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.
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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: export@norfolkchamber.co.uk. Visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for more information.
• This June, the Hope On The Move sponsored challenge is raising funds to help end homelessness across East Anglia; • Participants can take part individually or in teams to cover part of the total challenge distance of 16,696 miles – equivalent to the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region; • The challenge is open to everyone and people can cover their miles in whatever form they like, from walking to roller skating.
This June, people in Norfolk are being invited to take a step forward to end homelessness by joining the Hope On The Move sponsored challenge.
Participants will be able to take part individually, or team up to cover part of the challenge’s goal of 16,696 miles – 1 mile for every person experiencing homelessness in the region.
The fundraising event is being organised by Hopestead, the charity with the mission of ending homelessness in the east of England, to raise funds and connect people safely after a difficult and isolating time.
Starting on 1 June and running until the 30 June, Hope On The Move is designed for absolutely everyone, and participants are encouraged to join in in whatever way they would like – walking, running, cycling, roller skating, or horse riding – the list is endless.
Marie Claire-Delbrouque, MD of Hopestead said: “As restrictions ease, many of us can look forward to being reunited with our families and friends in each other’s homes. But life remains the same for those experiencing homelessness.
“There are almost 17,000 people who are currently experiencing homelessness in our region and through Hope On The Move, we want to raise funds towards delivering our vision of ending homelessness in the East of England.
“We know that by working together – with individuals and organisations that share our commitment – we can achieve our ambitious goal. Because everyone deserves a place to call home.”
Gasway is the headline sponsor for Hope on the Move and Nick Bartram, Gasway’s Managing Director said: “Gasway has always supported the communities we serve. We’re delighted to be the headline sponsor for Hopestead’s new initiative, Hope on the Move.
“We understand the importance of having a home, especially one that is safe and warm which feels even more important now than ever before. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in our communities getting involved with this.”
Participants can sign up for just £15 and all details can be found on the Hopestead website (www.hopestead.org).
Every ticket purchased and every donation received will go directly to those who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness in East Anglia. And everyone taking part will receive a medal upon completion of the event
Marie Claire Delbrouque commented: “After the last year, it is even more important to create a sense of belonging for everyone in our communities.
“Our Hope On The Move challenge will help to create that connection, and bring people together – safely – to raise funds, get fit, have fun, and step out in support of those who are experiencing homelessness.”
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.
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.
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.”
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!!
The New Anglia Skills Deal Programme is an opportunity for employers, alongside training providers, to seek funding for project proposals that address a gap in – or barrier to accessing – training provision. Skills Deals funding is available to co-fund projects that will raise skill levels, create jobs and drive enterprise and economic growth in Norfolk and Suffolk. Expressions of Interest in this funding are now being invited.