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Norwich Economic Barometer – June 2017

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Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:

Locally

  • Supermarket Lidl, has lots is appeal to build a store on Bishop Bridge Road
  • DigitalCity’s tech trail which helps young people find out about opportunities within the industry, has been named on the Digital Leaders 100 list
  • A quarter of East of England SMEs believe a cyber attack on their business is a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’

Nationally

  • The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 2.9% in May up from 2.7% in the previous month
  • The Recruitment & Employment Confederation survey showed a sharp drop in permanent candidate numbers since August 2016
  • An EEF survey showed that European export markets were still strong despite Brexit fears

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here.

Ed’s First Race Weekend – A Triumph from Novice to Competitor

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CGRC Snetterton 17th-18th August 2024

Ed’s journey from a Caterham road car enthusiast to a competitive racer took a thrilling turn during his first official race weekend. With a novice cross sticker proudly displayed on his car, signalling his entry into the world of motorsport, Ed embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

The race weekend at Snetterton was packed with new experiences for Ed, from the initial briefing with the Clerk of the Course to meeting the Caterham Graduates Racing Club’s Drivers Standards teams. The process of acclimating to competitive practice sessions, qualifying, and two races was a steep learning curve, but Ed handled it with impressive composure.

By his second race, Ed was fully in his element. His performance reached new heights as he clocked his fastest ever lap around Snetterton. The pinnacle of his debut weekend came when he won the ‘Millisecond Award’ for the closest finish, edging out Rob Appleton by just 0.054 seconds!

It’s remarkable to think that just six months ago, Ed had never been on track. Thanks to Alpha 7’s tailored driver development programme, he has rapidly advanced from a passionate enthusiast to a competitive driver. The focus now shifts to the next challenge: the Anglesey round in Wales. Ed is eager to tackle this new circuit and plans to maximise his simulator training to prepare.

Congratulations to Ed on a stellar start to his racing career! For anyone inspired by Ed’s success and looking to dive into motorsport, Alpha 7 offers personalised training programmes to help you achieve your driving and racing dreams. Get in touch to learn more about how we can support your journey.

An Evening with Currys PC World

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Currys PC World have recently relaunched their business centre. With this in mind, we’re partnering up with them for an exclusive event for Norfolk businesses. 

During the evening you’ll get to see demos from experts across the store with their latest tech. We’ll have food cooking on the ovens, drinks flowing from the latest coffee machines and insights into new technology to boost your business from smart watches to laptops. 

As well as this, you’ll get shopping time once the store has closed. This will include event exclusive discounts to help you stock up on your gadget needs! There will be a 5% discount store wide and the chance to win a Google Home Speaker and a FC Barcelona Football!

Of course you’ll also get time to network with the other businesses attending throughout this informal evening.

Agenda:

17:30 – Arrival and networking time.

18:00 – Event start. Demos will begin around the store.

20:00 – Exclusive shopping time. 

Here are some of the brands joining us on the evening:

  • Hoover
  • Candy
  • Baumatic 
  • Hotpoint
  • Whirlpool
  • Indesit
  • Kitchen Aid
  • Fitbit
  • Dyson
  • Beko
  • LG
  • Epson
  • Intel
  • Bose
  • Google
  • Garmin
  • Fuji Film
  • Neff
  • Bosch
  • Samsung
  • Sony
  • Dell
  • Swann Security
  • Virgin Media

Pension Reform- employee auto-enrolment

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You need to know about this!

Because………..

The Government legislation is mandatory, it will affect you and your employees. Let us guide you through the maze of rules and regulations.

Volunteers sought for bar work raising funds for two Norfolk charities

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In the absence of a full Norwich Beer Festival this autumn, BUILD Charity Volunteer, and local Beer Sommelier, Cheryl Cade, is organising the World Pop-up Beer Bar at the end of October in the Castle Social area of Castle Quarter shopping centre. The BUILD Charity and Headway Norfolk & Waveney are two Norfolk charities set to benefit from any profits made at the 4-day event, but ahead of its full launch volunteers are being recruited to serve behind bars, wash glasses, load fridges or assist with other aspects of the event. In return they will get to sample the alcoholic and alcohol-free goods and attend a staff party on the Saturday night. Full details of how to get involved at 

HABC Level 2 Award in Legionella Awareness (Hot and Cold Water Systems)

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Course Title; Level 2 Award in Legionella Awareness (Hot and Cold Water Systems)

Aim; This course has been designed to ensure a detailed understanding of Legionnaire’s Disease, and how risk management makes sure the disease doesn’t arise in your work place.

Objectives;* Understand the history, significance and symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease* To understand the basics of how hot and cold water systems work* To understand how the bacterium gets into water systems, how it multiplies in the systems, and how it goes on to infect people* Understand how management systems ensure the prevention of illness* Understand the basics of legal requirements, and sources of guidance

Organisation

Duration; 1/2 day blended learning programme. (This is a blended learning course, once you are booked on to the course we’ll send you some learning materials to complete before coming to the ½ session. Delegates need to be prepared to complete 2 or 3 hours of work before attending the half day course.)

Exam/Assessment; There are 2 short multiple choice exam. The pass marks are 10/15 for the first and 8/12 for the second. This qualification is Ofqual accredited

Cost; £125 + VAT includes notes, refreshments and the assessment & certification fees

Awarding Body; Highfield Awarding Body of Compliance (HABC)

Tutor; Richard Mills

Differentiation; Basic literacy, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and participate

Audience; Anyone who is dealing with hot or cold water systems in their work place.

South Norfolk Business Breakfast

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Join Norfolk Chamber for another South Norfolk Business Breakfast this summer. In usual Chamber style, we will be providing:

  • A luxury South Norfolk venue
  • Lots of coffee and a full English breakfast
  • Our trademark networking activities 
  • An insightful presentation from an experienced guest speaker

The rest is up to you! You will meet lots of other Chamber members at popular, and often sold out, South Norfolk Breakfast and hopefully leave having made new business connections.

Hear from Tim Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at Tech East

Could the East of England be the next global tech cluster? Tim will provide an update on Tech East’s mission to promote digital excellence in our region and attract bright talent and exciting tech new businesses to Norfolk. Tim will cover:

  • Norfolk’s irresistible rise as a leading UK tech and digital hotspot
  • How Norfolk and Norwich stand in 2018 within the overall UK tech cluster rankings – Tech East’s analysis of the brand new Tech Nation 18 Report
  • How all businesses need digital skills to thrive and grow…and what Tech East is doing for your business in the skills area

Interested in taking an exhibition stand at this 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 maximum exposure for your business? Sponsoring an event puts your logo in front of our 900+ members and more! Sole sponsorship is £550+VAT. More information here

Defiant Qatar claims it can withstand blockade

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As we reported last month, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain have broken diplomatic ties with Qatar claiming that it supported terrorist and sectarian groups.

Effectively blockading the Gulf State, the coalition of countries demanded that Qatar close the broadcaster Al Jazeera, scale back co-operation with Iran, remove Turkish troops from its soil and end contact with groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

Despite being faced with the threat of further economic sanctions as the deadline set for its response was first extended and then passed, Qatar rejected all 13 demands.

With Qatar’s border with Saudi Arabia being its sole land link to the rest of the world, and a key route for food imports, the country has been relying on Turkey and Iran delivering supplies.

However, energy exports from Qatar, which is the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, have not been affected.

Speaking in London, the Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said: “What we’ve done in the last few weeks is develop different alternative for ways to ensure the supply chain for the country not to be cut off.”

He poured scorn on threats to expel Qatar from the trade and security bloc, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arguing that decisions could only be taken by the GCC by consensus and suggesting that not all the members would support the Saudi and UAE call.

Qatar’s Trade and Economy Minister, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, said: “All supply chains, either by air or sea are working smoothly – it’s business as usual.”

Steeles Law to deliver HR Forum in September

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Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace

Our forthcoming HF Forum, sponsored and delivered by Steeles Law, will focus on preventing discrimination in the workplace.

Seven years on from the Equality Act 2010, the employment law team from Steeles Law 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. This session will be delivered by expert speakers, Oliver Brabbins Director and Head of Employment and Robert Hickford, an Associate Solicitor at the firm.

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.

Norfolk Chamber members can book now for just £25+VAT.

Business Ratepayers Consultation Event

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Norfolk Chamber is delighted to be working in partnership with the Norfolk County Council to deliver the annual Business Ratepayers Consultation event. This event provides local business ratepayers with the opportunity to learn more about the County Council’s budget planning and prospects for 2019/20 – and to discuss the impact of this on the County’s delivery of key services as well as the impact on the economy. Come and join this forum for business and Council leaders to contribute to and shape the debate around the benefits and impact of these issues. Our guest speakers will be Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council and Simon George, Executive Director of Finance. Andrew Proctor was appointed Leader of Norfolk County Council in June 2018.  He was previously  Leader of Broadland District Council 2011-2018 and Deputy Leader for 8 years prior to that. Andrew has considerable experience in corporate peer challenges and specific areas such as planning. He was chairman of Broadland Growth Ltd a joint venture development company between Broadland District Council and Norfolk Property Services delivering a multi-award winning Passivhaus scheme. Andrew’s key areas of expertise include finance, planning and wider commercial activities. He will be presenting at Norfolk County Council’s Annual Business Ratepayers Consultation on 30th January, taking questions from local business representatives and listening to their views.

SSAF win Best Residential & Commercial Window Film Company 2024 East Anglia

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“Our award is for Best Residential & Commercial Window Film Company 2024 East Anglia.

Awarded by SME News

To celebrate our award we would like to offer all current members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce a 10% discount.

SSAF Window Films Ltd., we offer an extensive selection of window films tailored to enhance the appearance and performance of glass surfaces. Our product range includes:

  • Solar Control Films: Reduce heat and glare while maintaining natural light and clear views.

  • Privacy Films: Provide privacy without sacrificing daylight or aesthetics, ideal for office partitions and bathroom windows.

  • Energy Saving Films: Improve energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling costs.

  • Safety and Security Films: Strengthen glass to protect against breakage and deter potential intruders.

  • Decorative Films: Enhance interior design with custom patterns, textures, and colours.

  • Bespoke films: Speak to our inhouse design team about having your brand printed onto window film.”