Above: A defibrillator at a rail station. Credit: Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia has installed life-saving heart resuscitators at more of its stations in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Fifteen Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at Alresford, Braintree, Braintree Freeport, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge North, Chappel & Wakes Colne, Cheshunt, Diss, Needham Market, Sawbridgeworth, Soham, Stowmarket, Thetford, Waltham Cross and Weeley.
The defibrillators are small, safe and lightweight and deliver a shock to treat someone in cardiac arrest.
They can also monitor the heart’s activity and give instructions to the users.
Anyone can use them. If there is an incident on the station, call 999 to be given a code to open the defibrillator’s storage box and follow the instructions given.
It follows the recent installation of five defibrillators at stations between Hertford East and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire.
Greater Anglia’s Head of Facilities Management, Mark Ellis, said, “Statistics show that 20% of cardiac arrests occur in a public place.
“There is compelling evidence that defibrillation at the earliest possible point after a person collapses can significantly increase their chances of survival, so it’s vital that this life saving equipment is available in public places, particularly somewhere very busy like rail stations.”
“The installation of these defibrillators means that we are better prepared to provide assistance in the event of a first aid emergency.”
Above: A defibrillator at a rail station. Credit: Greater Anglia
Addressing a recent meeting of the Indian aviation community, UK Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad called for even greater trade links between the two countries.
He highlighted that Prime Ministers May and Modi had already committed to building the closest possible commercial and economic relationship, while Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, has agreed to set up a joint working group with the Indian Minister for Trade, Nirmala Sitharaman.
During Lord Ahmad’s visit to India, a deal was signed to ease restrictions on the number of scheduled flights between the two countries.
Limits on flights from key Indian cities including Chennai and Kolkata have been scrapped allowing, the Aviation Minister explained, for a greater range of flights for passengers while providing a boost to trade and tourism for both countries.
With about 2.5 million passengers flying direct between the UK and India each year, and 88 scheduled services per week in each direction between the two countries, the new agreement should open up even more routes and opportunities.
“Building new links with important trading partners is a key part of the Government’s plans for a Global Britain,” Lord Ahmad said, “opening up new export markets and creating jobs and economic growth. India is one of our closest allies and key trading partners and this new agreement will only serve to strengthen this crucial relationship.”
As the Chamber Network gathers in Westminster for the BCC Annual Conference, the British Chambers of Commerce has today (Tuesday) published a business blueprint for the UK government ahead of the upcoming Brexit negotiations.
Titled Business Brexit Priorities, the report synthesizes feedback from over 400 businesses at 16 Chamber-hosted focus groups, along with nearly 20,000 responses to Chamber surveys. It puts forward priorities for action across seven key areas where business communities want practical solutions and certainty.
BCC evidence confirms that Europe will remain a key market for UK exporters and importers well into the future. As a consequence, it is imperative that the government achieves a pragmatic UK-EU deal that facilitates continued trade.
The key recommendations in the report are:
On the Labour Market, the government should provide certainty for businesses on the residence rights of their existing EU workers, provide clarity on hiring from EU countries during the negotiation period, and avoid expensive and bureaucratic processes for post-Brexit hires from the EU
On Trade, the government should aim to minimise tariffs, seek to avoid costly non-tariff barriers, grandfather existing EU free trade agreements with third countries, and expand the trade mission programme
On Customs, the government should develop future customs procedures at the UK border in partnership with business, seek to maintain the UK’s position as an entry point for global businesses to Europe
On Tax, the government should guarantee that HMRC is appropriately resourced to help businesses through the transition process, and provide clarity on whether VAT legislation will continue to mirror current core VAT principles
On Regulation, the government should ensure stability by incorporating existing EU regulations into UK law and maintaining these for a minimum period following Brexit, and ensure that product standards are aligned with, and recognised by, the EU to keep UK products competitive
On EU funding, the government should maintain UK access to the European Investment Bank, and ensure there is no funding ‘cliff-edge’ for areas in receipt of EU funding
On Northern Ireland, the government must avoid any return to a hard border, so that businesses can move people and goods as freely as possible.
Commenting on the report, Julie Austin, International Trade Manager for Norfolk Chamber, said:
“Business communities across Norfolk and the UK want practical considerations, not ideology or politics, at the heart of the government’s approach to Brexit negotiations.
“What’s debated in Westminster often isn’t what matters for most businesses. Most firms care little about the exact process for triggering Article 50, but they care a lot about an unexpected VAT hit to their cash flow, sudden changes to regulation, the inability to recruit the right people for the job, or if their products are stopped by customs authorities at the border. The everyday nitty-gritty of doing business across borders must be front and centre in the negotiation process.”
Also commenting on the report, Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said:
“What’s also clear is that the eventual Brexit deal is far from the only thing on the minds of the UK’s business communities. An ambitious domestic agenda for business and the economy is also essential so that business can drive our post-Brexit success. Firms across the UK want a clear assurance that Brexit isn’t going to be the only thing on the government’s economic agenda for the next few years.”
Marcus Mason, Head of Business at the BCC, and author of the report, added:
“Since the historic vote on June 23, we have worked with Chamber business communities all across the UK to determine their key priorities for the Brexit transition.
“This report brings those practical priorities together and urges the government to adopt them in the forthcoming negotiations. Chambers of Commerce stand ready to help the government shape a pragmatic and practical approach to the coming transition, so that firms can continue to trade successfully with customers and suppliers across Europe and around the world.”
Temporary traffic lights will be in use on the A140 Cromer Road north of the B1149 Holt Road roundabout for up to one week from Monday 27 February to allow National Grid to continue gas main diversions that will enable construction of the major junction between the A140 and Norwich Northern Distributor Road.
Where possible, the lights will be suspended during peak hours. If this is not possible, they will be manually controlled to minimise the impact on traffic. Norfolk County Council apologises for any inconvenience.
The Ministry of Supply in Egypt is planning to import some food products and is seeking quotations from British companies who could export such products to Egypt.
The request includes the following items :
Broad Beans ( dried beans -Fava beans-shipped in sacks) : amount of 490, 000 tonnes per annum
Lentils : amount of 300,000 tonnes per annum
Frozen Halal Meat : amount of 48,000 tonnes per annum
Frozen Halal Poultry : amount of 60,000 tonnes per annum
If you are interested in providing a quotation for this amazing opportunity, please email us and we will pass your details on.
On 14th September 2023 we attended the National Paralegal Awards 2023. We are delighted that Serena Ely and Julie Garrod both came home with awards! Serena won Best Will Writing Paralegal and Julie came highly commended in Best Conveyancing Paralegal. Congratulations!
The National Paralegal Awards 2023 focused on the achievements of paralegals in the UK. Whether they are employed, self-employed, a volunteer or a business, as well as companies that support the profession. The National Paralegal Awards is an exciting opportunity for the legal sector to reward and recognise the outstanding paralegal talent in the UK. Entered by some of the best, these awards are a chance for paralegals to show what they have achieved and to be celebrated amongst their peers.
Nigel Craske, Senior Partner, and Amy Church, Managing Partner, joined Serena and Julie for an evening of food, entertainment and celebration at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham. The food was fantastic! Between the main course and dessert, they were entertained by Big Muma Funk, before the awards ceremony kicked off.
When announcing Serena as the winner of Will Writing Paralegal, the judges said:
“An interesting journey. This nominee demonstrates grit, determination and compassion. An admiral and human approach to the legal profession. Her achievements have contributed to her firms success and reputation and their innovative approach is of note. A very strong submission.”
Amy Church, Managing Partner, comments “I am over the moon for Julie and Serena. Their recognition at the National Paralegal Awards reflects their hard work and commitment to the profession and their clients. Both Julie and Serena strive to provide a high level of service and I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised.”
An influential Parliamentary Committee has launched an inquiry into support for exports and investment, building on an investigation last year into “Exports and the role of UKTI”.
Chairman of the International Trade Committee, Angus MacNeil, explained: “Before the Department for International Trade (DIT) was created, our colleagues on what was then the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee did some excellent work scrutinising the role of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).”
As UKTI has now been absorbed into the DIT, he went on, the Committee wants to find out how these new arrangements have affected its performance given that evidence was found of significant flaws in UKTI’s previous operating model.
Interested organisations or individuals are being invited to submit written evidence to the Committee by 5pm on 8 March 2017.
In particular, it will examine whether International Trade and Investment (ITI, formerly UKTI) and UK Export Finance (UKEF) have improved on their performance since the BIS Committee inquiry in 2016.
In the light of the Secretary of State’s admission that the £1 trillion export target will not be met, the Committee also wants to know if the Department’s export and investment targets are transparent, appropriate and achievable.
Evidence can be submitted through the inquiry page at www.parliament.uk.
“This is a time of great uncertainty for UK exporters of all sizes,” Mr MacNeil concluded. “It is vital that they get the right support.”
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby Norwich Theatre Royal | Tue 17 to Sat 21 Jun | £50 – £55£35 with offer code SEEPEAKY (see restrictions below)
In post-war industrial Birmingham, the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate whilst Tommy is intoxicated by mysterious newcomer, Grace. As the story unfolds, hearts are broken, and revenge is sought.
This evocative production written by Steven Knight, creator of the global hit television series, weaves a powerful narrative with breathtaking dance and live music, creating a theatrical experience like no other.
Complementing the drama is a live on-stage band, performing an extraordinary soundtrack blending original compositions with iconic tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets and more.
Band A or B tickets for the Tuesday and Wednesday evening are priced at £50-£55. However, we are offering these tickets for the price of £35. To access this discount, click the link below, logon to the Norwich theatre website and up to two seats for Peaky Blinders. Use the code SEEPEAKY at checkout and your discount will be applied.*
Zip Water prides itself on providing water at its best. Subsequently, genuine Zip Water filters should always be installed to help ensure that your HydroTap consistently delivers the purest-tasting water.
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Commenting on the BEIS Committee’s report on Industrial Strategy published today (Friday), Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“A clear, ambitious mission – and the untapped potential of our towns, cities and counties – need to sit at the heart of the Industrial Strategy.
“We need to decide our top economic and social goals as a nation, and develop a strategy that allows us to deliver these missions. At the same time, we must galvanise business communities all across the UK, so every area can leverage its competitive strengths and make a strong contribution to economic growth and prosperity.
“I applaud the BEIS Committee for recognising that mission and place are crucial to the success of Industrial Strategy. Business communities across the UK will now wish to see government adopt many of these recommendations as it works to bring the industrial strategy to life.”
On the Committee’s recommendation of a fundamental review of Business Rates, where the BCC has been campaigning for radical change, Marshall added:
“Business rates hammer firms with significant, volatile, up-front costs before they turn over a single pound. They are a barrier to achieving an ambitious Industrial Strategy, because they stop many firms from investing in their own productivity and growth. The Committee’s recommendation of a fundamental review of the business rates system is one we have made for years – and it’s time for action.”
Also commenting on the Industrial Strategy, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for the Norfolk Chamber said:
“Now is the time for the Norfolk business community to highlight the strengths and opportunities of our region. We have a world-leading life sciences research base; advance engineering and innovation centres; a strong energy coast; and emerging ICT and digital sector; as well as many thriving traditional sectors – thi is our opportunity to ensure that Westminster clearly understands the economic potential and growth in our ‘place’.”
On Tuesday 28th February, over 35 delegates joined us to learn about business opportunities in Saudi Arabia at Holiday Inn Norwich. The venue provided a spacious setting where delegates were able to network over tea & coffee, followed by 3 presentations from expert speakers discussing the key areas of trade in Saudi Arabia. Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Manager, Julie Austin welcomed delegates to the event, introducing our first speaker Chris Innes-Hopkins, UK Executive Director, Saudi British Joint Business Council. Next up we had Eisa S Alothman, Managing Director, Project Facilitators & Services Company Ltd who covered cultural awareness for Saudi Arabia. Eisa gave an enlightening talk, reviewing the difference between gender culture. We then took a short break and treated delegates to tea and cake to help them process the information just received. The second half of the event resumed with a presentation from Phil Ball, Director of Trade Sales, Barclays Trade and Working Capital, Corporate Banking Origination. Phil covered the financial aspects to trading in Saudi Arabia. Our International Trade Manager Julie also gave a short presentation on how we can help your business to expand overseas. If you would like any more information on how we can help, please visit our International Page or contact the team: T: 01603 729715 E: export@norfolkchamber.co.uk We closed the event with a Q&A session, after which, many delegates took this opportunity to talk further with the speakers and get in some final networking to make those all-important contacts.
The latest edition of Norfolk Voice is out now, including interviews with Andrew Paine, Head of Offshore Wind Development UK, Vattenfall and David McQuade, Chief Executive, Flagship Housing.
We also have two features dedicated to Norfolk infrastructure and Apprenticeships.
