Have you ever wanted to be a better negotiator? Get a better deal for you or your client? Settle cases earlier and on better terms?
Dave Richards, a mediator with Leathes Prior’s mediation arm, mediation-1st, had joined up with the Norfolk & Norwich Junior Lawyers Division to present a negotiation skills seminar to junior lawyers in Norfolk and Norwich. The seminar will cover straightforward topics such as preparation and how to get to negotiation, tactical considerations such as the BATNA and knowing how to spot negotiation styles and more in-depth tactics including neuro linguistic programming and subtle body language to watch out for (and to use to your advantage!).
Dave is currently ranked 27 nationally (out of around 170 who are given a ranking) in the Clerksroom independent league table of mediators and has acted as lead mediator for a wide range of disputes including those relating to consumer issues, landlord and tenant matters, boundary disputes, probate disputes and corporate and commercial arrangements and has acted as assistant mediator for disputes involving commercial agreements, corporate arrangements and high-value sales disagreements
The seminar is at 6pm on 23 May 2013 in the Seminar Room at Leathes Prior’s Corporate Office at 27-28 Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1RE. It will last about an hour (and therefore carries one accredited CPD point).
Clifton and Portishead-based Ali reflects on her decade of business building
For Ali Redwood, it was her desire to leave corporate life that inspired her to join TaxAssist Accountants.
With a background in banking and finance and experience of running a family business, self-employment held no fear for Ali, who relished the opportunity to establish her own practice.
“The experience of running my family business equipped me with a sound knowledge of accounting and the finance skills required to run a small business,” explained Ali. “It also gave me a real passion and joy.
“As I grew tired of corporate life, I started to look at my options and owning a TaxAssist Accountants franchise appealed to me as I valued the on-going support and readymade systems which would fast track my business.
“I didn’t want to be ‘just an accountant’. I recognised that with TaxAssist, I would be building a team, allowing me to be the principal of the business, meeting new and existing clients, managing staff, supervising work, networking and managing the customer experience.
“The support from the franchisor and fellow franchisees over the last 10 years has been fantastic. My neighbouring franchisees are not in competition with each other, due to our exclusive territories, and it gives us a real opportunity to work together and support each other. You have your own business but you are not on your own. My staff get great training from the courses provided and I get the benefit of on-going great marketing and operational support.
“The business has grown well, and I now have an exceptionally good team in place. I opened a shop in Clifton in Bristol in 2011 and an office in Portishead in 2016 and I am hoping to open a third premises within the next three years.
“I feel that I am now building an asset for a comfortable retirement, which I would not be in a position to do, had I remained in employment. If you asked me if I would do it all again – the answer is definitely yes!”
Pensions may be complicated but retirement shouldn’t be a mystery
Norwich seminar, Friday 14th June
We would be delighted if you were able to join us for our nextseminar.
We’ll be running two sessions, one at 9.00 and another at 12.30.
The presentations will give useful background information for all professionals and would be of particular interest to people thinking of retiring in the next ten years.
This month we are focussing on retirement and creating income-producing portfolios. The session will start with an overview of pension legislation before looking at alternative income sources, showing how a combined approach can make the most of tax reliefs. After introducing the basics of portfolio construction we will conclude by exploring retirement strategies that can stretch modest resources further. Although some of the content is specific to pensions most will be relevant to any situation where an income is required.
We expect each seminar to last around an hour and a half with a further 30 minutes for questions and discussion. Chadwicks are approved by the SRA as accredited CPD providers.
A light lunch or breakfast will be available. The seminar is free of charge but places are limited.
The outcomes of the Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution consultation will be considered by council leaders tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 September) ahead of submission to the Secretary of State.
Throughout the consultation period, councils and the New Anglia LEP engaged with a wide range of people including town and parish councils, councillors, businesses, and members of the public and partner organisations, such as health and higher education.
More than 10,000 responses were received via a range of channels. The majority of responses, 6080, were received via a telephone survey carried out by Ipsos-Mori. The survey gained views from a cross section of people, reflecting the population of the two counties.
53% supported the principle of devolution
There was strong support for more decisions to be taken locally across a range of issues with decisions relating toroad maintenance funding coming out on top
There was 52% support for a Mayor and 58% support for councils to come together as a Combined Authority. 29% Oppose election of a Mayor 25% oppose establishing a Combined Authority
Job creation and young people either earning or learning came out as top priorities for the Combined Authority to invest in
250 businesses of various sizes across the two counties were also surveyed by Mori:
54% supported the principle of devolution
Strong support for more decisions to be taken locally across a range of issues with decisions relating to road maintenance funding coming out on top
59% supported councils joining together as a Combined Authority and 47% supportive of a mayor, with 27% opposed
Young people earning or learning was businesses top priority for the Combined Authority to invest in
In addition, the New Anglia LEP, in conjunction with the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce held a series of breakfast briefings during July and the Chambers of Commerce also produced their own e-newsletters. This activity has resulted in a number of business leaders sending letters to Government supporting devolution.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“We would encourage all Norfolk local councillors to take notice of these results and the strong positive feedback for devolution from the business community when they vote later in the year. Norfolk needs to be seen as a dynamic community open for business, willing and able to make decisions on its own future whenever it is given that opportunity. We acknowledge that the devolution offer is not perfect but it is the deal on the table and Norfolk Chamber wants to see it happen for the overall benefit of Norfolk’s economy.”
Whilst there was less support for a mayor or combined authority through the self-service survey, more than 50% of people responding supported the principle of devolution. Strong support for more decisions to be taken locally, with road maintenance coming out top and investment by the Combined Authority in transport and broadband infrastructure ranked highest.
It is important to be clear that a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor would not be an ‘all powerful’ figure, making decisions without regard to the views of others. The Mayor would need support from other members of the Combined Authority for plans to progress.
Andy Wood, Independent Chair of the East Anglia Leaders Group said:
“Devolution is about improving people’s lives and the places they live. It’s great that those responding to the consultation recognise that and support more decisions being taken locally. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.
“Leaders are committed to building on all the success and positives of the two counties to make Norfolk and Suffolk as successful as possible for the future. Devolution will help to achieve this commitment by delivering some 95,000 new jobs, 200,000 new homes and 10,000 new businesses by 2036.”
A summary of all responses will be reported to the Secretary of State later this week once it has been considered signed off by Leaders on Wednesday. If the Secretary of State thinks that the necessary statutory tests have been met, he will lay a draft order before Parliament. However, only if all the local councils and the LEP that endorsed the proposed deal in June approve the order will plans progress.
Join us at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Open Day in Watton to find out how apprenticeships could benefit your business and what funding is available.
You’ll also have the chance to meet three apprentices currently completing catering apprenticeships who will prepare a buffet lunch for you to sample from 1-2pm.
As part of efforts by the Borough Council to make the central area of Great Yarmouth more attractive to shoppers, residents and investors, businesses in the town centre are able to apply for grants to improve their frontages.
Under the Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Scheme, eligible applicants can ask for grants of up to £3,000 each to help fund shopfront renovation, decoration, new signage and/or replacement of historic features including lighting. Businesses must cover 25% of the total cost themselves. At present there is a funding pot of £60,000.
If an application is approved, the business will have six months to complete the works and submit a claim form, with payments made only once works are complete. Before starting work, applications must have obtained the relevant permissions, including any planning permission and landlord permission required.
All applicants, whether successful or not, will be offered free business guidance, and advice on marketing, branding and visual merchandising, via enterpriseGY, the borough council’s business support service.
The shopfront scheme aims to:
Improve business frontages, including shops, commercial businesses and social enterprises.
Enhance the appearance and appeal of the town centre to visitors, customers and local residents.
Preserve and enhance the special character of the conservation area, its listed buildings and other buildings of public importance.
Assist towards encouraging further inward investment and stimulate business and consumer confidence.
Completed applications are assessed on their individual merits by the Town Centre Shop Front Sub Committee, a cross-party sub-committee of the Economic Development Committee.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has already approved its first grants to help businesses improve their town centre frontages, with a total of £8,500 agreed in relation to five successful applicants. The successful applicants are: Gentleman’s Headquarters and the Sock Shop in Regent Street; and Woodcraft, Branded Toys and Wallis’ Wonders in the Victoria Arcade.
Commenting on the town centre improvement scheme, Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber council said:
“We want to see a thriving town centre and these grants will help deliver real change whilst encouraging local businesses to invest in our town and help drive further economic growth for Great Yarmouth.”
Cllr Barry Coleman, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, said:
“”These first successful applications cover a real diversity of businesses and premises in different parts of the town centre, including some historic premises – and it is particularly great that the borough council is able to further help some of the businesses which were affected by last summer’s fire in Regent Road.
“There is, however, still money in the pot and we would like to hand out more grants in the coming months, so if you are an eligible business or social enterprise then please do follow suit and submit a well thought out application, because now is an ideal time to invest.”
Our next West Norfolk Business Breakfast will take you to unique West Norfolk venue, The Minster on the Saturday Market Place, for a morning of relationship building amongst the business community of Norfolk. There will be networking activities and a freshly prepared breakfast, and a short presentation from Vicky Etheridge of Discover King’s Lynn – speaking about the work of the BID organisation and the upcoming King’s Lynn Business Week, together with an update on the current fundraising and improvement work taking place at The Minster.
As we continue to grow our presence in West Norfolk since our re-launch in the Spring, we will help you grow your business at this breakfast by giving you the chance to build relationships new and old.
Book a stand
Interested in taking an exhibition stand at a business breakfast and showcasing the work your business is doing? 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 business in front of around 50 delegates with in-depth information about your business. Sole sponsorship is £550+VAT. More information here
PLEASE NOTE: We have had a change in timing from our usual events. This is due to a service taking place elsewhere within King’s Lynn Minster. Arrival and networking will be from 08:30am with the event starting at 09:00am.
The Royal Norfolk Show is the county’s biggest event of the year. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the UK. And we’re offering two VIP tickets to the Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday 28 June 2017 as part of a competition.
VIP Tickets include general admission, car parking pass and invitation as guests of Norfolk Chamber to enjoy a spot of Afternoon Tea in the Sponsors & Corporate Hospitality Marquee overlooking the Grand Ring.
Afternoon Tea is available from 3pm – 5pm, relax with a selection of sandwiches, savouries, homemade cakes & sweet treats.
How to enter All you have to do is head over to the official Norfolk Chamber Twitter and retweet the competition tweet.
The competition closes on Friday 2 June at 10am and a winner will be selected at random.
Member Discount Norfolk Chamber members also have an exclusive 10% discount off the price of general admission tickets, click here for more details.
Course Title; Level 3 in HACCP in Food Manufacturing
Aim; This qualification is designed to ensure candidates develop the required knowledge and practical skills to implement a HACCP plan in their workplace.
Objectives;
• To understand the importance of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based food safety management procedures
• To appreciate the need for food businesses to take a proactive approach to analysing potential food hazards
• To be able to develop a Codex/BRI standard HACCP plan; – to identify the preliminary processes for HACCP-based procedures
– correct hazard analysis and identification of critical control points
– understand how critical control points can be monitored and the corrective actions that must be carried out
– understand the meaning and elements of verification
– understand the need for accurate documentation and record keeping
Organisation
Duration; 1 day classroom course.
Exam/Assessment; delegates produce their own Codex-compliant HACCP plan under our supervision, within an agreed time period after the course. This course is Ofqual accredited.
Cost; £295 plus VAT includes notes, refreshments, lunch, the assessment & certification fees
Awarding Body; Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Tutor; Richard Mills
Differentiation; as a minimum, Level 2 Award in Food Safety or equivalent is strongly recommended. Candidates must also have an understanding and background in a food manufacturing setting. An ability to access and use a computer for writing and emailing course work is essential.
Audience; All managers, supervisors and QA/QC staff from any food manufacturing businesses, who are responsible for the development of a food safety management system based on the Codex principles of HACCP.
Feedback; “This is a good experience. I like it. Especially, your analysis of my HACCP document is – I admit, spot on. I appreciate your patience and above all professionalism. Your approach to training encourages trainees understand HACCP in a practical sense and apply it in practice, which I feel right and meaningful.” Bernard Fernando, Quality Manager, Broadland Wineries, Cawston
For more information please contact us on www.redcat.gb.com or 01603 502136
What will your business look like in five years’ time and what support do you need to get there?
Come and share your views and help form the new economic strategy for Norfolk. Together with New Anglia LEP and the local authorities, Norfolk Chamber is working on the new Economic Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk.
At our roundtable events, we need to hear from local businesses of all different sizes about what is important to them. The strategy will look at how we can build on our strengths and make the most of the opportunities in our region.
We need your input, so join us at this free event to share your ideas. You’ll also be able to hear about some of the evidence which has been gathered so far, as well as well as taking part in lively discussions on a range of topics, from global trade to skills and productivity.
Roundtable Events will be held on the below dates – to book your free place click on the relevant link:
· Great Yarmouth – Monday 12 June 2017 4pm – 6pm BOOK NOW
· King’s Lynn – Monday 19 June 2017 4pm – 6pm BOOK NOW
· Norwich – Tuesday 11 July 2017 3pm – 5pm BOOK NOW
Course Title; Level 3 Award in Effective Auditing and Inspection Skills
Aim; The qualification provides skills in the auditing and inspection of food manufacturing processes, in order to effectively verify HACCP and general food safety and management systems. Especially valuable for BRC, SALSA, etc certificated manufacturers and multi-site catering operations where consistency is valuable.
Objectives
*Understanding auditing and inspection- what it is and appreciate the benefits and limitations
*Collecting & verifying of information
*Identify and plan the stages in Audit and Inspection
*Improve the ability to analyse & interpret data
*People Skills- improve your ability to get the right information
*Identify the competencies & characteristics of Auditors
*Understanding the implementation of on-site audits & inspections
*How to prepare written reports
Organisation
Duration; The course is delivered over one day- it is a classroom session- based on a number of syndicate exercises, activities & case studies- no chalk & talk here!
Exam/Assessment; 30 question multiple choice test: Pass mark 20, Merit mark 25
Cost; £135 plus VAT includes notes, refreshments & lunch and the assessment & certification fees (HABC)
Awarding Body; Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC)
Tutor; Richard Mills
Differentiation; Reasonable (Level 2 or equivalent) literacy, good communication skills, a broad understanding of food safety and its management systems, and experience of food manufacturing or large scale catering processes.
Audience; This qualification is for supervisors, team leaders & QA staff who are involved in the verification of Food Safety through Auditing & Inspection
Feedback; “thank you for your help, guidance and interest in putting on our courses…at such short notice. We all thought you were an exceptional presenter and made it a most enjoyable and productive experience. (Wow ! That’s got to be worth a “Brucie Bonus”)” Ernie Woodhouse, QA Team, Youngs Seafoods (Cromer Crab Company)
For more information contact us on www.redcat.gb.com or 01603 502136
We’ve got some exciting news to share… Barkers Photo Fun has been named as finalists in not one, but two national wedding awards – The Quirky Wedding Awards and The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA).
For us, this recognition means the world. Every wedding we attend is unique, and our mission is always the same: to bring fun, creativity, and those unforgettable moments to couples and their guests. From our elegant Magic Mirror and Classic Booth to our roaming robot “Phoebe” and even our AI-enhanced experiences, we love helping people make memories that last a lifetime.
The Quirky Wedding Awards shine a spotlight on suppliers who bring something a little different to the table – which is right up our street! And TWIA is extra special because it’s judged in part by feedback from the couples themselves. That means the people who’ve laughed, posed, and made memories in our booths get to have their say.
We’re so proud to be recognised nationally, but we’re even prouder of the amazing couples who’ve invited us to be part of their big day. Their trust and support have brought us this far – and with their votes in TWIA, we might just go all the way.
So here’s to fun, laughter, and creating magical wedding memories – and to Norfolk being represented on the national stage. Wish us luck!