The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is looking to recruit a Business Manager.
The Business Manager will be field based and responsible for being proactive in generating and recruiting new members within Norfolk, with specific emphasis on the 11-50 employee range, but has the business knowledge to empathise and communicate effectively with all sized businesses.
There will be an element of retention activity that is reactive to the Membership Advisor’s activity
Japan is the world’s third largest economy in the world & it’s the high-tech powerhouse economy of Asia. The amount of personal wealth is high, and personal financial assets are one of the largest asset bases in the world. In 2014 £9.4 trillion in financial assets was held by households.
Around 450 British companies currently operate in Japan from major FTSE 100 companies to small businesses. Incentives for UK businesses exporting to Japan include:
stable place to do business
strategic stepping stone for other Asian markets
highly educated consumers who are early adopters of new products and services
large and rich consumer market based in urban areas
Tokyo conurbation is the world’s largest at around 35 million
Strengths of the Japanese market include:
a huge, open economy
an increasingly globalised outlook
strong intellectual property (IP) protection
hunger for new trends and technologies
high levels of disposable income, particularly older people and young singles living with their parents
Speaker Profiles
Daisaku Yukita is Deputy Director-General of Japan External Trade organization (JETRO) London office since July 2015. He is responsible for Invest Japan activities in Europe. He was Chief Deputy Director of Invest Japan Department and Deputy Director of Invest Japan Business Support Centre of JETRO Tokyo between 2009 and 2015.
Tom Bool is theDirector of Integro Languages which was launched in 2007 and has grown into a globally recognised provider of premium quality translation and language services. They specialise in growing companies internationally.
Shohei Yamaguchi is a Japanese native and head of the Asian Division at Integro Languages
Jeff has been helping businesses with their finances for over 35 years, during which time he has seen many of them grow into large successful international companies. He now runs a team of experienced Trade and Working Capital Specialists covering the East and South East England.
A kind-hearted nine-year-old raised nearly £2,500 after taking on a 25-mile charity bike ride in rural Norfolk.
Ella-May Saunders, who lives in Jermyn Way, Tharston, completed the challenge for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
She cycled for three hours, with one quick pit stop, and was rightly proud of herself after raising an astonishing £2,473.
Ella-May’s fundraiser was in memory of James Thorndyke, the baby son of a close family friend who died in February 2017.
James had Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and received care at EACH’s former Quidenham hospice. He died five days before his first birthday.
His mum, Susie, is friends with Ella-May’s mum, Louise, and herself a successful fundraiser for the charity, having held two balls in 2018 and 2020 and donated just over £40,000.
Louise said: “We’re so proud of Ella-May.
“She didn’t moan once, stuck to her task and completed the challenge with no problems at all.
“We only stopped once, for a quick bite to eat and drink in Bunwell.
“Other than that, she completed the route in one go, in three hours.”
Ella-May added: “It was tough but worth it in the end.”
Her route took in Forncett, Spooner Row, Bunwell, Carleton Rode, Tibenham, Aslacton, Great Moulton and Wacton before heading back to Tharston.
Ella-May’s fundraiser was made even more impressive by the fact she has weekly physio sessions because of problems with her legs and knees.
The Aslacton Primary School pupil, who celebrates her tenth birthday later this month and has a five-year-old sister, Florence, was joined on the epic bike ride by both Louise and dad Jonny.
In an effort to improve SME access to public procurement contracts, the Government has now launched a new Mystery Shopper Scheme.
The Mystery Shopper Scheme has 2 roles:
1. It provides a clear, structured and direct route for suppliers to raise concerns about public procurement practice even when attempts at resolving issues with a contracting authority or a first-tier supplier have failed and provides feedback to enquirers on their concerns. 2. It also takes a proactive approach through spot checks on procurement documents.
This enables the Government to:
identify areas of poor procurement practice so we can work with the contracting authority to put them right, and help ensure similar cases do not arise in future
take action to reduce the likelihood of similar issues arising in other authorities
identify examples of good practice that we can share with other authorities
central government departments (e.g. Defra, MOD) – they will address feedback about the central departments or any of the bodies for which they are responsible (list of government departments)
the wider public sector (e.g. local authorities, NHS trusts or education establishments) in England (They do not investigate procurement carried out by devolved bodies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales)
prime contractors working on government contracts – we will work with contract managers in departments and prime contractors to address feedback about unfair practices and other issues in the supply chain of government contracts
Before contacting the Mystery Shopper team If you want to submit feedback to us read the terms set out in our scope and remit. This explains what we may be able to achieve in relation to your concerns. By submitting feedback to the Mystery Shopper Scheme you are accepting the scope and remit of the service.
Results We publish the results of the investigations into the cases we examine. The documents on the Mystery Shopper results page set out the issues and the resolution of the cases investigated so far. We also use social media to share the results of our investigations, only the contracting authority is named when we share and publish our results.
Taking a proactive approach The Mystery Shopper Scheme now carries out spot checks on procurement processes as well as continuing to deal with referrals raised by SMEs and other concerned suppliers. This extension of the Mystery Shopper scheme was announced in the report Small Business GREAT Ambition.
The Mystery Shopper team examines procurement documents, typically from online portals, and discusses their findings with the contracting authority responsible for the procurement. Cases are selected at random from a spread of organisations, either looking at general procurement issues or focusing on particular aspects of the procurement. The team will publish the results of cases in line with the government’s commitment to transparency.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Arab world. It accounts for 25% of the Arab world’s GDP. The Kingdom possesses around 25% of the world’s oil reserves, and plays a leading role in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Saudi Arabia include:
UK’s largest trading partner in the Middle East
growing diversification within Saudi economy
massive government investment in transport, infrastructure, healthcare, education and energy
common use of English in business
Strengths of the Saudi market include:
no taxation on personal income
proximity to other Gulf markets
key member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
largest economy and population in the Gulf region
Speaker Profiles
Chris is a former diplomat with wide experience of the Middle East & North Africa. He heads the UK Secretariat of the Saudi British Joint Business Council, a not for profit trade association with some 150 Saudi and British members which promotes business relations between the two countries.
Eisa is a Saudi Arab native, who has over 30 years experience in senior managerial roles in Saudi Arabia. He returned to the UK in 2004 and founded Project Facilitators & Services Company. PFSCO offers a wide range of consultancy services, this includes introducing British and EC businesses and technology providers to Saudi Arabia and neighbouring GCC countries.
Jeff has been helping businesses with their finances for over 35 years, during which time he has seen many of them grow into large successful international companies. He now runs a team of experienced Trade and Working Capital Specialists covering the East and South East England.
Norfolk Chamber has joined the New Anglia LEP and other members of the business community in writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, urging him to drop the current proposal to remove the direct Norwich to Liverpool rail service.
The Norwich to Liverpool rail service provides a vital direct link between Norfolk and East Anglia to the North and North West. The route enables passengers from Norwich and Thetford to travel directly to Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool.
Norfolk Chamber, together with New Anglia LEP, believe the proposed cessation of the direct Norwich to Liverpool service could seriously damage the Norfolk and East Anglian economies, as it will risk isolating Norfolk businesses from the growth potential to be brought by the Government’s planned investment in high speed rail, to better connect cities in the North of England
The Northern Trains/Trans Pennine Express franchise consultation document proposes transferring the Nottingham to Liverpool section of the service from the current franchise holder, East Midlands Trains, to the new Trans Pennine Express franchise. This would mean the service dividing in two and being run by different train operators. Thus making is far less convenient for travellers, who would have to change at Nottingham and suffer broken and longer journeys.
However we are not convinced that running two services will save money or improve operational efficiency, as this would require more rolling stock. Norfolk Chamber sincerely believe that retaining the direct service from Norwich to Liverpool and looking at further investment in the route will deliver significant economic benefits.
Caroline Williams,Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has long identified that one of the key barriers to growth in Norfolk is lack of infrastructure, which is fit for purpose in terms of both road and rail. The Chamber is therefore very concerned with the proposal to withdraw the direct rail link between Norwich and Liverpool and has written to Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport. This route provides a vital link between Norfolk and East Anglia to the North and Northwest. The proposed withdrawal of the direct rail service can only be detrimental to the ability of the Norfolk business community to generate economic growth for our region.”
Registration for the webinar has now closed. To watch live at 1pm follow this link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/528771885 If you are watching live please mute your microphone (if applicable) once the webinar begins.
If you can’t watch live but would like to see the webinar please email events@norfolkchamber.co.uk to be sent a link afterwards.
All members are invited to join us for a Maximise Your Membership webinar in their first three months, but are welcome to attend for a refresher at any time.
This FREE webinar offers members the opportunity to find out some of the many ways to make the most of your membership, whether this is through attending a networking event, entering the annual awards, ensuring you get the most out of our website or using the free and discounted products and services available as a Chamber member.
Attendees will hear from Jason Williams, Business Manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
On a beautifully sunny July morning, over 90 delegates enjoyed our sold out business breakfast at Sprowston Manor, where they learnt how Norwich International Airport and KLM are helping to drive Norwich’s economic development.
We heard from our featured charity RNLI and as well as our sponsors Low Carbon KEEP and Ashton KCJ. Delegates tried out a new networking icebreaker, First Letter Last Letter, to get them thinking and finding creative ways to describe their business in just a few words. Delegates also got to meet a new table of people with our Safari Network.
It was then time to hear from out 2 keynote speakers; Andrew Bell, Chief Executive at Norwich International Airport and Melissa Hartal, Field Sales Manager at Air France KLM.
Andrew explained how Norwich airport impacts the local economy by saying ‘it facilitates, it connects, it connects your businesses.’ He discussed future plans for the 100 acre Norwich Aeropark which is to be built by 2016 and will create 1,500 skilled jobs worth £90m. He said ‘Our role is to look at what the business community wants’ with two core objectives ‘Maximise the productivity of the Airfield’ and ‘Support the region’s businesses and therefore economic growth’
Melissa Hartal started her presentation with a short video showing the journey of Air France KLM and how technology has developed to help them give great customer service. She then talked about how they consider Norwich their home port and the huge network of destination that fly from Norwich Airport, she said ‘A flight leaves the UK every 5 minutes, we are well connected’
Here’s what delegates thought of the event;
Matthew Downing from Ashton KCJ tweeted “Excellent breakfast this morning @norfolkchamber which we @AshtonKCJ sponsored great speakers @KLM and @NorwichAirport”
Peter Treglow from Four tweeted “Fascinating to hear about how @NorwichAirport supports Norfolk economy @norfolkchamber Exciting growth plans.”
To view more photos of the event, visit ourFacebookpage orGoogle+page
The next Norwich Breakfast is on 10 October at Dunston Hall. For more details or to book your placeclick here
We are supporting Open Academy in Sprowston, Norwich on a Careers Fair on Tuesday 11 October and looking for businesses to take a stand to offer valuable careers advice to students.
The Careers Fair is for all of our students and their parents or carers from 2.00pm until 6pm. This could mean up to 600 students attending with parents or carers. The primary focus will be for students who are looking for post-16 options, or options beyond Year 12and 13. Starting at 2pm, with Year 10 & 11 students off time table to attend the event for one hour. After that, all other year groups and their parent and carers will be able to visit.
We wish to offer students the opportunity to view the wide range of educational opportunities, careers, employment and voluntary options available to them in and around Norfolk. We believe that your organisation’s presence at the event will support them in deciding which career path to embark upon, and in understanding the qualifications and skills they need in order to achieve that goal.
If you are able to bring along some items to exhibit or small activities to inspire the students that would be wonderful. Tables and chairs, and refreshments will be provided. Would you please let me know if you need power or have any other requirements.
Ensure your transport operation stays compliant, efficient, and safe with our comprehensive LGV OLAT Course. Designed for transport managers, operators, and anyone involved in the running of a goods vehicle operation, this course provides essential knowledge of operator licensing and the legal responsibilities that come with it.
Course Overview:
Delivered by industry experts at CJC Transport Consultants, this one-day course covers the key areas required to demonstrate professional competence and regulatory awareness. Whether you’re new to transport management or need a refresher, this course supports continuous professional development and helps maintain your operator licence in good standing.
What You’ll Learn:
The role and responsibilities of an operator licence holder
Requirements of the Traffic Commissioner
Key compliance areas including maintenance, drivers’ hours, and tachographs
Enforcement, penalties, and how to avoid them
Record keeping and audits
Best practices in transport management
Why Choose CJC Transport Consultants?
With years of industry experience and a deep understanding of DVSA and Traffic Commissioner expectations, CJC delivers training that’s practical, up-to-date, and tailored to your operational needs.
Who Should Attend?
Transport Managers
Operator Licence Holders
Fleet Managers
Business Owners running LGV operations
Certification:
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance, which can be used as evidence of ongoing training and commitment to compliance—ideal for Traffic Commissioner audits.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided on this course.
Location:
Great Yarmouth
To book a place on this course please email marc@cjctransportconsultants.co.uk
The Norfolk Chamber welcomes the recent visit of Robert Goodwill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport. He was invited by the A47 Alliance to see the shortcomings of the A47 for himself.
The A47 Alliance – the campaigning organisation representing local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Chambers, businesses and road users along the A47and A12 from Peterborough to Lowestoft – has provided the Minister with an updated A47 prospectus. It sets out the economic, road safety, travel and transport benefits of improving the road, and the Alliance’s improvement priorities.
The prospectus calls for £416m of targeted improvements over the next six years, and a commitment to fully dual A47 – estimated to cost £1.4bn – in the longer term.
Dualling the whole route would cut nearly an hour (55 mins) off journey times, but a selected improvements on the A47 and A12 between Peterborough and Lowestoft, would, within 20 years, lead to:
16,890 more jobs in the area,
10,585 new homes
An annual £706m boost in economic output (GVA).
The improvements would support the Enterprise Zone at Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft (set to deliver 10,000 jobs in 25 years) and the Greater Norwich City Deal (set to deliver 40,000 jobs by 2031)..
The Minister is due to travel the entire length of the A47 trunk road, including the A12 from Lowestoft to Great Yarmouth, through to the A1 in Peterborough. Mr Goodwill will be meeting local MPs all along the route, with the visit having been arranged by George Freeman MP.
This visit is one of a small number that the Minister will make to trunk roads that are in the vanguard of improvement feasibility studies ordered by the Government to inform spending decisions in time for the Autumn Statement.*
The A47 Alliance, led by Norfolk County Council, has refreshed its Business Case prospectus in time for the visit. Freshly commissioned analysis shows that a fully dualled A47 offers high value for money with certain schemes categorised as ‘very high’. Current government guidance suggests that high value for money is a prerequisite for funding.
Comments from Norfolk members of the A47 Alliance:
Norfolk County Council Toby Coke, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee, said: “What we need is a firm commitment to fund the upgrading of the entire A47. The Government talks about infrastructure improvement, and it is needed here in Norfolk and our neighbouring counties now.
“Dualling the last section of the A11 is a welcome start, but only a start. Self evidently the money is there to upgrade the whole of the A47 and A12 from the A1 to Lowestoft – it simply depends on what the Government’s priorities are. If the Government is really prepared to make road infrastructure investment in this country its first priority, it has the chance to prove it by committing to £416m of key A47 improvements over the next six years, and a fully dualled A47 in the longer term.
“Our new A47 prospectus shows that this would be a good use of taxpayers’ money, bringing real improvements for people who have put up with a sub-standard road for far too long, and a major economic boost for the whole area.”
Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Alliance Vice-Chairman Vivienne Spikings, Portfolio holder for Development on the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “A high quality, dualled A47 would be an asset to King’s Lynn and west Norfolk. At the moment it is a liability.
“Anyone who lives and works around King’s Lynn knows that the A47 is simply not fit for purpose in the 21st century. Not only do villages such as Middleton and East Winch desperately need to be bypassed, but the overloaded junctions around King’s Lynn and poor quality of much of the route must be tackled to stimulate investment and economic growth”
Exclusive to Chamber of Commerce members – Christmas shopping evening with complimentary refreshments, prize draws and more.
After the sucess of the past couple of years, John Lewis Norwich are once againhosting an exclusive Christmas shopping evening for Norfolk Chamber members and their guests on Thursday 1stDecember. A special drinks reception will be held in the Place to Eat restaurant between 5.30-7pm, the shop will then remain open until 8pm – so plenty of time to do some Christmas shopping!
On the night there will be special activities and promotions to help you get into a festive mood, plus the stores gift guru’swill be on hand to assist you with your Christmas gift buying.
Here’s a taster of what’splanned for the evening;
From 5.30-7pm complimentary festive drinks and nibbles in the Place to Eat restaurant on the second floor.
Pick up someChristmas gift inspiration andfind out what this years ‘must have’ gifts are.
Mini make-over’s and beauty demonstrations
Christmas gift prize draw
Free parking in the John Lewis car park when entering after 5pm
