One of our members will be leaving with a fantastic prize from Barnham Broom Hotel & Spa! An Overnight stay for two, with breakfast and full use of the Health & Fitness Club! So come along and start the New Year by making new connections at our first South Norfolk Networking Breakfast of 2020! Our friendly team will welcome you as you arrive, helping to make you feel relaxed and ready to go. Don’t forget our team are there to support you, let us know if there’s specific people you’d like to meet and we can make those introductions. There will be free networking time to allow you to meet new businesses or catch up with existing contacts. This will be followed by a networking activity to spark conversations, and breakfast to continue getting to know those on your table. We also welcome our speaker, Graeme Taplin, Director of Drone Photography who moved to Norfolk in 2001 from Melbourne, Australia. Drones are an exciting and growing technology, used in a wide range of creative, commercial and industrial applications. As well as looking close up at hiis fleet of drones, find out what stops a drone from flying over the football ground during a match to watch it live? Following the Gatwick Drone incident last year find out how regulations have changed and what the future holds. The breakfast will then come to a close, however all guests are welcome to continue discussion and networking.
On Thursday 17th August over 50 guests joined us at Jarrold Norwich for an informal evening of fun, fashion and networking! The evening started with a networking icebreaker called the outfit challenge, this involved guests getting into groups and picking an on-trend outfit from the fashion floor for under £250. Each team presented their outfit and were judged by the Jarrold’s stylists. The winning outfit included Black jeans and textured white jacket. Jarrold provided a delicious buffet which guests tucked into before and after the networking challenge and the wine was flowing throughout the evening.
Following guests were treated to a beauty demonstration by MAC and fashion show from the Jarrold’s team. The evening was closed with a raffle prize draw with prizes from Jarrold and an exclusive hour for guests to shop around the fashion floor. All guests left with a big smile on their face, and several left with a new piece for their wardrobe! The next upcoming event is Talking Technology on Thursday 20th September at The Space in Norwich https://bit.ly/2x5bNCW
Norwich based packing machinery firm Redpack, has bolstered its commitment to cutting down on waste and saved 50% on its bills thanks to a new waste management contract with Anglian.
The company produces packing and end-of-line machinery for the fresh produce, snacks, meat and dairy industries, with its equipment used in over 50 countries worldwide. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Redpack as it continually seeks new ways to reduce packaging and use more sustainable materials, alongside a commitment to reduce the waste produced within the business itself.
Having previously used two national waste management providers for its bin contracts over the past eight years, Redpack decided it was time to make a change, looking for a company which could better support its dedication to the environment.
Gary Howard, general manager at Redpack, explains: “As a company, we’re committed to reducing waste of every kind – whether it’s wasted produce, time, money or materials. Our previous waste management providers weren’t supporting our aims and we felt like a number, rather than a customer to them. We wanted a waste management company who would work in partnership with us to help us recycle as much as possible.”
Working with Redpack, Anglian undertook a waste audit to look at what was being thrown away and then implemented a range of new bins to enable staff to dispose of each waste stream correctly. These include general waste, organic materials, wood and dry mixed recyclables. Alongside the company’s usual waste streams, Anglian also committed to help responsibly dispose of any surplus samples Redpack has when designing new packaging machinery.
Since working with Anglian, not only has Redpack reduced its costs by 50%, but it has also boosted its recycling rates. Now 75% of all its waste goes straight into recycling bins – a huge increase on the 20% it collected previously. All waste is brought back to Anglian’s facility in Attleborough for processing, with zero being sent to landfill. A monthly report also helps Redpack to review its progress and identify opportunities to recycle more.
Gary Howard, general manager at Redpack, sums up: “Anglian sold us the dream and then kept their word. We have been nothing but impressed with the care, attention to detail and customer service we’ve received from them. As a local company, we are delighted to support another local business and see our waste being processed here in the county. However, it also means that we benefit from Anglian being nearby to provide help and support if we need it too.”
Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, said: “We pride ourselves on offering all Anglian clients a personal approach, listening to their needs and doing our utmost to help them achieve their waste and recycling goals. It has been a pleasure to work with Redpack to enable them to dispose of their waste correctly and sustainably, with 0% going to landfill.”
Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see www.anglianrecycling.co.uk
Aurora Borealis ‘Norfolk’ Lights Limited Edition Prints now released. Every print sold will result in a £5 donation to Keeping Abreast. I have decided to support them because all images except the Happisburgh Lighthouse were captured after heading from the KA Fashion Show, in my eyes the decision on which locations chosen and times I arrived at each location was because of where I was when the alerts started going off.
Each mounted fine art print will be strictly limited to 50.
One day Emergency First Aid at Work – All delegates will be awarded a Norvic certificate of attendance accredited by Qualsafe Awards who are recognised by Ofqual. It is valid for three years. Read more
Residents across North Norfolk are being warned to avoid paying private companies that charge for appealing against council-tax bands.
North Norfolk District Council has received reports of people being asked to hand over their bank details by these third parties – all for providing a service that is actually free for householders. Employing one of these companies does not help or influence the outcome of an appeal, and is a complete waste of money.
What makes matters even worse in this instance is that some of these third parties are trying to impose a fee simply for filling out a form, regardless of whether the application to lower the council-tax band proves successful or not.
Cllr Wyndham Northam, NNDC Cabinet member for Revenues and Benefits, said: “If you are a council-tax payer and you want to appeal your council-tax band, it is easy to do this yourself and there is absolutely no charge for doing so.
“Some private operators are very clever at selling their services, but signing up with them means paying an unnecessary fee and receiving absolutely nothing in return that council-tax payers can’t do themselves.”
NNDC warns people to be wary of all cold-callers, especially those demanding bank details. People should never hand over their bank details or other personal information in situations such as this and should always make further inquiries if in any doubt.
Our first Norwich Networking Breakfast of 2020 is sure to be a busy one! Get back into the swing of networking at this regular sell out event. It’s the perfect way to catch up with existing contacts and create new ones, all before the working day. You’ll be treated to The Maids Head Hotel excellent breakfast and service whilst you network and hear from a guest speaker. Don’t forget that our team are also at the event to support you. Whether you want introductions to other attendees, or you just have questions about your membership, we’ll be there to help. Our Guest speaker is Cata Parrish, Owner and Director of Resource General Store and Cafe. Cata and her husband established a so called ‘zero waste’ and low impact store, Resource General Store & Cafe in 2019, after years of research and frustration at how difficult it was to live and buy simply, ethically and affordably – despite it being her main priority. Cata also co-runs The Wellhouse Foundation, a movement and nature based initiative supporting children and families to come home to their bodies and the land; to nurture resilience in families, communities and young people through connection with the land around and under us, and the present moment experience .
The title of Cata’s presentation is ‘They really should do something about it: Why waiting for them is getting us further off topic’
I don’t think it’s as bad as all that. Someone should definitely do something. Its pretty shocking. But we recycle. Its quite expensive isn’t it? Don’t worry, they’ll figure it out in time. I’m just too busy for this right now. Ah no, Tesco is just round the corner. I just don’t have the head space for it currently, sorry. They won’t do that. I don’t have time. They won’t let us do that. But we recycle. He definitely won’t do that. Yes but what actual difference does that make? It’s what milk?
Facebook, the world’s biggest social networking site, has been added this week to the impressive programme of national and local speakers at this year’s Talking Technology 2017 conference in September.
The Norfolk Chamber conference on Wednesday 20th September at The Space, Norwich will feature keynote presentations delivered by industry specialists and workshops on the latest tech innovations that will inspire guests to unlock their businesses growth through technology.
Industry experts will be taking to the stage to discuss the future of technology, including tech giants, Facebook, Microsoft, Aviva and local tech pioneers, Ubisend and Prison Voicemail, to name a few.
Joining the expert line-up is John Carr, Team Lead of Facebook’s Small & Medium Business division for the UK and Ireland. He and his team help clients and agencies get the best results from marketing campaigns on Facebook.
John will be leading a 20 minute keynote presentation on ‘Mobile, Visual, Personal – Future-proofing your business with Facebook’ which will focus on how the world is now mobile meaning business is becoming borderless and the importance of a mobile strategy for your business.
To celebrate success stories of local tech firms, guests will hear from businesses in Norfolk who will share their experiences and expertise on digital and technological developments in a series of short ‘Lightening Talks’. These local names include Tech East, Blue Sky Drones, Step into Tech and Foolproof.
Plus attendees will develop practical skills and take away top tips, from ‘how to create digital content’ to ‘user research’, in four 30 minute expert-led workshops, delivered by leaders in their field: Immersive VR, the User Story, Innershed and Integro.
All this, as well as a Q&A Panel, an exhibition featuring some of the region’s best businesses and a networking lunch where guests can collaborate and share ideas with innovators and members of the local business community directly.
Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber who will be hosting this year’s event said: “Without the knowledge to embrace technology, many businesses are at risk of being left behind. Talking Technology aims to equip all businesses with the knowledge and digital skills that can be implemented in their growth and development. Make sure you are there to take part in giving technology a Norfolk voice and to discover how to unlock digital growth for your business!”
Monday 23rd December Classic Christmas Dinner Dance – Three Course Dinner with Music until Midnight – a great chance to get together with family, friends and work colleagues for a Christmas gathering over the Festive Period… Great value, only £19.50 per person!
Call us to book today and speak to Sarah or Dawn on 01603 741161
Thinking of postgraduate study? Come and find out about postgraduate study opportunities, scholarships available and why our students are some of the most satisfied in the UK.
Our Postgraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15 January 2014 is your chance to find out more about the courses offered in Arts and Humanities, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. Staff and students will answer your questions about our courses, how to make an application and about life as a postgraduate student at UEA. You will also have the chance to take a tour of the award winning campus and see why UEA has been named as the best place in the UK to be a student by the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2013. A wide range of postgraduate courses are available across the disciplines, offered on a full-time and part-time basis, with scholarships available for many courses.
Those interested in studying within the Faculty of Science will also have the chance to explore UEA on Saturday 22 February 2014 at the Science Postgraduate Open Day which offers similar opportunities for finding out more about postgraduate study at the University.
For entry in September 2014, many of the Schools have scholarships available for their postgraduate courses. For further information on the scholarships available please see the University’s website and the individual School pages.
More information about the events and how to register your interest can be found on UEA’s Postgraduate Open Days page.
Improvement work to reduce traffic jams and delays in Great Yarmouth is due to begin on Fuller’s Hill roundabout on Monday, 18 September. Norfolk County Council is spending £650,000 to create an extra lane on the roundabout by reducing the size of the central island. An additional right-hand turn lane will also be put in on the North Quay approach from the north where often queues are particularly bad due to the volume of traffic wanting to get onto the A47. The work is due to take around 14 weeks to complete and is scheduled to finish by Friday, 22 December. During the vast majority of the works, all roads approaching the roundabout will remain open however they will be down to one lane so people travelling through the area should plan for longer journey times than usual, particularly at peak times. When completed, people can expect fewer delays in the area and shorter, more reliable journey times. It’s hoped that air quality may also benefit, with a reduction in queueing stationary traffic giving off emissions.
Commenting on the improvement works, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Fuller’s Hill roundabout is a key gateway junction into Great Yarmouth and the improvement to this junction, as well as the forthcoming improvements to both Vauxhall and Gapton Hall roundabouts will deliver much needed relief to some of the traffic congestion, helping towards improving quality of life and supporting the local economy.”
Martin Wilby, Chairman of the Environment, Development and Transport Committee at Norfolk County Council, said:
“The current Fuller’s Hill roundabout simply wasn’t designed to cope with the amount of traffic that is using it today. Adding an extra lane to the roundabout and creating an additional approach lane for A47-bound traffic should make a big difference and help keep things moving, which in turn will benefit local people’s day-to-day lives and the town’s economy.” Drivers heading for Yarmouth town centre or the seafront from the direction of Caister may wish to avoid the roundabout altogether by turning left to stay on Caister Road which then becomes Northgate Street. A sign will be put up before this turning warning drivers that there could be delays ahead. Efforts are being made to minimise the impact of the work on the town, with the peak summer tourist season completely avoided. If at all possible, the County Council will suspend the work and remove the lane closures for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on and Christmas Fair on the weekend of 24 to 26 November. There will be a need to close the roundabout and all approach roads overnight for five nights, these closures will take place towards the end of the works and are necessary to allow the roads to be resurfaced and repainted safely. This work has been scheduled to be carried out overnight specifically to reduce the impact on people who use these routes. No other complete road closures are planned. The Fuller’s Hill roundabout improvement work is part of a multimillion pound programme to transform the Great Yarmouth area over the coming years to make it easier for people to get to and around and make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit. This will help attract future investment and economic development to the area, creating skilled jobs, business opportunities and giving local people a better quality of life. Norfolk County Council has been allocated £9 million by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to make road and transport improvements in the town. Along with the Fuller’s Hill roundabout works, schemes planned in the near future include improvements to North Quay, The Conge and the rail station forecourt. Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “These improvements will play a big part in easing congestion for local people, businesses and visitors to the town. When taken as part of the wider £9m project they will have huge benefits for the economy of Great Yarmouth, the surrounding area and our region as a whole.” Signs are already in place near Fuller’s Hill roundabout about the upcoming works and likely delays. Further information on this scheme and those mentioned above will be available shortly on the Norfolk County Council website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/tfgy
The prestigious West Norfolk President’s Charity Dinner is back this November following a fantastic evening in 2018! You will be welcomed with canapes and drinks whilst local String Quartet, Kavolini, play for you to network to. During the dinner Michael will be leading on a wine flight, accompanied by a six course menu produced by the Bank House Hotel. Our President in West Norfolk, Michael Baldwin, invites you to join him at one of the Chambers’ showcase events to celebrate the best of West Norfolk business. This black-tie dinner provides networking opportunities at the highest level. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to this years chosen charity, The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House. The Norfolk Hospice offer support, care and advice to patients over the age of 18, their carers and families through all stages of illness. Help us raise even more money for these worthwhile causes, by donating a raffle prize for the evening. If you would like to donate a raffle prize please email hello@norfolkchamber.co.uk.