Chamber News

At a recent meeting of the West Norfolk Chamber Council, local Chamber members were invited to attend the meeting to debate promoting business in West Norfolk. Representatives from Germains Seed Technology, Hayhow & Co, Rural Broadband and Freebridge Community Housing were all part of the discussions on how to increase the business profile.

The group reviewed inward investment and customer care for existing organisations in West Norfolk. The region receives a diverse number of inward investment enquiries, which range from manufacturing to life sciences. Enquiries are received from around the world from the likes of: USA, Russia, Pakistan, and Australia. Many enquiries were based around the agri-tech sector and King’s Lynn forms part of a ‘golden triangle’ with Norwich and Cambridge for this sector.

All agreed that whilst West Norfolk has many exciting and innovative business already in situ, these businesses must raise their profiles and let the rest of the county know what they are doing to help highlight the opportunities and level of expertise already available within West Norfolk.

Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council said “It was encouraging to hear from local businesses about the exciting work they are doing and it is up to us, the business community of West Norfolk, to make more noise about how much we can offer and ensure the message that ‘West Norfolk is open for business’ is broadcast to everyone.”

At the risk of becoming repetitive, today’s Chamber Session was another full house. And if you missed it you missed out.James Thomas from Square Social was here to deliver a presentation to us on how to be better at Social Media.

He quoted Einstein who’d said that if you can’t explain something clearly you probably don’t understand it. The clarity of James’ Session showed that he plainly has a real grasp of his subject.

What he made clear from the outset was that the fundamentals of marketing still apply. What we have to do is use them as we embrace the new media opportunities afforded by the digital age.

So, firstly establish who it is you want to talk to, and where best to reach them. That’s identifying your target audience and selecting the most appropriate media to reach them – just as it ever was.

But, to really get the most out of the social media your strategy needs to be in tune with them. If it’s awareness you’re seeking then Facebook and Twitter are powerful conduits. When loyalty is your objective, recognise that the social media are best used as part of the bigger picture and your message shouldn’t be too sales oriented. Driving sales is where Liked In comes into play.

The tone of your message should be modified not just by your product or service, but by the media too. A B2B message can be serious and will work on Linked In. A consumer focussed message can be lighter in tone and will sit better on Facebook.

That in turn will help you decide on something else. What value are you going to give your audience? It could be a free e book or ‘learned’ paper in the business world. It might be hints and tips, to establish your credentials. Or, in the consumer field, a promotion is a possibility.

Vitally important, and often understated, is the fact that social media activity is measurable. Engaging in any form of marketing activity that doesn’t provide measurable results is, and always has been, folly. The tools available in this media area make for precise measurement.

James made some other essential points. Don’t use the social media for the sake of it, or from peer pressure. Have a goal and a strategy. And get your data and your presence right. Having selected two or three candidate suppliers from their social media marketing, and other activity, it could be your Linked In profile, for example, that becomes the tipping point in their deciding on you rather than your competitors.

Put simply a good strategy needs to a) build a presence, b) engage your audience and c) convert them into sales.

This was a great session from a man who certainly had presence, and definitely engaged us.

Which, personally leaves me with two thoughts. Firstly, we all have a huge opportunity to engage with a massive audience by placing articles, news and blogs on the Chamber website. It will spread your message to key players.

Secondly? In amongst all of this ‘content’ is still king. That means, as well as the technology and media skills, you still need the right words. That pleases me. I’m a writer.

We have a break next week, but be there for the Chamber Session on November 5. Jonathan Chapman of QMS is here for Be Better at Growing

Written by Pete Goodrum

Commenting on the announcement that a new nuclear power plant will be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:

“After months of uncertainty, British business will be pleased that negotiations for the UK’s first new nuclear power plant in decades have been successfully concluded. Nuclear power is a critical part of the UK’s future energy infrastructure mix, and will help ensure our businesses have access to secure sources of energy in the years ahead. Businesses in Somerset and beyond will be a vital part of the supply chain opportunities on offer.

“This is a major step towards ensuring nuclear power continues to play a vital role in the UK’s future energy security, but it is only one step. Dithering by successive governments has meant that this vital project, like so many before it, will end up costing the Exchequer and consumers far more than needed.

“Britain must adopt a comprehensive, long-term strategy to guarantee the security of our energy supplies. Only then will we see both certainty for investors and affordable energy for consumers. More politicking will only run the risk of the lights going out. We await such good news about Sizewell C in the future”

On Thursday 17 October, both floors of Norwich City Football Club were packed with the region’s very best businesses showcasing their products and services to the Norfolk business community.

Over 60 exhibitors were divided into six different business zones, wowing the 500+ delegates that attended with their quality and range of services.

Abi charter, Events Manager at Norfolk Chamber said “Ranging from large national corporate brands such as Lloyds Bank and PC World, through to independent start up businesses such as Anglia Sander Sales Training and Zealify, exhibitors at the B2B epitomize the Chamber membership network; where else could you get such a range of businesses under one roof? It doesn’t matter if you’re big or small, if you’re in business in Norfolk, you need to be part of the Chamber.”

The official opening of the B2B Exhibition 2013 was carried out by Johnny Hustler, MD of Archant Anglia, who encouraged Norfolk Businesses to shout about what they do. Johnny commented “Norfolk is spectacularly successful at breeding and encouraging new,

small, exciting firms full of dynamism and promise. I might be biased, because I have spent the last 35 years trying to market one thing or another, but I am convinced that marketing is every-bit as important an ingredient in your business as your people, your skills or your product. And if we could get every new business to agree with this – Norfolk would indeed be buzzing. There is no shortage of enterprise in this county but there is a shortage of shouting about it. So full marks to everyone who is strutting their stuff here today, you are shouting about it, and deserve success”.

The exhibitors did not waste any time heeding Johnny’s words of advice, and took to twitter to let the world know they were there, ready and waiting to meet them. The 2013 exhibition saw a record level of social media interaction, with the networking not being confined to the physical but virtual networking taking place well after the exhibition had closed its doors.

• @AdamNorthcut “@LornaBurroughes lovely to meet you. A fantastic exhibition hosted by @norfolkchamber Everyone I spoke to said it was a huge success!”
• @RTodd Insurance‏ “Phoo – just back from @norfolkchamber #B2B2B2B Good day. Several new contacts and opportunities made. Now for the important bit-FOLLOW UP!”
• @InsightTrack “Good visit to B2B Exhibition at Carrow Road, useful re-connects and new connects, thanks for hosting @norfolkchamber”
• @Selectplanner “@norfolkchamber #B2B2B My first visit to a B2B exhibition today and certainly not my last, thank you.”
• @ChrisReeve “At Carrow Road @norfolkchamber event #B2B2B – Getting connected with some great contacts within the #Norfolk business network.”

The 60+ strong exhibitors had not only stepped up their social media presence for the exhibition, they had also gone to town with their stand designs. The Henderson Business Centre’s design incorporated a giant bright green Chinese Dragon head to attract passers by. Hussey Knights, who were awarded the highly sought after Best Stand Award 2013, featured a variety of different print formats that made their space stand out from others.

In addition to the exhibition, delegates also had the opportunity to hear national speakers in specialist workshops hosted by Hewlett Packard, Archant and UK Bullion Direct and learn business-improvement tips from Norfolk’s ‘Big Thinkers’ during best practice sessions.

The best practice session speakers were selected to enthuse other businesses with their motivation, their secrets of success and included a real mix of backgrounds and levels of experience. From upcoming Future 50 companies such as Indigo Swan to established brands like Naked Wines, there were tips for every business.

One delegate listened to Rachel Paul of Consult East’s session & tweeted “Rrefreshingly reflective presentation from @consulteast’s Rachel @norfolkchamber #B2B2B captivating session”. The workshops provided expert advice and top tips across three varied subject areas.

Siam Kidd of UK Bullion Direct delivered an engaging workshop entitled“How not to get financially mugged – the importance of investing”. Archant’s Jamie Brown provided a hands-on approach to“Online Marketing – Making Websites Work”in his workshop, and the final speaker Marc Hollyoak of Hewlett Packard talked to attendees about “Innovation and the HP Hot House”.

Norwich Business School hosted the B2B 2013 VIP Reception, in which a presentation for Dr Jonathan Gander, the Director of Employability at Norwich Business School, took a few minutes to talk about theGraduate Trainee Management Scheme.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber officially closed the exhibition stating “This year’s B2B Exhibition has been amazing, I am so proud of our Members that exhibited. We have had a record number of visitors for this event which I hope will translate into business for you.”

Caroline went on to say “Without the support from our sponsors, Archant, Norse, Norwich Business School and Osbornenash, this would not have been possible.”

The next Norfolk Chamber exhibition takes place as part of the larger Opportunities 2014 event on Thursday 20 March 2014. It’s a Meet the Buyer incorporating a B2B exhibition and will be held at Norwich City Football Club. If you’re thinking about raising your profile amongst the Norfolk Business community and are contemplating exhibiting, don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our exhibitors had to say about the day;

@EposNow “Thanks for a great day @norfolkchamber – looking forward to next year! #NowTheWorkBegins !” ‏@TradedUK “Thank you @norfolkchamber for a great event. Thanks to Norfolk Businesses we raised £1600 for schools on launch day.” @NorwichforJobs “We’ve had a great day at @norfolkchamber B2B exhibition engaging with employers about their needs & how #N4J can help” @HughJBoswell “Good flow of traffic at the @norfolkchamber B2B. Looking promising for the afternoon!”

The exhibition got picked up in the local press as a key event for the business community, read the article entitled “Businesses descend on Norfolk Chamber of Commerce’s B2B event”here.

View the event Supplement, full of the exhibitors detailshere.

View photos from the event on ourFacebookorGoogle+pages

Half way through October and today was The Chamber Sessions number four. Brilliant to see not just another full house but a real cross section of people. The mix included new faces, big organisations, small ones and new ones. Pretty much exactly the profile of the Chamber, and what’s more everyone there had the same attitude; let’s learn something about how to do business, better. So absolutely typical of the Chamber.

Guest speaker today was the multi-talented Chris Liles on behalf of Smith and Pinching. His task? To teach us how to be better at face to face networking.

It’s an increasingly digital world but meeting people face to face is still an essential part of widening your spread of contacts, and winning new business. It must be true because, as Chris pointed out, there are upwards of fifty networking groups in the county.

From the start this was an interactive and engaging session. Everybody there did their ‘elevator pitch’, setting out who they were, what they did and why it would be good to talk to them. Interestingly everybody delivered well within the thirty seconds each that Chris allowed.

Questioning skills and, just as importantly, listening skills were addressed along with body language including that all important firm handshake.

Chris talked about choosing a networking group that suits you; somewhere you’ll find the kind of people you need to talk to. He had great tips on how to scan the room to find groups that would be easy to approach. Two really excellent pointers were to make sure you engage with the host as a centre of influence, and have plenty of business cards with you.

A great selection of hard copy hand outs with useful facts and questions for networking sessions made the session really useful.

This was another Chamber Session that really delivered. Get networking – although of course you are already a member of the county’s preeminent networking group!

Which is why you should be at the next Chamber Session on November 5th. It’s about be better at growing.

Be there, The Chamber Sessions are certainly growing into something quite special.

Get in to The Chamber Sessions. Check here for details. Start doing business, better.

Article by Pete Goodrum

Commenting on the publication of the report, ‘Cut EU red tape’, which has been published by the Business Taskforce today (Tuesday), Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“Businesses want to see root-and-branch reform of European rules where these hold back our competitiveness. So we support many of the Business Taskforce’s recommendations for reform, particularly around employment law, procurement, and the urgent need for a more level playing field for services and e-commerce, where UK companies are strong. It is unacceptable that the single market in goods, which favours Germany, is largely complete, but a single market in services and digital commerce, which would play to UK strengths, is little more than a blueprint on a piece of paper.

“For too long, both Brussels bureaucrats and the European courts have created red tape and restrictions that hold Norfolk business back. The Prime Minister is right to commission a business perspective on EU reform, and must pursue the many sensible recommendations in the Taskforce report with vigour as he seeks to revise Britain’s relationship with the EU.”

The College of West Anglia has secured ESF funding of £2.8m to develop a bold package of measures to encourage people, who are already in employment, to improve their skills.

The college is working in partnership with 5 other colleges across Norfolk and Suffolk to deliver a wide range of innovative training and support which will help employers in the New Anglia LEP area, in a bid to boost the economy. Employees working for companies that employ less than 250 staff will be the main beneficiaries, and the training will be targeted particularly at young adults, aged 19 and over.

As Susie Massen, Head of Work Based learning and Project Manager at the College, explains:

‘The concern is that currently too many workers lack skills at the right level to respond to anticipated labour market changes. This funding offers an exciting opportunity for the College and its partners to address this problem and it will benefit workers in Norfolk and Suffolk. Our focus is predominantly on younger members of the workforce and our aim is to develop their skills so that they can contribute more to the economy, and advance their career prospects. The consortium’s emphasis will be on improving skills in areas that will ensure the best future business growth. We will be developing new, innovative training and support solutions so that as many people as possible can benefit.’

The consortium consists of 5 other partners from across the Norfolk and Suffolk who will be involved in delivering the training and support.

Older workers over 50, especially those with no formal qualifications, will also benefit and be offered the opportunity to retrain and update their skills. In addition local employers that are eligible for funding will receive assistance through a full skills health check. Workers will also have increased access to information, advice and guidance, to allow them to make informed decisions about their career goals and next steps.

Full information on the funding can be found on this factsheet

• Annual CPI inflation was 2.7% in September 2013, unchanged from August
• Annual RPI inflation was 3.2% in September 2013, marginally down from 3.3% in August
• The largest upward contribution to annual inflation came from air fares, but this was offset by a downward contribution from petrol and diesel prices

Commenting on the inflation figures for September, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“It is disappointing that there was no fall in inflation last month. We are forecasting inflation to fall gradually this year, but the pace appears to be slower than we anticipated. The UK seems to be more prone to price increases than other major economies, and with large increases in utility prices expected soon, we could see further setbacks that keep inflation above the 2% target.

“Above target inflation has been one of the main reasons why the UK economy has relatively underperformed in recent years, and while the UK is recovering, we need to see inflation fall to ease the squeeze on businesses and consumers. Growth remains fragile, so the government and the MPC must do everything possible to maintain economic stability.”

SEED Brand, Marketing, Events Ltd, providing strategic support for business growth in Norfolk…

New Norfolk Chamber member Claire Johnston, Director of SEED, Brand, Marketing, Events Ltd, has recently established her company, in Norfolk with the aim of providing consultancy support to SME’s and start ups nationally within brand identity and design, marketing & PR, brand management and events management.

Claire has a diverse background – originally from Norfolk, her work experience spans Global FMCG marketing, internal and external relations, Not-for-profit, fundraising, marketing and strategic business development and finally, the Foreign Commonwealth Office and UK Trade & Investment, managing the UKTI brand across Australia and delivering high profile events under the ‘GREAT’ Britain campaign, to help build the profile of the UK as a ‘GREAT’ place to do business.

Locally based, but with a global mindset, SEED Brand, Marketing, Events Ltd, aims to draw on this valuable experience, along with a wide network of business contacts to provide a strategic approach to deliver growth- identifying opportunity areas and providing guidance on marketing and events to raise the profile of your business.

You can contact Claire for an informal discussion on 07775 733444.

UK Exporters need to be prepared for possible delays in the legalisation process of their documents during the week of Eid Al-Adha.

The notice provided by the Arab-British Chamber, outlines the differences in the length of time that the Embassies will be closed during the course of next week.

At a recent meeting of the Norwich Chamber Council, members were given a briefing on the proposed Greater Norwich City Deal bid from Jason Middleton, Funding and Projects Manager with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP).

The City Deals bid encompasses both Ipswich and Norwich and aims to secure additional public and private sector funding to deliver increased GVA and jobs, as well as improvements to infrastructure within the Greater Norwich and Ipswich areas, over a thirteen year period to 2026.

City Deal will see the introduction of several new support and grant schemes to help business grow and innovate, as well as supporting the development of business sector clusters, such as the Norwich Research Park, Norwich city centre and Norwich International Airport.

Peter Foster, the incoming Chair of Norwich Chamber Council said “The City Deal bid is an exciting opportunity to drive further economic growth in the Greater Norwich area and will benefit key sectors such as agri-tech, life sciences, aviation engineering and digital creative. The Norwich Chamber Council is in full support of the bid and is keen to work with NALEP to ensure its success.”

Wellton Energy Limited is a newly formed sales and marketing outsourcing company that has over forty years combined experience within this sector. With experience and knowledge of a wide range of industries, the company has grown rapidly in the first 10 months of trading. The company currently employees 5 members of staff.

Director Andy McDowell said “We don’t concentrate on the big energy companies and brands. Our key objective is to offer our industry expertise to help small / medium sized businesses grow within the market, to enable them to develop and compete with larger companies. We also aim to help start up companies to enable them to get a good footing in the market.”

Mr McDowell continued “We have been trading successfully within Europe since our initiation, concentrating on the major energy generating regions. Initially our customer base was within the Middle East and South East Asia, however we are now working closely with several companies situated within the UK and Europe.”

As a growing business itself, Wellton Energy needs premises to accommodate the increasing size of the business. “We have moved premises a few times to meet the demands of the business and as our business grows, we will need a larger building, but currently, our building in Henderson Business Park is sufficient for our needs.”

One of the main challenges that companies face as identified in a recent Chamber survey is employing and managing their staff. Andy McDowell does not feel that they have a problem with the recruitment and management of staff. “When recruiting and training, we take into consideration the age and experience of our new staff and allocate our training and mentoring time around this,” says Andy. “Younger, less experienced staff receives more of our time to make sure that they are ready for independent work. It’s all about taking the right approach.”

Definitely a company to watch.