Our two most recent web design and build projects have had a strong “green” flavour which we are very pleased about. The two clients are the Norfolk Climate Change Task Force and Abel Energy. Both sites are promoting a greener, low carbon lifestyle with great products and smart advice. You can see the full case study on our website here.
Henry Bellingham, MP for North West Norfolk, highlighted the need for greater improvements to the King’s Lynn to London rail service. Mr Bellingham was speaking at a recent meeting with West Norfolk Chamber Council.
Mr Bellingham commented that with First Capital Connect’s franchise agreement coming up for renewal, now was the time for local businesses to lobby for improvements to the rail service.
He said: “The following three criteria should be part of any new franchise agreement: Firstly Selective Locking on the rolling stock to allow for longer trains. At present, some station platforms are unable to take longer trains, due to the length of their platforms. Selective locking would allow longer trains to stops at all stations and carriages not able to reach the platform should be locked for safety reasons.
“Secondly, the Ely junction needs to be upgraded to allow for a faster train service. Lastly, refreshment trollies should be reinstated on the train service.”
Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for April, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The fall in manufacturing output is not surprising given ongoing problems in the eurozone and the UK’s tough deficit-cutting programme. It is important to avoid pessimism as many firms have shown resilience in the face of these obstacles, and have reserved their skills base during the recession. However, the immediate outlook is difficult. Our most recent forecast has indicated nil growth in manufacturing output this year and on the basis of this figure there is a risk that the sector will record a small decline in 2012.
“The new figures will also reinforce demands for the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to increase Quantitative Easing (QE). This would only be helpful if the Bank of England stops focusing asset purchases exclusively on gilts and starts purchasing other assets such as securitized SME loans. We are pleased that Adam Posen has this week publicly supported such a move. Other policies to support growth are also needed, particularly more forceful deregulation and an increase in infrastructure spending within the current spending envelope.”
The findings of a survey released today (Tuesday) by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) show that existing regulations and problems around accessing credit are hindering export growth in the UK. The survey of more than 8,000 businesses shows that nearly two thirds of potential exporters (63%) see access to finance issues as a reason not to trade overseas, while a quarter of companies believe that red tape, such as that associated with export licenses, is a barrier to trading overseas (25%). Furthermore, nearly three quarters of companies that are already exporting don’t have an export strategy in place.
Exporting is an important route to growth for companies at a time when the domestic economy is almost flat. Nearly half (44%) of respondents said they would be more likely to consider exporting if sales revenues deteriorated. More than half of companies that are already exporting said they would look to increase exports further if faced with a deterioration in domestic market conditions (56%).
There are still barriers which prevent non-exporting companies from trading overseas, with financial resource and access to credit as major factors (63%). Seven in ten non-exporters said cash flow and payment risk influenced their decision to export. Only 3% of businesses surveyed had used UK Export Finance, with 20% citing lack of awareness as a reason for not doing so. Regulation is still preventing companies from taking that first step towards becoming an exporter, with one quarter of respondents stating it as a barrier. Furthermore, one in three companies (36%) said that overseas regulations prevent them from doing business overseas.
Furthermore, nearly three quarters of exporters (74%) don’t have a formal export strategy in place. While many large exporters lack a formal strategy, there is a clear size divide which shows that small- and medium-sized companies are even less likely to possess one (42% of SMEs have one compared to 15% of micros). The results showed a willingness from firms to adapt their products and services to suit overseas markets, but almost half (49%) of exporting companies said they had become exporters by accident after being approached by potential buyers from overseas.
BCC recommendations:
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“There are still not enough of our great British businesses taking their products overseas. These results show that many firms lack an export strategy, and many only became exporters by chance. We need to find ways to make our businesses think global, and provide them with the support they need to break into new markets. Not only will this help to boost the UK economy, but it will show the world that Britain remains a major global competitor and a nation to do business with.
“The government can make some simple changes which will go a long way to giving firms the confidence and encouragement they need to trade overseas. Incentivising more firms to take part in trade missions would be a start to getting more companies thinking about adapting their products for the export market. Furthermore, the creation of a state-backed business bank would help solve problems around access to finance, which a large number of firms said prevented them from exporting. We need to get behind our businesses and give them the support they need to drive an export-led recovery.”
Better Broadband for Norfolk Information Sheet 6 (8 June 2012) In May 2011 Norfolk County Council was successful in its bid to secure Governmentfunding to help provide improved broadband speeds and access across Norfolk.
In January 2012 we launched the ‘Say Yes to Better Broadband in Norfolk’ campaign andasked people to register their interest in receiving better broadband so that we coulddemonstrate the demand that exists in the county.
We want to keep the people of Norfolk informed and updated about the project and thework that is underway to provide better broadband services in the county. Please visitwww.norfolk.gov.uk/sayyesnorfolk for more information on the project.
What’s happened since the last update? We’re currently in the procurement phase of the project. This means that we’re indiscussions with potential private sector partners who will help us deliver the betterbroadband project in Norfolk. Because this is a competitive bidding process, we can’t gointo any further detail at this stage. We hope to be able to tell you more in the nextinformation sheet.
Is there anything else happening? We have got another opportunity for people to ‘Say Yes’ to better broadband in personcoming up – you’ll be able to register your interest in the Norfolk County Council tent at theRoyal Norfolk Show on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 June. You can also talk tomembers of the Better Broadband for Norfolk team at the show and find out more about theproject.
It’s still important that anyone who might be interested in receiving better broadband saysyes so that the project has as much information about demand for broadband services inNorfolk as possible.
If you’re not coming to the Norfolk Show, you can still sign up on the Say Yes website(www.norfolk.gov.uk/sayyesnorfolk) or by ringing 0344 800 8023 until later this summer. We’re fewer than 100 ‘yeses’ away from 15,000 since we launched the campaign inJanuary and that would be a nice milestone to pass!
If you require further information please telephone Norfolk County Council on 0344800 8020.
Norwich, Tuesday 12 June 2012 – Norwich International Airport – Planning Application for Engine Testing A new planning application has been submitted for an Engine Test Facility at Norwich International Airport.
The application, submitted by the Airport Authority, identifies a site for the construction of the facility on the north eastern sector of the airfield. This site was identified through an extensive evaluation of all possible options, taking account of a range of factors including the impact of noise and emissions on those living near to the airport, as well as land availability and other operational constraints. The application seeks permission to construct a state of the art Ground Run Enclosure (GRE) which has been developed and refined in conjunction with key stakeholders including the airport, KLM UK Engineering, noise and environmental impact specialists and the local community. This facility will enable engine testing to continue at Norwich International, thereby securing the 341 full time and up to 100 contract jobs provided by KLM UK Engineering. It would also safeguard a significant number of indirect jobs within the local supply chain. The maintenance, repair and overhaul services provided by KLM UK Engineering to both domestic and international airlines has operated under a number of guises at Norwich International for over 35 years, during which time they have carried out the testing of aircraft engines as an integral part of a complete maintenance and overhaul package.
Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport said: “This application is the culmination of an enormous amount of work to identify the optimum location and technology to enable engine testing to continue to take place, whilst minimising as far as possible the impact of the activity itself on the surrounding community. The ability to test engines is critical to KLM UK Engineering’s business at the Airport and we hope this new facility will provide the solution to many years of uncertainty.
Freebridge Community Housing is holding its first Week of Wellbeing to support the wellbeing of its employees.
From 18th – 22nd June, a series of events and activities will take place focusing on how individuals can improve their Career; Physical; Mental; Social; Economic, and Community Wellbeing.
The week is part of the housing organisation’s bespoke and targeted approach to wellbeing which aims to meet the needs of employees and the business, and maximise available resources.
During the week, employees will be able to access coaching sessions provided by fully trained coaches. Health checks will also be on offer and smoking cessation and drink aware packs will be available.
The Freebridge stress management toolkit will be launched and employees will be able to try out relaxation techniques. And ‘Manage your Money’ advice sessions will be held where employees can gain an insight into how to make better use of their money.
Tony Hall, Chief Executive said: “We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our employees. We recognise the importance of having a happy, healthy and engaged workforce for the long-term satisfaction of our employees and the continued success of the business.
“The Week of Wellbeing provides us with an opportunity to stop and think about ourselves and consider ways to improve where we want to. We have a long-term commitment to employee wellbeing and will ensure that we support this on an ongoing basis through a dedicated action plan.
“Our targeted approach demonstrates that smaller companies such as ours can make a real investment in this without huge financial expenditure. We understand that good employee wellbeing has genuine and tangible business benefits. Our focus has been on developing a programme that is right for our employees, using the existing networks and resources we have access to.”
Freebridge’s employee programme complements customer wellbeing initiatives such as Mind Mental Health First Aid training and Do Something Different behavioural influencing training.
Freebridge Community Housing, which operates in West Norfolk, employs around 180 employees across a range of business functions.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Freebridge’s approach and sharing wellbeing resources should contact Michelle Playford on 01553 667738.
Ingeus in King’s Lynn has worked its magic at local care home, Courtenay House, by not only providing a talented activities coordinator to help keep the home’s 42 elderly residents entertained, but by also conjuring up a mobile magician to perform shows there.
The care home, based in Tittleshall near Fakenham, turned to local Work Programme provider Ingeus having struggled to recruit suitable staff in the past. Ingeus, which works with employers to support unemployed people back into work across the East of England, quickly recommended Sam Bunting from Great Ryburgh for the activities coordinator vacancy. Having worked with Sam to develop a new CV, Paul Hunt from Ingeus’ Employer Services team recognised that her organisational skills as a lone parent and her voluntary work hosting reading groups and organising trips at her son’s school would perfectly qualify her for the job.
After two years out of work, Sam, 35, now loves spending her working day organising quizzes, games, trips and other social activities for the Courtenay residents. She is also busy planning an awareness event with local partners for National Falls Week in mid-June and couldn’t be happier.
“Every day is different and I love chatting with the residents, we have a real giggle,” said Sam.
“I’m delighted to be off benefits and back in work after getting nowhere trying on my own. Ingeus kept me motivated throughout my job search, found this vacancy and encouraged me to apply. My family commitments have made it difficult to find suitable work in the past but I can happily manage both here.”
In addition to Sam, Ingeus is also supporting Heacham magician Paul Williamson, also known as Magical Paul, in his quest to find work. Paul, 36, turned a childhood love of magic into a profession and spent many years working abroad and on cruise ships as an entertainer. Returning home in 2009, Paul was unsuccessful in finding work and was referred to Ingeus by Jobcentre Plus at the end of 2011.
Ingeus provides a broad range of job-seeking support to unemployed people, including the option to be self-employed. With Ingeus’ help, Paul is building a business plan, sourcing funding and actively targeting local care homes with details of his act. He is a regular performer at Courtenay House where he clearly has the residents under his spell.
“We love Paul’s shows and we wish him all the best in building up his business,” said home manager, Sharon Hipper. “The residents love both him and Sam.
“It is important to provide stimulating and interesting activities for our residents and Sam’s come up with some great new ideas. She’s settling in brilliantly.
“We’ve struggled to recruit the right people in the past, many applicants not understanding the nature of the work or the practicalities of working in a rural location.
“Ingeus only put forward qualified, motivated people who were well briefed on the role. Advertising and spending time processing applications can be expensive and time consuming, whereas Ingeus’ services are fee-free and hassle free.
“We have some more vacancies for staff coming up and I will certainly be calling on Ingeus to work its magic again.”
Visit www.ingeus.co.uk/employers or contact Paul Hunt atIngeus King’s Lynnon 01553 668880 for further information and the range of free recruitment services provided to employers.
We’re off to catch more rain in Devon and Cornwall on 28th and 29th June at the local franchise exhibition. These events are focused on local business partners and we hope will start the process of finding franchisees who want to run their own supply teacher business for schools.
Our ambition is to identify mature people who have the drive and determination to succeed. As with all businesses the ability to manage one’s own time and to interact well is essential. We anticipate people connected with schools or with a teaching or a recruitment background will find the opportunity to run their own business compelling.
We are also looking for a franchisee in Norwich to develop the business for local schools in Norfolk. This will be a great opportunity locally as we already have teachers able to work as supply teachers in Norfolk today.
Commenting on the producer price figures for May 2012, Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“The decline in producer price inflation was better than expected, with both output and input measures at their lowest level since 2009. On this basis, we expect consumer price inflation to continue to fall over the next few months. This will ease the pressures facing businesses and consumers and provide a boost to consumer spending.
“But the economic situation at home and abroad remains difficult, and strengthening growth should be a top priority. While the government must persevere with measures to reduce the deficit, it should re-address priorities towards growth within the existing spending envelope. The lower inflation figures may make the MPC more inclined to increase QE, but we believe its focus should be encouraging lending to credit-worthy businesses.”
The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership is leading the UK’s transition to a green economy.
On Monday 11th June New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership will present its Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto to Government at a reception in the Houses of Parliament.
Attendees will include business leaders, representatives from Government departments, environmental organisations, local authorities and community groups.
The Manifesto, called ‘Leading the Way’, sets out the barriers and opportunities for sustainable economic growth, goals and aspirations and features case studies of business and organisations which are leading the way in developing the green economy.
The Manifesto represents the opportunity to embed good practices in the region’s green economy, across businesses and organisations, locally.
New Anglia helps to grow jobs and remove the barriers to business growth in Suffolk and Norfolk. It is committed to leading the transition towards a green economy, delivering benefits across the region and nationally.
International best practice highlighted by the Manifesto ranges from cutting edge research on the Norwich Research Park to eco-building techniques being pioneered in housing developments across Suffolk and Norfolk.
The Government invited New Anglia to take the lead on the development of the green economy last November and report back with recommendations on how the UK can seize the opportunities presented by the green economy.
Andy Wood, Chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and Chief Executive of Adnams plc said: “The New Anglia area has a wide range of energy resources, which is why we are ideally placed to lead the growth of the green economy.
“New Anglia is committed to building the green economy in a sustainable way and to share our knowledge and expertise across the UK.
“There will be a 45% projected growth in the low carbon and environmental market by 2012/15 and we want to place the green economy at right at the heart of business success – because it makes good business sense.”
Mark Pendlington, the Director, Anglian Water Group, chairs New Anglia’s Green Economy Pathfinder Board.
“New Anglia has brought together a group of talented people with specialist expertise to develop the Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto”, said Mr Pendlington.
“As part of the Manifesto we have featured case studies of some innovative organisations which are at the cutting edge of developing services and products which will drive forward the green economy.
“The Manifesto provides a route map for all businesses large and small to seize the exciting opportunities of green growth. This will create and secure jobs and help our goods and services to compete and win the global marketplace. It’s a route to economic recovery, and we want businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk to be leading the way – by example.”
The Manifesto will be published on the afternoon of Monday 11th June on the website www.newanglia.co.uk.
Norwich Business School will be holding an MBA Open Evening on Tuesday 11th December, 6-8.30pm in the Thomas Paine Study Centre, UEA.
The MBA Programme comprises of:
• Full-time MBA •Strategic Carbon Management MBA • Executive MBA (part-time)
All variants will start in January 2013.
If you are looking to study for an MBA, you may be interested in attending our MBA Open Evening. Come and find out more about our innovative MBA Programme and meet current students studying for an MBA. The MBA Programme Director and Course Leaders will also be there to answer any questions.
“One of the most challenging and enjoyable years of my life, I have been very impressed with the standard of the lecturers throughout.” Warwick Bowen, full-time MBAGraduate
Scholarships and bursaries are available for all our MBA courses.
If you are interested in attending our Open Evening,please register your interest by emailing mbateam@uea.ac.uk, or call +44 1603 591753. www.business.uea.ac.uk/mba-programmes