In this week’s episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark chat about the multiple benefits for businesses encouraging their teams to embrace cycling and similar activities.
As usual they provide 3 top tips, and along the way they make reference to the UK government’s Cycle to Work Scheme, Amsterdam’s cycling culture, foxes, badgers and Katie Melua!
We would love to hear your feedback on the podcast, or if there are topics you would like us to cover or re-visit! Contact us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast!
You can also catch up on all our past series on our website here.
Good afternoon to all our customers and followers!
Today has been a day of reflection here at Team Shield.
Thinking back to this time last year; we were in mid lock down and, like many business owners, we were extremely worried about how Covid-19 would affect our business.
We feel extremely proud to have grown and flourished in what has been a particularly difficult year.
Last June (2020) we had 6 employees. This June (2021), we have 13 employees – this is a testament to all of the hard work both the office and training team have provided in such a tough working environment.
We would also like to say a massive thank you to each and every one of our customers who have supported us during this difficult period and we look forward to continuing to support you with any Health & Safety training needs you may require.
Business competitiveness and export performance are increasingly tied to countries’ integration into global production chains and a willingness to open markets to wider imports.
This is one of the key findings of the preliminary international trade data released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Their joint “Trade in Value-Added Initiative” breaks with conventional measurements of trade, which record gross flows of goods and services each time they cross borders.
It seeks instead to analyse the value added by a country in the production of any good or service that is then exported, and offers, the partners believe, a fuller picture of commercial relations between nations.
“Countries’ capacity to sell to the world depends on their ability and readiness to buy from the rest of the world,” OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria said during the launch of the new database in Paris.
Among the key findings are: China’s bilateral trade surplus with the USA shrinks by 25% on a value-added basis, reflecting the high level of foreign-sourced content in Chinese exports; one-third of the total value of motor vehicles exported from Germany actually comes from other countries; nearly 40% of the total value of China’s electronics exports come from foreign sources.
While conventional trade data suggests that services represent less than one-quarter of total trade, on a value-added basis services trade reaches an average 50% of OECD countries’ exports.
It is in fact well above that in the USA, the UK, France, Germany and Italy – in large part because services add significant value to manufacturing output.
Norfolk-based renewable heating firm, Finn Geotherm, is has appointed five new staff as part of its ongoing expansion, following the award of a multi-million pound contract to install a series of heat pump projects in the public sector.
The new starters have joined the installation and quotation teams, bolstering Finn Geotherm’s capabilities for specifying and installing new heat pump projects for both commercial and domestic customers.
Joining the team are:
Jamie Moore – electrician, responsible for installing and commissioning heat pump systems. Jamie joins with seven years’ experience as an electrician working in factory maintenance.
Sam Groves – trainee electrician, working alongside Finn Geotherm’s experienced team. Sam joins from College, having completed a Level 3 diploma.
Ross Brown – multi-skilled engineer, responsible for installing heat pumps. Ross has a background in offshore electrical and mechanical engineering and has spent the past six years installing Combined Heat & Power (CHP) systems.
Jeremy Dowsing – electrician, responsible for installing and commissioning heat pump systems. Having spent 32 years in the RAF as an aircraft avionics engineer, Jeremy was looking for a change and keen to join the renewable sector.
Jude Duguay – quotations assistant, working alongside the heat loss surveyor and supporting the quotations team in assessing potential heat pump projects.
Established in 2006, Finn Geotherm is one of the UK’s most experienced heat pump installers. The new starters will work alongside the existing team to deliver a series of significant new heat pump projects across East Anglia and further afield, as well as working on Finn Geotherm’s other new and existing installations.
Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, said: “We are delighted to welcome these new starters to join our growing business. This is a great time to become part of this exciting and dynamic industry. Renewable heating is playing an increasingly important part in cutting the country’s carbon emissions and with these new appointments, we are looking forward to continuing to roll out heat pump technology to more homes and businesses.”
To comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Carriage of Dangerous Goods By Air, Royal Mail has updated rules which prohibit specific products from international services.
It will now be possible to send lithium batteries contained in a device in the international post, subject to packaging requirements. All lithium batteries were previously prohibited from international parcels. Lithium batteries not installed in a device continue to be prohibited.
Also, with effect from 14 January 2013, beverages with alcohol content above 24% ABV are prohibited from international parcels. Aerosols, nail varnish, perfumes and aftershaves continue to be banned, as regards sending to international destinations, for all business customers.
Royal Mail points out that dangerous goods transport regulations also apply to other parcel delivery companies.
The Civil Aviation Authority, Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have agreed updated rules with Royal Mail for individuals sending small quantities of specific, previously prohibited consumer items through the post to UK addresses.
It is intended that these will come into effect on 15 July, following public consultation expected to begin in March.
Ernst & Young’s annual globalisation report suggests that there are increasing challenges when operating in some BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) economies, as well as slowing growth in some of these markets.
As a result, nearly half of the survey’s respondents expect an increase in protectionism in the BRIC countries. In contrast, respondents see a decline in protectionism as more likely in other, smaller, rapid growth markets.
These markets show consistently high economic growth close to that of the leading BRICs.
Turkey, Mexico and Indonesia closely shadow China and India in terms of GDP growth from 2000 through 2015, for example, while Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as several countries and regions in Africa, are all shaping up to be among the most dynamic parts of the world for investment.
The number of executives questioned who view rapid-growth markets, other than the BRICs, as the most important source of new revenue nearly doubles, from 26% today to 45% in three years time.
They are planning accordingly, with South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey reported to be the most competitive locations.
Despite weak growth in 2012, and an uncertain economic outlook in many markets for 2013, globalisation is still increasing among a majority of the world’s 60 leading economies, according to the report, “Looking beyond the obvious: globalisation and new opportunities for growth”.
As well as the growth of the “second tier” markets such as Mexico and Turkey, the report also forecasts the rise of smaller European countries, including Belgium, Slovakia and Hungary.
Norfolk’s largest business exhibition, ‘Opportunities 2013’ on 14 March at Norwich City Football Club, is a must-attend for businesses looking to exhibit their products and services because there will be a guaranteed footfall of people attending throughout the day.
You can take a stand in one of six themed business zones designed to help visitors to grow their business and find the areas which are of most interest. They are Enterprise, Advice & Finance, Hospitality & Leisure, Technology, Promotion & Marketing and HR & Training.
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, which is holding the event, said: “Suppliers wanting to enhance their business are advised to take a stand at the event because there is so much going on throughout the day, which means there will be a huge footfall of potential customers. For suppliers, this will be a vital captive audience to promote themselves and be part of the region’s biggest business show.”
Highlights of the event include a Meet the Buyer event called Open4business, where suppliers will have the opportunity to pitch to key private and public sector buyers at pre-booked, 10-minute, one-to-one meetings. This year there are more buyers than ever before, with more than 36 signed up for the event. They include a wide range of councils and colleges, Kinnerton, Adnams, Perenco, Norwich City Football Club and many others.
Visitors will also be attending a series of three, 40-minute interactive and informative workshops designed to help boost business skills and give a real competitive edge. Topics are: ‘Networking so easy anyone can do it’, delivered by Mark Rhodes, of Rhodes2success; ‘Broadband: it’s more than just speed’, by Mike Joes of Modello (sponsored by BT Business); and ‘How to get results for email marketing’, by David Tillyer, of 101 Smart Ltd.
Also likely to bring in a great deal of visitors is the event’s Networking United event, which brings together a range of Norfolk networking groups under one roof, with the aim of making those vital connections. This presents an ideal opportunity to bring along some business cards and make contacts.
To book your stand, or to find out more about ‘Opportunities 2013’, go here
If you want to make business contacts through networking, then don’t miss Networking United which is part of the Opportunities 2013 event to be held on 14 March at Norwich City Football Club.
For the first time, the free-to-attend Opportunities 2013 event will feature Networking United held 12.30 – 1.3.30 in the Norfolk Lounge, which will bring together a range of Norfolk networking groups under one roof, with the aim of making those vital connections.
Prior to the Networking United will be held a free workshop called: ‘Networking so easy anyone can do it’, delivered by the dynamic Mark Rhodes, of Rhodes2success who was such a success at the Chamber’s Unlocking Success conference last November. To book please go onto the event website
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, commented: “Networking is one of the most successful ways to do business, make contacts and form new business relationships, so we have created the Networking United event to bring the business community together in one place. We advise anyone to come along with a stack of business cards and make those connections.”
‘Opportunities 2013’ also features Norfolk’s largest business exhibition, where suppliers from around the region can promote their products and services. The exhibition is divided into six themed business zones designed to help you grow your business and find the areas which are of most interest. They are Enterprise, Advice & Finance, Hospitality & Leisure, Technology, Promotion & Marketing and HR & Training.
In addition, ‘Opportunities 2013’ includes a Meet the Buyer event called Open4business, where suppliers will have the opportunity to pitch to key private and public sector buyers at pre-booked, 10-minute, one-to-one meetings. This year there are more buyers than ever before, with more than 35 signed up for the event. They include a wide range of councils and colleges, Kinnerton, Adnams, Perenco, Norwich City Football Club and many others.
Visitors can also attend a series of three, 40-minute interactive and informative workshops designed to help boost business skills and give a real competitive edge. Topics are: ‘Networking so easy anyone can do it’, delivered by Mark Rhodes, of Rhodes2success; ‘Broadband: it’s more than just speed’, by Mike Joes of Modello (sponsored by BT Business); and ‘How to get results for email marketing’, by David Tillyer, of 101 Smart Ltd.
To register for the Networking United, or to find out more about ‘Opportunities 2013’, go here
When it comes to commercial interior design, it’s easy to get hung up on the visual impact of your space – but beware. The excitement of choosing fixtures, fittings and furniture may mean you overlook other important factors, such as workplace acoustics.
That’s why, at Layrd Design, we explore workplace acoustics at the start of your project. Plus, it ensures that all aspects of your workspace are fit for purpose. For instance, healthcare providers may need soundproof rooms to protect sensitive patient information, while hospitality and retail spaces often benefit from a little ambient noise.
As if the reasons above weren’t important enough, we should also mention that it can be difficult and expensive to retrofit acoustic measures once you’re up and running. Ignore them at your peril!
ABC of Workplace Acoustics
Interior designers and architects use three key techniques to manage sound:
<li d love to help you to find a solution. Simply give us a call on 01223 952992 or email info@layrddesign.co.uk.
Ashtons Legal has recently donated over £5,000 to seven charities and causes across the Eastern region as part of the firm’s Wills Year campaign.
The Ashtons’ Wills Year campaign has run for a number of years and involves the firm making a donation to charity for each new Will completed and billed in an entire year.
The seven charities supported by the 2020-21 year are Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust in Cambridge, Arthur Rank Hospice, also in Cambridge, Gatehouse who are based in Bury St Edmunds, Norfolk Family Carers, Priscilla Bacon Hospice in Norwich, St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich and St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds. Each charity received £725.
Head of Individual Client Services at Ashtons Legal, Alan Brown said: “Due to the pandemic and the huge loss in only what can be described as a time of crisis for most charitable organisations in the UK, it is more important than ever to offer our support to the charities and causes close to us, and our clients. We are therefore delighted to be able to share funds with these hugely worthwhile causes who are vital in our local communities.”
Big Sky Additions is an owner managed business run by Justin Murray and Sam Holt who are the faces and hands on expert consultants of a growing successful local business specialising in Accountancy Search & Selection.
We provide a professional, honest and consultative service to companies and candidates across Norfolk. Our expertise and knowledge of the accountancy job market makes us ideally placed to help you find the right staff or the right job with the minimum of fuss.
We offer permanent, contract and temporary solutions within industry, public sector and professional practice.
Above all we focus on delivering a fresh, innovative and personal approach specifically designed to meet our clients ‘needs and candidates’ skills.
The recruitment industry has changed. Yes, the internet has made it easier for agencies to find more candidates, but too often this means a less targeted approach, resulting in disappointment for client and job seeker alike. This is where we’re different.
We rely on personal recommendation and referral
We combine innovative advertising with a continually refreshed database
We employ headhunting, networking and social media
This means we reach the 80% of the market not already on the job market. Which means greater quality and choice and less duplication for the client.
We work closely with local businesses in advising, targeting and sourcing highly skilled Accountancy professionals.
Big Sky Additions are not restricted to a 9-5 working day, you are VERY welcome to call us outside of these hours.
Businesses across the UK, including Norfolk, are being asked to nominate planning regulations to be simplified or removed as part of the government’s “Red Tape Challenge” initiative.