Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Nationally
Bank of England unanimously vote to leave interest rates on hold
ONS figures highlighted that the UK trade gap with the rest of the world widened by £1.9bn
UK economy grew at its slowest rate since mid 2013
The Markit/REC report highlighted a slight acceleration in growth of permanent staff placements
East of England
Confidence in the region’s commercial property market remained strong and rents are expected to rise across all sectors
UEA’s Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF) invested more than £70m during the first round of funding. It has supported 45 SMEs across sectors including renewable energy, automotive, technology and creative industries
The Association of Business Recovery Professionals R3 warned that delayed invoice payments were impacting on the region’s manufacturers. 27% suffered from late payment in 2015
Norwich
NUA’s Ideas Factory Incubation Centre for digital creative businesses has now been officially opened. It offers specialist incubation environment which is designed for digital creative businesses.
Norse Group has been shortlisted for one of the European Business Awards’ top accolades – Ruban d’Honneur status.
A drug development business, Inspiralis, has expanded from the John Innes Centre to the Innovation Centre
Westlegate is set to be closed as part of next phase of Transport for Norwich city centre improvement work. The second phase of the Transport for Norwich city centre improvement work is set to start on Monday 21 March 2016. The biggest change for motorists will be the permanent closure of Westlegate to all through traffic with Golden Ball Street opening as a two-way street.
The aim of the current proposal is to build upon other TfN projects, especially the changes implemented in St Stephens Street, Chapel Field North, and Rampant Horse Street in 2014, and to make the most of the benefits of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road, which should be completed in late 2017.
The £3.05m scheme is being carried out in phases to minimise disruption and will once complete:
Give motorists easier access to car parks, including John Lewis, both Castle Mall car parks and the multi-storey under construction off Rose Lane
Restore All Saints Green as an attractive traffic-free open space.
Improve pedestrian and cycle connection with the rest of the city centre by removing traffic from Westlegate
Simplify north-south vehicle access by making Golden Ball Street two-way
Thanks to the work already completed during phase 1 motorists already have easier access to the John Lewis car park, being able to turn in from either direction along Ber Street and on exiting with both left and right turns now allowed. And as Golden Ball Street becomes two way drivers approaching from the south will be able to take a simpler route to the Castle Mall car parks cutting out the former one way loop along Westlegate and Red Lion Street.
With Westlegate closed to general traffic work will start on the new pedestrian zone with a number of trees set to be planted over the next few months, and access for pedestrians and businesses will be retained at all times. And the section of Farmers Avenue from its junction with Red Lion Street to the entrance to the smaller Castle Mall car park will also be pedestrianised, this will be made possible by the rest of Farmers Avenue becoming two way. Red Lion Street will become available for buses, taxis and cycles only as is the case with St Stephens Street currently.
Cllr Steve Morphew, Chair of the Norwich Highways Agency Committee, said: “I’m really grateful for the help and patience of everyone during the current works. Thankfully there have been even fewer problems than anticipated. However the next phase could cause more delays so I ask everyone to bear with us while we carry out this work to build simpler faster routes for drivers and attractive spaces for everyone however they travel to the city.
“We are starting this next phase just before the Easter break which we know can be a busy time in the city so hopefully this will give people a few days to get used to the new road layouts before the bank holiday and plenty of time for the new system to settle down before schools go back after Easter. I ask people to please plan your journeys and allow extra time while the work is underway as everyone is having to adjust.”
From 8 April HMRC is going to introduce an exporter details facility on uktradeinfo.com.
Exporters can opt out of the searchable facility, but details cannot be removed retrospectively. Once the data has been made available, it cannot be removed. Exporters who apply immediately will not have their details shown. Otherwise, export data from 1 January 2016 will be made available.
The opt-out rules for Importers Details are also changing from 8 April to bring them into line with the exporter details rules. Anyone who applies for opt-out from Importer Details immediately will have their details excluded from 1 February 2016.
Welcome to the Nuclear Safety Culture and Behaviours programme.
This practical course is designed for Supply Chain supervisors and other persons who are, or are about to be, responsible for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling and supervising teams on a nuclear construction project.
It is about getting ready to work on a nuclear construction project. The course will look at the behavioural aspects of work and provide you with a head start on understanding what nuclear safety culture is.
The course focuses on behaviours which positively impact safety, quality and productivity in supply and construction. In particular we will discuss how to implement the behaviours required to build a nuclear safety culture both today and for tomorrow.
It highlights the need for effective leadership, teamwork, performance management and the importance of adequate communication to sustain a health and safety culture within the whole workforce. It promotes a culture that accepts that mistakes can be made, admitted to and rectified, so that lessons learnt can be implemented, leading to a positive culture for safety from design through build and on to production and operation.
Programme Aims – leaders must:
• Keeps themselves, their team and the environment safe • Look out for others and report safety issues • Work to quality plans and understand why ‘right first time’ is essential • Do the right thing when no-one is watching • Take ownership and provide effective leadership • Keep teams productive and motivated
Course Date:
Programme One: Module one takes place on 22nd and 23rd April and module two on 6th and 7th May
Programme Two: Module one takes place on 20th and 21st May and module two on 10th and 11th June
Chambers of Commerce across the country, including Norfolk Chamber, are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with a range of events, having already supported over 15,000 young people so far through Your Future Careers Fairs.
Norfolk Chamber has been involved with delivering Your Future events, which are designed to raise awareness of the career options available to young people, including apprenticeships, and more than 16,500 14-24 year olds have participated nationally so far.
Across the country, an extra 21 events are planned during National Apprenticeship Week, which are expected to attract around 8,000 students.
Chambers involved in the Your Future events include Black Country, Birmingham, Business West, Barnsley & Rotherham, Cornwall, Coventry & Warwickshire, Cumbria, Devon, Doncaster, East Midlands, East Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Hereford & Worcester, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Hull & Humber, Isle of Wight, Kent Invicta, Lincolnshire, Liverpool and Sefton, North & Western Lancashire, Norfolk, St Helens Chamber, Sheffield, Shropshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, South Cheshire, Sussex, Suffolk, West and North Yorkshire and Wirral.
The scheme works with local businesses to help bridge the gap between the worlds of education and work, to highlight the options available to students, as well as the skills needed to enter the workplace. So far, around 500 national businesses have participated in the scheme through Chambers of Commerce.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The Your Future events help raise the profile of apprenticeships, which are of benefit to businesses, individuals and the whole UK economy.
“The recently highlighted challenge of promoting apprenticeships in schools is an issue that the Noroflk Chamber and other Chambers within the UK network are tackling, through the Your Future events and by working closely with the Skills Funding Agency, to highlight the breadth of career options available through apprenticeships.
“Through Chambers, local firms can link up with schools, highlight career opportunities, and dispel the myth that the only route to success is a university degree.
“We will continue to help local businesses connect with education and training providers, to raise the visibility of apprenticeships and address the skills gap across the country.”
Norfolk is full of talented business men and women and we’re delighted to have some of them giving up their time to provide free mentoring sessions for young professionals (under 35s) across Norfolk. Please see below to book your session.
Joe has dedicated her career to understanding the elusive strands around what it means to be human and how we can lead more fulfilling lives, be better leaders and run more successful businesses.
You’ll find Joe partnering organisations that genuinely believe in their people and need help refocusing their approach. This means establishing a renewed understanding between people, teams, and functions to directly improve performance, processes, and wellbeing, within more realistically balanced environments.
Joe’s experience spans over 25 years in multiple sectors, from corporates to SME’s based in the UK and internationally. This includes Housing Associations, Financial Institutions, Construction & Civil Engineering, Tech & Social Media, Architectural Practices, Police & Fire Services, Marketing/Media/ Publishing businesses, Food & Component Manufacturing, School & University Education, Charities, Scientific and Healthcare providers.
Our capacity to understand ourselves as human beings has evolved significantly over the past 2.5 million years. However, we still struggle with what it means to be human. All too often we detach ourselves, operating from a ‘safe distance’ and unintentionally placing our human nature in a holding pattern.
My work involves threading this critical understanding into how people see themselves and how businesses see their people. By creating clear and focused human-touchpoints, which are operationally practical and individually fulfilling, you increase confidence & wellbeing, allow fresh perspectives and discover real game-changing abilities.
It means a great deal to be invited to become a Co.Next Mentor. I’m looking forward to listening, helping and advising; putting my experience to the best use for our under 35 professionals in Norfolk.
Date: 14th November 2022
Time: Hourly slots available between 10am – 4pm
Venue: The Feed’s Rest Café at Churchman House, 71 Bethel Street, Norwich, England, NR2 1NR
Zest, one of the UK’s fastest-growing EV charging networks, has invested in new EV charging facilities at Chantry Place in Norwich, one of the region’s largest shopping centres.
Zest is providing sixteen charging bays at Chantry Place, a Savills retail destination of 90 shops, cafés, and restaurants in Norwich city centre. Zest will also operate and maintain the charging facilities, in order to provide a reliable long-term service for customers and staff.
According to recent research by LCP Delta, 74% of UK EV drivers would more frequently visit destinations with charging facilities. The chargers at Chantry Place have been selected to reflect the average dwell time, with 22kW fast chargers adding around 90 miles range in an hour. The first eight charging bays are now open in the centre’s lower-level car park, with the second phase set to bring eight more in its upper-level car park.
For Zest, Chantry Place is the latest in a rapid series of retail destination projects that includes Metrocentre in the North-East and Merry Hill in the West Midlands.
For Chantry Place, named in Trip Advisor’s top five places to shop in Norfolk, this is the latest in a long list of sustainability innovations. The centre has already implemented carbon-reducing features such as natural ventilation, the latest LED lighting, and 772 solar panels on its roof.
Paul McCarthy of Savills, General Manager of Chantry Place, said: ““Our aim is to provide an unrivalled retail and dining experience in Norwich and provide everything under one roof for shoppers. We are incredibly proud of the 1,000-space car park we offer and being sustainable is a huge priority for us, so we are incredibly grateful to Zest for their support and putting these EV chargers at Chantry Place.”
Robin Heap, Zest CEO said: “We know that people just want to charge where they park as part of their normal routine. Retail destinations, like Chantry Place, that respond now to this demand are those that will thrive as new EV drivers establish their charging habits.”
Chamber Paddle 22 – Networking on the Norfolk Broad, an ideal opportunity to exercise your mind, body and soul (and make new Co.nnections)
Following the incredible success of last year’s paddle boarding events, we are pleased to be bringing them back for 2022!
As we continue to juggle our hybrid working weeks, we can boost our wellbeing by getting time away from our desks, and what better way than by learning a new sport, networking with fellow business professionals, and having fun on the water! This event is for individuals only, however if you would like your team to come as a group then you can book on to our group sessions.
The sessions are open to everyone whether you are an experience paddleboarder or a novice it will about having fun!
Boards on the Broads is an in-person networking event that is good for you, good for your business and good for our chosen local charity, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. We will be donating part of the proceeds to this wonderful charity.
Keeler Recruitment
Keeler Recruitment founder, Mark Keeler came up with the idea of Paddleboard networking after lockdown, and wanted to share his love of the sport and networking with more businesses.
Keeler are specialists in Accountancy and Finance Recruitment across East Anglia. Although newly established, they have decades of experience in recruitment, finance and business.
Alongside their experience and capability, they offer simplicity to our clients with our fixed-fee and staged payments innovations. They also offer onboarding services for board-level appointments, making their service truly unique as well as cost-effective.
Their aim, through developing value-adding and long-term relationships with our clients and supplying access to leading candidates, is to be one of the country’s leading accounting and finance recruiting businesses.
EACH – East Anglia Children’s Hospices
We support families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Our care and support is tailored for the needs of all family members and delivered where the families wish – in their own home, at hospital, in the community or at one of three hospices in Ipswich, Milton and Framingham Earl.
“Do I Have Enough Money to Retire?” – Clarity Through Cashflow Forecasting
It’s one of the most important and most frequently asked questions we hear: “Do I have enough money to retire?”
For many, the idea of retirement is both exciting and daunting. The thought of stepping away from work and embracing the next chapter of life brings dreams of travel, hobbies, and freedom. But it also raises serious concerns: Will my money last? Can I maintain my lifestyle? What if something unexpected happens?
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we understand that retirement isn’t just about reaching a certain age or hitting a magic number in your pension pot. It’s about confidence. It’s about knowing that your finances will support the lifestyle you envision, for the rest of your life.
Understanding What Retirement Really Means
Retirement means different things to different people. For some, it’s a complete exit from the workforce. For others, it might mean reducing hours, changing careers, or pursuing passion projects. Regardless of your definition, the common thread is financial independence – the ability to make decisions without being limited by money.
Planning for that kind of freedom doesn’t happen overnight. It requires thoughtful analysis, strategic decision-making, and most importantly, clarity. That’s where we come in.
It’s Not Just About the Pension Pot
When people think about retirement planning, they often zero in on their pension. While your pension is undoubtedly a key piece of the puzzle, it’s far from the whole picture. Savings, investments, property, state benefits, and other assets all play a role. So too do your expenses, both essential and discretionary.
The big question isn’t just “How much have I saved?” but “What do I want my retirement to look like, and will my resources support that vision?”
This is where lifestyle planning becomes essential. Are you hoping to travel extensively? Do you want to help children or grandchildren financially? Will you remain in your current home or downsize? All these choices carry financial implications.
How We Help: Clarity Through Cashflow Forecasting
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we use advanced cashflow forecasting tools to give you a realistic, personalised view of your financial future. This isn’t just about looking at your savings and investments on paper. It’s about modelling your actual lifestyle – your income, expenditure, tax obligations, and future goals.
We’ll work with you to build a detailed picture of what your retirement might look like, taking into account:
Your current assets and liabilities
Anticipated income from pensions, savings, and investments
Expected and potential expenses (e.g. travel, healthcare, care costs)
Inflation and investment growth assumptions
One-off events, such as gifting money or moving house
The result is a living, breathing financial roadmap that helps you understand whether you’re on track or whether adjustments are needed.
Real-Time Insight With Your Personal Client Portal
We also provide each of our clients with a secure, personalised customer portal that gives you real-time access to your financial information. From tracking your outgoings to monitoring the performance of your investments, this platform brings transparency and control to your fingertips.
No more guesswork. No more digging through paperwork. Just a clear, accessible view of your finances, whenever you need it.
Planning for the Unexpected
A good retirement plan isn’t just built for the good times; it accounts for the unexpected as well. Market volatility, health issues, changes in family circumstances or new tax rules can all impact your financial position.
Through our planning process, we’ll stress-test your forecast under various scenarios. What happens if inflation rises faster than expected? What if you live 10 years longer than you assumed? What if you need to provide care for a loved one? These are uncomfortable questions, but addressing them now gives you the confidence to navigate the future with peace of mind.
Making the Most of What You’ve Got
Part of our role is helping you make your money work harder. That might mean:
– Making better use of tax allowances (such as ISAs and pension contribution reliefs)
– Reviewing investment strategies to suit your retirement timeline
– Considering phased retirement to draw income tax-efficiently
– Evaluating the potential benefits of downsizing or equity release
– Aligning estate planning to minimise inheritance tax
None of these strategies are one-size-fits-all. That’s why everything we do is built around you – your goals, your values, your lifestyle.
Why People Delay…and Why You Shouldn’t
It’s natural to put off retirement planning, especially if you’re uncertain about what lies ahead. But the earlier you start asking the right questions, the better positioned you’ll be. Even if retirement is 10 or 15 years away, decisions you make now – around saving, investing, or paying off debt – can have a major impact on your future options.
And if you’re already nearing retirement age? There’s still time to make meaningful changes. Many of our clients come to us just a few years before they plan to retire. Through careful planning and considered advice, we help them gain clarity and confidence about what lies ahead.
Book Your Free Financial Health Check
If you’re unsure whether you have enough money to retire, we encourage you to take the first step today. Our free financial health check is a no-obligation opportunity to talk through your current situation and understand your options.
Retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a new phase of life that should be enjoyed with confidence and freedom. Asking, “Do I have enough to retire?” isn’t a sign of doubt; it’s a sign that you’re ready to take control of your future.
In an ever-increasingly complex and interconnected world the consequences of getting things wrong can be dramatic, far-reaching and very expensive. Yet with the benefit of hindsight, the causes of many failures and sub-optimal performance can often appear obvious, so why were they not picked up in the design phase?
Systems Thinking is an incredibly powerful approach to handling complexity, providing an insight and understanding. By treating real-world things (products, processes, services, organizations) as systems, we can systematically build a holistic view of any challenge, allowing us to solve previously unsolvable problems, exploit opportunities and prevent the occurrence of issues.
The purpose of this half-day awareness session is to demonstrate the power of applying Systems Thinking to design. The session is free to attend and will be delivered by Burge Hughes Walsh Limited
Burge Hughes Walsh Limited provide advice, training and project support in product and service design. Their client list includes Dyson, BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, LG, Vestas, GE, HMRC, Fife Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Companies House, NHS Digital to name a few.
Contract Personnel are delighted to announce a renewal of our long-standing regional partnership with Norwich City Football Club for a further three seasons.
Contract Personnel are one of East Anglia’s leading independent recruitment agencies – established for over 30 years. They offer temporary and permanent roles and specialise in driving, industrial, commercial and engineering roles.
Sarah Hooper, Managing Director at Contract Personnel, said: “We are honoured to be continuing our partnership with Norwich City for the next three seasons. We are fully behind the players, management, staff and everyone associated with the club as we push for, and aim to retain, Premier League status.
“If any NCFC fans are looking for work, or if their company needs help finding staff, we will always be on here to help with any recruitment needs.”
With offices in Norwich and Thetford, new and exciting jobs are always being added to their website. They also have a hugely popular Job Interview Bus, which is busy travelling across East Anglia to register candidates and reach people who may not be based in central locations. They are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Jonathan Casbon, head of partnerships at Norwich City, added: “After many years as an official partner of the club, I’m delighted that the team at Contract Personnel have agreed to extend our relationship together.
“Long-term partnerships, especially those with such a local connection, are at the centre of our ambitions at the club and this is another fantastic example. We look forward to seeing them all back at Carrow Road for another three seasons.”