Chamber News

01 July – 30 September 2018

Norfolk County Council have released their latest economic intelligence report. The report headlines are:

• The average weekly earnings in Norfolk has risen by 6% between 2012 and 2017, lower than the regional growth of 10% and national growth of 9%.
• Transport for Norwich is in line for a share of an £840m pot of money specifically for promoting intra-city connectivity.
• Highways England are currently consulting on their proposed A47 dualling scheme from Blofied to North Burlingham.
• Interest rates increased to 0.75% in September 2018.
• UK house prices increased by 3.1%.

For full details of the latest economic intelligence report click here.

• Half of businesses surveyed say that Brexit is making it difficult to decide whether to import or export, hampering British trade
• Volatility of sterling is also causing concern
• Chambers have long been calling for clarity for business on the practical questions over Brexit

A survey by British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL Express UK, has today revealed that almost half – 49% of businesses have uncertainty over Brexit front of mind when deciding whether to trade internationally, highlighting the economic cost of the persistent lack of political clarity.

A similar number (48%) of firms are concerned by the related issue of exchange rate volatility, which can increase the cost of raw materials and potentially make UK exports less competitive. Exchange rate volatility is a much greater concern for manufacturers (61%) and B2C firms (64%) than B2B businesses (36%).

As EU leaders gather in Brussels, the BCC today brings together 500 exporters, trade professionals and business leaders from around the world, including a delegation from Norfolk, at the BCC International Trade Summit to discuss the issues and trends at the forefront of international trade, and to give innovative firms the tools they need to enter new markets.

The research also shows that while there are many concerns for businesses when deciding whether to trade internationally, those that do trade internationally are more likely to be innovative within their business – 65% of those that are internationally active have launched a new product or service in the last 12 months, compared to just 41% of firms who are UK-focused.

Government must do more to boost business confidence at the Autumn Budget and incentivise export and import growth. This, coupled with clear progress in negotiations, will encourage firms to take risks and break into new markets, boosting innovation and productivity in the UK economy.

Commenting on the results, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance and Public Affairs said:

“Norfolk firms have been dealing with uncertainty over the future relationship with the EU since the referendum vote over two years ago. However, this survey shows that as we get closer to the crunch, the lack of precision is starting to have a material impact on their decision-making.

“While business faces uncertain times, the research shows that businesses who do trade internationally are more innovative and dynamic compared to those who just focus their attention on the UK market. It is vital that clear progress is made in negotiations – to give firms in our region the confidence and empower them to take risks and try to break into new markets, creating the Global Britain this government so often talks about.”

Also commenting on the results, Dr Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said:

“At our International Trade Summit, we will hear from trade experts and dynamic businesses – as we look to help build connections and encourage firms to unleash their potential. Chambers of Commerce work day in day out to support businesses trading internationally, but we also need the government to step up and provide clarity now or put British competitiveness at risk.”

Shannon Diett, VP of Marketing, DHL Express UK, added:

“The uncertainty expressed by British businesses taking part in this survey mirrors the increasing concern we are hearing from our customers, both of which further highlight the criticality now surrounding the Brexit negotiations. It is important to note however, that increasing the number of markets a business trades with helps to reduce risk and increase the opportunities for growth.

“It is imperative that decisions are made to allow businesses to plan for a successful Brexit and to facilitate continued smooth international trade with Europe. 

“At DHL Express we are preparing for every scenario and as part of this we are reviewing resources, infrastructure, systems and people. We are joining forces across the DHL divisions to do everything within our power to ensure our customers can continue to operate and trade internationally in the smoothest way possible.”

Commenting on the labour market figures for October 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“With UK employment high by historic standards and unemployment continuing to fall, the latest figures paint a positive picture of the UK jobs market.   

“While wage growth increased again, the pace at which pay growth is exceeding price growth remains well below the historic average, meaning the current squeeze on spending power is unlikely to ease. Achieving a meaningful improvement in wage growth will be an uphill struggle unless the underlying issues that continue to limit pay settlements are tackled – notably sluggish productivity, considerable underemployment and high upfront costs for businesses. 

“The number of job vacancies is close to an all-time high, providing further evidence of the worrying skills shortages plaguing UK businesses. Firms are reporting that recruitment difficulties have reached critical levels, which coupled with Brexit uncertainty is increasingly putting employers off trying to hire, and if sustained could increasingly weigh on jobs growth.

“Against this backdrop, the upcoming budget must be used to halt the alarmingly decline in apprenticeships, including scrapping the 10% co-investment apprenticeship contribution rule for small businesses, a key barrier to SMEs recruiting and training young apprentices. We also urge ministers to work closely with business to deliver a future migration system that enables access to the skills needed at all levels to help grow our economy.”

Businesses and organisations in West Norfolk are being  urged to ‘Be a Reason to Love West Norfolk’ and sign up to the Love West Norfolk campaign.

A new Love West Norfolk commitment and toolkit have been launched which will allow organisations to join the campaign and celebrate everything that West Norfolk has to offer.

As well as signing up to the Love West Norfolk commitment, those joining the campaign will also be able to use the logo and display a ‘We’re a Reason to Love West Norfolk’ sticker and image.

And organisations will be supported to promote their activities through Love West Norfolk social media and communications activities.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge, Chamber member, and Chair of the West Norfolk Strategy Group said: “It is the people of West Norfolk who have made Love West Norfolk so successful and so we want to give organisations the opportunity to officially join the campaign.

“This is open to all types of organisations – shops, companies, schools, charities, and voluntary groups, for example – who, like us, love West Norfolk. Join in the campaign and help us to promote everything this fantastic area has to offer.”

The commitment and toolkit were launched with Ward Gethin Archer who became the very first Reason to Love West Norfolk by signing up to the commitment. Sarah Scott, director at Ward Gethin Archer said: “We are delighted to be involved in this campaign. One of our core values is to provide a local and friendly service. We enjoy working with the community not just on a professional level providing legal services, but also getting involved in local events as much as we can. In the last year this has involved entering a team in the GEAR 10k run as well as the dragon racing at Downham Market. We are proud to serve West Norfolk. The team we work with and the clients we work for make West Norfolk a great place to live and work”.

West Norfolk Strategy Group is behind the Love West Norfolk campaign. Superintendent David Buckley of King’s Lynn Police said: “We are really excited about phase two and in particular the opportunity to involve more local people, businesses and organisations in the campaign.

“We are so grateful to everyone for their support to date and we are really pleased that through our commitment and toolkit, we will be able to provide people with even more opportunities to join in the campaign. Love West Norfolk belongs to West Norfolk.”

Anyone wishing to ‘Be a Reason to Love West Norfolk’ or looking for further information and the commitment and toolkit can get in touch via:

Twitter: @LoveWestNorfolk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveWestNorfolk/

Instagram: love_west_norfolk

Campaign website www.lovewestnorfolk.co.uk

Email michelle@engaging-people.co.uk

Highways England are consulting on their proposal to upgrade the A47 between Blofield and North Burlingham.  Their proposals will create a new dual carriageway that will relieve congestion, provide extra road space, improve safety and help provide a free-flowing network.

This statutory consultation is your opportunity to express your views on the design of the proposed scheme in advance of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise construction of the project.

A DCO is a type of planning application, which is needed for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).  Following the submission of the DCO application, the Planning Inspectorate will hold a public examination of the application before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport who will decide whether or not the project scheme should go ahead.

Businesses, local authorities, public bodies, road users and the communities and neighbouring areas can play an important part in the development of the scheme design.  Your feedback is therefore essential to this consultation as it will enable Highways England to improve the scheme before they submit an application for the project.

The A47 trunk road forms part of the strategic road network and provides for a variety of local, medium and long distance trips between the A1 and the east coast.  The corridor connects the cities of Norwich and Peterborough, the towns of Wisbech, Kings Lynn, Dereham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and a succession of villages in what is largely a rural area.

The Blofield to North Burlingham section of the A47 is an important, well-used stretch of road for those living and working in the area. Sandwiched between two dual carriageway sections, this stretch of the road acts as a bottleneck; resulting in congestion and leading to longer and unreliable journey times. The Highways England studies have identified that the single carriageway section of the road no longer meets the needs of its users.  The section also has a poor safety record, with a total of 40 collisions recorded on the section between 2013 and 2017.  With further planned growth, including the ‘City Deal’ for Norwich, including over 50,000 new jobs and 100,000 homes, it is likely that these issues will only be increased.

Have your say by completing the online survey now.

The closing date for responses to this consultation is Friday 19 October 2018.

A highlight in the Norfolk Chamber events calendar, The B2B Exhibition continues to grow on its 20 years, bringing together the best businesses in Norfolk.  Before we opened the doors to visitors, we kicked off with an exclusive opening for our exhibitors. Norfolk Chamber Chief Executive Chris Sargisson gave thanks to the 100+ business exhibitors who filled the room, emphasising how their support makes B2B the event it is. Andrew Gray from Best Stand Award Sponsors NatWest and Mark Shields, Business Editor for the EDP also gave their welcoming remarks and highlighted how the success of B2B shows what a strong and vibrant business community Norfolk has.  Following the welcome our exhibitors made their way back to their exhibition stands to add the final touches, ready for doors to open at 10am and the best stand award judging to begin. Chris, Andrew and Mark then began their route to visit all 105 stands, spanning across two floors and the outside entrance.  Although there were plenty of bribes on offer including ice cream, doughnuts, miniature golf, racing games and plenty more, it was East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) who took the best stand award with their Rio Carnival stand. Full of colour, props, games and more, their stand stood out amongst the crowd supporting a worthy cause; the judging panel were pleased to present them with the award. This year all exhibitors went above and beyond to put on impressive displays. At the main entrance to the exhibition Anglia Car Charging brought a fleet of electric vehicles including Tesla’s, Jaguar’s and even two B2B branded cars; a BMW i3 and Mini Cooper. Indigo Swan brought their usual energy to the show with a game of mini golf, GGS came to shine with a Greatest Showman inspired display and InnerShed gave visitors a virtual reality driving experience on their stand.  As well as the two floors of exhibitors, 20 minute masterclasses were also held throughout the day with our guest speakers covering a range of vital business topics from LinkedIn to networking. We were pleased to have Ian Hacon from Yellow Brick Road and Energise.me, Matt Sykes from Salescadence, Sara Greenfield from Bright Yellow Marketing and Neil Foley from Business Growth Club join us with their expert tips and tricks.  The B2B Exhibition 2018 was a huge success with over 750 people through the door on the day. Let’s make 2019 even bigger and better!  With thanks to our event sponsors: Archant – Media Partners MIGSOLV – VIP Lunch Sponsor NatWest – Best Stand Award Sponsor Vertas – Silver Sponsor Breckland Council (EHT&C) – Bronze Sponsor Zing Insights – Research Partners   View our gallery of event photos here.

Scotch Whisky, Welsh Lamb, Lough Neagh Eels and Stilton Cheese have two things in common: they are among the 86 UK products registered under the EU’s Geographical Indications (GIs) scheme and they are significant export earners, worth over £5 billion to UK trade figures.

The EU rules provide legal protection from imitation for both regional and traditional specialties, whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed.

Producers of GI products value the schemes for the collective protection they bring from imitation and evocation and, in some cases, the premium it allows them to charge for products.

The various GI designations – Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) – can take several years to earn and are considered to be of real value to producers and exporters.

The question therefore arises, what happens to this protection after the UK leaves the EU?

It is possible that some form of mutual recognition will be built in to a trade agreement with the EU – maintaining protection on European products such as Gorgonzola, Champagne and Münchener Bier – but it remains unclear as to if and when this might happen.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has accordingly launched a consultation seeking views on establishing UK GI schemes after Brexit.

“The mechanism for bringing the schemes into UK law will ensure that we have UK GI schemes in place from Exit day which meet our World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations,” Defra said. “It does not, however, allow the UK GI schemes to be changed substantially from the EU schemes.”

Full details can be found at consult.defra.gov.uk and the deadline for responding is 1 November 2018.

Best Use of Technology Award- Lintott Control Systems

Lintott Control Systems is certainly a company who have been flying high at the moment, with their recent success of winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. They have now been selected by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC as the Eastern Regional Winner of Best Use of Technology award.

Started back in 1980 the company formally known as ‘Lintott Control Equipment,’ designed, manufactured, and commissioned electrical control systems, which were mainly for the steel industry. Since then they have grown and developed their portfolio, to include, for example, water and wastewater treatment systems, and software system integration.

As a company Lintott Control Systems is now a digitally-pioneering process solutions provider, which forges pioneering working practices, this also includes developing high-performing teams. Winning an award is a great opportunity for the staff and company to celebrate their success, vision, and achievements within the workplace.

  “Lintott Control Systems Limited is overjoyed to be awarded the regional “Best Use of Technology” category at this year’s BCC Awards.  This achievement reflects the creative talent of Lintott’s team in developing a pioneering digital eco-system.  The cornerstone to this is a web-based customer-driven design application that slashes design time from weeks to just a few hours.  This is coupled with a developing people strategy, which nurtures talent so that creativity is continually rekindled.  Watch this space….”  Jamie Thums, Chief Operating Officer

Winning the BCC regional awards requires meeting several key criteria. For the Best Use of Technology Award requires for example,

•    The range of technology used in day to day business.

•    How technology has improved the business process, and efficiency

•    The use of technology to improve customer service and engagement

•    How the above practices influence the organisation’s supply chain.

Lintott clearly has demonstrated all of the above and have been praised for their ‘innovative use in technology in every area of their business, it has led to significant growth.’ BCC Award Judges. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is delighted for Lintott and we wish them all the best in the next stage of the completion. https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/chamber-awards

Members and guests of the West Norfolk Chamber of Commerce came together for a network with a difference on Thursday 27th September.

The main difference was the choice of venue – King’s Lynn Minster.  The refreshments were provided courtesy of The Bank House Hotel, and were circulated whilst the delegates undertook a networking activity.  This was aimed at finding out about the personality of and little known facts about the attendees, which opened up all sorts of different discussions.

Vicky Etheridge, of Discover King’s Lynn (the KL Business Improvement District) was able to give an update on their progress and ongoing aims for engagement with and promotion of the business activities within the area.  The most relevant of these is the King’s Lynn Business Week https://www.kingslynnbusinessweek.com/ which has a wide variety of workshops and events planned.  The aim is to highlight and celebrate the wide range of businesses, skills and opportunities that are available for all within the community.

The events are FREE but will need booking.  The West Norfolk Chamber will be hosting a cocktail evening at The Bank House Hotel – click here for all the information 

The Revd Canon Christopher Ivory also gave a brief presentation on The Minster, with an overview of the ongoing restoration work and associated fundraising activities.  This was followed up with a more in depth guided tour of the building that took place at the end of the network event.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment, and a lead indicator of UK GDP growth – shows little to be cheerful about as growth flatlines and business confidence weakens.

Key findings:

• Percentage of services firms attempting to recruit is at low levels
• Of those services firms recruiting, difficulties rose to a record high
• Exports sales and orders are at their lowest level since the EU Referendum in Q2 2016

The results come as all signs suggest that this year’s annual economic growth is set to be the lowest since the financial crisis. The slowdown in exports in the Norfolk manufacturing sector, and many Norfolk services firms seemingly giving up trying to hire new staff, should be cause for concern, warns BCC.

Ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU, the leading business organisation urges the government to use this month’s Budget to deliver bold action to boost investment and confidence.

The survey, of 5,600 businesses, including those in Norfolk, has revealed that the percentage of firms in the manufacturing sector experiencing recruitment difficulties rose to an all time high, since Quarter 4 in 2014.

In the services sector, the percentage of Norfolk firms reporting an increase in domestic and export sales and orders fell in the quarter. Meanwhile in the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting an increase in export sales and orders also fell from the last quarter. The balance of manufacturers expecting their prices to increase remained static, despite 82% citing converns over increasing raw materials costs.

Uncertainty over future trading conditions is continuing to act as a brake on business investment in both the manufacturing and services sectors. The balance of firms who looked to invest in either plant and machinery or training fell in both sectors to their lowest level in over a year. Business confidence in turnover and profitability also weakened in the quarter.

Commenting on the results, Suren Thiru, BCC Head of Economics, said:

“These results suggest that the current period of below average GDP growth continued into the third quarter of 2018.

“Activity in the services sector slackened in Q3 with the key indicators of domestic and international activity softening in the quarter.  That said, the services sector is still likely to have been the main driver of third quarter growth.

“The manufacturing sector remains a weak spot for the UK economy, with export activity slowing sharply in the quarter. Brexit uncertainty and the increasing cost of imported raw materials is weighing on the UK’s external position – further evidence that the persistent weakness in sterling is doing more harm than good. As a consequence, net trade is likely to have contributed precious little to UK GDP growth in Q3.   

“The sharp deterioration of the share of firms attempting to recruit is a concern and reflects both persistent hiring difficulties and heightened economic uncertainty – which if sustained could materially weaken jobs growth.

“Against this backdrop, the Bank of England’s recent decision to raise interest rates continues to look like a misstep. With economic conditions subdued and continued Brexit uncertainty, there should be a greater emphasis on providing increased monetary stability alongside a marked fiscal loosening to lift the UK out of its current low growth trajectory.”

Responding to the survey, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance & Public Affairs for Norfolk Chamber said:

“These figures reinforce what we are hearing from businesses across Norfolk – the uncertainty over Brexit, and the lack of bold moves to boost business across the UK, are starting to bite.

“It should be a matter of grave concern to government that sales and orders both at home and abroad are stagnating. Weaker sterling is no longer proving a boon to many of our exporters, while consumer spending is failing to boost the domestic market.

“We have a vibrant and innovative local business community that wants to invest and grow, but we are stuck in limbo while Brexit negotiations rumble on.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

 “The upcoming Budget must deliver radical, decisive action to boost growth and productivity at precisely the moment that the economy needs it most. There has never been a more important time for the government to bolster business investment, competitiveness and productivity, in the face of significant Brexit headwinds.”

“While fewer companies are trying to recruit, those that are hiring they are finding it increasing challenging to fill vacancies. Many firms are deeply invested in developing homegrown skills and talent within their own communities, however this alone is not enough to fill the skills gaps, at all levels, that businesses face right now, and which are set to get worse post-March 2019.

“The results from BCC’s latest survey support our call for government to drop arbitrary migration caps and targets, and work with business to develop an immigration policy that supports a growing economy. We should not be slamming the door on any of the skills we need for our companies to succeed.”

Norfolk Key findings in the Q3 2018 survey:

Manufacturing sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales remained static at +35, while those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +35to +30
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell six points, from +44to +38, while the balance of those reporting improved export orders fell from +31 to +27
• The percentage of firms expecting to raise prices over the next three months remained the same
• The percentage of firms citing the cost of raw materials as the source of cost pressures has risen from 39% to 41%
• The percentage of firms attempting to recruit fell from 85% to 75%, Of these, 100% reported recruitment difficulties.
• The balance of firms increasing investment in plant/machinery remained static, whilst those investing in training rose drastically from +5 to +30
• The balance of firms confident that turnover also remained static, whilst confidence in profitability increased from +30 to +55.

Services sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell sharply, from +34 to +17, while those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +28 to +12
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales also fell, from +35 to +14, while those reporting improved export orders fell from +22 to +10
• The balance of firms expecting to raise prices over the next three months increased substantially from +19 to +42
• The percentage of firms looking to recruit fell from 82% to 73%.  Of these, 84% reported difficulties
• Cashflow remains a concern, with a balance of just +5 reporting improved cashflow
• The balance of firms looking to increase investment in plant and machinery rose to +25 from +13, however investment in training fell slightly from +22 to +21
• The balance of firms confident that turnover to improve over the next year fell, from +59 to +34, and those expecting profitability to improve also fell from +35 to +16.

Vattenfall, the Swedish energy group, and Peel Ports, the infrastructure specialists, have agreed to reserve space at Great Yarmouth harbour to site an operations base for two major offshore wind farms.

Economic leaders described the move as a big confidence booster to Norfolk’s offshore wind supply chain, and hoped that Vattenfall’s investment, due in the early 20’s, will be a magnet to other inward investors.

The operations base will serve Vattenfall’s Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects. The low carbon energy developer has signed an agreement with Peel Ports that enables them to build a new operations base at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, if its applications for the wind farms are given the go-ahead by the Energy Secretary next year and in 2020. The base will be operational for at least 25-years.

The total combined installed capacity of both proposals is 3.6GW, capable of meeting the electricity needs of 10% of UK households every year.

Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for Norfolk Vanguard said: “It’s great to seal this deal with Peel Ports to reserve space for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind farms. Good for us of course, because we will have the ideal home for up to 150 skilled wind technicians looking after two wind farms which will be amongst the largest ever built. And good for Norfolk too, if built, as this major investment will send a strong signal to other businesses to consider investing in the County.”

Richard Goffin, Port Director Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, said: “Vattenfall’s commitment to reserve space for their operations base at Great Yarmouth is testament to the Port’s influential position in the wider offshore energy arena, which is complemented by a supportive County and Borough Council. This agreement enhances Great Yarmouth’s position as the East of England’s most successful offshore energy hub and will attract further investment in the existing world-class supply chain, bringing a host of employment and economic growth opportunities to the region.”

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber, said: “Vattenfall securing their operations base in Great Yarmouth is a welcome step forward.  It will cement the importance of our region for the offshore renewables sector and will help support improvements skills and future job opportunities.”

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Great Yarmouth and Norfolk. It really demonstrates Vattenfall’s dedication to the town and goes to show just how important the area is to the renewable energy sector. This level of commitment will only help to attract even more investment to the east coast and provide huge economic benefits to existing local companies.”

Cllr Graham Plant and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, political group leaders at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “These will be among the largest offshore wind farms ever built, representing multi-billion-pound investments, and Great Yarmouth will really benefit, with the base creating up to 150 skilled jobs for at least 25 years, plus supporting our extensive, skilled supply chain. We’ve been working closely with Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, with excellent support from the county council, New Anglia LEP and others, to maximise the exciting opportunities for Great Yarmouth across the energy sector, and Vattenfall’s commitment reflects huge confidence in Great Yarmouth’s strengths as the main service base for the Southern North Sea and a burgeoning offshore wind hub.”

Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “This will be a great boost for our existing clean energy sector which is already leading the way in the UK. It will also help deliver the ambitions for clean growth as set out in the country’s Industrial Strategy.

“One of our key aims is to create jobs with a focus on skilled opportunities in this fast-growing sector so we welcome seeing these being delivered here. The investment will also contribute in supercharging Great Yarmouth’s potential as a priority place for business growth.”

Today’s announcement by Vattenfall and Peel Ports is in line with UK Government ambitions to grow the fossil-free economy.

Energy & Clean Growth Minister, Claire Perry, said: “Government support for offshore wind farms is creating local jobs and boosting supply chain businesses across the UK.

“As part of our modern Industrial Strategy we’ve set out a further £557m of funding for new renewable projects, helping to tackle climate change and deliver clean growth.”

This summer, Vattenfall submitted final proposals to the Planning Inspectorate for its Norfolk Vanguard project. Its sister project Norfolk Boreas, will start its statutory consultation later this autumn.

Discover King’s Lynn, the Business Improvement District for King’s Lynn is organising the first business week for the town this October from Mon 15 -Thurs 18.

Business Week will celebrate the diverse range of high quality services, skills, expertise, talent and entrepreneurship that exists in our town through a varied programme of events that will inspire and educate.

The week is set to be an annual celebration of all things business offering inspiring and informative workshops, B2B networking opportunities, a chance to debate and influence the future of the town centre and a chance for our quality professional services to showcase their offer to customers at a Meet the Expert event.

Norfolk Chamber are delighted to be invovled and have organised a Cocktail Evening at the Bank House Hotel, King’s Lynn on Wednesday 17 October from 6pm. Book your ticket here.

Come and visit the Norfolk Chamber exhibition stand at the Meet The Experts event on Tuesday 16th October, just pop by from 9am-2pm. Find out how your local Chamber of Commerce can support you and your business. Book your free place here.

There is lots going on that you can be involved with, with over 11 events taking place throughout the week  https://www.kingslynnbusinessweek.com/

Why People Don’t Buy – How to Sell Yourself & Your Business – Matt Sykes Monday 15th October, 7.30am, King’s Lynn Town Hall

Cloud Accounting with SAGE Software Monday 15th October, 5.30pm, Yours Business Network

Employee Engagement with Cassandra Andrews Tuesday 16th October, 7.30am, Alive Corn Exchange

Meet the Experts Tuesday 16th October 9am-2pm

The Regeneration of King’s Lynn Tuesday 16th October, 5.30pm, St Nicholas Chapel

Making the Most of LinkedIn Wednesday 17th October, 4.30pm, Yours Business Network

Protecting Your Business Against Cybercrime Wednesday 17th October, 7.30am, Yours Business Network

King’s Lynn Cocktail Evening with Norfolk Chamber – CANCELLED Wednesday 17th October, 6-8pm, Bank House Hotel

Wellbeing in the Workplace Thursday 18th October, 7.30am, Yours Business Network

The Debating Chamber Thursday 18th October,Dukes Head Hotel 5.30pm

To view the full programme of events click here