We are pleased to invite you to a free networking breakfast event ‘Enterprise and Entrepreneurship’ on 5 March, 7.30 -9.00am at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.
Join us to find out and learn more about The Enterprise Centre, one of the country’s most inspiring workplaces, currently being built atUniversity of East Anglia. Programmed to be operational this year, it will be a business interchange where entrepreneurs and innovators are inspired and supported to develop their businesses and lead the way in a sustainable economy. Norwich Business School’s (NBS) new MSc Enterprise and Business Creation course will be delivered in our new iconic building. Find out how you can be part of it.
Who should attend? This event is aimed at companies with ambitions to grow and seeking expert knowledge and advice from academics and other University professionals who are experienced in working with businesses.
Registration Registration for this event is now open; pleasevisit this page to register your place before 24 February 2015.
Cost This event is FREE to attend and includes free parking. This event is hosted by NBS and Adapt, a major strategic group in UEA dedicated commercialisation, support and investment in the low carbon sector. Adapt is currently delivering projects in excess of £75m with significant economic and social impact.
Please contact us atadapt.events@uea.ac.ukor call 01603 591765 if you have any questions about this event.
The first North Norfolk Business Awards were held last week hosted by Chris Sargisson, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, with seven businesses of all sizes and sectors taking home winners’ trophies.
The victorious seven were:
Agricultural Award -Sands Agricultural Machinery, crop-sprayer manufacturer
Business Development and Innovation Award – Structure-flex, heavy-duty thermoplastic coated technical textiles
Business Growth Award – PSS, steering for trucks, buses, vans and military vehicles
Environment Award – Woodfruits, organic shiitake mushrooms
New Business Award – Amber’s Rose,flower preservation
Tourism and Hospitality Award – Thursford Christmas Spectacular, festive variety show
Young People and Skills Award – Bill Cleyndert & Company, custom-made furniture
The awards were organised by North Norfolk District Council on Thursday 15 February and included a dinner at Gresham’s School.
After the event, NNDC Leader Cllr Tom FitzPatrick said: “One of the main purposes of the awards was to promote the quality and diversity of the district’s business scene.
“If you look at the list of winners it has done just that – businesses large and small; businesses which provide entertainment, specialist services, small scale environmental operations and manufacturing were all included. Many thanks to all those involved with supporting the event, entering the awards and, overall, showing that we have a great deal to celebrate here in North Norfolk in terms of business success and ambition.”
The evening also saw the unveiling of one of the Go Go Hares being supported by North Norfolk District Council for this summer’s Break Charity trails around Norwich and Norfolk. Break representatives attended the awards to speak about the charity, the trails and their gratitude for support from all around the county in setting up the event. The hare revealed, called Something for the Weekend and decorated by artist Anne Schwegmann-Fielding using white, silver and gold crockery, mirror circles and bus shelter glass, will be placed in North Walsham for the opening of the trail in June.
To view all the photos from the business award click here.
Norfolk Chamber today welcomed the decision by Vattenfall to opt for a cabling technology which will reduce the potential impact of the wind farm’s onshore connection between landfall and the National Grid.
Vattenfall, the energy group behind the Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm, made the significant design decision to deploy High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable technology to connect Norfolk Vanguard and its sister project Norfolk Boreas to the UK’s National Grid.
The wind farm developer said today that it has made a strategic decision to back HVDC for its Norfolk wind farms as it believes it will be cost competitive in the early 20’s with HVAC whilst being better for local people and the environment where onshore infrastructure is located.
After eight exhibitions in Norfolk and direct feedback from nearly 800 individuals and organisations, Vattenfall set out its local design decisions in an Interim Consultation Report, published today. This report shows how the views of local people and statutory consultees have influenced the latest design of the offshore wind farm and onshore electrical infrastructure.
The key design decisions include:
Adoption of HVDC transmission connections which will avoid the need for cable relay stations near Happisburgh for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas
Using HVDC transmission technology means a much narrower cable corridor throughout – offshore and onshore. The 45m wide onshore cable corridor running from landfall near Happisburgh to a substation near Necton, 60km away, allows Vattenfall to avoid sensitive sites including historical heritage, like buried archaeology near St Mary’s Chapel, Kerdiston and a medieval moat north of Necton. (Vattenfall originally used a 100metre corridor in line with HVAC requirements).
Long range horizontal direction drilling (HDD) at landfall near Happisburgh – where power transmission cables from the offshore wind farm come ashore – will avoid impact on the cliffs and mean no works are required on the beach
Due to additional long range HDD, Vattenfall will avoid impact on all county wildlife sites and a number of important local amenity and tourism sites by adding further sections of trenchless crossing. As a result, features like Paston Way, Knapton Cutting, the Marriott’s Way and Wendling Carr will be avoided
Near Necton, the HVDC Norfolk Vanguard substation will be quieter than the HVAC alternative as it will incorporate fewer low-frequency noise emitting components and acoustic insulation. Also, the footprint of the HVDC project substation will not change, but the structure will be enclosed in taller buildings than the HVAC alternative. Vattenfall will work with local residents and groups to minimise the substation’s impact.
Commenting on the decision, Nova Fairbank, Public affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Vattenfall’s decision to use HVDC shows that they have truly listened to the feedback they have received from both residents and businesses alike. The Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind projects have the potential to deliver skills and local jobs for the future generations both onshore and offshore; together with supply chain opportunities to a diverse range sectors – all of which will help increase economic growth in Norfolk.”
Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager of the Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm development, said: “We have listened very carefully to what local people told us about our plans for Norfolk Vanguard. In combination with our strategic review of transmission technology, the concerns raised by local people have influenced our decision to adopt pioneering HVDC infrastructure for Norfolk Vanguard. By backing HVDC technology, we will minimise the impact on people and the environment whilst keeping the cost of electricity down for the British consumer.”
Ruari added: “I would like to thank all of those people and organisations who have set out their hopes and concerns in evidence based feedback about our proposals for Norfolk Vanguard. It has been enormously helpful to us.”
Vattenfall will submit final plans for Norfolk Vanguard to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2018. Norfolk Boreas, also 1.8GW, is following Norfolk Vanguard in the planning process.
Kind-hearted students are basking in ‘story’ after donating a bumper haul of books to charity.
The giant collection, ranging from children’s classics to fiction and academic textbooks, has been handed to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by The Thetford Academy.
They will be distributed throughout the charity’s 46 shops.
The Thetford Academy has previously supported EACH but this is its first donation since before the Covid pandemic.
“Our students and staff are always keen to support local charities,” said School Librarian Jacqueline Browne.
“We’re therefore very proud to be able to donate our ‘pre-loved’ books to a charity that does so much work for local children who need care and support during difficult times.
“We want to say a huge thank you to our local community, who have been very generous in donating lots of books to us following their lockdown clear outs.
“EACH is such a worthwhile cause and we’re delighted to help generate income for a charity that specifically supports the children, young people, and families of our region – something we feel immensely passionate about ourselves.”
In addition to its donation of around 500 books, the school also held a book sale and raised just over £30 for EACH.
Stephen Ball, EACH’s Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Manager, said: “Our sincere thanks go to The Thetford Academy.
“It’s a very generous donation and these books will now be distributed throughout our shops, as and when required and requested.
“They will generate vital income to help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.
EACH Retail Central Support Administrator Jo Wilding and volunteer Dorothy King are pictured with the books at the charity’s Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
An opportunity to hear the Norfolk results of the UK’s largest independent business survey. The Chambers’ Quarterly Economic Survey was conducted during the sharpest recession since records began between 24 August – 14 September 2020, the results capture the full impact of recession on the Norfolk business community.
Hear what businesses had to say about their sales and orders, investment intentions and their levels of confidence in comparison to the regional and national results.
About the presenter
Nova Fairbank – Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce
Responsible for ensuring that the Norfolk Chambers maintains its position as a leading ‘voice of business’ in Norfolk, through influencing and lobbying on issues affecting the Chambers membership. This is achieved by raising and highlighting the policy position of the Norfolk Chambers at a local, regional and national level on key issues. Monitoring of local policies and projects/initiatives that directly impact upon Norfolk Chamber members and ensure relevant action is taken using the Norfolk Chambers Area Councils and Special Interest Groups, board members and the wider Chambers membership.
Nova is also responsible for the issue, completion and collation and analysis of the Quarterly Economic Survey results, which highlight the economic position of Norfolk, through engagement with the local business community.
Commenting on the deal struck by eurozone leaders in Brussels overnight, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Norfolk businesses, and exporters in particular, say the eurozone crisis is one of the greatest source of uncertainty they currently face.
“As the political summits drag on, the sense of frustration, concern and exasperation continues to mount across the real economy. Companies across Britain and Europe are tired of false dawns. Though there is still more work to be done over the coming weeks, the deal done last night in Brussels needs to stick. Confidence is the lifeblood of the European economy, and decisive action is needed to stabilise it, and quickly.
“Meanwhile, the UK government must ensure that British companies get improved access to finance from the European Investment Bank in return for the contribution our Exchequer is making to the new all-EU growth package. Tough conditions are required to ensure that the UK, as a major shareholder in the Bank, sees a far greater share of its resulting investment. Otherwise we will have added needlessly to our national debt without any real benefit to our own recovery.”
Despite the recent uncertainty in the economic and property markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia continues to soldier through in finding creative solutions to overcome its problems. We believe this slowdown is temporary and will get back to normal within the short to medium term.
In spite of this situation, Merdeka 118, a landmark development in Malaysia, is now back on track and is set to be completed by 2022. Strategically located with world-class amenities, the Merdeka 118 precinct is Malaysia’s much-anticipated centre of commerce, culture and heritage.
Players in the wider property sector have been adapting and finding new ways of navigating their business in a post-pandemic market.
This webinar thus aims to provide participants with holistic solutions and strategies for large-scale property investors, developers or buyers. Join us for insights on the Malaysian property market landscape from our expert speakers and how virtual tours are now used as an effective way to help buyers experience a property in the new normal.
Annual producer output inflation down from 2.9% in May to 2.3% in June; annual producer input inflation down from nil in May to -2.3% in June
Commenting on the producer price figures for June 2012, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“The decline in producer price inflation shows that both output and input measures are at their lowest levels since 2009. These figures indicate consumer price inflation is likely to continue falling over the next few months, which will ease pressures facing businesses and individuals and boost consumer spending.
“In the face of tough fiscal austerity at home and difficult problems in the eurozone, falling inflation is the most important single factor underpinning demand in the UK. Nothing should be done to limit the fall in inflation, and the MPC should not use quantitative easing to try and prevent inflation falling below its target. In recent years inflation has been consistently above target and this has dampened economic activity. It is not certain that inflation will fall below target, but if this happened for a short period it would be welcome.
“Meanwhile, the economic situation remains difficult for Norfolk businesses. While the government perseveres with its deficit reduction plan, it should act forcefully to reallocate priorities towards growth. This means more deregulation, supporting business lending and moving towards the creation of a business bank.”
Anglian Water carries out a large number of excavations in the highway. Street works are essential to maintain, extend, renew and repair our network.
We understand these works can have an effect on the Highway network, customers and relationships. Effects of street works can be minimised, leading to less disruption, increased customer satisfaction, risk reduction, improving quality and relationships.
From April 2015 as well as starting new contracts with our Partners, based on Innovation, Collaboration, and Transformation, our regulators have set us some extremely tough operational challenges.
Highway Authorities are key stakeholders with who we need to work collaboratively, enabling us to meet our targets whilst minimising disruption and occupation of the highway.
We would like to invite you to this event to help us develop our street works strategies in order to reach our goal of being the ‘Frontier Performer’ in street works.
Giving a keynote speech will the be the explorer, tv presenter and ‘European Adventurer of the Year 2011’, Ed Stafford. There will also be a mix of short presentations and interactive break out groups.
For more information and to register for this event please clickhere
The UK faces a significant mental health crisis among men, with various statistics highlighting the challenges they face:
Mental Health Disorder: 12.5% of men in England have a mental health disorder.
Suicide Rates: Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with 74% of deaths by suicide in 2023 in England being male.
Substance Abuse: Men are more likely to develop a problem with substances, with 4.3% of men having a dependence.
Mental Health Awareness: Only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men.
Workplace Concerns: 52% of men would be concerned about taking time off for mental health-related reasons.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and action to improve mental health outcomes for men in the UK.
TAKE ACTION NOW and seek support from Eudaemonia who have a number of therapists who will ‘meet you where you are at’ to help you invest in your mental health and wellbeing!
Thursday 12th March 2015 at Springwood High School from 7pm (West Norfolk Academies Trust)
Looking for your next move in Teaching? Are you training in a School? Are you a Teaching Assistant in a School? Are you a Graduate thinking about working or Training in a School?
Do you want to join a successful and supportive organisation which supports students and developes staff? – come and talk to us!
On Thursday 22nd February over 100 Norfolk Chamber members joined us at Norwich City Football Club for a morning of networking with a delicious breakfast and a presentation from Mike Jones, Former General Manager of BT Business Specialist Sales on the Future of Work.
We also had Wrightway Health, Marketing Mavens, Bigfork, Select Office furniture, BT Local Business and our featured charity Musical Keys all had exhibition stands at the breakfast.
Our Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson hosted the event he started by highlighting key themes that members have identified as opportunities and challenges for 2018. Chris highlighted a big day in Norfolk’s calendar coming up on Friday 27th July called ‘Norfolk Day’ this is a day for businesses to go out and show what they love about Norfolk.
Members started off the morning with Business Bingo our networking activity for the morning. A full English breakfast was served and members got a chance to speak to the people they were sat with. To introduce more networking member were mixed up with a safari move swapping them to different tables to make more connections.
Mike Jones took the floor after breakfast to give guests an insight into the future of what work will be like with the new emerging technology and what the world would look like with driverless cars in the future.