How is your business is doing in these challenging economic times – have the events in Europe affected you, or are you managing to grow your business in spite of everything that is happening?
The last QES survey reported that Norfolk businesses were planning to invest in plant, machinery and training and they were cautiously optimistic and hoping for a better quarter. Let us know how your business is doing and what you think about the future and possible economic growth.
The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor to plan the future of the UK economy. The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete, so please take the time to input into this important survey to ensure Norfolk has a voice. The survey needs to be completed online by Monday 11 June 2012.
Please click here. The Password is economy and your Chamber ID number is 75. If you prefer a hard copy please print the attached form and fax back to 01603 633032.
The World Wide Web has greatly transformed over the last few years and it has revolutionised the way people do business. Digital marketing has become a force that cannot be denied and revenues from online advertising, particularly mobile ads, have increased considerably. This article will present some of the most interesting digital trends for business advertising in 2012 and beyond.
Magnetic Content
This trend has been present since last year, but it will definitely take the spotlight in 2012 and 2013. Magnetic content is meant to replace traditional methods of advertising online. Its goal is to engage customers beyond traditional advertising and therefore encourage loyalty and increased brand awereness. The purpose of magnetic content is to blur the lines between advertising and content, both online and offline such as using live events, short films, reality games and exciting, worthwhile material that promotes products and services. These various messages can be shared and spread via social networking and directly through consumers’ mobile devices via e.g.QR Codes. Numerous big companies have started using this advertising strategy, including Ford and Macy’s, and they are already starting to see the benefits of magnetic content. Ads may be not be a thing of the past just yet but as marketers increasingly focus on creating valuable and relevant interactive content, which has the ability to draw in customers, traditional advertising could well be treated with less interest as previously.
Video Leads
Online video advertising has been on the rise for some time now, and it will continue to do so in the future. eMarketer estimates that, by 2015, approximately $7.11 billion will be spent on this type of online advertising. For 2012, it is expected that online video advertising will bring marketers the highest revenue, taking into account all types of online marketing. However, video advertising does have its downsides. Most advertising agencies have stated that there are obstacles such as high prices, limited reach, and lack of targeting, which must be overcome. Despite this, the future of video advertising in 2012 looks bright. Amongst the factors that will contribute to the future success of video advertising we can find: pricing models, such as cost-per-view, the use of interactive ads, magnetic content, and personalized videos.
The Era of smartphones
Since the number of smartphones and tablets users has drastically increased over the last years, marketers have started focusing their advertising campaigns on this industry. Consumers have showed more interest in online shopping using their mobile devices and connecting with products via technologies like qrcodes using their phones. Because of this, revenues from mobile payments have been on the rise and it is expected that this trend will continue. One of the most important reasons for the success of mobile advertising is that it enables customers to make purchases from the comfort of their own homes. Mobile ecommerce also offer customers the flexibility to make purchases directly for example by scanning an product page with their device.
These were some of the more interesting digital trends of 2012 and probably for many more years to come. If you are looking for new ways to advertise your company and most crucially engage consumers then you will probably benefit from using any of the techniques presented above.
Commenting on the proposals outlined in the Beecroft Report, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:
“Adrian Beecroft is right to point out that at a time when millions of people are unemployed, ministers should be looking for ways to make it easier and less costly to employ people, not the other way around. Of course employment rights are important, but should be weighed against opportunities for the unemployed who are looking for work.
“Ministers should consider and progress all proposals that would give businesses greater confidence to hire – an outcome that would benefit companies, individuals and the UK economy as a whole.”
Commenting on the proposal for a new compensated no-fault dismissal route:
“Employers tell us that hiring staff is expensive, so dismissing someone is always a last resort. We are not saying that businesses should be able to ‘fire at will’, but the fear of not being able to dismiss a troublesome employee prevents many businesses from recruiting.
“A compensated no-fault dismissal route would be more favourable financially for an employee than if they were managed out of the business on performance grounds. Both parties would also avoid the emotional distress, uncertainty and reputational damage of an employment tribunal. However, this system would be costly and would not provide the full protection offered by compromise agreements, so would only be used in extreme cases. Furthermore, the impact on employment rights is minimal and vastly outweighed by the boost to employer confidence and the number of jobs it help to generate.
“Compensated no-fault dismissal should accompany proposals to make compromise agreements easier for employers to use. This will help businesses create jobs for the large number of talented, hard-working people that are unemployed in the UK.”
Commenting on flexible working and shared parental leave proposals:
“Businesses are not against flexible working or shared parental leave as concepts, but face real problems when it comes to implementation. Most businesses cannot accommodate unlimited flexible working and are concerned by the potential damage to employee relationships if they grant one request and have to turn down a more worthy request later.
“Shared parental leave introduces new and serious complexity to the relationship between an employer and member of staff. For the first time the employer-employee relationship will be contingent on a third party – the employee’s partner’s boss. Employers should be able to focus on the day to day running of their business and creating jobs and growth, rather than managing the family matters of employees.”
A renewable technology evaluation considering a wind turbine and solar PV system has been completed on behalf of a West Norfolk farm. A 50 kW solar system and 11 kW wind turbine were evaluated in terms of suitability and financial viability with a return on investment identified of 8.8% for the solar PV and 10.9% for the turbine. The return on investment reflects the changes to the Feed in Tariff scheme which will come into effect from July and October respectively.
If you want to achieve an excellent return on investment, contact us to find out how more.
Land owners and farm estates have a lot to gain from impartial and independent advice and Clean Energy is pleased to join the CLA to provide services to its members. Impartiality and careful thought is the key to ensuring renewables are integrated into the countryside and that the financial and carbon saving benefits are realistic. With comprehensive experience in this area, Clean Energy looks forward to working with CLA members to ensure their renewable energy needs are met.
Contact us if you are a farm or estate and we will be pleased to help you.
Only one in five eats five a day, poll suggests Just one in five Britons eats the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a poll for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests.
Record number of staff spurn sick days A record number of workers are taking no days off sick, but long-term absences are growing because of rising stress and back pain, according to a new workplace survey.
Face-to-face consultations by GPs ‘no longer sustainable’ General practice is ‘no longer sustainable’ in its current form, with a squeezed workforce, increasingly complex demands and a shifting financial landscape requiring GPs to radically alter way they work, a new report has claimed.
Facebook and Twitter liked for health One in three people are now using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for health related issues according to a study by management consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Now in its third year, the Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability Conference was held at the John Innes Centre on Thursday 10 May and was superbly attended and supported both by the local business community and by a range of national companies that travelled into Norwich specifically for the event.
Photos from the conference can be viewed on Facebook or Google+
Here you can find a number of the presentations used by the speakers:
Visit England has published the results of its ‘Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2011‘. Norwich is listed as one of the top ten city destinations in the UK, with only London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool ahead.
Caroline Williams, CEO, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “As Norwich has a great deal to offer its day visitors, from culture to retail activities, both indoors and outdoors, it is t not surprising that we are the sixth most popular city to visit in the UK. With over 17 million day visitors last year, spending well in excess of £572,000 in the city, this recognition is welcome news to retailers, leisure and tourism businesses alike.
Tourism day visits are an important element of tourism demand, estimated to account for around half of total tourism spend in the UK. Tourism is an integral part of Norfolk’s economy and day trippers help contribute towards Norfolk’s economic growth.”
We take great pleasure in welcoming Kevin Cooper as our new Business Telecoms Manager. Kevin joins us with 16 years’ experience in telecoms. It’s great to welcome someone into the team with such a vast background inthis fieldand who will be able to take our business telecommunications division from strength to strength.
Kevin says ‘This is an exciting opportunity to help Breakwater IT expand their telecoms business to both their existing client base and to new local businesses. After 16 years’ experience in the industry I am looking forward to be able to offer transparent and cost effective solutions that meet clients’ current business needs.
My experience is across the whole portfolio of Business Telecommunications including both traditional services such as fixed calls and lines to cutting edge unified communication solutions. The need for ever increasing bandwidth to support our voice and data applications is a major issue in a “rural” community and it is important to know if broadband, EFM or Leased line is the right product at the right cost for your business.
I believe Telecoms really do not need to be complicated. The basic principles should apply;
• Simple cost effective tariff • Transparent agreements with no hidden surprises • Clear and concise billing with ability to offer useful reports for your business • Quick and local response to enquiries • Streamline fault reporting with regular updates with quickest fix • Solutions tailored to your business’
“Breakwater is a dynamic and growing business and I am delighted to be heading up its expansion into Business Telecoms. It is a very exciting time both for me and for the company as a whole”
University of East Anglia: Doctorate in Education (EdD)
Application Deadline: 17 August 2012
Do you want to investigate educational, social, professional or organisational issues?
Would you like to acquire skills as an independent researcher, to conduct and design your own research?
Would you like to better understand issues related to your everyday work experience and context?
Is there a work problem or puzzle to research?
The University of East Anglia offers the four year, part-time Doctorate in Education (EdD) programme. The EdD is designed to provide an education in applied research – meeting the needs of professionals working in areas related to education, training and development who can draw on their everyday practice.
For further information and to apply, please visit: www.uea.ac.uk/edu/pg/dredu, or telephone: 01603 591515.
The findings of a survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that businesses, smaller firms in particular, need more support to trade with high-growth markets. The survey of more than 8,000 businesses, including Norfolk Chamber members, suggests that UK exports are held back by a focus on traditional or mature markets at the expense of larger, faster-growing economies.
The EU remains the most popular destination for exports. When asked where they export to, 88% of respondents sell their products or services to the EU. This compares to 47% of businesses that export to BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), and 55% to other Asian and Middle-Eastern markets such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia. However, while nearly three-quarters (73%) of large firms trade with BRIC countries, only a third (32%) of micro firms do business in these fast-growing markets.
The survey also asked exporters where they see the greatest opportunities for growth in the next twelve months. Two-thirds (67%) of large exporters see the BRIC economies as providing the most export growth, but this falls to around half (49%) among medium-sized firms, and a third (33%) of micros. More smaller businesses believed that the EU offers the greatest opportunities for export growth (56%).
The results showed businesses that belong to an international group or supply chain are 50% more likely to see growth opportunities in the fastest-growing, emerging economies, than those that don’t. The transport, manufacturing and education sectors are the most enthusiastic about opportunities for growth in developing economies.
Export sales among UK firms are hindered by several barriers, from languages and cultural differences to overseas public sector procurement rules. Overall, regulation and export tariffs top the list of barriers for exporters. Those trading in Africa quote political risk as the biggest concern.
Commenting, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“More and more Norfolk businesses are exporting their goods and services overseas, but many still face obstacles when trading internationally. Smaller firms in particular can find it difficult to break into newer, emerging markets, such as Brazil, India and China. These countries are growing more than traditional export partners like those in the eurozone, and so present real opportunities for businesses. However, small firms often lack the resource of larger firms, which is why they need more support to break into new markets. The government must provide more targeted help and advice for smaller firms to help them take their first step in trading with these fast-growing economies. Norfolk Chamber has created a dedicated Export Zone within its new website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk giving help and advice and links to a large amount of information”
“Britain has the potential to be a great exporting nation. The government must work together with business to unlock the potential of Britain’s exporters, who will in turn help to drive the economic recovery.”
BCC recommendations
Better targeted support for exporters to access the fastest-growing markets: Businesses that export to the fastest-growing markets are the most likely to encounter barriers that hold back sales. This partly explains why there is a size divide in these markets – smaller businesses have fewer resources to overcome these obstacles. As it seeks to expand its reach from 25,000 to 50,000 SMEs over the coming months, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and its partners must work to address the reticence of some sectors and size groups to consider trading in new markets. Targeted support, such as sharing practice on foreign bureaucracy and introductions into new markets, is crucial in helping companies access high-growth BRIC countries.
Open up new markets through free trade agreements: There is a clear relationship between the volume of UK exports to overseas markets, and the formal legal agreements that underpin trade. SMEs in particular, which lack the resources of larger companies, would benefit from breaking down the tariffs and bureaucracy of markets that are not currently covered by free trade agreements with the EU. The government should look to create bilateral free trade agreements with India and Japan and further liberalise trade with the United States.
Re-establish foreign languages as core subjects within the UK national curriculum and in workplace training: Differences in language and culture are seen as important barriers to entering fast-growing markets like the BRICs, Asia and the Middle East. The National Curriculum must be revised so that studying a foreign language is compulsory until AS level, and incentives such as tax credits for small and medium-sized businesses introduced for those firms that make a significant investment in language training.