This summer, Norwich’s now iconic 10km run returns to the fine city for its fourth year. We are pleased to reveal that we will again be sponsoring the fantastic event that is ‘Run Norwich’!
Year-on-year the event has grown to the point where, within just the first week of general entries going on sale, the race was 70% full. This is a testament to the growing popularity of the event and a good reason for prospective entrants to secure their place NOW before they’re all gone! To enter, please visit https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter/.
We’re extremely excited to be part of such a popular event for the fourth year in a row. While Run Norwich is primarily a 10km run, to many (us included) it’s so much more than that. It’s an occasion, an impressive spectacle and perhaps most importantly of all a celebration of the city.
The great thing about Run Norwich is that it has something for everyone, it’s an event that attracts all kinds of people from all over. You’ll find both novice runners and seasoned professionals here, residents as well as international participants.
The race itself will take runners on a scenic journey through Norwich, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Norwich Castle, Cathedral and Norwich City Football Club. Thanks to the excellent organisation of the event by the Community Sports Foundation (CSF) race day is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
Run Norwich takes place on Sunday 5th August 2018 and should you wish to take part in the award-nominated 10k run, then waste no time in booking your place here: https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter/.
The BCC and TUC have put together a joint letter to the Prime Minister urging her to end uncertainty around the status of existing EU nationals, and give current EU employees a right to remain after Brexit.
It seems a long time since George Osborne spoke of “a Britain carried aloft by the march of the makers” (it was in fact his 2011 Budget) and the latest official report suggests that the sector is still lagging behind rather than carrying the economy forward.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that manufacturing fell by 0.9% and production fell by 1.3% between September and October this year.
This was described by Lee Hopley, Chief Economist at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, as a fairly hefty contraction and she said that it was certainly not the start to the fourth quarter that the industry expected to see.
“Output falls appear fairly widespread across subsectors,” she explained, “but falls in pharmaceuticals, textiles and food were responsible for much of the drop over the month.”
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady was also disappointed by the latest figures which were, she suggested, a reminder of the challenges ahead next year, especially in the light of Brexit.
“When the manufacturing sector grows, it creates good jobs across the whole of the UK. So support for the sector should be a bigger priority for the government as part of a more comprehensive industrial strategy in 2017,” she went on.
The current Chancellor had said the right things about higher investment in the Autumn Statement, Ms O’Grady argued, but failed to back his words with a sufficiently robust investment package.
On a more positive note, Ms Hopley highlighted underlying resilience in the domestic market and a brightening outlook overseas as reasons for optimism.
Chamber of Commerce Member Human Capital Department have been shortlisted for the Award of HR Top Advisor by Enterpise Nation [Business Support Group].
Peter Lawrence of Human Capital Department has been recognised as a top 50 advisor for support behind the scenes to ensure Norfolk’s businesses get the best People Management and Development advice so that they survive and florish going forward.
We are all about getting the right systems and processes in place to help businesses, and it’s great to be recognised as one of the top 5 HR Advisors in the Enterprise Nation network.
To vote for Peter as best in HR class go to www.enterprisenation.com/top50
Leading East Anglian accountancy and business advisory firm Larking Gowen has announced a new appointment to its Norwich Business Team, emphasising the focus on advisory services.
Leading East Anglian accountancy and business advisory firm Larking Gowen has announced a new appointment to its Norwich Business Team, emphasising the focus on advisory services.
Will Gibbs has spent the last four years with the firm’s Corporate Transactions team and is now joining the Norwich Business team as a Senior Manager. The focus of Will’s role will be advising new and existing clients on opportunities to add value to their businesses and boost growth.
“Our Business Team supports a fantastic array of growing and successful enterprises across all sectors. We have been supporting many of these long-standing clients in their annual accounts, tax and management accounts over many years,” he said.
“With developments in technology we are now perfectly placed to support our clients further by looking behind the numbers and in addition to supporting them with historic accounts, advise on live and future facing decisions, analysis and growth.”
Will, who is originally from Norwich, studied economics at the University of York and then spent three years with a large London-based accountancy practice before returning to his home city.
“I’ve spent four years in Corporate Transactions with Larking Gowen and will continue to support the team helping clients with business acquisitions and disposals. This experience provides a great platform for getting under the skin of business and understanding what drives it forward and what influences returns and values,” he said.
Becky Ames, Business Team Lead Partner at Larking Gowen, said: “We are very pleased that Will is going to be joining the Business team to further drive our advisory offering. The accountancy profession is changing fast, with the development of digital solutions giving our clients ever better data to drive their businesses forward.
“We can add real value in advising our clients on how they can achieve their goals, and Will’s experience in Corporate Transactions brings a new focus and dynamic to our offering.”
“We loved hearing from people who organised their own events. They clearly had great fun, while doing something simple to raise funds for such a worthy cause” – after a successful debut, EACH’s Big Tea Break is back for 2024.
Fundraisers are being encouraged to brew-up, tuck into a sweet treat and raise vital funds for charity.
The Big Tea Break is being organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and will take place between 23rd and 29th March.
This is the second year of the popular initiative after it made a successful debut in 2023.
It gives the public an opportunity to put the kettle on, share a cuppa and spend quality time together, while also making a donation to EACH.
Community Fundraising Manager Tina Burdett said: “We’re excited to be organising another Big Tea Break.
“It was a completely new venture last year and we were very happy with the way it went.
“We loved hearing from people who organised their own events. They clearly had great fun, while doing something simple to raise funds for such a worthy cause.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a small group or whole communities getting involved.
“It’s about bringing people together and the idea ties in with the wellbeing and support services we offer.
“One of our key messages is that we help families create memories together.
“There’s a direct link because we want to encourage our supporters to take a break and make their own memories with family, friends and colleagues.
“Please spread the word and for more information, including how to register an event and download a fundraising pack, check our website.”
Supporters are being encouraged to snap, tag and share their photos online and anyone wishing to donate, but unable to host or attend an event, can contribute £3 by texting BIGTEABREAK to 70085.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one message at your standard network message rate.
This year’s Big Tea Break is being sponsored by TREATT.
For further information about this release please contact:
Matt Plummer | Media and PR Manager | 07738 328058 | Matt.Plummer@each.org.uk
Age UK Norwich, in collaboration with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and Creative Sponge, has been awarded Highly Commended at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025 for their innovative falls prevention training video.
The resource was developed with patients who had directly experienced a fall and received care in hospital. Their lived experiences shaped the content, ensuring it is both authentic and impactful. The video is now being used as a training tool for staff as well as an awareness resource for the wider community, helping to highlight the importance of preventing falls and supporting people to remain safe and independent.
The HSJ Patient Safety Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to patient safety across the UK, recognising projects that make a measurable difference to healthcare outcomes.
Megan Durrant, Communications and Marketing Lead at Age UK Norwich, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition. This project really demonstrates the power of collaboration — bringing together patient voices, hospital expertise, and creative storytelling to create something that has a real and lasting impact. To be acknowledged on a national stage is testament to the strength of partnership working and the importance of putting lived experience at the heart of training and awareness.”
The NNUH team expressed their excitement and pride at receiving the accolade on the night, highlighting how the award reflects the dedication of staff and patients who contributed to the project.
The collaboration between Age UK Norwich, NNUH, and Creative Sponge showcases how community organisations, healthcare providers, and creative partners can come together to produce innovative resources that improve understanding and ultimately support better patient safety.
“We’re incredibly proud the video has received a Highly Commended award at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards. This recognition is a testament to great creative, excellent storytelling, and a real collaborative partnership between Age UK Norwich, NNUH and ourselves that we hope will help to drive real, positive change,”Martin Betts, Client Services Director, Creative Sponge.
Importantly, this project also highlights the role of innovation in falls prevention. By testing new ways to reach and support people, we can find more effective solutions, spread awareness more widely, and ensure that older people and those at risk feel empowered to stay active, safe, and independent.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/a0iHqjhO_fQ
Great Yarmouth based company Gapton Computers is set to join with Netmatters Ltd to create one of the region’s largest, full-service technology companies; offering ever improving levels of service to all businesses throughout East Anglia and the rest of the UK.
As of the 1st March 2018, Gapton Computers will join forces with Netmatters Ltd in a move that will establish Netmatters Ltd as the region’s largest, full-service technology agency. Trading as solely Netmatters Ltd from this date, we will operate from two locations within East Anglia, including our existing office in Wymondham, as well as our newly established offices in Great Yarmouth.
Gapton Computers has been trading since December 2008 and has focused on supporting the IT infrastructure for many businesses within the Great Yarmouth area. Under the management of Mark Johnson, Gapton Computers has achieved considerable success and has developed close relationships with many local businesses.
Over the past 10 years, we have continued to grow in terms of our offerings and dedicated team of experts who are at the forefront of the Netmatters business; supporting our customers and helping continue their success. This development will be further enhanced with the merger with Gapton Computers.
“Both companies have a similar approach in terms of how they support their clients… both take ownership and work with their business clients to ensure they have the technical support required to help them be successful” – Mark Johnson, formerly Managing Director of Gapton Computers.
Mark, formerly Managing Director of Gapton computers will continue to be a valued member of the team, taking a more technical position as we move forward.
Following the combination, Netmatters Ltd will welcome a larger team of expert personnel and will continue to maintain the office in Great Yarmouth – benefiting local customers by providing rapid local support.
“All former Gapton Personnel have taken new positions with Netmatters so we can maintain the good relationships we have with all our clients. We aim to maintain the personal service by aligning teams of technicians with accounts to gain the benefits of familiarity alongside a large resource pool if the need arises.” – James Gulliver, Managing Director at Netmatters.
Netmatters is passionate about technology and only employs people with the same mindset, as we believe the old adage that; if you love what you do, you will care about it.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Netmatters team who will be more than happy to provide more information.
A huge congratulations to our Chief Executive, Caroline Williams for being awarded a MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for services to the Norfolk business community.
The chief executive of Norfolk’s chamber of commerce for almost 17 years has been made a Member of the British Empire. Mother-of-two Caroline Williams, who lives in Salhouse, said she was “thrilled and humbled” to receive the accolade. The 64-year-old joined the chamber in 2000, having previously worked as an international buyer and an account manager in Dereham.
At that time, she said the organisation had been “limping along” and was in a poor state financially. But over the following years, Mrs Williams, assisted by fellow members, transformed the chamber into a strong and sustainable position.
“I think one of the biggest achievements is that Norfolk’s business community is now visible in Westminster,” she said. “It understands that it can make a difference, and the chamber has worked as a good facilitator between the Government and the business community.”
The title is a among a string of accolades Mrs William has picked up this year. As well as becoming a qualified yoga teacher, she also received the EDP Outstanding Business Award. She will be stepping down from her role in April to focus on training business leaders across the county.
Read more about Norfolk Heroes recognised in the EDP here
Local cancer charity, Big C, has announced it will be hosting ‘Remember in December’ an evening of reflection, readings and carols to be held at Norwich Cathedral on December 7th, to which all local people are invited.
This special event is an opportunity for everyone to come together and reflect on the past year and perhaps remember loved ones who poorly, or who are no longer with us. The occasion will also offer the chance for Big C to say thank you to everyone who has supported the cancer charity over the past few years, especially with the ‘Nearer to Home’ Appeal, which has enabled the building of a new Cancer Support Centre on Dereham Road. Tributes will also be made to the charity’s amazing supporters, staff and volunteers who work so hard across the organisation to help local people affected by cancer.
Dr Chris Bushby, CEO of Big C said “We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to this special event in this majestic and peaceful setting. The occasion will provide a moment for reflection during the festive period, which is important to so many of us. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the evening and enjoy a service of well-known readings, carols and festive music in the beautiful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral.
“Whether you’ve had a recent bereavement, or are remembering loved ones at Christmas-time, you’ve been helped by Big C, are a supporter of the charity, or you would like to come along and be part of the evening as part of the local community, you are warmly invited to attend.”
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Thursday) publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey. Based on 7,250 responses from companies in Q4 2016, the results show the uptick in Q3 in the manufacturing sector has been sustained in the final quarter, and more service sector firms were expecting growth than they were just after the EU referendum.
Overall, the findings suggest growth in Norfolk will continue in 2017, albeit at a more modest pace.
The survey results show that having slowed in Q3 2016, growth in Norfolk’s domestic sales and orders rose considerably in the service sector for Q4, although they have not bounced back to the levels last seen in 2013. The fall in Sterling looks like it is benefitting some manufacturers, with export sales and orders continuing the rise started in the last quarter. Manufacturing exporters started 2016 in negative territory, with export order balances at -8% but they finish 2016 in a very positive position, with an export order balance at +22%.
The survey also indicates that manufacturer’s confidence in future turnover and profitability has continued to increase throughout the year. Balances for hiring expectations and investment in plant and machinery also rose this quarter, again highlighting growing confidence for Norfolk’s manufacturing firms.
Norfolk’s service sector have not been as confident through 2016. They started the year with a negative balance for export sales (-3% in Q1) and the negative balances lingered throughout the year, dropping further to -12% in Q3, but finished stronger in Q4 with a positive balance at +11%. Turnover and profitability for the Norfolk Service sector also finished positively with turnover at +35% and profitability at +20%. Both of these balances are at lower levels that they were in Q1 2016 (+55% and +41% respectively).
However, the survey found that firms in both sectors, particularly in manufacturing, are facing pressure to raise prices, principally as a result of the cost of raw materials and other overheads.
Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“As we start 2017, Norfolk businesses are continuing to trade through uncertainty, and are looking to seize opportunities as they arise. The QES findings suggest that business communities across Norfolk and the rest of the UK remain resilient, and many firms are expecting continued growth in the months ahead.
“Inflation has emerged in our survey as a rising concern for many businesses. Both manufacturing and services firms say they are under pressure, particularly from the rising costs, which are squeezing margins and may weaken future investment. “It is therefore vitally important that our local Councillors, together with our MPs, work hard on our behalf to bring investment into our County to help improve the business environment in order to encourage business growth.”
Key Norfolk findings in the Q4 2016 survey:
Overall, the figures for both sectors indicate continued expansion, but at a lower level for the services sector than before the EU referendum
There was a considerable rise in the balance of firms in both sectors expecting the prices of their goods and services to increase over the next three months, with the balance for manufacturers rising from +29% to +55%. This is the highest on record in the manufacturing sector, and the highest since Q2 2011 for manufacturing firms. This pressure is predominately as a result of an increase in raw material prices following the post-referendum devaluation of Sterling
In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting improved export sales remained broadly steady, slightly increasing from +13% in Q3 2016, to +18%. The balance for export orders is +22%, a rise from +13% in the previous quarter. Both balances have shown a marked increase from the same quarter last year, where they both languished in negative territory (orders at -3% and sales at -8%)
Domestically, the balance of manufacturers reporting increased sales rose from +7% to +24%, and those reporting increased advance orders rose by 10 points to +10%. The balance for services firms rebounded slightly, after falling considerably in the last quarter. Domestic sales were up from +10% to +24% and orders rose from +0% to +20%.
The percentage of manufacturing firms reporting recruitment difficulties decreased from +86% to +78%. Whilst the service sector recruitment difficulties increased from +55% to +68%.
In the last three months, the balance of service sector firms hiring more staff rose from +9% to +19%, although manufacturing firms reported only say a slight increased from +32% to +34%.
Having dipped in the last quarter, the manufacturing sector are reporting higher balances of firms investing in plant and machinery, with an increasing balance from +13% in Q3 to +27% this quarter.
More firms in both sectors are reporting confidence that their turnover will increase. The balance of manufacturers rose from +39% to +63%, while services increased from +28% to +35%. While confidence in profitability also rose from +13% to +52%, it rose from +6% to +20% in the services sector.
Commenting on the National results, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said:
“Having slowed significantly in the previous quarter, the UK services sector has rebounded, although it’s not yet back to levels seen at the start of the year. Nonetheless, the service sector is likely to have been the key driver of growth in the quarter.
“Manufacturers, particularly those that export, continue to report positive indicators. However, while some firms will be benefitting from the depreciation in the value of the pound, there is currently little evidence that it is providing a material boost to overall export growth. The UK’s manufacturing base continues to struggle with long-term structural issues, with businesses continuing to report considerable recruitment difficulties. The government must work to address the skills gap, while also ensuring that businesses have access to the workers they need from overseas.
“There is further evidence that rising prices will be a key challenge to the outlook for the UK economy over the next year, with the significant rise in the cost of raw materials increasing the pressure on firms to raise prices in the coming months. While growth is likely to have remained on trend in the quarter, the UK’s growth prospects in the near-term are expected to be more subdued, weighed down by rising inflation and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.”