Join to find out what the Norfolk Chambers has been up to this year and our plans for the upcoming year of 2022.
More information coming soon Venue to be confirmed.
If you would like to be the first to know of any updates and when tickets go on sale, you can register your interest by emailing us on hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk
A full meeting of Norfolk County Council today (Friday 6 November) overwhelminglyre-confirmed that the council will provide the final funding (£10.4m)for Norwich Northern Distributor Road, completing a funding package to pay for the £178.95m dual carriageway running 20km from the A47 at Postwick to the A1067 Norwich to Fakenham Road.
Today’s Extraordinary Meeting was held to avoid being drawn into a potentially protracted legal process when the original Council decision (taken on 02 September) was challenged by the Wensum Valley Alliance.
The Council voted by55 to 7 to accept offers by the Department for Transport and New Anglia LEP of £10m each towards a £30.4m increase in the cost of the NDR. A Green Party amendmentbased ona revised routeoption between theA47 and A140 was defeated 55 to 4, with 3 abstentions.
Subject to final approval and the release of national funding by the Department for Transport, the contract for the work has been awarded to Balfour Beatty Civils. Preliminary work is due to begin on site within the next few weeks.
Cllr George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said:
“This was a decisive vote. Council clearly accepts that Norfolk needs the NDR, that it represents very good value for money, and that there should be no further delay. Members have had the chance to yet again consider the reports and arguments very carefully and have accepted that the rise in construction costs, although unwelcome, are still reasonable.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“A confirmed start date for work on the NDR will be another positive step toward getting the improvements to Norfolk’s infrastructure which the business community has been calling for. The NDR is not just a piece of road, but the opportunity to unlock jobs and new homes for the city and surrounding area and a swift start on site will be welcomed.”
The Norfolk Chamber’s latest apprentices attended a graduation ceremony at EPIC Studios last week. Jack Edwards, Office Assistant Apprentice and Katie Downes, Events Assistant Apprentice collected their diploma’s at a special ceremony set-up by Apprenticeships Norfolk with the support of Norfolk County Council.
Both Jack and Katie have now gone onto full-time employment at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Jack Edwards – “When I opted not to go to University, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to ‘graduate.’ I couldn’t be more grateful for being given this chance!”
Katie Downes – “It was a great honour to receive my graduation scroll and celebrate my achievement, after all the hard work that was put in.”
Many of you have told us that you cannot wait to get back to meeting people face-to-face again and we have listened. We are working on a series of small, socially distanced in person networking events*, where you can get outside and start meeting new people in real life!
During Langley’s half term break, you are invited to a rare opportunity to explore the historic grounds of Langley Senior School, set in Langley Park within 100 acres of Grade 1 listed grounds. This guided tour offers you the opportunity to discover this unique location, whilst making valuable business connections.
Who is it for?
Business owners, managers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, young businesses and anyone who wants to connect and engage with other businesses in the Norfolk area.
Cancellation policy
We only have a maximum of 30 places on this event. Please notify us if you are no longer able to attend in writing to hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk
Please note that no refunds will be offered if you cancel after Monday 18 October.
Agenda
11:00 – Arrival at The Main Hall 11:05 – Welcome and briefing 11:15 – Networking on walk through Langley School grounds, guided by Jon Kempton
12:00 – Return to The Main Hall for light refreshments
12:00 – Event close
About Langley School
Langley School is a co-educational, inclusive, day and boarding school for ages 2 to 18. The School has two campuses, both just outside Norwich; the Pre-Prep and Prep School are in Taverham, while the Senior School and Sixth Form are in Loddon. The Prep site is also home to Bluebell Nursery at Langley School, which opens its baby room in January 2022 for six months+. In the summer of 2021, 95% of Langley pupils achieved 9-4 grades at GCSE, and 94% achieved A*-C at A-Level.
The Langley School campus in Langley Park includes ancient woodland, open parkland, a lake, old ice house, private Chapel, miniature maze, model railway and lovely gardens. Your tour guide will take you around the site, talking you through the history as well as the current uses of the school grounds, which is home to Langley Football Academy, run by former Norwich City striker Grant Holt. After the tour, you are welcome to join us in the School’s Main Hall for refreshments and continue networking.
About Jon Kempton
A teacher of History, Jon Kempton has been at Langley School since January 2006. Former Head of Sixth Form, Jon is now Director of Admissions & Marketing at Langley and runs the Debating and also Model United Nations Clubs, which are a popular and important part of the Langley co-curricular offering. Jon will be delighted to host the tour, talk about the setting, and take any questions.
What to wear
As a general rule we say to dress for the weather, i.e sunhat/suncream/raincoat/umbrella.
Suitable walking shoes are a must.
Please note although not mandatory, do bring a face mask to wear if you would like.
* We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control. Please also note that this event will be postponed should we have extremely bad weather conditions which will make this activity unsafe. All staff members of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce will take a Lateral Flow Test prior to the event, and should anyone have a positive result they will not attend. We would highly recommend you taking a Lateral Flow Test prior to the event, and if you feel unwell or have any COVID symptoms please stay at home. Our Risk Assesment is availble for you to view below.
New businesses will be able to get support and advice when a pop up enterprise centre opens next week in King’s Lynn. Staff from NWES will be on hand at the Pop-up Enterprise Centre to discuss what office space will be available to rent in the KLIC, along with information about how to book meeting and conference rooms. They will also be able to outline the business support that will be on offer at the KLIC.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is working with NWES on the £5m King’s Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC) which is currently being built on Nar Ouse Way. In the short-term, the services of KLIC, which is due to open in Spring 2016, will be offered temporarily in West Norfolk’s Council offices in Kings Court from Mon – Fri during business hours.
John Balch, Strategic Director at NWES said: “The centre in nearing completion but until you can step into the building itself NWES and its partners invite to you visit the Pop-up Enterprise Centre.”
West Norfolk Council Leader, Nick Daubney said: “Supporting economic development in West Norfolk is a key priority for us and we are delighted to be able to promote the new King’s Lynn Innovation Centre by hosting the Pop Up Enterprise Centre at our offices.”
Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council said: “The KLIC will be able to support lots of fledgling businesses and will offer support and advice; mentoring and workshops; as well as access to financial support for local businesses in West Norfolk.”
The building of the KLIC is funded by £1.5m from the borough council; £500,000 from NWES; £2.5m from a Growing Places Fund loan; and £500,00 of Growth Deal funding from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
Rural communities such as South Walsham are set to benefit from improved broadband connection in 2016. Chamber member, WiSpire is preparing for a period of rapid expansion, following the recruitment of 6 new employees.
WiSpire uses church towers as a platform to deliver high speed wireless broadband internet to local businesses, schools and residents, in areas where broadband speeds can often be poor. The company is investing in upgrading the existing transmitters and providing extra capacity in its network, which will help support a significant increase in customer numbers. It will be targeting growth in areas such as South Walsham, Woodbastwick and Happisburgh.
Steve Maine, CEO of WiSpire said:“Other players say that market penetration in Norfolk is high and that fibre is cutting the mustard. In our experience this is not the case for rural communities. Our service will reach out to those not-spots providing much needed connectivity to those people who otherwise wouldn’t get it.”
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said:“One of the Chamber’s key campaign areas is to improve digital connectivity across Norfolk. For Norfolk businesses to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK, they need to have access to quality high speed broadband. Whilst the rollout of the Better Broadband for Norfolk is bringing hope to many Norfolk businesses, however the more rural areas are proving challenging and may take longer to receive upgraded broadband. Innovative organisations such as WiSpire can provide an excellent alternative broadband solution.”
Celebrate Christmas in West Norfolk with us for a fantastic opportunity for some informal face-to-face networking with likeminded businesses.
More information to follow.
If you would like to be the first to know of any updates and when tickets go on sale, you can register your interest by emailing us on hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk
Join us and First Intuition over breakfast to learn more about apprenticeships and how they can benefit your business. Gain a better understanding of how the apprenticeship programme works for both employer and trainee, as well as hear about the outgoing financial incentives and the final deadlines to claim.
In addition, First Intuition will share tips and advice on what employers can do to ease this cohort of new starters into the workplace following the impacts of the pandemic. Guests will have the unique opportunity to ask questions and hear the perspectives of an employer, trainee, and well-established training provider who use the apprenticeship programme.
The event is open to any employer wanting to learn more about finance apprenticeships and what they can bring to a business, anyone who would like up to date information about on final deadlines for outgoing incentives, and to those who are onboarding a new cohort of apprentices over the next couple of years.
Agenda
07:45 Arrival (refreshments available) 08:00 Welcome from Norfolk Chambers of Commerce 08:05 First Intuition introduction followed by employment speaking slot 08:20 Breakfast to be served and networking opportunity (delegates to change seats for post breakfast coffee) 09:30 Student speaking slot 09:40 First Intuition to thank everyone and close event 09:45 Event ends*
*option for guests to work/network until 10.30 – 11.00
Guest Presenters
Tim Howes: Tim has been involved in professional training for over 30 years, joining FI in 2019. In that time he has seen a seismic change in the provision of training in terms of delivery models and technology and the advent of apprenticeships with the more holistic view of professional development. A member of ICAEW, Tim has served the East Anglian District Society as President back in 2009/10 and continues to sit on the regional committee as the society’s Treasurer. A keen (very) amateur golfer and one time semi-professional Squash player, he enjoys time spent with family and enjoys good food, good beer and good company.
Peter Ellington: I set up Triple Bottom Line Accounting (TBLA) in 2009 following a long career in FTSE100 companies. I work mainly with our larger clients. I also develop new aspects of our business. As we grow I am helping the team to adapt to progressive ways of working. I aspire to be the leader, mentor, and coach that enables the team at TBLA to build a transformative accountancy practice.
Outside the office, you’ll find me teaching in the Norwich Business School on the MBA programme, Entrepreneurship, and Taxation. I graduated in 2021 from the Institute of Education, UCL as a Doctor in Education: Accounting Education. When I’m not working or teaching, I’m outdoors hiking or sailing.
Tatiana Blana: I completed an undergraduate degree in Finance and Banking in 2010 and a master’s degree in Accounting and Audit in 2012. I am currently studying towards an ACCA qualification to become a Certified Chartered Accountant. My role at TBLA involves performing various accounting tasks such as VAT Returns, Payroll, Self Assessments, Tax Returns and Statutory Accounts.
Outside the office, I love spending time with my family and reading my favourite books.
About First Intuition
First Intuition is an award-winning training provider that has been training accountancy students for over ten years. With training centres across the UK, we offer first-class attention to student care and customer service. We deliver classroom courses, distance learning options, accounting apprenticeships, as well as a post qualification education programme. In addition to training, First Intuition offers employers and students a wider programme of free events and support sessions to help them maintain their knowledge, explore learning and have the opportunity to ask questions.
The original bridge over the A47 at Postwick will be closed to all traffic overnightfrom 8pm tomorrow evening (Thurs 12 November)until no later than 6am on Friday 13 November.
The closure is to allow traffic signal ducts to be installed as part of the major junction works that are scheduled for completion before Christmas.
Traffic will be diverted via the new bridge over the A47 and the Postwick Hub access roads. The A47 itself will not be affected beyond the normal restrictions through the Postwick road works.
Norfolk County Council apologises for any inconvenience this overnight closure will cause.
Greater Anglia is to ban the carriage of e-scooters on all trains across its network, following concerns over potential risks to passenger safety.
From Thursday 1 June, e-scooters will no longer be allowed on-board Greater Anglia trains because of the risk posed by the type of batteries that typically power the scooters.
The operator is taking measures to ensure the safety of the railway and passengers, in line with action being taken by many other train operators.
The ban is also being enforced on the same date by other train companies including South Eastern, Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and South Western Railway, with bans already in place on East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway, Chiltern, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Great Western Railway and Northern.
Although there have been no safety incidents to date involving e-scooters on Greater Anglia services, Transport for London has also banned e-scooters following two incidents of privately-owned powered e-scooters catching fire on their network.
Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, said: “Safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority, and we know that e-scooters have battery packs which vary greatly in quality.
“The decision has therefore been made to ban these items from carriage on our network due to recent incidents elsewhere and the risks associated with them using faulty lithium batteries and catching fire.”
This new policy covers e-scooters only. Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban.
Location: Carrowbreck House, 7 Carrowbreck Road, Norwich, NR6 5FA. This course is designed to help those who are charged with the important task of creating and leading teams. As leader you have many responsibilities and obligations and these are essentially the same regardless of whether you lead a small or large team. It’s important that team leaders, managers or supervisors recognize their role in building and managing the performance of their team. This workshop will enable you to understand what is involved in leading a successful team and will help you identify which methods are most effective to get you the best results. Duration: One-day course (9:30am – 4:00pm approximately) Equipment: No equipment is necessary for you to bring to the course. Pens and note paper will be available. Lunch provided: For full day training courses a lunch with sandwich or salad, crisps and cake or fruit will be provided. Refreshments will be available throughout the duration of this course. Course Content The focus of attention when leading a team. Stages of team development. Building the team by agreeing team identity, mission statement and shared values. Team goals and priorities – how to ensure they are well formed and achievable. Motivational models that highlight what managers can practically do to motivate staff Who plays what roles – achieving the right balance Communication styles Managing different people differently. Overcoming the barriers to team performance. Dealing with challenging individuals. True diversity and inclusion and how to make it work for you Managing Performance Course price: From £77.00 – £99.00 For more details or any enquiries, please do contact us on 01603 788950, or email carrowbreck@broadland.gov.uk