Norfolk Chamber HR Forums are designed to inform and keep your business up-to-date with all the changes to employment law.
Preventing discrimination in the workplace
Seven years on from the Equality Act 2010, the employment law team from Steeles Law will look at how the law has developed in this area, providing practical tips for ensuring equality and diversity in the workplace and avoiding costly claims in this sensitive area of HR management. The session will also cover essential recent and forthcoming developments in employment law including: Brexit’s impact on employment law – what we know so far; and a round-up of case law developments. Speakers will be: Oliver Brabbins: Director and Head of Employment Robert Hickford: Associate Solicitor
Who should attend the HR Forum?
Delegates from all sectors of industry including:
HR specialists
Employment relations specialists
Employee representatives
MDs/CEOs
Owners of small and medium sized businesses
Testimonials
“I really enjoy the forums and learn a lot from them.” – Linda Holt, Blue Sky Professional Development
“Really useful; they take a difficult subject and explain them clearly” – Rachel Harrison, The Forum Trust
Abate introduces the RatMat, an innovative, humane and cost-effective solution to protect property and assets from rodents.
Using the principles of an electric fence, the RatMat tiles can be used as a long term solution to prevent rats and mice causing expensive damage to property such as motor vehicles. The RatMat is safe, scalable and transportable and doubles as a hardwearing floor surface.
The main safety feature of the RatMat is the low energy pulse it uses. This is dramatically less powerful than a standard electric fence.
At Abate Pest Management, we see this as an ideal solution for two areas, which have proven to be very costly after rodent infestations.
RatMat for Vehicles
Your dream car sits in the garage just waiting for you to get behind the wheel and take it out for a spin. Whether you have put many hours work into your car or you’ve had the opportunity to buy the car of your dreams, all you can think of is the pleasure you’re going to get when you sit behind the steering wheel.
But unfortunately, you have also got to be aware of the pain you might suffer if your car is damaged by rodents. Rodents can chew wires, hoses, plastic panels, and other car parts to make nesting materials, turning your dream car into an expensive nightmare!
RatMat, not just for cars, it’s also a perfect solution to protect farm machinery such as combine harvesters, balers, sprayers and tractor units.
The one-off purchase of a RatMat will protect your vehicle for years to come – preventing damage which can cost many thousands.
RatMat for Warehouses
The entrance to a warehouse can be the perfect front door to nearby rodents. If your logistics operation has roller shutters or high-speed roll-up doors which are left open for any given time, you may be inviting rodents into your warehouse. With RatMat, we can prevent this occurring by installing a system at the warehouse entrance points. This is an ideal solution for BRC audited premises and any logistics operations within the food chain. It will certainly keep warehouse rodent free, even if the doors are open (subjeHomect to other standard proofing measures in place).
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES RATMAT WORK? Using the principles of an electric fence, the RatMat can be used as a long term solution to prevent rats and mice causing expensive damage to property and assets such as motor vehicles.
IS RATMAT SAFE? The main safety feature of the RatMat is the low energy pulse it uses, which is effective in repelling small animals.
WHERE CAN I INSTALL RATMAT? RatMat can be used indoors and outdoors on a hard surface.
IS RATMAT A FRAGILE SURFACE? RatMat doubles as a hard-wearing floor surface. The flooring can be swept, vacuumed and pressure washed (always ensure that RatMat is turned off first!).
DO I NEED TO SCREW RATMAT DOWN? If you are driving vehicles onto the mat regularly, it can be screwed down to prevent slippage/damage.
HOW CLOSE DOES THE RODENT NEED TO BE TO BE REPELLED? The box is able to deliver a shock more than 25m from the source in ideal conditions.
WHAT CAN I USE RATMAT TO PROTECT? RatMat can be used to protect cars, motorcycles, machinery, dust bin lorries, combine harvesters and many other vehicles. It can also be used as a barrier on the entrance of garages or as a barrier product for quarantining parts.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Just request a free site survey and Abate Pest Management will provide a no obligation quote. Get in touch via sales@abateltd.co.uk or call 0800 980 9767.
Bluebell Nursery Managers Kym Carey (left) and Meganne Smith (right) with Langley School’s outgoing Head of Nursery & Pre-Prep Allison Skipper (centre).
Following the announcement at the start of the year about the expansion of Bluebell Nursery, which is part of Langley School, the ribbon has now been cut and doors are officially open.
During the unveiling ceremony on Friday 5th July, more than 100 people came to see for the first time the new facilities that include a purpose-built nursery space, with a Tots Town themed village with role play and sensory learning a key focus.
Based at Langley Prep School in Taverham, Bluebell Nursery was in June classified as OFSTED outstanding.
Head of Nursery and Pre-Prep, Mrs Allison Skipper commented, “Bluebell Nursery has experienced a staggering amount of success, and we have expanded our provision entirely due to demand for places and the waiting list since we opened the new baby room in 2022.
“The expansion takes us up to four nursery classes now; Seedlings for 6 to 16 month olds, Acorns for 16 to 24 month olds, Oaks for 2 to 3 year olds, and Woodlands for 3 to 4 year olds.
“It’s thrilling to see the new facility go from concept to planning to actuality, and we’re so happy that it will now fulfil its purpose as it becomes full of little people who we know will make the most of such a super setup.
“With OFSTED classifying us outstanding this year too, we couldn’t be prouder of what the staff, families and children have created at Bluebell.”
Bluebell Nursery offers an all year-round nursery provision, with an option for term-time-only for those parents who have children at Langley Pre-Prep or Prep School, and it also accepts government funding from age two.
Norfolk Chamber members and guests are invited to top-off the season at our late summer barbeque.
Kindly hosted by Chamber Gold Patron, MIGSOLV, this FREE event will give everyone a chance to relax while catching up and making new contacts across the Norfolk Chamber network.
The evening event is being held by MIGSOLV in the grounds of their impressive data centre in Bowthorpe, Norwich.
There’s ample free parking, traditional BBQ favourites, a free bar and optional guided tours of the East of England’s only purpose-built data centre.
An optional guided tour
Discover how a world-class data centre houses and protects business’s critical IT and data. Join the MIGSOLV team for a guided tour of the facilities, including its high-tech security, climatically controlled data halls, links to global networks and enough power generation for 8 days off-grid.
Originally purpose built by Norwich Union; MIGSOLV invested £12M turning The Gatehouse data centre in Norwich into a world class facility.
‘Colocation’ is renting space in a data centre to house your business’s own IT and data. It is then protected from threats including terrorism, extreme weather and power failures and theft; and remains accessible whatever happens. Colocation helps businesses improve their business continuity, save space, increase their IT’s reliability and plan for disaster recovery.
MIGSOLV holds IT for organisations ranging from local small businesses to multi-national companies, with every byte receiving the same world-class protection
Wingfield Consultants have been very successul recently in gaining national and local recognition for the work they do.
They have received SEVEN wins, nominations, and shortlist positions in 2024 so far.
These are the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards 2023-24 win for Business Consultancy of the Year – UK win, The National Mentoring Awards – Excellence in Mentoring Award win (for Simon Wingfield), the SME News Business Elite Awards win for Best Business Growth Solutions Consultancy (East of England), the StartUp Awards finalist for Business Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year (East of England), the British Business Awards finalist for Small Business of the Year, the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist for Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year (East of England), and the Business Awards UK shortlist (for Norfolk).
Simon Wingfield, Founder of Wingfield Consultants, said: ‘These award recognitions keep rolling in this year! Our business model of 80% paying clients and 20% pro bono supporting local communities, charities, and businesses is one we have stuck to. Why? Because ‘People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe’ (Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action’). These recognitions show that our model resonates with our clients and the award judges.’
The Mill Networking breakfast takes place on Thursday 4th April- we have a couple of spaces left for this event
We hold The Breakfast Club on the first Thursday of every month from 8.00am-10.00am at The Mill Café Bar & Restaurant, Norwich Road Yaxham. NR19 1RP
Its open to 30 business professionals from all over Norfolk. This months knowledge sharing presentation is by myself – but not on Health and Safety- On Social Media!
So it will be Social Media from a non-experts view point
The breakfast is managed by myself and Anna, who owns the Miil & Stevenson Consulting- we are on-hand to make one-to-one introductions. Only one representative from any business is permitted to attend at any one time, maximising the opportunity for you to meet potential business contacts from a wide range of companies and professions in Norfolk.
There is also no exclusive membership – our event is open to anyone who wishes to increase their exposure and profile to the Norfolk business community. The cost for entry is £15.00 per person per event plus VAT, a percentage of which will be donated to our charity of the year – Keeping Abreast – and includes entry to the event, refreshments and a delegate contact list.
Pleas ebook at info@themillnorfolk.co.uk or 01362 851182 asking for Lucy- but be qucik- just 2 spaces left!
Giving her full reaction to the Budget, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
On Business Rates:
“We are pleased that those Norfolk businesses hardest-hit Norfolk by this year’s business rates revaluation will see some ease to their burden. We look forward to the money being given to councils in England being used to offer relief to the hardest hit Norfolk businesses.
“However welcome, the measures that mitigate the short-term impact of business rate rises, are little more than a sticking plaster. The radical changes needed to improve the broken business rates system will have to wait for another day.
“The government had an opportunity to re-visit the detail of reform to the appeals system but has not addressed the serious concerns ratepayers have. This will mean that more businesses seeking to correct their erroneous rates bills could lose out.
“In the longer-term, fundamental change is needed, including stripping plant and machinery from rates assessments that does so much to discourage business investment.”
On International Trade:
“There was a noticeable and disappointing absence of any new support for Norfolk exporters, or measures to encourage international trade in this Budget. As we begin the Brexit process, it’s more important than ever to get Norfolk businesses trading their goods and services with the world. The government must do more to incentivise and promote companies to be ambitious and trade to new markets. Norfolk Chamber will continue to do whatever we can to support Norfolk exporters.”
On Digital Infrastructure:
“We look forward to more details on the announcement for full-fibre broadband connection vouchers, as all businesses within our rural areas need faster and more reliable connections. The governments focus must now be on rural areas and existing business parks that still do not have superfast connections. The private sector will invest where there is a demonstrable return on investment and we would urge that the scheme is communicated effectively to the business community and providers.”
On Changes to the Tax System for the Self-Employed:
“Many Norfolk entrepreneurs and sole traders will be concerned to see significant rises to their National Insurance bills over the coming years. Especially when many of them are facing challenging economic conditions. Ministers need to ensure that these business people, who make a significant contribution to the economy, also get the recognition and benefits that correspond to their contribution.”
Businesses from across the UK are invited to compete in the fourteenth annual Chamber Business Awards – hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
The prestigious competition is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner, which will take place at the Brewery, London on 30 November.
Entries open on Monday 13 March and will run until Friday 30 June. This year’s Awards are being launched at the London Stock Exchange, where last year’s winner of Business of the Year, Scientifica, have won the special honour of opening the Exchange as a prize. Next year’s winners will have the same chance to do so, a rare opportunity for a private business.
Companies can enter nine categories, covering exports, small business, people development, technology, high-growth, customer service, partnerships with the education sector, social media, and health and wellbeing.
Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Businesses are the driving force of the UK economy, creating jobs, growth and prosperity, and helping Britain to maintain its reputation internationally. This is exactly why it is important for us to recognise and celebrate the contribution they make to their local communities and the wider economy.
“The broad spread of categories in the Chamber Business Awards reflects both the diversity of industries and skills of British firms, and the range of achievements and projects that they have been involved with.
“Each time I visit Chamber member businesses, it is inspiring to see so many companies finding innovative ways to grow their business in every corner of the UK. The Awards acknowledge the relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees.”
Adrian Corbin of Scientifica, Winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award last year, said:
“Everyone at Scientifica is incredibly proud that the company won Business of the Year at the Chamber Business Awards 2016. It is an enormous achievement and a fitting testimony to all the hard work that has gone into creating such a great company.
“We are at the forefront of high-tech British manufacturing, exporting our products to more than forty countries worldwide. We employ a highly-educated and international workforce who are all committed to producing innovative products to help further neuroscience research, and the winning of this award will undoubtedly help us expand into even more markets around the world.”
Join us at the very first Coastal Co.nnect for a relaxed morning of networking in the Assembly Room at the Great Yarmouth Town Hall between 0930 and 1130. We’ll have plenty of tea and coffee to keep everyone hydrated and the conversation flowing as you get to know other local businesses in the Great Yarmouth area.
The Customer Experience Team will be on hand to answer any questions about how we can support you and help make introductions. We’re running the sessions in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council from the town hall to help the business community in the area connect and we’re keeping the first session informal.
Everyone is welcome so bring a friend, your business cards and lets get chatting!
Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provided a business perpsective for the Mustard TV debate on the outcome of the Spring Budget. The discussion panel included, James Wright, Liberal Democrat City Councillor, Emma Corlett, Labour County councillor and Andrew Wiltshire, Conservative, Norwich South
A group of organisations have banded together to warn that thousands of jobs could be lost after the UK leaves the EU unless action is taken to prevent dumped products flooding into this country.
With responsibility for so-called trade remedies shifting from the European Commission to the British Government, a post-Brexit UK could be left defenceless against unfair competition from abroad.
The group of 10 organisations (including UK Steel, British Glass and two trade unions, GMB and Unite) is attempting to persuade the political parties to address the issue in their election manifestos.
A position paper published by the seven manufacturing trade associations and three trade unions sets out the actions needed to establish a trade defence mechanism for the UK.
It calls for a Bill in the first Queen’s Speech to adopt all of the trade remedies allowed by the World Trade Organization (WTO): anti-dumping measures, anti-subsidy measures and safeguarding measures.
The new Government should, the paper argues, ensure that new UK trade remedies are adequate to fully alleviate market injury to UK manufacturing and that they are available immediately after Brexit.
It sets out a number of steps that the organisations believe would help ensure the effectiveness of a new trade remedies system, including having a well-resourced single unit within the Department for International Trade (DIT) to investigate trade complaints.
Separate teams within the unit should deal with different aspects of cases concurrently and quickly.
Speaking for the British Ceramic Confederation, Dr Laura Cohen explained that, after years of contraction partly due to dumped imports from China, EU measures have helped the sector to stabilise, invest and employ more people.
“We need a UK system that can tackle the unfair distortions that disrupt real free trade,” she said.
The Future of UK Trade Remedies is available here.
