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Running a small business can be rewarding however, it has it stresses and at times having someone impartial to discuss your company’s progress and any problems you’re facing can be extremely helpful.

Alex Till is the chief executive of Genix, a business support organisation which has been helping businesses for over 20 years. He’s well aware of the issues facing small businesses and says, “There’s often very little time for a business owner to step away from the day to day pressures of meeting deadlines and getting work done to have a good long look at how their business is doing, where new customers are to be found and what systems they could introduce to make their day that bit easier.

“For the past twelve months we’ve been providing free, one to one business support meetings in Norwich which have proved extremely popular. We realise, for many North Norfolk based businesses a trip to the city is not possible mid-week so we’re now able to offer the service at a local level.”

To help North Norfolk based companies, businesses and those who are self-employed, Genix now provides free, confidential, one to one business advice meetings on set dates in Cromer and Fakenham. These sessions are available to start-up, emerging and established businesses.

“We’ve made the booking system as easy and as quick as possible” commented Alex, “by going to www.genix.org.uk and clicking the business advice button gives dates, times and location options.” A business which has found the support of Genix invaluable is Bicycle Links.

Bicycle Links is a Norwich based bicycle shop and a social enterprise, plus a bike hire centre and café – all under one roof. Lucy Hall the Project Manager wanted to explore different options to grow the business so met with Genix adviser, Gary Parker, in June of this year. Since then, Lucy has had several meetings and on-going discussions with Gary and his colleagues covering ideas around grant funding, marketing and networking. Lucy as found these extremely beneficial and has enabled her to look at new ideas and share some of the workload with other like minded entrepreneurs.

Genix business adviser, Gary Parker said, “It’s easy to assume that running a business will come naturally when you’re passionate about your enterprise and working long hours. Finding out about better ways of marketing, financial planning, book keeping and business networking can all make a difference as to whether a business will struggle or grow. Business skills can be learnt and at Genix we’re keen to help with knowledge and information to ensure successful outcomes.”

As well as business advice sessions Genix hosts Coffee Means Business, a monthly networking event held on a rotating basis in North Walsham, Cromer and Fakenham. Coffee Means Business is hosted by Genix and supported by North Norfolk District Council and will be held at Scarborough Hill Country Inn, North Walsham on Friday 23 September 2016 from 9.30am until 11.30am. It costs just £2 per person, payable on arrival and there are no membership fees. The event is sponsored by Different Dimensions and it will be a great opportunity to make new contacts over coffee and biscuits. There’ll be short talks from Genix Patrons, Neil Burr of Designtec and Michelle Pollard of Spider Recruitment Services.

For more information regarding Genix business advice service, Coffee Means Business and the free business courses and seminars it holds please go to www.genix.org.uk or call 0800 096 3013

The Black Swan Inn on the outskirts of Norwich has launched a new experience providing diners with the chance to win a £500 voucher. The competition will run until the end of December with a winner picked every month. The winner of the draw will walk away with a £500 voucher, which can be redeemed for food, drinks, and accommodation at The Black Swan Inn.

The Black Swan Inn dates back to the 18th-century and is just three miles from Norwich city centre, nestled in the picturesque village of Horsham St Faith. Recently renovated and extended, the Inn offers an á la carte restaurant, corporate meeting facilities, room hire, and 11 en-suite bedrooms.

Andrew Neale, owner of The Black Swan Inn, said: “In these challenging times, everyone could use a bit of cheer, and we’re here to deliver just that. Starting in August until December, we’ve decided to introduce a special promotion to reward our valued customers for their support and enthusiasm.”

To be in with a chance of winning the voucher, diners simply need to visit the restaurant and spend a minimum of £20 per person during their visit. Every eligible guest will receive an entry ticket into our free prize draw.

Mr Neale added: “We’d love to welcome new and old faces to our restaurant. We’ve got deliciously crafted dishes, an inviting ambience, and the perfect place to create cherished memories with your loved ones.”.

Winners of the voucher will simply need to present a copy of their receipt along with their contact details to claim the prize.

Book a table at The Black Swan Inn here to be in with a chance to win this month’s £500 voucher.

Today Foster Refrigerator and Gamko have launched a free next day delivery service across their most popular products.

It can be debilitating for any foodservice operation to wait days or weeks for their replacement refrigeration. Getting products the very next day, free, when ordered before 12:30pm, can save restaurants and bars from wasted produce and a potential drop in custom.

Ewen Cairns, UK Sales Manager for Foster and Gamko said, “Whether your refrigeration was on its last legs or suffered an unexpected breakdown, we know how important it is to receive your replacement product as soon as possible. Food can spoil if it isn’t kept at the right temperature, and a restaurant without a fridge is like a phone without a battery, it just won’t work!

“In terms of chilled drinks, we all know that an unintended warm beverage, or long waiting times at a bar due to limited stock, can put people off returning. Foster and Gamko know how important it is to ensure the smooth operation of anyone serving food or drink, and so to avoid loss of both money and custom, we’re delighted to launch our free 24-hour delivery service ‘SOS’, helping you to Save On Stress!”

With this in mind, industry leaders Foster and Gamko have been working hard to offer customers a service, that by industry standards would have previously cost upwards of £125, for free.

“After speaking to foodservice professionals about their pain points, we knew our SOS service would help rectify the issues they were facing with delivery times in the industry,” said Nick Bamber, European Head of Marketing for Foster and Gamko.

The SOS free 24-hour delivery is available across our most popular ranges, including EcoPro G2, XTRA, Slimline, Blast Chillers, Maxiglass and more!

To ensure customers get their order on time and as they expected, Foster and Gamko have produced a helpful video highlighting the important initial checks all customers should make before using the SOS service or ordering in general.

The video can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY3ZOJjE2F0

To find out more about Foster and Gamko’s delivery options, visit www.fosterrefrigerator.com/SOS  and www.gamko.com/SOS  

Leeway is delighted to join Norfolk Chambers of Commerce,
which is a fantastic platform for organisations across the county to come
together and connect with each other.

Over the coming months we will be highlighting some of the
important work that we do to support those experiencing domestic abuse across Norfolk, as well
as raising awareness of domestic abuse and related issues.

Not only does it provide an opportunity to increase the
visibility of the important work that Leeway does across the local community,
but it also helps the charity create new connections with businesses and
organisations.

Connections like these are vital for charities like Leeway
as it can help bring in additional revenue through support of fundraising
events, corporate sponsorship, or charity of the year initiatives. It also
helps us to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support that we provide.

We know that around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will
experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. That means that someone you know,
whether that is a family member, friend or colleague, will be likely to
experience domestic abuse.

Despite its impact across society, domestic abuse remains
an issue that is often not openly discussed. That needs to change, and it is
Leeway’s mission to deliver this, but we cannot do this alone.

We need the support of business, organisations and
individuals to help us to tackle domestic abuse. We believe that domestic abuse
is everyone’s business and we all have a responsibility to tackle it.

How can you support Leeway?

·       Support
our fundraising events – We have a range of events throughout
the year, suitable for everyone! Our events are listed in our member profile so
you can see what we have coming up.

·       Corporate
Sponsorship – Sponsor Leeway’s events or campaigns and help
us to raise money to enhance the services that we provide in Norfolk and
Suffolk. Not only does this support us, but it can provide additional exposure
for your organisation too!

·       Charity
of the Year – Nominating us as your Charity of the Year
helps us to support even more people across our local communities, whilst also
underlining your commitment to helping those in need.

·       Follow
us on social media – This is the best way to stay up to date with
our events, campaigns and news!

·       Share
our social media posts – This is really simple but helps us to
reach more people, including those who may need our support.

·       Contact
us –
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to work with us or support us in some
way!