At Norfolk Chambers of Commerce we love to experience first-hand the amazing work our members do across the county. On the morning of Tuesday 30 April local businesses also joined us to see the great work done by the Hawk and Owl Trust as we held our first ‘netwalking’ event! As members arrived at the Hawk and Owl Trust reserve in Sculthorpe we welcomed them with freshly cooked breakfast rolls and plenty of tea and coffee. Attendees were networking over breakfast enjoying views of two week old lambs out the window. After a few words from the Hawk and Owl Trust Fundraiser, Angela Glynn, their Conservation Officer Nigel Middleton prepared attendees for the guided walk they were about to take across the 53 acre site. As Nigel guided us through the reserve, attendees had time to spark conversations both business and nature related to the sounds of various bird species around us! We stopped at several points along the walk to hear from Nigel about the reserve, including a treetop ‘Hide’ which was built entirely by volunteers for visitors to sit and watch from. After we’d finished our walk we gathered back in their facilities for a hot drink and continued conversations. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for businesses meet one another in a refreshing environment surrounded purely by nature and great work. The Hawk and Owl Trust have recently launched a corporate membership scheme allowing businesses to join for a yearly donation, receiving membership cards for staff to use, an Owl nesting box via their ‘Adopt a Box’ scheme and much more. Get in touch to find out more.
Our businesses are the voice of this great county, and we all know how hard everyone works to push forward and to carve out a successful business profile. So, when companies achieve great things, we want to shout about it. With several Norfolk businesses winning Queen’s Awards this year; Liftshare, Snap-on and Panel Graphics; this is certainly something to shout about! Now in its 53rd year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2019 recognises the innovation and services provided by British businesses to the local, national and international markets. The awards also highlight the hard work and focus of running a successful business too. With 200 national businesses receiving these awards- there are four categories;
International trade
Innovation
Sustainable growth
Promoting opportunity
Liftshare Our member, Liftshare has won this year’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which is great news! This is their second Queen’s award, winning their first back in 2008. To date Liftshare have helped their members to save 141,000 tonnes of CO2 and over £72, million in cost too. Wow, that is a lot of good environmental work, keep going! Liftshare’s CEO, Ali Clabburn, said of the recognition: “Winning the award in 2008 was a huge honour, but to have won it again 11 years later is a testament to the incredible work my team has done to help companies and individuals to travel more sustainably. We are constantly innovating to provide our clients with cutting edge technology, alongside proven behavioural change techniques to guarantee the schemes we implement are a success. Working with our base of over 700 clients to help them change and improve the way their staff travel is so satisfying, and their success really is our success. The bigger and better their schemes become, the larger our network grows.” If you and your company could benefit from working Liftshare do get in touch. Snap-on Based in Kings Lynn, Snap-on is a leading manufacturer and supplier for automotive equipment and diagnostic platforms. Receiving two awards; Innovation Award and International Trade, Mark Ost General Manager for diagnostics and equipment at Snap-on, commented: “It is a true honour and privilege for our achievements here at Snap-on to be recognised with the rare and prestigious accolade of two separate Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. Snap-on continues to grow in all markets at home and abroad and we will continue to work hard on bringing exciting new products and technologies to the markets we operate in as well as continuously demonstrating our commitment to innovation.” Panel Graphic Specialising in plastics that are layered with a special coating to make them non-reflective and easier to read. Panel Graphics supplies some of the largest and well-known brands such as Aston Martin, Lotus and other blue-chip companies. Managing Director Steve Earl commented on their success “Winning this prestigious award is a massive pat on the back for the whole Panel Graphics team, it also makes us realise the significant achievements the company has made in growing the business internationally by selling our highly innovative coatings and specialist plastic materials to some of the world’s biggest blue-chip organisations.”
We’re currently recruiting for two exciting roles to strengthen the team at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: International Trade Coordinator and Customer Experience Team Member.
We are looking for people with amazing passion and enthusiasm, who are committed to making a real difference, by supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors in this fast-paced environment.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is a not for profit business membership organisation with over 900 members of all sizes and sectors. We provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, offer business services and support, international trade documentation, signposting to business opportunities and inspire innovative thinking to enable companies to do better business. Our mission is to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provides crucial support for businesses trading internationally and businesses seeking advice. We are looking to recruit International Trade Coordinator to the busy International Trade Department to help businesses export/import their goods abroad. The ideal candidate must be used to working in a fast-paced environment working to deadlines for the quick turnaround of documentation to our customers.
Accredited Chambers of Commerce in every nation and region of the UK are trusted to help British goods reach customers overseas. By certifying the origin of goods, Chambers help to reduce the possibility that overseas customs authorities stop British shipments – helping to ensure the smooth passage of UK goods across international borders. The candidate will undergo international trade qualification to become one of the 350 qualified specialists in the UK Chamber Network, who are on hand every working day to help business and international trade to flourish.
You’ll play an integral part within the Customer Experience Team, dealing with customer queries on a day to day basis and create new and innovative ways to help develop the business. You will actively engage by phone, email or at events with a wide range of business customers to understand and support their needs and then be motivated, inspired and driven to always exceed the customer’s expectations. The Customer Experience Team bridge and connect our customers across all our business areas (finance, international, policy and membership) and work within and environment of complete, transparency and customer care. This role is very varied with no two days being the same, you should be able to embrace change and be a natural problem solver.
Our offices are based in the outskirts of Norwich with free parking. Benefits include 26 days holiday plus bank holiday per annum, free healthcare cash plan and a pension scheme.
Closing date is Monday 13 May. First interviews for this role will take place on 23/24 May 2019, with second interviews taking place the following week.
Please apply through Indeed Jobs, clicking on the link to the role above.
Following on from the success of our One Hour Networking in King’s Lynn we are going for bigger and better. From May, our free networking will move from one hour on a Wednesday to Two Hours on a Tuesday. At the same time, we will also be increasing the Chambers overall presence in West Norfolk; by taking on a monthly dedicated Chamber space at the Town Hall in the heart of King’s Lynn for all local businesses to drop in.
One becomes Two – new ‘Two Hour Tuesday’
It’s the same brilliant networking, only better! Join us for our usual early morning networking over coffee and pastries. Delivered, in partnership with Swarm Apprenticeships and Solace Coaching, we are expanding the morning from a one hour slot to a two hour slot – for those who want to continue networking and building more new business connections.
Bigger & Better – Drop in
Following the two hour networking slot, the Chambers Team has partnered with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, to enable us to remain at the King’s Lynn Town Hall for the rest of the day and we will be available for local businesses to drop in over the day to say hi, asks questions, find out more about us. We will be joined by various ‘experts’ from within the Chambers membership, so you can have the opportunity to meet the Chamber team, discuss the ways we can support your business, as well as gaining knowledge from our on-hand experts.
West Norfolk ‘Experts’ – We Need You If you’re an expert in your field, based in West Norfolk, and would prepared to volunteer some of your precious time to help support fellow local business-people, please get in touch. Our drop-in sessions are designed to add value and support the business community, so anyone who’s interested in passing on their expertise in a non-salesy way will be warmly welcomed. We’d love to hear from you! – drop me an email: [email protected].
Sounds Amazing – When and Where? All sessions will be held in the Council Chamber Room at the King’s Lynn Town Hall, Saturday Market Pl, Norfolk PE30 5DQ. The next Two Hour Tuesday will be on the 14th May starting at 7.30am.
Staying up to date with our skills and professional learning is always a good thing. In fact, with the fast-moving working environment, this has become even more important. Attending a training course can give you a new approach to tasks, an investment in your knowledge, and helps to encourage your staff to grow professionally too.
With the support of our expert trainers who are specialists in their business areas, Chamber Training offers a diverse choice of half day courses across the year, with the Spring and Summer dates now released.
Whether you are looking to develop your business writing, or hone your Instagram for your work account, or prepare documents for international trade, our training course are here to advance you and your business.
The courses comprise of small groups, with the chance for one to one support from the trainer, groups activities, and the opportunity to answer questions throughout. All handouts from the sessions will be available, and light refreshments with tea and coffee will be included too.
Is your business ready for Brexit? Are you a customs agent? Or does your company use customs agents and intermediaries to help you trade with the EU?
If so, you need to know how to meet customs requirements fast and efficiently after the UK leaves the EU. There will be new processes to follow and new forms to complete. We can help. Our training will highlight what you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have launched a new training course on Customs Declaration with dates in May and June to help businesses understand the procedure ahead of Brexit. These courses are affordable with grant funding available from HMRC to cover up to 70% of the training costs.
Dates
The full day training course will take place at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce office in Norwich from 9am – 4.30pm on;
Grant funding: this is available from HMRC with up to 70% of training cost covered. Please note the availability of this funding is limited, and will close on 31 May. You can find out more at www.customsintermediarygrant.co.uk
Member Rate: £280 + VAT (only £84+VAT with 70% HMRC funding) Non-Member Rate: £350 + VAT (only £105+VAT with 70% HMRC funding)
To find out more information about the course and to book please click on the link of the dates of the training courses above.
For any further information please contact Julie Austin, International Trade Manager on 01603 729706 or email [email protected]
Norwich Business School is hosting a free “Doing Business with China” networking event for Norfolk businesses at the University of East Anglia on Wednesday 03 July 2019 from 5pm – 8pm.
The event will provide an opportunity to tap into the social capital, knowledge and talent of a group of around 65 Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) MBA students that are visiting our region. Over two thirds of the students have between seven to ten years work experience as professionals or entrepreneurs. They have worked in a wide range of industries, with the top sectors being: Manufacturing, Financial/Professional services, Creative, Arts and Entertainment and Food. The students have contacts and networks throughout China, including the provinces of Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. They are looking to explore new business ideas, collaborations and build local links.
Businesses could benefit if they are, for example: considering importing and exporting; looking to create Chinese partnerships; or seeking foreign investment or referrals; or simply just doing market research in the Chinese market. Interaction will take place through talks, speed networking, breakout sessions and targeted connections.
Norfolk Chambers mission is: Connecting, supporting and giving voice to every business in Norfolk. As part of that mission, we are here to support our members goals and aims, get their voice heard and promote the ‘wow’ factors for Norfolk’s business community.
To help us achieve this we are now using our monthly columns in both EDP and the Lynn News to shout about our members successes; to hear from them on thought-leadership; to get their views on issues that impact on businesses; and to understand their thoughts and feelings on what is happening in Norfolk.
Every member of Norfolk Chambers can contribute to these columns. We will also ensure that your content appears on the Chambers website and in our social media. You can be an individual, a big company, or a small business. You can be anywhere in Norfolk.
Now, more than ever before, Chambers is about you – the members. Because it’s you who define Norfolk, who fuel its growth and deliver its goods and services. It’s you, who create and innovate to make the county the success it is.
Let’s work together to share positive news about Norfolk. So, if you’re a Chamber member and you want to help celebrate the success of Norfolk, this is your chance.
We’ll collate your stories and input, and we’ll use our media columns, website and social media to share them. From here on it will be your voices. Do it!
Commenting on the labour market figures for April 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The strong increase in employment, coupled with another fall in the number of people out of work, suggests that the UK labour market remains in good order.
“However, behind the strong headline figures a number of key challenges remain.
“Businesses are increasingly reporting that persistent hiring difficulties, cost pressures and ongoing uncertainty are dampening recruitment intentions. If this trend is sustained it could well translate into a weakening in UK jobs growth over the next year.
“Pay growth continues to comfortably outstrip price growth, and in real terms is likely to remain in positive territory for some time to come. However, the combination of a sluggish economy, weak productivity and high upfront costs for business is likely to limit the extent of pay rises.
“The record high number of job vacancies is further confirmation of the perennial skills shortages plaguing UK businesses, which continues to hold back business activity and growth.
“To protect the long-term health of the UK labour market, businesses need answers to key questions on how firms will be able to manage their future workforce needs over the next few years. Brexit has distracted government and Westminster for too long, much more must be done at home to address the UK’s chronic skills shortage, including easing the burden of upfront business costs to help firms to hire and train staff.”
The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce are very pleased to announce the launch of Coastal Co.nnect, a dedicated monthly Chamber space in the heart of Great Yarmouth.
What is Coastal Con.nnect? Coastal Co.nnect is the name of the monthly sessions we will be running in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council from the Town Hall. Whether you’re a member or non-member these are a great opportunity to come and meet us to find out how we can support your business. As we run more sessions we will also have business experts with us who can give advice and guidance on a variety of topics – we’d actually love to hear from you about what kind of expert advice your business could benefit from, please get in touch with us using the details below.
How will they look? Initially we will be running morning networking sessions, 09:30 – 11:30, from the space to encourage local businesses to connect with not only ourselves but also each other. Each week we’ll have a different guest speaker with us covering a range of topics useful to any business. There will be plenty of tea and coffee to keep everyone hydrated and we might even throw in some biscuits! The chamber team will then be available for a further two hours to allow anyone to drop in over lunchtime to say hi, asks questions, find out more about us, whatever you need. The rest of the day will then be spent visiting businesses in the area who want to explore membership further or just want to see our lovely faces.
What happens now? These really are your sessions so as we run them we’d love your feedback to make sure they’re as successful as possible, we welcome all fantastic ideas about how we can benefit our members and the wider business community in Norfolk. For all the early birds out there there’s no need to panic, our networking breakfasts are continuing as normal (we love them as much as you do) Coastal Co.nnect is just another way for us to support our lovely members in East Norfolk.
I’d love to get involved… If you’re an expert in your field and would like to volunteer some of your precious time to help fellow business-people in the Greater Yarmouth area, please get in touch. These sessions are designed to add value to the business community so anyone who’s interested in passing on their expertise in a non-salesy way will be warmly welcomed. We’d love to hear from you!
Sounds amazing, when and where are they? All sessions will be held in the Assembly Room at Great Yarmouth Town Hall, the first is Thursday 16th May. After that they will be: • Friday 14th June • Thursday 18th July • Thursday 15th August • Thursday 19th September • Thursday 10th October • Thursday 21st November • Thursday 12th December
To get involved or find out more please contact Jordan Domin, Customer Experience Team, on 01603 729707or at [email protected].
Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Chambers and Vattenfall have been successful in securing funding from New Anglia LEP’s first ever revenue fund.
£22,000 has been secured to deliver a project (overall value £59,000) to build supply chain capacity in the onshore and offshore industries for the energy sector, by seeking to alert SMEs to supply chain opportunities and get ready for them to potentially bid for these. The aim will be to support the creation 15 full time high value jobs, 47 learners and 40 apprenticeships.
Commenting on the funding award, Nova Fairbank, Head of policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “We are delighted to be awarded the funding to start building capacity into the Norfolk supply chain. By working in partnership with Norfolk County Council and Vattenfall, we hope to engage with a wider range of SMEs. In understanding where the barriers and gaps are in their capability to be part of the supply chain, we can work with them to improve skills and raise their aspirations.”
Food Matters Live 2019 is pleased to unveil a bespoke, curated pavilion dedicated to showcasing the latest sustainable and nutritious food and drink innovations from around the UK.
Open to the creative and innovative food and drink start-up community, this pavilion will connect UK buyers looking to meet and do business with the UK’s most promising brands of the future.
Who can apply and how does it work? UK start-ups who are less than two years old are invited to apply for a place on this prestigious pavilion. What makes it unique is that a panel of food and drink experts, involved in the buying process, will be reviewing all the applications and selecting the participants for the Future Brands Pavilion.
The judges include Paul Hargreaves, Chief Executive, Cotswold Fayre; Wan Mak, Head of Nutrition, Sodexo; Olivier Sevenou, R&D Lead – Future-facing Health & Wellbeing, pladis Global; and Tom Elliott, Origination & Development Manager – Future Brands, Sainsbury’s.
As well as an innovative concept that meets consumer demand in health and wellbeing, the judges will be looking for proof of commercial success to date to include the number of existing customers, marketing and distribution channels and future growth strategy.
Every start-up will receive feedback on their application, which will help inform their future business development. Successful applicants will be invited to display their innovations as part of an attractive, purpose built pavilion designed by Food Matters Live
Taking matchmaking one step further
A targeted marketing campaign will promote the Pavilion and run alongside a tailored matchmaking service provided by the Food Matters Live partnerships and hosted buyer team.
Briony Mansell-Lewis, Director at Food Matters Live commented: “With SME’s now representing 97% of the food and drink businesses in the UK* we are seeing how these small, agile and creative food and drink producers are transforming categories, changing retail shelves and providing consumers with a great variety of nutritious, sustainable choices.
With the rise in the number of start-ups, we also recognise the pressure on buyers to keep ahead of the most innovative brands coming on to the market.
By taking this curated approach to creating a UK Future Brands Pavilion, we believe that we can add value to both communities – on the one hand, providing buyers with an efficient way to meet and do business with the brands of the future and on the other, helping ambitious, entrepreneurial start-ups succeed in a competitive market.”
If you are a start-up food and drink producer and would like to apply for a place on this unique Pavilion, get in touch…. Entries close 12 July 2019.
The sixth Food Matters Live will take place on 19-20 November 2019 at ExCeL London with the launch of the UK Future Brands Pavilion. This unique event brings together the food and drink industry, retailers, foodservice providers, government, and those working in nutrition and health. In addition to an extensive exhibition, Food Matters Live offers a multi-stream seminar programme and thought-provoking theatre attractions, featuring hundreds of speakers covering wide-ranging topics – from the latest food and public health policies to the future for the free-from food and drink market, latest trends in sustainable retailing, packaging design and exemplar brand strategies.