Showcase demos and Q&A on specific uses for robotics and co-bots in manufacturing and engineering.
In partnership with NAAME and a handful of local robotics and cobot manufacturers, discussing and demoing how robotics can be used within manufacturing and engineering processes.
As part of Norfolk Chambers’ #NorfolkChamberHour at 11am on Tuesday 28 April, we are partnering up with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to check in with your favourite local businesses and make sure they don’t miss out on grants available to them – that’s the message behind the Big Small Business Check-In #bigbizcheckin.
The initiative encourages everyone to check in with local small businesses, through their websites and social media accounts. It’s an opportunity to check that owners and staff are safe and well, to show loyalty and to make sure that the business is getting the support it needs.
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said:
“This is a really challenging time for small businesses but there is help available – including grants for small businesses and hospitality, retail and leisure firms.
“Those are being paid out directly by local authorities, but we know that a number of companies have yet to come forward and claim. By checking in and making sure your favourite local businesses are aware of the help which is out there, you could be doing them a financial favour too.
“So think about your hairdresser, your favourite coffee shop or even your dog groomer or market trader – those sort of businesses could be eligible for grants. They are still eligible if they are currently closed due to Coronavirus restrictions so make sure they know what help is out there for them, and that you’re looking forward to visiting them again in the future.”
When you check in with a local business:
I will apologise inadvance for any pork based puns. As the Pig Idea campaign gains momentum (an initiative to raise the ban on feeding food waste to pigs), it’s got me thinking a little bit more about how much waste actually costs.
There is evidence that up to 30% of all our food is wasted, whether by us as consumers, during transport, storage or processing. Hardly surprising some might say given the length and complexity of food chains and as consumers become more affluent, this only makes the problem worse.
We, as consumers, have to pay for this. It would be ham-fisted (sorry) to suggest that we are overpaying on our weekly shop by 30% to compensate for this excess, but pay for it we do. On top of this, those businesses in every area of the supply chain need to pay for the waste to be removed, incur additional regulatory and legal obligations and pay for the extra labour.
As the Pig Idea suggests, the waste from supermarkets, restaurants etc could be used to reduce feed costs, reduce air miles, produce energy and could even generate jobs. It seems to make sense to me – if we can’t effectively reduce our physical waste perhaps we should put it to good use. And what’s good for Pork seems to resonate throughout the sector.
Large scale nationals struggle with the challenges of managing waste but regional producers can use this to their benefit. As our region is blessed with many small local producers, the same levels of waste can be avoided as the final product doesn’t pass through many hands.
Local producers also have the significant benefit of knowing who their suppliers are, who they are doing business with and how the food is being produced. This leads to greater information sharing, a closer food community and an atmosphere where good food becomes a “norm”.
Local producers do not have the buying power of the supermarkets, so the cost of production may be higher for our Norfolk and Suffolk businesses. But this potential 30% saving highlights why regional businesses can continue to thrive whilst delivering quality.
Disclaimer: Please note that this article is provided for information only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, information contained herein may not be comprehensive and you should not act upon it without seeking professional advice.
Join the best Norfolk and Norwich tech companies for dinner, while enjoying good food and great company. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure A desire to innovate, with continual reinvestment creating bigger and bolder attractions – this is what our guest speakers have in mammoth (or should I say dinosaur!) proportions. Owners of award-winning, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade, Martin and Adam Goymour will be sharing their aspirations to develop this thriving business both in Norfolk and further afield. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they’ve already rebranded and invested millions so they can appeal to a broader market. In 2018, they won the Best Large Visitor Attraction award in the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards. With more projects ‘in the pipeline’, their hard work and enthusiasm for innovation and redevelopment are evident. From advancing their green energy strategy by placing solar panels on their indoor play area to a fossil dig and a steampunk-inspired restaurant in the Victorian walled garden, they are delighting thousands of visitors of all ages in Norfolk’s very own Jurassic Park.
Some 30 years into his career as a recording artist, Art Alexakis-best-known as the singer-guitarist and sole songwriter behind the iconic alt-rock outfit Everclear-has started a new chapter in his remarkably prolific career, now as a solo artist. Writing all of the songs and performing all instruments on his own, Alexakis is releasing his first ever solo album ‘Sun Songs’ via The End Records on October 11th, 2019. ‘Sun Songs’ finds Alexakis exploring sounds, styles and lyrical subjects outside of the realm of Everclear, his generally rock-focused band.
Alexakis has only started to explore his potential as a solo artist, and expects to continue to evolve through the process. The liberating freedom he’s been enjoying since venturing down this new path has expanded his potential musical palette, allowing him to explore a seemingly endless array of ideas. Although he’s not always sure of where those ideas will ultimately lead, one thing is certain: The journey will bring Alexakis-and fans-to places where he’s yet to venture. It will be exciting to hear the sonic offspring of that pioneering voyage.
Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, recently commented on the fact that now our recently elected, Government is enacting some of the policies that formed part of their manifesto. His point was that there can be a gap between a government’s policies and their political agenda. Without wandering into the dangerous waters of party politics it is interesting to think about the gap that exists between government’s policies and the world of business and commerce.
For example there’s the time lapse between implementing a policy and businesses seeing any positive or negative results from it. Nothing is instant.
In fact the concept of ‘gaps’ is very much in the Chamber’s mind at the moment with our specific campaign of ‘Bridging the Gap’ in place to deal with the links between business and education. Filling the ‘skills gap’ is something that businesses have identified and seek Government backing for. Ideally it’s a ‘virtuous circle’ of commerce and Westminster working together to plan for the future and the greater good of young people, and the economy as a whole. There needs to be a greater understanding between the world of work and the world which schools have to live in, to really bridge the gap between business and education. The Chamber has a core role in achieving this.
But what about some other ‘gaps’? The first that springs to mind is the rift between the focus and exposure given to the North – and its ‘powerhouse’ label – and our region here in the east. We have enormous potential here, fuelled by world class companies who design, make and create service and products for domestic consumption and export. We must not let our profile reduce as others’ gain more awareness.
The ‘gender gap’, is another vital issue that, despite enormous progress, still needs constant attention.
It’s important that girls and young women should be encouraged into jobs and sectors which are currently male dominated often for historical reason, but it is as important that there is a greater understanding across both genders about the opportunities open them not just for young people but across the age ranges here in Norfolk.
I mentioned exporting, and returning to it in more detail there’s another possible crack, that needs to be reduced. The international political landscape is volatile and there are real tensions across the globe. However there are many world markets open for business and looking for the goods and services we provide here in Norfolk which will assist our local business to grow and create more jobs. Businesses need to be aware of the issues but they will normally find a way to market with the support from organizations like the Chamber. .
Whatever you’re planning, wherever you’re trading and whatever policies are in place – ‘Mind the Gaps’ and let’s work together to close some of them effecting Norfolk businesses.
If your website doesn’t work well on mobiles and tablets, you’re missing out. If users are forced to ‘pinch and zoom’ to read your content and click your links and buttons, they’ll soon get fed up and go elsewhere. So how do you create a mobile-friendly website?
There are basically two options: have a mobile template, or build your website using responsive design. In the simplest terms, a mobile template is designed as a completely separate entity to your desktop website. Responsive design on the other hand requires you to have just one website which is coded such that it adapts to the screen size it’s being viewed on.
For example, you might see two columns on your desktop screen with a navigation menu across the top. When you view the same page of a responsive site on your mobile, content might realign itself to a single column, buttons resize and the navigation menu might become a drop down list so everything is easier to see and use on the smaller screen.
Why is this so important?
1) Mobile usage is massive
Stating the obvious, I know. It’s predicted that this year, mobile internet will take over desktop internet usage so ignore mobile users at your peril. The proportion of mobile searches is even higher for local search so if you’re trying to reach a local audience, this is even more significant.
2) Positive user experience has a direct impact on your sales
According to Google’s Think Insights, a user who has a positive mobile experience on your site is 67% more likely to buy a product or use a service. That’s pretty compelling.
3) 55% of social media consumption happens on mobiles*
Part of your digital marketing strategy might be to get people to interact with you via social media by Tweeting about your recent blog posts, for example, or getting visitors to share your content on Facebook. If mobile users follow your links from social media and end up on a website that’s not mobile friendly, chances are that they’ll bounce right back out again which is a waste of your efforts. *source: study by ComScore
4) Responsive is usually a better bet than a separate mobile site
There’s been some debate in the web design industry over whether responsive or mobile is best. I sit on the side of responsive for a number of reasons. Because responsive design sites adapt to screen size, your site will still work well with brand new phones and tablets which may have different screen sizes, and even with other devices that haven’t been invented yet. That saves you the extra work a separate mobile site might require. A responsive site also has a single URL which makes it easier for search engine bots to crawl the site. This typically means a responsive site will perform better in search than a separate mobile site. You also only have one site to maintain which can save you time and money.
How do you get a responsively designed website?
As a small business, you might be wondering what you can do to your current website to make it responsive. It is possible to do a bit of a coding bodge to help improve your current site to make it more responsive. However, it’s likely to be a better idea to start again. There are likely to be other improvements you can make to the content of your site at the same time to improve it for the mobile audience.
If you’re starting from scratch, creating a responsive site is easier than you might think. WordPress, for example, has ready-to-use themes which are responsive and will take care of everything for you. Why not use this change as an opportunity to have a complete revamp? It’s likely to prove a very worthwhile investment.
Age UK Norwich is honoured that The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel is hosting its annual “Carols by Candlelight” event on the 15th of December at 6pm in aid of Age UK Norwich. Each year, they connect with a different charity to raise funds and awareness.
We here at Coleman Opticians have the pleasure in inviting our fellow Chamber members to the launch of our GogoHare. We would love you to be with us at The Time & Tide museum in Great Yarmouth to see the very first unveiling of our Moongazer hare. More can be found about this amazing museum break-charity.org know by September 18th whether you will be attending, just so we can ensure that there is enough nibbles, cake and bubbles to go round. We look forward to celebrating the launch of the first county Hare with you all!!
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently published a consultation document entitled “Improving Large Business tax Compliance”. Although, as the title suggests, the document is aimed at larger businesses, its content is of relevance to any business that wishes to manage effectively its relationship with HMRC.
The document puts forward three proposals:
It is the first two of these that are of wider interest.
A recent piece of independent research conducted for HMRC found that businesses with a greater tendency to take risks tended not to have written or published strategies. Those business that do articulate their strategies can be separated into two groups; those striving to be compliant and legal only (higher risk), and those committed to operating within the spirit as well as the letter of the law.
It is not surprising, therefore, that HMRC is keen for large businesses to make their tax strategies visible. Tax strategies that are terse or focus on ensuring that the business pays no more tax than is legally required might indicate higher risk organisations, which would be subject to increased scrutiny by HMRC.
But it is not just HMRC that will have an interest in a business’ tax strategy. In the current “tax climate” customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders will wish to know where the business stands in relation to its tax obligations.
A tax strategy document would usually provide a high-level commentary on the organisation’s approach to risk management, its attitude to tax planning (eg whether the business will operate within both the spirit and the letter of the law) and its approach to working with HMRC.
The tax strategy might also say whether the business will comply with HMRC’s proposed Code of Practice on Taxation. Broadly, this would require businesses to work in a collaborative and professional manner with HMRC, be open and transparent with HMRC as regards decisions that have a significant tax impact, and avoid structures that give a tax result that’s inconsistent with the underlying economic circumstances.
All businesses will have a tax strategy, although in many cases it will not be documented. Those businesses that see paying tax as a moral duty – perhaps part of their corporate social responsibility – are perhaps more likely to wish to publicise their policies. It should not be forgotten that Tax Inspectors have access to the internet, and so publishing tax policies on the business’ website could even have the benefit of heading-off unnecessary compliance checks or enquiries by HMRC.
Historically, businesses that want to be left alone by HMRC have tended to keep as quiet as possible. In future it might instead be in their interest to become a bit more visible.
Get ready to relive the era of Spice Girls, S Club 7 and Steps! Our resident DJ will be playing all the best tunes from these two iconic decades! Enjoy a fantastic three course menu prepared by our talented chefs. There will also be the chance to WIN £200 to spend at the bar! Menu: Leek and potato soup Buffalo chicken wings – blue cheese dressing, crunchy salad Tomato, basil, red onion and mozzarella bruschetta – basil pesto ••• Pork chop – caramelised red onions, roasted apple, sage and garlic roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, mustard cream sauce * Baked salmon – crushed potato cake, Mediterranean vegetables, Provençal sauce * Roast cherry tomato and goats’ cheese tart – parmesan and rocket salad (v) ••• Chocolate fondant – rum and raisin ice cream Arctic roll – custard Apple tarte tatin – vanilla ice cream Saturday 24th August 2019 from £24.95 per person A £200 bar tab will be awarded to the best-dressed table!
Obtaining your forklift licence is the ultimate aim for you if you are looking to further your career within this industry. It is the mark of someone who can not only drive a forklift but drive it securely, efficiently and in a professional manner.
At Shield Health & Safety we offer a complete beginners forklift course for those with no knowledge or experience of driving a forklift whatsoever, to help you I am going to share a few tips on how to go about obtaining your forklift licence.
The Importance of your Forklift Licence
Before you even begin the training it is good to get an understanding of the importance of having professional training to get your forklift certificate and how this is valued by an employer or company.
A forklift operator is an important cog in a company`s wheel, employers like to feel confident that their forklift operators are not only qualified but skilled and confident in their own ability too. At the end of the day if you have an accident you will not only be damaging the company`s equipment or products but also their reputation too. Of course, there is also the risk of injury to yourself and others and even the possibility of the loss of life.
Therefore it is important to understand the importance of how you gain your forklift licence and with the correct training will give you the ability, skill and confidence to further your career.
It is not easy!
Be under no illusion, gaining your forklift licence is not easy, even with the best training in the world!
The preparation and the exam itself are both difficult and require full concentration from you as well as 100% commitment. With these two factors in your mindset you will be giving yourself the best possible chance of passing your examination with flying colours.
Our training instructors are there to help you and will try to ease you through the course and take on and overcome any challenges and obstacles you may have or face, you will have all the tools and knowledge you need to help you pass your examination, but of course you will still need that concentration and commitment!
The training itself
What your training will cover is very important and through the level of expertise and understanding of our trainers we aim to make the training an easier and enjoyable experience.
The main areas that we focus on are:
1. Safety – It goes without saying, forklift safety is paramount, they can be dangerous tools in a working environment and can potentially injure or even kill somebody. Our experienced trainers will enable you to learn all the health and safety aspects and regulations from the very beginning.
2. The Basics – Learning how to use the basic controls of the forklift and how to carry out all the basic manoeuvres and functions is obviously an important factor in passing your training. Our experienced trainers will not only show you the basics but also pass on various tips and tricks to enable you to get the very best out of your training.
3. Efficiency – The third step is putting all of these factors together, put them into practice to help you become quicker and more efficient in the use of a forklift while at the same time remaining safe at all times. You will be expected to complete all the basic tasks in a timely, efficient and safe manner.
These 3 steps are taught by our trainers, all of whom are ex-forklift drivers, and their ability and experience will show you just what a future employer will expect from you from day one.
At Shield we not only train you for your examination but we prepare you for your future and a role in the workplace.
If you would like more information about our Forklift Training Courses please give us a call on 01508 218721 or contact us via e-mail.
For more advice, information and tips you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and our website