At this event you will learn how to get to grips with the world’s most popular search engine, Google. We will also show you how to create your own digital marketing content with your phone or tablet.
Google My Business:
Nick Pandolfi will explain why video content is increasingly more important in marketing your business and how a simple smartphone or tablet could be your marketing best friend. He will show you handy tips in creating content that promotes your business to a wider customer and client base.
Nick Pandolfi has won several awards for his broadcast work with the BBC and works in Film and TV.
Join us at Pensthorpe Nature Park, Pensthorpe, Fakenham NR21 0LN
Murmurs of excitement over the course of the past year leading up to Epic Studios’ installation of Martin Audio’s MLA PA system reached their natural climax at their Norwich premises. The investment of over £250,000 in the revered sound system stencils the venue in amongst the elite, global clique of spaces with the capacity to claim this class of state-of-the-art audio technology. Martin Audio specialises in bespoke British sound engineering boasting an international reputation for supplying award-winning, industry-benchmark loudspeaker systems across the full spectrum of live sound and installation applications; offering unrivalled sound coverage, consistency and control through a combination of deftly-crafted acoustic designs and prediction & optimisation software of pin-point accuracy.
Included in the investment was Allen & Heath’s snazzy, flagship dLive s7000 mixing board to maximise sound quality by giving incredible fidelity through the MLA rig. This offers a great deal of flexibility for the venue escalating audio performance of the system to dizzying levels.
Epic Studios’ installation of the globally-acclaimed PA system follows a push by management to establish the venue as the best, most technologically-advanced in East Anglia. The initiative – which began last year with an additional previous quarter million-pound investment in lighting and effects apparatus – is part of a drive to instil Epic Studios as a top-tier small arena to take its rightful place on the national stage. Further efforts include road-mapping plans to increase capacity towards a full-scale 3000-strong audience area. Such activities are all aimed at fulfilling the venue’s vision of pioneering spotless, emphatic acoustics and dazzling optical displays lifting the local music scene into the Golden Age of 21st century audio-visual spectacle whilst championing greater exposure for local talent.
The ethos of Martin Audio’s research & development is a commitment to quality ensuring any application offers ultimate performance with distinguished sound characteristics being inherent to the acoustic design rather than dependent on any subsequent electronic correction. The Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array, or ‘MLA’ as it’s commonly abbreviated, is the flagship technology of the celebrated audio experts having revolutionised sonic performance amongst high-end loudspeaker systems in their category, full technical specifications are available here. Key benefits include:
SOUND PERFORMANCE
A crisp, flawless sound affirms MLA as the industry benchmark of audio technology. The challenge of a professional PA/loudspeaker system is to create as neutral a frequency response as possible to result in a ‘flat’ sonic signature to uniformly preserve the loudness of musical elements without over or underemphasising any frequency band. Essentially, this allows music to be enjoyed as true to the original recording as possible since there is little-to-no forced changes to its reproduction. In the case of live music this allows a meticulous authenticity using pure, untainted acoustics as a foundation and minutely adjusting equaliser (EQ) levels to enable a personalised frequency response unique to the artist’s own specific sound.
NOISE POLLUTION REDUCTION
MLA software enables precise venue mapping and sound containment. Fine control of how each component of the MLA covers its designated audio area allows the highest sound levels to be experienced by the audience without exceeding noise pollution levels beyond the perimeter. Intelligent software controls each array to project sound directly at the audience and then cuts it off sharply just beyond the noise perimeter, allowing a dramatic reduction in noise pollution. This means artists can play considerably louder than ever before without a reduction in sound quality or breaching noise pollution regulations. The technology effectively allows an invisible line to be drawn around a site outside of which sound tapers off so quickly and sharply that it would be inaudible.
INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE
The system allows quick, optimised setup arrangements for any venue layout whilst still allowing complete control over equaliser (EQ) settings for fine-tuning, significantly reducing the time and complexity with installation and sound checking. Unique optimisation software enables production companies to plan and visualise coverage and then achieve exact results from switch on regardless of the acoustic properties of the venue and without the requirement to fine tune upon installation.
SOUND REACH
The MLA affords exceptional blanket sound quality across the entirety of an audience space through exact sound-mapping and coverage. Autonomous software specifies exactly what sound settings are required at multiple locations within the sound area (such as the front rows, the mix position, the rear seats etc.) and then uses this information to automatically control the array to produce this result. Hence MLA technology allows the audience to be united as the same sound quality and volume is achieved throughout the defined area, from front-to-back and side-to-side. In short, the PA sounds identical at the back of the room than as if you are standing directly in front of the speaker cabinets.
The vision behind the ground-breaking MLA system is to allow artists to play to larger audiences without any detriment to sound quality being evident anywhere within the arena. From a sound engineer’s perspective, the MLA offers the benefits of extreme coherence and responsiveness from a mixing standpoint – minute fader or EQ adjustments will be extremely noticeable.
The MLA celebrates proven success across a diverse belt of prestigious installations with a client base ranging from Glastonbury, Hyde Park and Alexandra Palace and has won various industry awards for performance and innovation, including: PLASA Gold Award for Innovation; MusikMesse International Press Award and Parnell: Indispensable Technology Award.
“Over my years in business, I’ve always strived to offer the best possible service to my customers and partners. In the same stead, at Epic Studios we are now following through ambitions of increasing capacity and installing state-of-the-art facilities to cement our reputation as a world-class small arena and the best in East Anglia, offering the ultimate experience for both the audience and performing artists alike.”
– Jonathan Thursby, owner – Epic Studios
Installation of an MLA system at Epic Studios affirms the venue as in league with very few others with the ability to offer state-of-the-art, revolutionary sound performance at unprecedented levels of volume with no detriment to quality and the added benefit of minimum disruption to the local neighbourhood. Epic Studios looks forward to welcoming acts in joining us to enjoy the unrivalled sonic experience allowed by this exclusive, avant-garde sound system for events such as for the screening of trademark show ‘That Music Thing’ (TMT).
For information about what’s on at Epic Studios please visit our Events page.
With a string of top 40 hit singles and albums in the 1990s, My Life Story received huge critical acclaim with their brand of epic, orchestral pop, leading many artists of the Britpop era to feature them on their records. One of our most colourful lyricists, is how Steve Lamaq described charismatic frontman Jake Shillingford, famous for his sharp tongue and even sharper suits.
Now, MLS have become a hugely popular, tight live act on the wave of the 90s revival. Their high-energy set includes singalong favourites 12 Reasons Why I Love Her, Strumpet, Sparkle and The King of Kissingdom. Taking a break from writing film and TV scores, Jake and the band have recently crowd-funded their fourth studio album, the first in nearly two decades, which is due for release on 2nd August 2019.
“Jake Shillingford [took] to the stage like a true star. Part Jagger, part Jarvis, he kicked, star-jumped and fell to the floor in mesmerising fashion. “You’re left with no doubt that My Life Story are one of the decade’s forgotten heroes and asking ‘why were they not massive?'”
Review of Star Shaped Festival, Glasgow, August 2017, Classic Pop Magazine
Review of My Life Story, Islington Academy, December 2017 – https://www.realgonerocks.com/2017/12/my-life-story-islington-academy-london-22122017/
Simple Guides to Making Tax Digital, Cloud Accounting, Data and APIs
“HMRC’s ambition is to become one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world, modernising the tax system to make it more effective, more efficient and easier for customers to comply.”
Taken from the www.gov.uk/ website as at 15.8.19 (link here)
Did you know that from April 2019 Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Business systems will become mandatory to meet your VAT obligations?
This means that any entity, whether a sole trader, partnership, company, charity or landlord that makes VAT-able supplies above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000 turnover), will be required to submit their VAT return using functional compatible software that is compliant with HMRC’s new MTD reporting system. The Government’s main objective of MTD is to plug the £3.5bn gap that is generated by mistakes made on VAT returns whilst also saving time for both HMRC & taxpayers.
So the digital revolution is coming and it will affect you and your business, even if not right now, in the near future. Already we control our own personal accounts and finances online. We nearly all use online banking, credit checkers and perform BACS payments. Nearly all of us agree it does make our life easier and makes information quicker and easier to obtain. So why should we be treating our businesses any different?
Who is it for?
If you fall above the VAT registration threshold or will have done by April 2019; want to get ahead of the game or feel you just want to know more and ask questions of those who can advise you, then this is definitely the event for you.
Our informative and engaging specialists will help debunk the myths surrounding MTD and demystify Cloud Accounting, showing you how it works, what benefits it will bring to you and your business and how simple it can be to use.
Alongside this they will help you understand the new applications available to assist businesses manage and control their finances. There is a world of options and opportunities out there and our digital specialist will help identify a few and highlight their strengths and weaknesses and show you how to assess their suitability for your needs.
With demonstrations of different processes and software alongside the facts, our team hopes to present you with a fair and honest presentation of MTD, Could Accounting, Data and Business APIs.
Take this chance to get a great overview of the online financial revolution which can benefit your business and ask questions of our experts during and after the event.
We are excited to announce that we have chosen the Make-A-Wish Foundation as our charity partners!
Make-A-Wish works to create life-changing wishes for critically ill children; their One True Wish made a reality at a time when they need it most.
From meeting celebrities, swimming with dolphins, and going on holiday, to being a superhero for the day, walking with dinosaurs, and even having a bedroom makeover, Make-A-Wish go above and beyond to make sure that each wish is personalised and life-changing to each individual and their families.
When a child is critically ill, the effects that these wishes can have on a child bring back the wonder, joy, and hope into their lives, whilst also building confidence, creating memories of a lifetime, as well as providing the necessary respite from the daily struggles of living with a serious illness.
Our goal will be to work closely with the charity and a chosen family in order to make their One True Wish come true, and our teams have been incredibly forthcoming with plenty of fantastic fundraising ideas to put in place over the next few months.
Speaking about the charity partnership, our Director Paul Kitley says: “We have been planning to do something where we can give back to the community for a while, but with so many charities out there it was hard picking one to support. We chose Make-A-Wish because they really do help put smiles on the faces of vulnerable children who have had the worst luck in life. We want to raise as much money as possible and help this amazing charity make some of these wishes come true.”
Shaun Campbell, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Make-A-Wish said: “When I first met with Paul and the team at TEC Partners, it was clear to see that they want to make a difference for children living with life-threatening illnesses”. He went on to say, “It’s a privilege to have the support from an energetic and forward-thinking company, we are really excited to show you the very real difference your fundraising will have on a local wish”.
Of course, none of these wishes could come true without the help of donations and sponsors, so if you’d like to help us raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, please visit our JustGiving page.
The past 18 months has been challenging, but what do you need right now and in the next few months to help support business growth?
What You Need Is What We Do, and Team Norfolk Chambers would like to know what Norfolk businesses need so that we can be better placed to provide you with tailored support, connections and knowledge.
You will be glad to know that this is not a long-winded survey! Instead we would like to hear from you on email, telephone, social media and even face-to-face what you need right now to help your business, your employees and yourself.
If you follow us on social (check us out on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NorfolkChamber) take part in our poll, comment on our posts or send us a message. If you are a Norfolk Chamber member, contact your account manager and let them know. If you like to talk to a real person pick up the phone and call us on 01603 625977. If you prefer to email, drop us a message at hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk
This is the time to get your views heard and find the help and support you need to do better business.
So what are you waiting for? Team Norfolk Chambers is here and ready to support you in whatever way they can.
Find out some of the ways we can help you in business by checking out our trading cards here
Our two-day Transport Manager Refresher course will keep you up to sate and compliant with the latest information from the Traffic Commissioner and the DVSA.
This course is ideal for a transport manager’s CPD or for a transport planner to get an insight into becoming a Transport Manager.
You can also get up to 14 hours Driver CPC with this course
Price excluding VAT
Location: CTS Training & Consultancy, Main Road, Terrington St John, Wisbech, PE14 7RP
Book now on 01945 880155 or training@ctservicesltd.co.uk
Commenting on today’s interest rate decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“While the Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates on hold was widely expected, there was a surprising shift in the committee’s voting pattern, with one member voting for a rate rise. This partly reflects the fact that the Monetary Policy Committee are facing a more challenging period, with inflation likely to move materially above the 2% target in the coming months. Furthermore, if US monetary policy continues to tighten as expected, it may weigh on UK rate decisions by increasing the downward pressure on Sterling, pushing UK price growth higher.
“However, with UK economic conditions likely to become more subdued over the near term, and little evidence that higher inflation is becoming entrenched in stronger pay growth, the MPC has sufficient leeway to tolerate a prolonged period of above target inflation. Therefore, while the next move in interest rates is likely to be upwards, we don’t expect this to happen until the end of 2018.
“With the MPC close to exhausting the monetary policy tools available to them, the government must do more to support business confidence and incentivise investment, particularly by tackling the rising input costs faced by businesses.”
Alan Boswell Group has been named ‘Insurance Broker of the Year’ at the prestigious British Insurance Awards 2025, held on the 9thof July at the Royal Albert Hall.
The award recognises outstandingcustomer service, client retention,and excellence across the UK insurance industry. Alan Boswell Group stood out against the other finalists for its customer-first approach, continued investment in its people and communities, and commitment to providing friendly, expert advice.
Speaking about the award, Alan Boswell, Executive Chairman, said, “We’re proud to be recognised as Insurance Broker of the Year. This award is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of everyone across our Group and reflects our continued commitment to putting clients at the centre of everything we do.”
Founded over 40 years ago, Alan Boswell Group is one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, offering expert advice and tailored insurance, risk management,and financial solutions to individuals and businesses.The award follows the Group’s continued growth and success, with the recent acquisition of three brokers further bolstering their presence across East Anglia.
Alan Boswell Group have built their success on consistency, expertise, and sustainable growth. Founded over 40 years ago, Alan Boswell Group is one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, offering expert advice and tailored insurance, risk management, and financial solutions to individuals and businesses.
Highlights from the past year include:
Growth in team size and their apprenticeship scheme continues to nurture new talent into the industry.
An increase in their Feefo customer service score from 4.8 to 4.9.
Sector-specific awards success, including a Which? Best Buy.
Improving client journeys through digital solutions, while prioritising human-first interaction.
Recognition for industry expertise, with research featured by major outlets including the BBC and The Times.
Strategic acquisitions of Priory Insurance, The Insurance Centre, and AT&A Insurance Brokers.
Ongoing investment in the wider community, through sponsorship of local sports teams and donations via The Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust, which reached a milestone £3m in donations since 2019.
Study for your Transport Manager CPC with a CILT Approved Training Centre.
For those of you who are aspiring to become a qualified transport manager or looking to develop your Road Haulage transport management skills this is the course for you.
Course dates: 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 January and 2 3 4 9 February 2026
Exam date: 10 February 2026
Price excludes VAT
Location: CTS Training & Consultancy, Main Road, Terrington St John, Wisbech, PE14 7RP
Book now on 01945 880155 or training@ctservicesltd.co.uk
No, I haven’t lost the plot. It’s just that many of the micro business owners I interact with aren’t marketing. They’re doing something they call marketing, but it’s more a lot of ad-hoc, online and offline ‘chatter’. Marketing is planned and strategic. Planning and strategy are imperative because marketing is the thing that carries the key message of a business to a specific target audience in order to achieve an overall business objective.
So, What is Marketing?
Keeping it simple:
Marketing is a constant, consistent range of activities across a wide variety of channels, both online and offline
Marketing has objectives and measurable targets
Marketing is not a ‘quick win’ solution
Marketing costs money. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, but it does need a budget
This is why I believe many micro businesses need to stop doing what they call marketing; because what they are doing is likely to be having very little impact on their business and profitability, while having a massive impact on their time and stress levels.
Does this Mean You Should Do No Marketing?
Absolutely not! I believe that micro businesses need to do two things:
Create a marketing plan
Start campaigning
Campaigns give marketing a boost. Marketing is constant and consistent delivering a key message to a target audience. Campaigns take place within a designated timeframe; campaigns are designed to achieve a specific objective such as an event, an offer or a promotion; campaigns are created to reach a particular group within the overall target audience of the business, such as VIP clients or repeat business from customers who haven’t purchased anything for the last three months.
Four Key Stages in Creating a Marketing Campaign
Stage 1: Planning
Define the goals and desired outcomes for the event, offer or promotion – for example, 20 repeat orders, 50 attendees at the event, turnover £5,000
Define the client group – for example, customers who previously spent more than £250
Set the event, offer or promotion date(s) – for example, 1st to 5th December
Create the title of the campaign – for example, One Day to Day One: Creating Your First Profitable Campaign, Course or Programme
Create the content of the event, offer or promotion – for example, 1-day, VIP Strategic Success Marketing Campaign Planning Day
Stage 2: Build-Up
Start a social media campaign blogging, Tweeting, posting etc. on topics connected to your event offer or promotion [NB: this is not a sales or a ‘buy me’ message]
Use email marketing and newsletter to drop hints about what is coming
Network as widely as possible to make new connections
Stage 3: Launch
Increase your social media output – be more specific about what is on offer
Ensure that your diary is clear and has enough space to enable you to handle enquiries or take-up of the offer.
Stage 4: Analysis and Follow-Up
Measure the outcomes of the campaign. Did you reach your target? What went well? What didn’t go well? What will you do differently next time?
Set the follow-up process into action
Send a personalised thank-you all those customers or clients who took-up the offer
Post out a general thank-you message across all social media channels – ensuring people know what they missed – perhaps they will be at the front of the queue next time!
If you’ would like to discuss your micro business marketing and campaign strategy in more detail, why not book a FREE Discovery Call with me today?