Search Engine Optimisation is still a vital online marketing tactic for most companies and in this presentation, Mark Ellaway from Bigfork will take you through the essentials of SEO. If you’re new to online marketing or need an SEO refresh then you can’t afford to miss this talk.
You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other business people over tea and coffee.
Session at 8.15am & 12.15pm (lasting approx 2 hours)
Behavioural Economics
The study of humans and their (occasionally irrational) interactions with the world
During this masterclass we will look at how Behavioral economics uses psychological experimentation to develop theories about human decision making and how its identified a range of biases as a result of the way people think and feel. The aim of this session is that you leave with a framework and the tools to understand, predict, and potentially influence irrational behaviours.
We will also cover: –
Sessions at 8.15am and 12.15pm.
The masterclass will last around 2 hours with questions. Refreshments will be available.
What people have to say about previous events….
I cannot recommend Chadwick’s Masterclasses too highly nor say enough good things about them. Chadwick’s Masterclasses provide fresh insights and offer practical steps to build, maintain and retain value in businesses. Richard delivers clear and well-thought-out advice while challenging preconceptions. The workshops are thoroughly researched and never turn into sales presentations. I learn something every time I attend. Paul Palik | Senior Associate | Corporate Team | Birketts LLP Beginning to plan seriously for retirement and being a relative newbie in Norwich, it was refreshing to be introduced to a firm that places great emphasis on technical analysis and thoughtful planning. Too often, in my experience, IFA’s are more concerned with style over substance but Chadwicks, through their Masterclass sessions offer real insight into investment management and retirement planning. Whether as a professional adviser or, like myself, someone looking for genuine insight into the changing times of today, I would recommend the sessions wholeheartedly. Andrew Thorpe | Finance and Operations Director | Jarrold Norwich The masterclass at Chadwicks, for me is a fantastic way to boost my knowledge in an important field which I often feel the effects from, yet seldom get to learn about. A wonderful setting at the enterprise centre, amongst like-minded company. Andy Davies | Business Development | Green Duck I have been a regular attendee at Chadwick’s business seminars for several years and without fail I have found the sessions to be useful and practical on the one hand whilst thought provoking and inspiring on the other. Many advisers can put on topical seminars, few can make you feel that you want to go on to study the subject yourself! Dawn Parkes | Managing Partner | Hatch BrennerSir Tim Berners-Lee has every right to have an opinion on the internet. He’s the man credited with inventing the world wide web. Among his many comments there’s this rather telling observation.
‘There was a time when people felt the Internet was another world, but now people realise it’s a tool that we use in this world’.
In the business world that point has been proved beyond all reasonable doubt. Digital technology is now a key driver for the engagement of customers. It’s the interface through which businesses communicate and sell, as well as interact with, and gather information from, their markets.
We’re now in a world where we can no longer view technology as a separate function or discipline. It’s an integral part of business life; it’s a wide range of channels and platforms through which real practical business can be done.
What’s more, consumers expect it of businesses. For people of, shall I say over 30, there’s still a feeling of the ‘digital revolution’ being a relatively new phenomenon. But, those born after 2000, and arguably after 1990, are, as we define them, ‘digital natives’. These are people with no recall of a pre-internet world. And they’re the people who are your customers now, and the business leaders of the future.
Leading consultant Huw Sayer, who will be hosting the Chamber’s annual technology event on 23 September at The Space Norwich – this year themed – ‘The Future is Here’ – made the point that the head of John Lewis recently stated that they are now ‘a technology company’. It’s how they interact with customers, not replacing in-store activity but enhancing the relationship with customers by offering more ways to research products, buy if they choose to, pay online and be kept up to date. It sums up the notion that the internet, and all the digital innovations that have come from it, are not separate from business, they are essential tools for it.
It really has to been seen as all embracing. As much as marketing messages can be sent out through digital technology, feedback and research can be brought in by it. And technology can be harnessed to store and manage the data that’s been acquired – by technology.
Whilst for some the generation of new high tech products is their business, for the commercial world in general the future is about how best to use technology to solve problems and deliver business, and customer, benefits.
Of course some things will never change. Face to face selling over a counter will remain an essential part of commerce for ever. The point is that you can find more customers to sell to, learn more about what they want to buy and engage with them more often than you’ve ever been able to before. And you can do that because of the technology available to you, sometimes literally, at your fingertips.
Which is why you need to be in touch and up-to date. Because technology and commerce aren’t two separate worlds. The one serves the other, for the future of the business world.
Book your tickets to THE FUTURE IS HERE – Putting Technology to Work on Wednesday 23 September at The Space, Norwich by visiting www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/thefutureishere
Charities and organisations who have staff on the front-line help keep Norfolk communities safe can now access a new supply system should their PPE supplies run critically short.
Over the last few weeks Norfolk Resilience Forum (NRF) has been working hard to try and support the provision of PPE for those that need it to deliver key services.
Following a successful public campaign, which has already resulted in more than 180 companies coming forward to support the production of most types of PPE, a new process has been put in place to help front-line services source the equipment they need.
Currently there are times when demand is currently outstripping supply and the system will ensure that supplies of items which are in short supply are directed to those organisations with the most critical need. This will be in line with the current Government guidance. It will also help charities and other local organisations who deliver vital services to communities and meet specific criteria gain access to this equipment.
Trevor Holden, Chair of the NRF’s Tactical Coordination Group, said:
“This is a countywide operation involving all partners in the Local Resilience Forum. Partners in the Local Resilience Forum are all working together as the NRF to ensure every single citizen in Norfolk remains safe and critical needs are met.
“This is a tremendous amount of work and I pay tribute the officers and volunteers who are going above and beyond to ensure we deliver every day.”
If you have front-line staff and you require PPE, you should:
Your local council will also be able to pass your request on to the Norfolk Resilience Forum for consideration for emergency provision, where this is available.
DEVELOPMENTS IN MARINE SURVEY AND THE OFFSHORE WIND SUPPLY CHAIN
Delivered by EEEGR’S MARINE SIG
in association with The Hydrographic Society
and EEEGR’S OFFSHORE WIND SUPPLY CHAIN SIG
Two Special Interest Group (SIG) events in one day:
EEEGR’s Marine SIG and The Hydrographic Society are pleased to present a morning of talks about the environmental and physical problems faced by the offshore industry and the ways they can be identified, measured and monitored.
Including:A morning ticket will include access to the Marine SIG and The Hydrographic Society event with refreshments.
For more programme details, see the separate tab ‘Morning Event (Marine)’
EEEGR’s Offshore Wind Supply Chain SIG is pleased to present an afternoon of talks, which will include a range of presentations based on recent license, business, technical and practical developments in the Offshore Wind industry.
Including presentations from: Siemens 3sun Group Fugro more to be confirmed shortly… An afternoon ticket will include access to the Offshore Wind Supply Chain SIG event with lunch and refreshments. An all day ticket is available at a discount which permits entry to both of these informative events and also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day.Are you aware of the tech talent in Norfolk?
Where do you go when you need coders, softwaredevelopers or app creators? Where do you go when you need websites built and optimised for mobile devices? Where do you go to discover the latest developments in technology and digital creativity – and what they might mean for your business?
If you answered, ‘not sure’ or (worse still) ‘London’, then I have news for you. GreaterNorwich is home to a thriving tech and digital creative sector, employing some 14,000 people,and is a recognised #TechNation cluster (just one of 21 in the country according to Tech City UK). The companies range from innovative startups and micro-businesses to fast growing SMEs, including award winning agencies and advanced technology pioneers.
You can meet some of these companies and hear what the latest advancesin technology mean to your businessat ‘The Future is Here’ event, run by Norfolk Chamber, on 23 September 2015.
Get involved and meet the community
The organisers of Hot Source, Norfolk’s innovation forum, are also keen to strengthenlinks between local tech companies and the wider business community.One way we do this is to hold free quarterly events that explore the latest thinking about the ways technology is shaping business and society. However, we have also started to put together a list of all the different tech-related groups and volunteer led networksin Norfolk and Suffolk, to help local business people connect with this exciting sector.
Our aim at Hot Source is to encourage different sectors to shareideas and experiences, so as to stimulate innovation, power economic growth and create jobsin our region. We want to inspire our talented young people to stay and build their world-beating companies here. And we want entrepreneursfrom elsewhere to see Norwich and Norfolk as a great place start-up and scale-up their businesses.
With your help, we can make our region one of the most dynamic in the UK and Europe. We have a wealth of talent – as well as a great quality of life – but we will only prosper collectivelyif we make the most of the opportunities around us. Please take time to connect with the local #TechNation community and share this information with your network – because together we are stronger.
The High
Points are a high-energy funk, soul, and pop band from Norwich, UK, known for
their infectious grooves, powerful live performances, and feel-good vibes.
Whether busking on the streets or selling out venues, they bring an
irresistible energy that gets people moving.
Their journey has seen them sell out multiple shows, including a 700-capacity
headline gig at The Waterfront in Norwich. Their music has also made waves
across the Atlantic, with their song Taking My Time landing a major sync deal
in a huge American ad campaign.
Now, The High Points are taking things to the next level, currently working on
their highly anticipated album, set to showcase their signature blend of funk,
soul, and modern pop. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for unforgettable
live shows, they’re a band on the rise—bringing the party wherever they go.
Following a sharp widening of the trade deficit in the third quarter (Q3) of 2016, an increase in exports of goods to non-EU countries saw the deficit on goods and services narrow to £8.6 billion in the fourth quarter (Q4) (October to December).
This is the main finding of the latest trade bulletin produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It shows that, while exports of goods to both EU and non-EU countries increased through most of 2016, there was a much higher quarter-on-quarter growth in exports to non-EU countries in Q4.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) welcomed the signs of improvement with Director of Economics Mike Spicer describing the figures as an important reminder that UK companies take advantage of trading opportunities in every part of the world.
“This performance comes despite the mixed reaction of exporters to the depreciation in Sterling – which our research has found is hurting as many as it is helping,” he went on.
With Brexit continuing to dominate the headlines, Mr Spicer suggested that the continued weakness of the pound and the expected slowdown in economic growth is likely to dampen future demand for consumer imports.
More direct support from the Government, including more investment in trade show access, is needed “to keep UK businesses trading with the world”, he argued.
The BCC wants to see action in the Budget to reduce the upfront costs of doing business, particularly business rates in order that businesses have the resources to invest in people and product development.
“This is absolutely necessary to take full advantage of the growth opportunities in overseas markets,” Mr Spicer concluded.
DREADZONE
One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene, Dreadzone have steadily been releasing albums and progressively bettering, refining and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub since their inception in 1993. Still going strong after 25 years in the game they have also long been and still are, one of the best live bands around.
In 2019, Dreadzone move forward as a 5 piece, after parting ways with their guitarist after 10 years, and are focusing more on the electronic and dub elements of their stage show – a sound they developed in earlier years of Dreadzone. Their old skool dread sound comes bubbling to the surface on new album ‘Dread Times’ which digs deep into their dub and reggae roots whilst still keeping the beats fresh and the textures electronic.
Dread Times is the band’s 8th studio album and the 3rd release on their own Dubwiser label. The album stormed into the Top 40 UK Official Album Charts on release in 2017 – the first time the band have charted in over 20 years. The album also made the Top 10 in the Indie and Dance Charts.
www.dreadzone.com www.facebook.com/dreadzone
VIDEO ’16 HOLE’ FROM DREAD TIMES: https://youtu.be/ASgXgJGwoSg
Established in 2008, The Norwich Choir is known for its heartfelt singing and spirited performances. Free from sheet music, they connect with each other and their audience through focus, energy, and joy. One moment you’ll be moved by their beautiful harmonies, and the next, the whole family will be joining in with an old favourite. Expect touching songs, infectious enthusiasm, and a performance that will leave you smiling and uplifted.
From Coke Red [Pantone 484] to Starbucks Green [Pantone 3298C], Cadbury Purple [Pantone 2685C] and BP Green [Pantone 348C], colours can be valuable trademark rights. Now, even Hollywood films are getting in on the act, as Novagraaf’s Claire Jones explains.
Colours form some of the world’s most recognisable and valuable trademark rights. Once registered – if they can be registered – they provide the trademark owner with an exclusive right to use that shade of colour, in relation to the goods/services for which it is registered and in the territory for which it is registered, and to stop others from using an identical/similar colour in relation to identical/similar goods/services, in the territory of registration.
The Pantone system is one of the most widely adopted guides for identifying and matching colours. No matter where or how something is produced, by specifying the relevant Pantone swatch colour, the exact colour can be replicated. For trademarks, which require clarity, precision and the ability to be represented graphically, the use of an international colour code has long been recommended.
Introducing the Minion Yellow A collaboration between Pantone Colour Institute and Universal Pictures/Illumination Entertainment has resulted in the first ever character-branded colour, ‘Minion Yellow’, based on the popular characters from Despicable Me. According to Pantone’s press release, the colour “heightens awareness and creates clarity, lighting the way to the intelligence, originality and resourcefulness of an open mind – this is the color of hope, joy and optimism“.
The Pantone colour does not allow Universal et al to prevent others using the colour, at this time. The colour has simply been given a name and the recognition from Pantone in the same way as its ‘Colour of the Year’.
Will Universal apply to protect it as a trademark? The film has already surpassed the US$900million mark and Minion merchandise is hard to escape.
Hurdles to registration Following the Cadbury Purple decision in the Court of Appeal of England and Wales (see full judgement here), one of the main stumbling blocks to the registration of a colour trademark in the UK is the use of ‘predominant’ in the description of the mark, as this is deemed to be too imprecise. The main factors to be considered, in this respect, are the proportion of the surface area of the packaging on which the colour appears, the position of the colour, and whether it appears as a continuous block or is mixed up with other colours.
Does a Minion class as packaging? Is he more than 50% Minion Yellow? And what of the different Minion characters? They each take a different form and persona, unlike other animated characters, such Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear or Olaf from Frozen.
The biggest factor to be considered, and which is fundamental to all trademarks, is whether the colour yellow is solely indicative of Universal’s Minions and whether it serves to distinguish the goods of the Minion franchise from those of other similar franchises. What about other iconic yellow cartoon characters, such as Fox’s The Simpsons? Can the average consumer spot any difference in the colours of The Simpsons‘ characters versus the Minion characters, and do they even use the colour to differentiate between the merchandise of the two franchises?
Even if Universal is awarded a trademark, how will the colour be enforced? The studio cannot stop someone using Minion Yellow to paint a bedroom, and it may face difficulties when trying to enforce its rights against other uses of yellow for commercial gain. However, subject to the point above regarding The Simpsons, a registration could help prevent the use of copycat characters that are not recognisably Minions. A number of recent cases provide helpful guidance in the EU in this respect:
The verdict echoes the ruling of the earlier European Court of Justice ruling in Oberbank v Santander, which involved the colour red.
For a different kind of Minion branding, see here.
Claire Jones is a trademark attorney in the London office of Novagraaf
Over the last few years’ awareness of some of the social economic challenges facing coastal communities across the UK have been significantly highlighted. Each week it seems one or more of our seaside towns are identified as having the highest levels of youth unemployment, poverty or vacant retail outlets. The list is extensive and whilst it is important to remember these issues are prevalent equal discussion needs to take place around the new jobs, industries and work based learning opportunities that are being offered.
As a Project Manager at Business in the Community operating in Great Yarmouth I have witnessed first-hand how the town has adapted to change and is working with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors to tackle some of the core social and economic issues. 34% of working age residents in one Great Yarmouth neighbourhood have no recognised qualifications, with only 9% of residents qualified to higher levels. These skills deficits are reflected in lower than average earnings, which are £43 per week lower for working residents compared to people who commute into the town.
Against this backdrop we’ve been working with a coalition of partners to help revive the towns’ fortunes. One of the key growth sectors of the UK economy over the last few years has been social enterprises. There are 280,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing £55 billion to the UK economy and employing approximately 975,000 people. Well established social enterprises like the Big Issue and Jamie Olivers Fifteen restaurant are established in towns and cities across the UK. The establishment of these enterprises and people’s desire to make a positive difference, create employment and up-skill local residents has resulted in this growth.
Since the launch of the Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Skills, Enterprise and Assets (SEA) project 12 social enterprises have been supported in Great Yarmouth. These have been established by residents who not only have the passion to establish their own business but also to see the local economy thrive. One such example is The Wind Energy Museum. It is the only one of its kind in the UK and the vision was to turn the site in to a delivery centre to benefit vulnerable groups and increase recognition of local heritage. Debra has secured a place on this year’s Lloyds Social Entrepreneur Programme to help her develop a residential training venue, full heritage wind energy museum facilities and vocational outreach for schools.
Debra Nicholson, the founder of the organisation, has not only grown and developed the enterprise but also grown their confidence and skills. The knock on effect of this can be huge with learnings shared and local residents inspiring one another to think creatively about how they can tackle some of the issues facing their local community.
One thing to remember, which has massively impacted on this projects success, has been the involvement of local employers in helping to grow and develop the social entrepreneurs. Employers already established in Great Yarmouth saw from an early stage the benefits of working with local residents and partners to get involved in the project. One of the most popular forms of support has been through the provision of mentoring to the social entrepreneurs. Not only has this helped up skill the individuals involved it’s also broadened the employers understanding of the local community and issues that the social entrepreneur are working to address.
Simon Gray (Credo Asset Finance) was one such mentor who took part in the programme and, as a successful entrepreneur himself, was able to understand the challenges of running a business. His organisation also provides start up loans and he is now working in partnership with two social enterprises to develop a start-up school for young entrepreneurs – particularly those from disadvantaged groups who are passionate about overcoming barriers to employment.
Examples like those raised above where showcased at our Future of Responsible Business event on the 17th September at Great Yarmouth Town Hall. The event not only celebrated the impacts achieved through collaborative working but also looked to the future as to how organisations can benefit from this diverse group of social enterprises in the town.
If you’re not already working with a social enterprise I would encourage you to take some time to think about the various options available. Our event report provides an overview of the opportunities available. If you’re already working with a social enterprise then we’d love to hear your experience by commenting below or by contactingour local team.