Norfolk Chamber welcomed a new initiative from KLM through Norwich International Airport to attract more users to the regional airport. The initiative will allow a FREE lounge pass for Amsterdam Schipol Airport (worth 50 euros) and is available to the first 10 responders.
As we launch our Norfolk Chambers Team out into the Norfolk business community, we are offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free access to some of the key business events hosted by Norfolk Chambers, so that you can Co.nnect With ‘Em All and use the many skills of The Motivator, The Zinger, The Promoter, The Producer, The Connector, The Architect and The Supporter (and many more soon to be announced!) to help your business.
What you need is what we do, and attending our events enable you to unlock all the skills and resources of the Norfolk Chambers Team – and so much more!
Behind the scenes: Co.nnect With ‘Em All! Campaign
Norfolk commercial photographer Joe Lenton is the creative force behind our new ‘Co.nnect With ‘Em All!’ campaign that shows how Team Norfolk Chambers can help support your business. We grabbed five minutes with him and discovered a creative photographer who can help businesses communicate through their brand’s imagery.
The creative brief was challenging – create 15 ‘Magnificent 7-meets – Fantastic Four – meets Justice League – meets – ‘you know that BBC Heroes series’ – style portraits, each depicting the different skills and personalities of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce team, that can be used as trading cards for businesses to Co.nnect with…but Joe Lenton rose to the challenge.
As a Norfolk Chambers member, Joe wants to connect with Norfolk businesses who would like to create impactful photography campaigns to communicate their brand more effectively, so what better way to support Joe than by commissioning him to take the photographs for our main campaign this year?
Hello Joe, so before we start this interview, tell us what your ‘superhero powers’ are?!
JL: Haha! Oh I’m not sure! I guess if I were to sum up what I enjoy doing and am best at then it would be working with businesses to help them communicate their key messages through their imagery. I love seeing what they are doing and help them stand out from their competition by giving their imagery a creative twist.
Well you have certainly done this with the Norfolk Chambers team’s portraits – thank you! Would you say that CGI is your signature style?
JL: I see myself as a creative communicator and being able to offer quality creative craftmanship. The CGI adds to this and supports my photography to offer businesses something different. I taught myself how to use CGI during the first lockdown and I have enjoyed experimenting with the many different ways of using this technique in my photography – particularly when shooting products. Many people think of CGI in movies or computer games, but I use it to enhance product photos or portraits. In fact, during lockdown when we couldn’t shoot on location CGI enabled me to create virtual backdrops. It also is perfect for creating product prototypes to save businesses creating them themselves. CGI can save businesses time, money and with less materials and paint used for backdrops it can help the environment too. I am still mainly an advertising photographer, but CGI has become an important tool to be able to call on.
How about the creative portrait scenes in the Norfolk Chambers campaign? How did you create the effects and work with the brief?
JL: The brief gave me quite a bit to work with and combined with the six brand colours of Norfolk Chamber there were a lot of creative elements to get my teeth into! As each of the team members needed to have their own personalities, but had to fit together as a team, I shot each one from a low angle to create that superhero vibe and used the same lighting set up to keep the feel consistent. I used quite contrasty lighting to make it feel more 3D as we see shapes more clearly when the highlights and shadows are more pronounced. In post-production, I used the Chambers’ colours to create smoke, fire, lightening and other effects, which were tailored to the roles and skills of each member of the team. For some, I also created a CGI scene to place them in before adding extra smoke and glowing highlights.
We are certainly honoured to work with you on creating our Team Norfolk Chambers avatars, especially as you have worked with some fabulous Norfolk businesses such as Booja Booja, Jordan Fitness and St Giles Gin – is there a particular sector that you want to work with?
I enjoy working with food and drink producers and manufacturers as I feel that my style of photography can make product shots more impactful. Saying that however, I enjoy the challenge of making anything look interesting, including things that people might consider mundane. Any kind of product can have the potential to look great. I’m a creative image maker at heart so in many ways the more challenging the shoot the better the creative opportunities!
Finally, to keep in with the theme of our Team Norfolk Chambers trading cards, if you had your own trading card what would it say?
Haha! I guess that I would be the ‘Creative Craftsman’ with my top skill being to help communicate through imagery. My strength would be in having the understanding and empathy to project what a business wants to communicate. My weakness would be that I’m a perfectionist. My special power would be using visual language as a powerful communication tool.
Joe Lenton is an advertising photographer and CGI artist who specialises in product photography. If your business needs great pictures from someone who really understands your business needs give him a call! www.joelenton.com 01603 516288.
Get 50% off a professional photography audit with Joe!
Norfolk Chambers Members can get a 50% discount on a professional image audit for their business by Joe Lenton. Find out more on our Member to Member benefits page here
As the country officially starts to unlock and businesses look to return to a more normal trading conditions – it is more important than ever that your voice is heard by Government, the Chancellor and the Bank of England.
How has your business performed in the last quarter, what do you see as the challenges and opportunities going forwards? How confident are you about your financial position, your workforce and your future orderbook?
Without this vital local and regional knowledge they cannot make the right decisions and put relevant support mechanisms in place that will ultimately impact on you and your company.
The QES is anonymous, open to anyone and only takes a couple of minutes to complete online.
We need your input, if you only take one survey, then please make it the QES
We are offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free pass to some of the key business events hosted by Norfolk Chambers.
What you need is what we do, and attending our events will enable you to unlock all the skills and resources of the Norfolk Chambers Team – and so much more!
The prize includes a Norfolk Chamber’s event pass to the value of over £200, with tickets to events such as The Big Debate, Talking Tech, B2B after party, Bank of England event and our money can’t buy Business Leader Event.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, head over to our LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram account @NorfolkChamber and let us know in the comments on the competition post: Why would you like to have a Norfolk Chambers event pass for a year?
Please also make sure that you:
Are following us
Like the post
And tag in a business that you think might be interested in a Norfolk Chamber events pass.
The winner will be selected by our senior management team on Monday 31 May.
Terms and conditions
These terms and conditions apply to the ‘Win a Norfolk Chambers Event pass for a year competition promoted by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce (which we will refer to as “Norfolk Chambers”, “we” or “us”).
By entering this competition you agree to abide by this terms and conditions.
By entering this competition you are agreeing to Norfolk Chamber using your comments posted on the competition posts for marketing purposes.
The competition is open to all Norfolk businesses and organisations, including charities and social enterprises.
Entries to the competition excludes Norfolk Chambers employees and their immediate families, or anyone else connected with the promotion.
Businesses can enter the prize draw by following Norfolk Chambers on social media, liking the competition post, tagging in another business, and telling us why they would like to win a Norfolk Chambers of Commerce event pass for a year.
Businesses can enter via the competition post on Norfolk Chambers LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and can enter via all four platforms, but only once per platform.
The closing date for all entries is Monday 31 May, 2021. All entries received after this date will not be considered. The winner will be chosen from all entries by the Norfolk Chambers senior management team. Their decision is final.
In the event of the winner not taking the prize within 7 days, the senior management team will select another winner from all entries.
We reserve the right the verify the eligibility of entrants and to check their identity.
The prize is a year’s event pass to key Norfolk of Chamber events including: 1 x B2B After-party Ticket – Worth £15, 1 x Big Debate Ticket – Worth £25, 1 x Talking Tech Ticket – Worth £40, 1 x Ticket to Boards on the Broads – Charity donation of £10 made on your behalf, 1 x Ticket to the Bank of England event in November – worth £35, Invites to all Business Leaders Events – exclusive money can’t buy invitation. Total prize value is approx. £200.
We reserve the right to change the total prize value, subject to changes with event ticket prices.
There is no cash alternative.
The winner will have their picture and story published on our e-zine Norfolk’s Voice and will be part of a marketing campaign to promote this.
We reserve the right, acting in our sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant and withdraw/withhold any prize from a winner who:
is found to have abused or tampered with the operation of the competition.
has acted in any manner deemed by us to be in violation of these terms and conditions
is found to be ineligible or fails to provide promptly any requested evidence of eligibility.
fails to respond to a winners notification within 7 days.
If any provision of these terms and conditions is held invalid by any law, rule, order or regulation of any government, or by the final determination of any court of a competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the enforceability of any other provisions not held to be invalid.
These terms and conditions, its subject matter and its formation, are governed by English law. You and we both agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction in connection with these terms and conditions and your entry into competition (including any claims or disputes).
Promoter: Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, 9 Norwich Business Park, Whitling Road, Norwich, NR4 6DJ.
The Norfolk Chamber would like to congratulate all the candidates who were successfully elected to their seats in Norfolk. We look forward to working closely with them to supportNorfolk businesses to drive forward economic growth.
The 9 Norfolk MP’s are:
BROADLAND-Keith SIMPSON (Conservative) HOLD
GREAT YARMOUTH-Brandon LEWIS (Conservative) HOLD
MID NORFOLK-George FREEMAN (Conservative) HOLD
NORTH NORFOLK-Norman LAMB (Lib Dem) HOLD
NORTH WEST NORFOLK-Henry BELLINGHAM (Conservative) HOLD
NORWICH NORTH – Chloe SMITH (Conservative) HOLD
NORWICH SOUTH-Clive LEWIS (Labour) GAIN
SOUTH NORFOLK-Richard BACON (Conservative) HOLD
SOUTH WEST NORFOLK-Elizabeth TRUSS (Conservative) HOLD
The BBC would like to alert you to an opportunity to volunteer your time to assist at the Radio 1 Academy – a week of workshops and activities aimed at young people interested in the music, film and digital industries, ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
Taking place from 9-15 May at Open in Norwich and run by BBC Learning, the Radio 1 Academy will welcome thousands of young people, mainly 16-19 year olds, to take part in workshops, learn from professionals and help inspire future careers in music, journalism, gaming, film and television.
The Academy will require help with some roles assisting in the workshops. These roles will be coordinated by the BBC. Please send your details and fill in the attached application form to the BBC to register your interest now.
Please note: You have to be over 18 to apply and working hours would be up to a maximum of 8 hours per day including a lunch break. The BBC will cover all expenses including travel and lunch.
Urgent changes are being made to local access arrangements at the Postwick junction road works to reduce the risk posed by traffic queuing back on to the westboundA47.
From Monday evening (15 June) after the evening peak, access to Postwick village and Brundallwill no longer be possible via the existing bridge over the A47 (although access to Postwick Park & Ride will be retained). This is because traffic management changes for a new phase of work on the new Oaks Lane roundabout, to the south of the A47, have resulted in traffic queuing back down the slip on to the dual carriageway.
Adjustment to the temporary traffic light timings did not solve the problem, so the access to Postwick village via the existing bridge and Church Road has had to be closed to ensure a free flow of traffic leaving the A47, maintaining safety on the westbound carriageway. Traffic heading for Postwick village and Brundall is being diverted via the A47 to the Cucumber Lane roundabout. This is likely to be necessary until construction of the Oaks Lane roundabout is complete, in about four to six weeks.
Norfolk County Council apologises for the inconvenience this will cause to local residents.
In the three months to February 2015 employment rose by 248,000, while unemployment fell by 76,000
The proportion of people aged 16 – 64 in work was 73.4%, the highest since record began in 1971
The total unemployment rate fell to 5.6% and the youth unemployment rate declined to 16.1%
Total pay including bonuses rose by 1.7% compared with a year earlier, while pay excluding bonuses rose by 1.8%.
Commenting on the labour market statistics for April 2015, published today by the ONS,David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The latest figures continue to highlight the dynamism and resilience of the UK labour market. Rising employment levels and falling unemployment supports our view that the UK economy will record steady growth in the first quarter, despite the recent disappointing construction and production figures.
“And it is very welcome news that wage increases are now higher than inflation and are boosting living standards.
“However, challenges remain – we must address the youth unemployment rate. Although it continues to fall, it is still more than three times the national average.”
David Bharier, BCC Business Insight Manager said:
“The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey* shows a steady level of growth in employment levels since the 2008-09 recession, despite slight slowdowns in recent quarters.
“However, a majority of firms from both the manufacturing and services sectors struggle to find the right staff, with 69% and 65% reporting recruitment difficulties in the last three months, respectively.”
As mentioned in last week’s news article, those businesses who imported from the EU and made a Simplified Declaration, or have yet to make any declaration at all, you need to be ready to make your full declaration at the 175 days later point. Be careful: If you’re receiving, or have already received goods from the EU, and are not doing full declarations, you are potentially accumulating duty debt and could be subject to HMRC penalties. Filing a Customs Declaration is a legally binding act between the UK Trader and the UK Customs authorities. Unless you are buying under DDP terms (Delivered Duty Paid), as the importer you have the right to choose your customs agent, and also the obligation to report information to HMRC accurately and correctly. Here at Norfolk ChamberCustoms, we have the resource and expertise to support you with your Import and Export Declarations. We have Capacity. On the 25th of June, the Norfolk Chamber’s International Team presented an hour long Webinar, titled “Maximising your international Trade”. Follow this link ,to discover how the Norfolk Chamber can help you with your business’ International needs, and meet the International team that will be looking after you. Also, find attached the ChamberCustoms brochure, which gives you more detail of the Customs Declarations service available to you now.
Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* – and you can now register for your free fast-track tickets!
The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar.
For visitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and make connections at this prestigious event. Registering for your tickets now will enable you to avoid the queues on the day so that you can start to connect with businesses straightaway.
At B2B you can:
Meet and connect with over 100 exhibitors in the exhibition hall.
Attend free business workshops and seminars in the Co.llaboration Hub sponsored by Lovewell Blake.
Get free 1-to-1 advice at our Co.mmunicate Hub with Knowledge Hour Live sponsored by Spire Solicitors (booking available soon).
Join in our speed networking sessions throughout the day in the Co.nnected Hub.
Get some fresh air and connect with businesses in our Outdoor Hub sponsored by Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance.
Relax and catch up with colleagues and acquaintances in our Food and Drink Hub sponsored by Proudly Norfolk.
Join us for the B2B after party for drinks, snacks and a good old catch up!
There is also free parking available at the event.
You can register for your free fast track tickets here
*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.
Growth: 63% of firms surveyed confident in their growth prospects over next 12 months
Restarting: 53% already operating at pre-pandemic capacity; 80% expect to be by October
Barriers: 38% cited further lockdowns as a barrier to re-opening, while 37% cited ongoing social distancing measures
Finance: 44% believe access to finance will help overcome the remaining barriers to fully restarting operations
UK small businesses are increasingly confident in their ability to grow and power the economic recovery, although many still have fears about the ongoing impact of Covid restrictions. This comes according to new data published today by the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Funding Circle, the UK’s largest small business loan platform.
The survey of more than 1,000 firms, almost all SMEs, reveals the majority (63%) are emerging from lockdown with either concrete plans or intentions to grow their business over the next 12 months. The manufacturing sector (68%) is particularly optimistic, while nearly six-in-ten (58%) of the hardest hit business-to-consumer (B2C) firms such as hospitality, catering and retail still anticipate growth.
Although the UK economy is yet to fully reopen, many businesses have demonstrated their resilience and are already carrying out their vital role as engines of economic growth. More than half (53%) said they had already restarted or returned to pre-pandemic levels in April, with a further 27% expecting to reach this milestone by October. By the end of the year, 91% of businesses expect to have fully restarted, with only 1% not expecting to restart for the foreseeable future.
For many, the biggest barriers to reopening are Covid-related, such as the risk of further lockdowns (cited by 38% of respondents) or social distancing requirements (cited by 37%). Concerns around reduced customer demand (33%), inflation pressure (18%) and recruitment difficulties (14%) are also weighing on UK businesses.
Access to finance will be key in helping SMEs to unlock their full growth potential, with nearly half (44%) believing it will help overcome the remaining barriers they face.
Commenting on the findings, Claire Walker, Co-executive Director of the BCC, said: “The ability of businesses to bounce back from the devastation caused by Covid is a huge testament to their resilience. Although, the financial support put in place by the government to help many through the last 12 months will have played a crucial role.
“The government must now clarify the future of safety measures, such as social distancing, and set out a clear package of support that would be available should further restrictions be imposed on businesses this year, or in the years to come.
“Firms will feel more confident and will be more willing to invest in jobs and in developing their business, if government can give assurances that a safety net of financial support will be provided should there be a need for restrictions which reduce or stop commercial activity in order to protect public health.
“There is cautious optimism growing among firms that as the economy now gradually unlocks, they will be able to push on and return to growth. But the shadow of Covid is very long; many firms still feel uncertain about what the future holds. Having access to finance to help them weather this continuing uncertainty may well prove vital.”
Lisa Jacobs, Europe Managing Director at Funding Circle, added: “While the road to recovery won’t be straightforward, it is great to see SMEs are looking towards the future with such optimism. From our conversations with customers, it’s clear their appetite to invest in their businesses is as high as ever. We’re ready to continue helping them access the finance they need to overcome the remaining hurdles they face, and achieve their growth ambitions.”