businesses at a very delicate time. While Government has listened and made some sensible changes, the legislation as it stands risks unintended consequences which will limit economic growth.   

“The Government needs businesses to invest and grow to kickstart the economy. But unless swift action is taken to ease cost pressures and support firms, growth will remain elusive.”  

Notes to editor

The QES survey was conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce to nearly 5,000 respondents between 10^thFebruary to 10^th March.

Press contact: [email protected]

About the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce

The Norfolk Chambers is a not-for-profit independent business and is one of 53 accredited Chambers by the British Chambers of Commerce.

We are a business membership organisation, from start-up businesses, small and medium enterprises, and on to global brands, the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce embraces and represents the County’s business community. 

We provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, offer business services, signpost to business opportunities and inspire innovative thinking to enable companies to do better business. Our voice is your voice, amplified through established connections, to ensure that politicians both local and in Westminster are focussed on creating and enhancing the conditions that are most conducive for economic growth in our region. The Chamber’s long track record of 126 years and our diverse membership, make us the pre-eminent network and one of the most respected voices of business in Norfolk.

Reacting to news of a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US and higher tariffs for other countries, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint, and getting the best deal for the UK is what matters most.

 “But no-one will escape the fallout from these decisions, there will be an increased risk of trade diversion, and it will wreak havoc on businesses communities across the world.

 “Orders will drop, prices will rise, and global economic demand will be weaker as a result. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone.

 “So, it is vitally important that the government does not give up on negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time and the US has signalled its willingness to do some form of deal with us.

“The UK is not without influence, our bilateral trade with the US is worth £300bn, we have £500bn invested there and it has £700bn tied up in our economy. There is a high-level of co-dependency and we are speaking to businesses across the UK on options for government to consider. 

 “There are no winners in the current scenario, negotiations will take time and will inevitably involve compromise. Any decisions on taxes will need to be taken very carefully, and the government must consider all its fiscal options.

“It should keep everything on the table during talks, but retaliatory tariffs should only be a last resort.

 “Many firms, especially SMEs, will now be facing difficult decisions and we urge government to do all it can to provide practical support to them.

 “We would advise businesses to immediately start negotiations with their US customers on managing the impact of these tariffs – depending on their contracts, there may be deals to be done. In the long-term exploring replacement markets, especially the EU, CPTPP countries or other trade deals, due to be made later this year, will be options.

 “Support may also be available from the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee scheme which can offer financial support to firms with cashflow issues.”

Norfolk Chambers are actively engaging with businesses across the region and working closely with the British Chambers of Commerce to assess the impact of these tariffs. We understand the challenges this presents, particularly for Norfolk’s key export sectors, and we are committed to supporting local businesses through this period of uncertainty.

We will continue to provide guidance, advocate for our members, and explore all available options to mitigate the effects. If your business is affected, we encourage you to get in touch with us to share your concerns and access the latest advice and support.

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement included measures aimed at addressing skills shortages, reforming planning, and simplifying procurement processes. While some businesses may benefit from these changes, challenges remain, particularly with rising costs and a downgraded economic growth forecast.

Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Chambers, said:

“It is disappointing that the Chancellor didn’t take this opportunity to offer an olive branch to the business community, especially after October’s budget that felt like a raid on the very people on whom so much of the government’s growth aspirations depend.

“The improving picture on inflation is welcome, so too is the confirmed investment in addressing skills and training needs, which our members consistently tell us is a major barrier to growth. Likewise, the work underway to reform planning and unlock development is a positive step, even though the economic and business growth benefits of those measures will take time to come through.

“Investment in defence and the simplification of procurement processes could benefit some in the relevant supply chains, but with the OBR halving the growth forecast from 2% to 1%, this will come as little comfort to Norfolk businesses.

“As we look to next week when businesses face a hike in NI contributions and an increase in minimum wage, this Spring Statement will have minimal positive impact on how businesses feel right now.

“Looking ahead, we need action from the government to reset the UK/EU trade relationship, minimise the costs and complexity for businesses from the Employment Rights legislation and give more certainty about when we can expect the tax burden on business to ease.

“Norfolk businesses will, as ever, rise to the challenge and continue to be the backbone of our local economy. But we need this government to meet them halfway and create the right conditions for them to grow.”

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Spring Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses are feeling battered and bruised by the heavy cost pressures looming within days. The Chancellor must use her Spring Statement to offer some respite.

“From next week, firms face an unpalatable menu of higher national insurance (NI) and minimum wage bills, coupled with the impact of further US tariffs. There will be little escape for businesses, with our research showing 82% of firms will be impacted by just the NI rise.  

“Our asks of the Chancellor are clear. We want to see her outline a wider tax roadmap, which includes national insurance and business rates, giving firms a clearer idea of when costs will be lowered. 

“Businesses also want to see faster movement on infrastructure development and renewed support for exports, including a UK/EU reset that removes trade barriers. Finally, the government must do all it can to minimise costs and complexity for business from the proposed Employment Rights legislation.

“Businesses are key to getting the economy out of its current growth rut. The Chancellor needs to pull ever lever possible this week, and in the coming months, to get firms investing, recruiting and exporting.”

Notes to editors:             

Spokespeople are available for interview

About the British Chambers of Commerce - Where Business Belongs

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 51 Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of firms. It provides a unified voice for these companies, rooted in their communities, at the national level. We link our UK network with over 75 international member chambers, to promote trade and investment, and work for a better future for businesses around the world.           

For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Steve Partridge – Head of Media and Communications              

[email protected]  

+44 (0) 7825 746812

David Pearson – Senior Press Manager  

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7944 342013

The A47 Alliance successfully made the case for vital improvements to the A47 at a Parliamentary Drop-In event on the 12^th March, where members engaged with the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP, on the urgent need to dual the A47 and establish a stronger East-West Strategic Route for the East of England.

The event, sponsored by Jess Asato MP, brought together key representatives from Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Transport East, the Road Haulage Association, and Peel Ports. MPs and their representatives from across the A47 route attended and agreed to continue conversations with the Minister on this crucial infrastructure campaign. The A47 is a vital transport artery connecting the Midlands and the North to Norfolk and the wider East Anglia region. However, decades of underinvestment have left 53% of the route as single carriageway, creating severe congestion, unreliable journey times, and significant safety concerns. 90% of fatal accidents on the A47 in the past five years have occurred on single-carriageway sections and is estimated to be costing the UK economy an estimated £25 million annually.

For Norfolk-based businesses, these deficiencies directly impact freight, delivery services, and commuter times, restricting economic growth and limiting investment opportunities. The A47 Alliance is campaigning to change this by securing long-overdue upgrades to the route.

During the event, Lilian Greenwood MP recognised the A47’s strategic importance to the region’s economy and the need for infrastructure improvements. She commended the Alliance for its “spirited campaigning” and assured attendees that the “A47 would not be forgotten” in upcoming decisions on transport investment.

Jonathan Cage, President of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said, “As President of the Norfolk Chambers and a business leader whose company has been involved in numerous development projects along the A47, I fully recognise the urgent need for its improvement.

“Enhancing this key route would not only boost driver safety and reduce travel times but also create opportunities for businesses to expand, attract investment, and deliver a strong return on infrastructure spending. Better connectivity would unlock stalled developments in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and King’s Lynn while providing a faster, more efficient link to new markets in the Midlands and the North.

“Upgrading the A47 would help alleviate pressure on the A14 and the wider Cambridge area, offering greater resilience and a viable alternative for businesses and individuals looking to establish themselves in the East of England.

“I am very pleased that the Parliamentary reception went well and that the Minister listened and took onboard our requests. Whilst funding assurances were not given at the event, it is obvious that our campaign message went down well and that the A47 will not be forgotten. The A47 Alliance and key stakeholders presented a strong campaign by coming together in a truly collaborative manner.”

Councillor Graham Plant, Chairperson of the A47 Alliance, added, “I am pleased that the Minister attended our Parliamentary reception, and I am grateful to Jess Asato MP for sponsoring us, as well as the cross-party work our MPs are doing to secure investment for this vital route.

“While we weren’t expecting to come away with funding assurances from the Minister, it was heartening to hear that she fully recognised the need for better infrastructure to connect the East of England to the rest of the country.

“She has assured us that as decisions around funding infrastructure are taken forward, the A47 will not be forgotten. I look forward to further discussions with her, National Highways, and the Department for Transport on the need for improvements on the A47.”

The A47 Alliance will continue working closely with stakeholders and policymakers to secure the necessary investment for dualling and improvements along the route. These upgrades are essential to boosting business growth, improving freight movement, and ensuring a safer, more efficient transport network for the East of England.

For more information, please visit: www.a47alliance.co.uk.

The Norfolk LSIP team was delighted to attend the official opening of the brand-new Construction Skills Hub at City College Norwich today. The event was marked by a special visit from The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills, who conducted the official opening.

Jerry White, Principal and CEO of City College Norwich, welcomed guests for an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art facilities. Attendees had the opportunity to see students in action, showcasing their skills in plumbing, heating, and electrical installation.

Speaking with students, it was clear that this specialist hub is a much-needed and highly valued addition to the college’s facilities, helping to bridge the skills gap and support the next generation of construction professionals.

A fantastic investment in the future of Norfolk’s workforce!

Norfolk Chambers would like to warn our members and the wider business community about fraudulent emails being sent in our name. It is incredibly frustrating that scammers continue to misuse our identity to distribute fake messages, and we are urging everyone to remain vigilant.

These deceptive emails may appear legitimate, but they are not from us. To ensure your security, always check the sender’s email address. If the sender’s email address doesn’t end in @norfolkchambers.co.uk, then it is not from us.

– Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.

– Double-check the email address before responding to any message claiming to be from Norfolk Chambers.

– Delete the email immediately and do not engage with the sender. 

Your awareness and caution can help stop scammers in their tracks. Stay safe and remain alert!

The Festival of Knowledge is set to return for its second year, building on the success of its predecessor, the Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival. Now established as Norfolk’s premier careers event, the two-day festival will take place on 5th and 6th March 2025 at the Royal Norfolk Showground, bringing together over 100 local exhibitors to inspire thousands of local students as they explore potential career paths. 

Designed for students aged 14–17, the Festival of Knowledge offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with local employers, industry experts, and education providers. The event is structured around dedicated career-focused zones, making it easier for students to connect with employers in sectors they aspire to join.  

These zones cover a diverse range of industries, including construction, agriculture and food, engineering and manufacturing, financial services, healthcare and hospitality, digital and creative industries, energy, public sector, transport, aviation and aerospace, and the charity sector.  

Delivered in collaboration with Norfolk and Suffolk Careers Hub and Norfolk County Council, who have been engaging with local schools and education to arrange the logistics for students to attend the two-day event.   

Whether students are considering apprenticeships, further education, or a spark of inspiration, the festival provides invaluable insights into the opportunities available within Norfolk’s thriving economy. 

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

“For young people who are unsure about their future career or already have a specific industry in mind, this event provides the perfect opportunity to explore their options, ask questions, and gain inspiration for the path ahead.  

“Norfolk is home to some of the UK’s most innovative industries, and with a growing economy, it’s the perfect place to build a successful and fulfilling career. Whether students are considering apprenticeships or further education, this event is all about helping the next generation of talent discover opportunities and find inspiration for their future careers.”  

The event is delivered in partnership with key sponsors including The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), SaxonAir, Lovell, and Morgan Sindall, all of whom are committed to developing Norfolk’s future workforce. 

Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, who are sponsoring the Construction Zone, added: 

“We are incredibly proud to be the Construction Sponsor for the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Festival of Knowledge, the county’s largest event dedicated to showcasing careers, skills, and innovation.  

At Lovell, we understand the importance of inspiring the next generation to explore the diverse opportunities available within the construction industry and beyond. This event provides a unique platform for young people to connect with businesses, spark curiosity about future career pathways, and highlight Norfolk as a hub of talent and growth.” 

Emma Bennett, Head of Community Benefits at National Grid, said: 

“We are delighted to be part of the Energy Zone at this year’s Festival of Knowledge. We look forward to collaborating with other regional employers, to inspire the next generation about the exciting opportunities and innovations happening in the energy sector.” 

For more information on the Festival of Knowledge please visit: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/festival-of-knowledge-2025/ 

 ENDS

Notes to editor 

Press contact: [email protected]  

About the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce  The Norfolk Chambers is a not-for-profit independent business membership organisation and is one of 53 accredited Chambers by the British Chambers of Commerce. 

We are a business membership organisation, from start-up businesses, small and medium enterprises, and on to global brands, the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce embraces and represents the County’s business community.  

We provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, offer business services, signpost to business opportunities and inspire innovative thinking to enable companies to do better business. Our voice is your voice, amplified through established connections, to ensure that politicians both local and in Westminster are focussed on creating and enhancing the conditions that are most conducive for economic growth in our region.  The Chambers’ long track record of 126 years and our diverse membership, make us the pre-eminent network and one of the most respected voices of business in Norfolk.