Great Yarmouth Borough Council are running a 12-week public consultation from Monday 28 July 2014 to Monday, October 20, 2014, covering the vision for the borough, how the borough council will work in the future, and proposed income and savings options for 2015/16.
During the 12 weeks, you will be able to complete and submit the consultation online. The consultation allows everyone in the borough to give feedback on the proposals and to share their own priorities, aspirations, views and ideas to help councillors make informed decisions on future plans and council budgets.
A new study has shown that there is a strong economic case for an east-west rail link that would open up the possibility of new journeys from Norfolk to the Midlands and beyond, without the need for passengers to make their way across London.
The East West Rail Consortium has published a report showing that extending the East West Rail line from Oxford to Cambridge has real potential. It shows that the delivery of attractive new rail services between key locations could deliver substantial economic benefits and support significant growth in the East West Rail corridor.
The report concludes a study by Atkins Consultants and is the first step towards developing an outline business case for the East West Rail ‘Central Section’. The Western Section, between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is already going ahead**.
Working closely with the East West Rail Consortium and Department for Transport, Network Rail will now lead the next phase of work which will examine the feasibility and cost of several potential route options for the Central Section. That work is expected to identify a preferred route and service pattern in early 2015 and provide the basis for the development of an outline business case.
All the route options would link to Cambridge, opening up the possibility that the line, if constructed, would provide rail journeys from Norfolk to hard to get to destinations in the south Midlands such as (depending upon the final route) Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Oxford, and onward journeys to south-west England and south Wales – and without the need to cross London between rail terminals.
The aim of the next phase of work is to establish a scheme with a robust and convincing business case that can be submitted to Government in 2016 to secure inclusion of the scheme, subject to funding availability, in the 2019-24 investment plans for the rail industry.
It has been a long term aim of the East West Rail Consortium to improve rail connections within the region by re-instating the former ‘Varsity Line’ between Cambridge and Oxford. This would provide the rail infrastructure for train services to run from East Anglia to Oxfordshire and beyond, with connections to all national mainline services to the north, west and south of England.
Bev Spratt, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Economic Development Sub-Committee, said: “Improving rail infrastructure is vital for the Norfolk economy, and new east-west rail connections to Oxford and beyond would complement the road improvements underway on the A11, that are planned for the A14, and that we are pressing for on the A47.
“There’s no doubt that improving Norfolk’s strategic links to the rest of the country will strengthen the world-class industries we already have, and make the county even more attractive for further inward investment.”
Bob Menzies, Service Director for Strategy and Development at Cambridgeshire County Council and Chair of the East West Rail Central Section Steering Group, said: “Now that the Western Section between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is going ahead, we are working to develop the business case for the Central Section to complete the missing link. To do this, we need to identify a route that will deliver the greatest benefits to support the case for investment.
“The good news is that this study shows there is significant economic growth potential that could be unlocked through new rail services and that the Government is providing funds for Network Rail to undertake the next vital phase of feasibility work to identify a preferred route.
“The former line between Bedford and Cambridge has been dismantled, the land sold and sections used for other purposes, including housing. This means that we are looking at constructing a brand new stretch of railway. Several routes have been considered in the past but until now there has not been clear justification for investment.
“This is why we commissioned Atkins to identify where the greatest economic benefits could be realised through improved transport links. The study considers forecast population growth, employment levels, economic activity and planned growth as well as a review of existing and forecast transport requirements.”
Dr Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for East West Rail said: “There’s no doubt that we need this railway – linking Norwich and Ipswich through Cambridge to Oxford and Reading has huge benefits; that’s why I’ve pressed for it for years. But the route is hard to find, and people have quite rightly been asking which route would be taken, how much it will cost and when it will finally happen – this study helps us to answer those concerns. I am delighted that Network Rail will now take forward the next phase of route design and produce a business case.”
Fake news is a topic effecting the world right now – but how could it harm your business? Join us along with guest speaker Mark Leslie, Editor for Lynn News as he provides an informative examination of the challenges ‘fake news’ poses not only to the legitimate media but also to all companies.
About Mark:
Mark, who hails from north London, is a journalist with almost 40 years experience of the profession. In that time he has worked for a variety of local, regional and national titles, including Metro and the Eastern Daily Press. He joined the Lynn News seven years ago as news editor and became editor in September 2014. Married he has homes in King’s Lynn and Norwich.
Popular networking activities aimed at helping you meet new businesses
Breakfast – healthy options available upon request
Presentation from our guest speaker
This breakfast event is perfect for businesses looking to broaden their network contacts. An optional tour is also available of the King’s Lynn Town Football Club after the breakfast.
Book a stand Interested in taking an exhibition stand at a business breakfast? The stand package is £75+VAT and includes your event ticket. Email us
Sponsor this event Want more exposure for your business? Sponsoring an event puts your logo in front of our 900+ members and more! Sole sponsorship is £550+VAT. More information here
Bank of England raises 2014 growth forecast to 3.5%, up from 3.4% in May
Inflation will remain slightly below its 2.0% target over the next two years
Amount of slack in the economy is now estimated at 1% of GDP, below previous estimate of 1.25%
Commenting on the Bank of England’s Quarterly Inflation Report, David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, said:
“The Bank of England’s Inflation Report conveys mixed messages on the outlook for interest rates. The higher growth forecast for 2014 and the lower estimate for the amount of slack in the economy may be seen as a signal to bring forward interest rate rises. However, Governor Carney’s comments will reassure businesses that the MPC will not rush any increases in rates. He also acknowledged that the rising supply of labour in the economy may provide new sources of economic capacity.
“It is pleasing that the MPC has reaffirmed its commitment that when rates start to rise, they will do so slowly and not reach the level seen before the recession. We must nurture the business confidence we are seeing at present by giving businesses the security of working in a low interest rate environment for the foreseeable future.”
Join us for a morning of business networking over a delicious breakfast. Make new contacts and catch up with existing ones. Hear from John Vingoe from Seajacks on their plans for a new East Anglian Wind Farm and how they have managed the current economic climate.
The morning event will include;
Popular networking activities aimed at helping you meet new businesses
Breakfast – healthy options available upon request
Interesting presentation from John Vingoe, Seajacks.
This breakfast event is perfect for businesses looking to broaden their network contacts.
Book a stand Interested in taking an exhibition stand at a business breakfast? The stand package is £75+VAT and includes your event ticket. Email us
Sponsor this event Want more exposure for your business? Sponsoring an event puts your logo in front of our 900+ members and more! Sole sponsorship is £550+VAT. More information here
Ashtons Legal is delighted to announce the appointment of its new CEO, James Tarling from 1 April 2022.
James joined Ashtons in 2015 as a Corporate and Commercial partner and most recently has taken responsibility for the development of the firm’s future strategy. James takes on the CEO position from Ed O’Rourke who is remaining with the firm, initially in a new role to further develop the business client group within Ashtons.
James says: “I am proud to be taking on the role of CEO of Ashtons Legal at an exciting time for our business. The firm has seen significant growth recently including through strategic acquisitions of a franchise consultancy, an HR consultancy, a specialist French legal firm, an insolvency team and most recently the full-service business of Steeles Law at the end of 2021. A key part of this growth has been the result of the work that Ed has done to establish an open and progressive culture within Ashtons Legal”.
James adds: “We have ambitious plans for further growth of the Ashtons business over the next three years. We are looking to recruit further talented and ambitious individuals and teams who share our vision to be an exceptional professional service provider putting our clients at the centre of everything we do”.
He adds: “I am lucky to be taking on the role in a flexible, inclusive and progressive business with the support of a fantastic team of individuals who are all focussed on working together to deliver excellent outcomes for our clients”.
Ed O’Rourke adds: “I have enjoyed my time at the helm but it is time for new blood and fresh ideas and James is the best possible person to drive Ashtons forward”.
Commenting on the decision by the Airports Commission to reject plans for a new airport in the Thames Estuary, Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Businesses across the UK have long said they want more aviation capacity. Nearly all tell us that they want this delivered by expanding existing airports, rather than building entirely new ones.
“For most firms, the idea of starting from scratch – and fundamentally shifting the economic geography of the UK – was filled with risk. Most companies will support the Airports Commission’s decision to focus its attention on the expansion plans put forward by existing airports, rather than the Thames Estuary.
“The interests of UK business would be best served if every airport with commercially viable expansion plans received permission to grow. Unfortunately, politics make that possibility remote. So if the Airports Commission only gives the green light to one new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick, it is absolutely crucial that Britain’s politicians then ensure it is delivered.
“But a future aviation strategy should not just focus on the South East and should involve the strengthening of regional airports throughout the UK. This is vital for economic growth in the regions, and will help to relieve capacity shortages during extreme weather and provide business and holiday travel for people locally.”
This two day course is the mental health equivalent of physical first aid training and provides delegates with the skills and confidence to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and effectively guide a person towards the right support.
The course will introduce delegates to… – Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health – Depression and suicidal crisis – Anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders and self harm – Psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
On completion of the course delegates will be able to: 1. Spot the early signs of a mental health issue 2. Feel confident helping someone experiencing a mental health issue 3. Provide help on a first aid basis 4. Help prevent someone from hurting themselves or others 5. Help stop a mental health issue from getting worse 6. Help someone recover faster 7. Guide someone towards the right support 8. Reduce the stigma of mental health issues
Now Booking for 13th & 14th September MHFA won’t teach you to be a therapist – but just like physical first aid, it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis.
Prerequisites: None – just enthusiasm! (well, and a completed booking form…) Duration: Two day programme ( 09:00 start-16:45 finish ) Cost: £395 + VAT Includes course hand book & materials, lunch and refreshments
Venue: No8 Thorpe Road, Norwich How to book: Contact Mitchell on mitchell@redcatpartnership.co.uk a booking form
Course Tutors: The Healthy Working Company, together with The RedCat Partnership who have been providing Health & Safety training and consultancy in Norfolk, East Anglia and nationally for over 18 years. We have a reputation for delivering high quality, practical, effective and engaging training. Regular customers will know we offer stimulating, highly interactive training; you won’t get a dull lecture from us!
Hatch Brenner Solicitors on Norwich’s Theatre Street has elected a new Managing Partner. The firm’s partnership has selected the Head of Dispute Resolution and leading brain injury solicitor, Colin Cook, for the role as the firm approaches its 130th anniversary. The current Managing Partner, Dawn Parkes, stands down following eight years in the position.
Dispute Resolution Partner and Personal Injury specialist, Colin Cook joined Hatch Brenner Solicitors in 2005 upon moving to Norwich and was appointed to the partnership in 2012. With over 25 years’ experience in personal injury litigation, Colin has handled landmark cases, including the recent nationally reported mild traumatic brain injury case – Long vs Elegant Resorts, securing over half a million pounds in compensation for the client following a fiercely contested trial.
Qualifying in practice in Lancashire, Colin was a Partner at a London firm prior to joining Hatch Brenner Solicitors. Throughout his career Colin has helped hundreds of clients to receive the compensation they are entitled to. His cases range from several thousand to over a million pounds with many high-profile settlements. As an active member of the Norwich community, Colin sits on the board of trustees for brain injury charity Headway Norfolk and Waveney.
“It is a truly exciting time to be taking the firm forward in the post COVID era. With formidable teams across all areas of the business, there is a world of opportunity to look forward to. I am honoured to be taking over this role from Dawn whose contribution and leadership over the last 8 years has been invaluable. We will continue to advise our clients, providing the highest levels of excellence and service,” comments Colin.
“I’m really looking forward to leading Hatch Brenner Solicitors into its next phase and on behalf of the firm, I would like to thank Dawn Parkes for her years of service as Managing Partner”.
Commenting on Colin’s election to the role, Dawn said: “I would like to congratulate Colin. I’ve witnessed his dedication to the firm and our clients over the past 17 years. I know that he brings the right qualities, skills, and experience to lead the partnership and Hatch Brenner Solicitors to continued success. The firm is in good hands.”
Join Norfolk Chamber for our first business breakfast in South Norfolk!
Make new contacts and catch up with existing ones as you network over a delicious breakfast. The morning event will include Popular networking activities aimed at helping you meet new businesses.
Guest Speaker
Hear from guest Speaker, Matt Sykes a Trainer at Mindspan Global who will help you understand the shift in buying behaviour and how the popularity of online selling is drastically altering the selling process. This interactive session will provide you with top tips on how your business can adapt to the evolving marketplace and rise to the challenges that sales professionals are facing.
Featured Charity
We’ll be joined by children’s charity, Break, that will be promoting their new ‘GoGoHares 2018′ project, in celebration of the charity’s 50th anniversary
This breakfast event is perfect for businesses looking to broaden their network contacts. Not a member of Norfolk Chamber? This event is open to all businesses. Have a taster of our networking events and speak to our team about how Chamber Membership can benefit your business.
Book a stand
Interested in taking an exhibition stand at a business breakfast? The stand package is £75+ VAT and includes your event ticket. Email us.
Sponsor this event
Want more exposure for your business? Sponsoring an event puts your logo in front of our 900+ members and more! Sole sponsorship is £550+ VAT. More information here.
Think your company deserves recognition? If so why not enter the awards!
Now in its seventh year, the prestigious awards ceremony takes place on 21st November 2014 in the Assembly Rooms at the Town Hall.
Entries are welcome from the smallest start-ups to established and growing businesses located in, and trading from, the Great Yarmouth area.
By entering, your business will gain public recognition from leading figures in the business community and widespread promotion.
There are a number of new categories this year including the “Great International Growth” Award which is sponsored by Gardline.
This award will celebrate businesses who can demonstrate that finding and developing new growth opportunities abroad has improved their financial performance. This award includes all aspects of international growth including export, geographical expansion and acquisition.
The award is open to all sizes of businesses with an operating base in the Great Yarmouth Borough Council administrative area achieving export growth or an increase in revenue from overseas operations since April 2009.
Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Team work with a high number of businesses in the Great Yarmouth area, on their export documents. We urge you all to take a few minutes to consider putting yourselves forward for the award.
Time is running out with the deadline being 12 September 2014.
Deadlines for the other categories vary so please have a look at them to ensure you don’t miss out.
Norfolk Chamber is passionate about bridging the gap between business and young people. We are continuing our engagement with schools through our Young Chamber school membership programme, on which we currently have 12 schools and 4 colleges as members. We also have a ‘Young Chamber Board’ to help us develop how businesses work more effectively with young people, especially in schools.
We feel that it is important that business individuals working in schools are supported, so we have developed a short training course to help businesses to feel more confident working with young people in a school environment.
The sessions will be delivered at Norfolk Chamber’s Norwich office by the Skills Service UK. The informative practical workshop will cover:
Information about schools, Key Stages, qualifications and terminology
Safeguarding introduction and do’s and don’ts
How to communicate effectively with young people
Understanding perceptions of young people and how they think
How employers can successfully engage with young people
Listening skills and learning styles
Examples of activities to do in schools
Places are limited, so will be allocated on a first come first served basis