We are currently planning our next series of export events and are looking for local members who would like to share their knowledge and experience of exporting.
You would have the opportunity to explain how easy/hard it is to open up in a particular market, as well as provide advice and tips on what to look out for.
If you’re interested in participating please click here.
👉 www.batonofhopenorwich.co.uk/sponsorship or donate at https://gofund.me/42d87575
Any queries please call Anna McNeil at anna@norwichsams.org.uk or call 01603 558 298
In this Chamber Session Rachael Shakespeare, Jungle PR, taught the delegates her top tips for developing their PR skills. Rachael’s colourful and fun presentation reflected her enthusiastic and clear presentation skills.
Rachael’s top tip to take-away would be to “look at PR as a strategic, long-term method of managing the reputation of your business”. Rachael thought her Session went well and her highlights were “meeting people and discussing ways to help on the PR front”.
In the first of the lunch time Chamber Sessions, Holly Stibbon, 101Smart gave delegates an energetic understanding into email marketing. Holly emphasised strongly the legal aspects behind email marketing to ensure all delegates fully understood the dos and don’ts to their email marketing. She also gave delegates top tips such as the best times to send marketing campaigns, how to target your audiences and about the more personal touches to your email marketing.
Gemma Neill, The Space, said it was a “very helpful ‘takeaway’ Session” adding that it was information she could “go back to the office and apply today!” Holly’s felt that “It was really good to see people ‘get it’. Taking the thoughts and ideas, applying to their business, asking questions and then the look on their face when they realised what they needed to do to improve. Very satisfying.”
Norfolk businesses and a local charity have combined to support adults with disabilities gain valuable job search skills.
Five adults with learning disabilities accessed the Jobsearch Skills workshops through the Norfolk based BUILD Charity, who teamed up with senior managers, and owners of Norfolk businesses to pass on their experiences, and provide mock job interviews to candidates for a fictitious role.
The workshops were designed by BUILD Charity’s Chief Executive, James Kearns, and co-hosted with Teresa Kelly, Business and Education Consultant with Talk Enterprise. Over a four week period, the workshops explored issues ranging from choosing the kind of job to aspire to, exploring where jobs are advertised, selling yourself as an applicant, building a CV and experiencing an interview.
Each session was inter-active and involved testimonies from people in local businesses. The final session saw four local business managers host 15 minute selection interviews for a fictitious role. Stephen Ferrey (MoCo), Ian Woodley (Quartz Healthcare), Richard Buck (John Lewis Partnership) and Anne Francis (Carnival Consulting) each interviewed two candidates, and provided positive feedback, as well as areas where candidates could improve their applications and techniques.
So impressed was one business leader, Anne Francis, of Carnival Consulting, that she offered some temporary work to one of the candidates after the interview.
BUILD Charity’s Chief Executive, James Kearns said “The partnership working with colleagues in the business world made the whole experience real for participants, who got real feedback, from real employers, not just a table top exercise. The added confidence and aspiration experienced by people taking part was significant.”
The workshops had been free to access, thanks to funding from a Norwich based Charitable Trust but the low take up of places had come as a surprise to organisers. James Kearns said “In the current economic climate, where people with disabilities are finding it even harder to get on the jobs, and careers, ladder we expected to be inundated with people wanting to access these workshops, but in the end only half the places were filled. We have some funding to run a second series of workshops in the autumn, if the demand is there, so would welcome expressions of interest from people with disabilities, their carers or supporters, before setting a date.”
The BUILD Charity was established in Norwich in 1967 and provides around 400 social, leisure and learning opportunities to adults, and young people, with sensory, physical and learning disabilities each year with activities ranging from a weekly social club, known as The Wednesday Club in central Norwich, two clubs for young people in Norwich and New Buckenham, and arrange of sporting, cultural and healthy living activities across the county. For more information visit www.buildcharity.co.uk
Commenting on George Osborne’s speech to business leaders in Hong Kong, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“George Osborne hit the nail on the head in Hong Kong when he said that Britain is not investing enough and not exporting enough. Unless our economic recovery broadens out, and companies feel confident enough to implement their growth plans both at home and overseas, it will be merely good rather than truly great.
“On export, one of his top priorities must be to properly resource Britain’s global business network, much as our key competitors do. This would ensure that UK companies have strong support and advice when they land in growing markets overseas. It is gratifying that he chose to make his speech to the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong – one of 41 business groups we are working with across the globe to ensure that British companies can get practical support when they seek to do more business in dynamic, fast-growing markets.”
Commenting on the opportunities to grow through trading internationally Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“Norfolk Chamber’s all time high level of documentation shows just how successful our Norfolk businesses are being in expanding their businesses through exporting. Working with the BCC and UKTI we have new resources available in Norfolk for businesses who feel it is time to review whether trading internationally is right for them. It is not for all businesses but you may be surprised just what opportunities are out there and well worth investigating. There is significant free resource to help Norfolk businesses take that first step, so we could encourage any forward thinking MD to at least check out what they may be missing through an email to our International Trade Director: Tracey.Howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk“
The British Chambers of Commerce has today (Sunday) called on George Osborne to use his Budget speech on 19th March to focus on youth employment, training and enterprise – which are crucial to securing future growth and avoiding a ‘lost generation’ as the UK economy continues to recover.
Overview
In its submission to the 2014 Budget, the business organisation responds to employers’ concerns about the work readiness of young people. We are currently faced with a deficient education, training and skills system, which has resulted in a troubled labour market, high social costs and increased youth unemployment.
This week’s data from the Office for National Statistics showed a fall in youth unemployment by 48,000, and although this is encouraging, the jobless rate among young people still stands at 917,000 which is far too high. In fact, this means that young people are nearly three times as likely to be unemployed compared with the rest of the UK population.1
As a result, the BCC is proposing concrete measures to promote business investment in young people aged 16-24. Our submission also calls on the Chancellor to enhance tax incentives for those investing in companies run by young entrepreneurs, who often say they can’t get growth funding from banks or other sources. BCC Director General John Longworth is urging the Chancellor to play his part in making 16-24 year olds more attractive to businesses, who in return can help the Britain avoid a lost generation.
The BCC submission proposes:
At just under £400m, the estimated cost of these interventions is less than 0.02% of government current spending for the next three years, and is just a fraction of the projected departmental underspend for 2013-2014 (£7bn).3
The BCC’s letter also encourages the Chancellor to extend the enhanced Annual Investment Allowance for businesses to 2015/16, and consider opening it to premises as well as plant and machinery. Beyond the Budget, the business group plans to make wider proposals for economic reform in the autumn.
Commenting, BCC Director General John Longworth said:
“We all know that politicians are already looking to manifestos and the 2015 General Election. But the crisis of confidence separating Britain’s employers and young people can’t wait for political posturing or the electoral cycle. Businesses across Britain tell me they want to hire young people. Yet many cannot afford to take the risk, especially at a time when other, more qualified applicants are coming forward for the job vacancies on offer.
“If the Chancellor wants to avoid a lost generation among today’s 16-to-24 year-olds, he must use the spring Budget to help businesses take on and train up young people, whether they are going straight into jobs or into apprenticeships. He should also extend tax incentives for individuals with deep pockets who invest in businesses started up by school and college leavers and graduates.
“The Chancellor rightly wants to boost business investment in this year’s Budget and we support measures to do this, but not just for plant and machinery. We know there are many serious structural issues that need to be addressed to create a truly great UK economy, but not all of them can be resolved at this point in the political and economic cycle.
“Getting young people into employment is vital, pressing, and easily affordable right now. Helping British youth in the way we propose would cost less than 7% of what the government spent on overseas aid last year, for example. If government helps businesses overcome the real risks they are facing today, the private sector will invest in a skilled workforce for the future.”
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“Ensuring that Norfolk’s young people get the best possible start in the job market is a key priority for Norfolk Chamber members. This relates to the work our members do in schools as well as offering work placements, internships and apprenticeships. Young people bring a positive dimension to any organisation and we totally support the BCC’s call to the Chancellor to make support to business to enable them to employ more young people a priority in his budget.”
Monday 21st August 2025: Norwich-based Cyber Security Consultancy, CyberScale, has
launched its Executive Cyber Coaching service to help strengthen business leaders knowledge,
capabilities and decision making for individuals who may have a limited or rudimentary
understanding of cyber risk and security principles but are increasingly expected to make
decisions and demonstrate leadership on cyber issues.
As cyber threats continue to rise in frequency and sophistication, the pressure on business
leaders to make informed security decisions has never been greater. Yet many executives —
from CEOs and managing directors to CFOs and HR leaders — feel unprepared or overwhelmed
by technical jargon and vendor complexity.
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, many businesses rely on external cyber
security consultants, IT consultants or cyber security providers for information and guidance on
matters relating to cyber security. This was most common in small (37%) and medium (43%)
organisations which reflects the need for cyber security expertise but without the internal
experts to provide the guidance.
Cyberscale’s Executive Cybersecurity Coaching provides a bespoke, one-on-one program that
translates complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, business-focused insights. Delivered
through weekly coaching sessions, the programme covers key areas such as cyber risk, cloud
security, regulatory obligations (including GDPR and NIS2), working with IT providers, and
building a security-conscious culture. It also addresses the growing impact of artificial
intelligence (AI) in the threat landscape — a concern now facing many UK organisations.
Darren Chapman, Founder and Chairman at CyberScale said:
It’s become increasingly apparent to us that the ultimate business responsibility for cyber risk is
often assigned to business leaders with little knowledge or background in this important
subject.
Leaders need just enough knowledge to be able to understand how attacks might threaten their
business, where to look for help and to be able to prioritise investment optimally. They also
need to understand the threats, as well as the opportunities of new technologies and take
advantage of these whilst managing risk.
This unique programme aims to provide that assurance that responsible business leaders need.
If you would like to learn more about Executive Cyber Coaching, you can do so here: https://www.cyberscale.co.uk/executive-coaching/
Everyone loves a classic hit, whether it’s from the 80s, 90s, or noughties, these much-loved songs provide the perfect opportunity to get up on the dancefloor and have a boogie. That’s why this April Barnham Broom is hosting an Ultimate Retro party night to get everyone dancing all night long.
Locally renowned band Agent Orange will be performing well-known, iconic hits from the last four decades. It’s a party night not to be missed, set to be full of celebrations, retro dance moves, optional fancy dress, and even a two-course themed buffet.
Make the experience extra special and combine their Ultimate Retro party night with an overnight stay, relax in one of their rooms, unwind with a Spa treatment, enjoy a game of golf and make use of their leisure facilities.
To book call 01603 757522 or email events@barnham-broom.co.uk You can find more information here: www.barnham-broom.co.uk/whats-on/
Barnham Broom is a resort near Norwich, Norfolk. Overlooking 300 acres of beautiful countryside and the River Yare Valley, the venue features a luxury four-star hotel, spa, leisure centre, two golf courses, award-winning Brasserie restaurant, Sports Bar, and conference room. It is a popular choice for weddings and events. Visit www.barnham-broom.co.uk to find out more
On Thursday 27 February over 70 Norfolk Chamber Members attended our sold-out business breakfast to learn about HP’s innovative ambition for Norfolk.
As our venue sponsor, Norwich Cathedral provided the stunning location for the breakfast, in the beautiful Weston Room. Our host for the morning was Norfolk Chamber President, Ian Hacon CEO of Blue Sky Leisure. After hearing from our sponsor, Ian started the breakfast with a Norfolk Chamber hallmark ice breaker activity, designed to get everyone talking, introducing themselves and exchanging business cards. The room was packed, buzzing with conversation, as delegates took part in ‘One Truth, One Lie’ whereby they had to say two facts about their business, one of which was false and the other true and delegates had to guess which ones was which.
Over breakfast the networking continued, and was followed by delegates taking part in a Safari move that enabled them to meet with a whole new table of contacts. We heard from Russell Ede, Employment Coach at our event featured charity, the Shaw Trust who took a few minutes to talk about to work they are doing locally.
It was then time to hear from our two keynote speakers, Patrick Stephenson, Account Executive at Hewlett Packard and Tom Baker, Chief Information Officer at Norfolk County Council about the Digital Ambition Project.
Patrick explained how HP want to work with innovative local suppliers and small businesses to collaborate with Norfolk County Council on the digital ambition project. The project aims to create a new digital infrastructure for Norfolk with aims of becoming a ‘connected city’. HP intend to help businesses maximise social and economic benefit to the county by working with as many innovative SME’s as possible.
A Q&A session took place with various questions form delegates relating to aspects of the project, including a request to get companies together to innovate and bounce ideas of each other which HP are currently achieving through HP ‘Hot Houses’.
Delegates had a lot of positive things to talk about on twitter;
Ermine Sandler of Sandler Training tweeted“@Nrw_Cathedral beautiful breakfast in Weston room #chambernetworking @norfolkchamber #DigitalNorfolk”
Eastworkstweeted“Off to Launching Digital Norfolk @norfolkchamber this morning. Businesses looking to progress future for the region. #chambernetworking”
Norwich Cathedral tweeted“Fantastic @norfolkchamber Business Breakfast at the Cathedral this morning.”
To view photos of the event, visit ourFacebookpage orGoogle+page
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills and HMRC are organising a series of workshops for high-tech SME’s who are looking to invest in R & D and innovation with the aim of growing and becoming more competitive.
The workshops will cover support provided by HMRC, the Technology Strategy Board, EU programmes, Intellectual Property Office (formerly the Patent Office) and the Design Council, and build on the popular programme of events launched last year.
This workshop will consist of a selection of 20 minute presentations followed by 10 minutes of questions on the following topics
Registration will be from from 8am and a light breakfast will be provided, with presenting organisations providing short introductions from 8:30am. Delegates will then choose which of the individual presentations they would most like to attend. There will be a maximum of 30 delegates per presentation.
Date and Venue
Tuesday 11 March – Cambridge Hauser Forum – The Seminar Centre
If you have any food allergies that you would like us to be aware of or require any further information please email Andrew.Culley@bis.gsi.gov.uk
EN is celebrating 40 years and we would love your help to mark this special anniversary.
Since opening in 1982, thousands of students have studied at the college and progressed to amazing careers.
We would love to hear from former students, parents and former staff with their memories and photos of EN throughout the last four decades. We would also like to hear from members of the local community who might have pictures or articles relating to the college from across the last 40 years.
Share your story through art, photos, paperwork, podcasts, video or in writing and later in the year we will add your story to our 40 years celebration online gallery. Everyone who takes part will be sent a 40th anniversary gift and we will also keep you up to date with latest news from EN and give you the chance to be involved in our celebrations in August.
By sharing your story you will inspire the students of today and for the next 40 years.
Please join in by contacting marketing@eastnorfolk.ac.uk