Onestop Webshop provides the complete eCommerce solution for those looking to trade online.
Our name says it all – we can help create your Web Shop, from bespoke eCommerce Design to Web Store Creation to Online Marketing.
We work with hosted eCommerce solutions such as Shopify and Big-Commerce to eCommerce platforms such as Magento Commerce and can tailor our service to meet your requirements.
We understand business, what makes your brand compelling and what it takes to get consumers buying from your store. That’s why we won’t just sell you a Web Design (although that is part of our service) but will work with you to make your business a success. Of course, if you need assistance in deciding the right approach for your store then we are happy to provide guidance on the technical aspect of setting up your online shop.
For more information and to discuss your requirements, call us on 01603 327323
Business planning and strategy can seem overwhelming. This practical, interactive workshop will be delivered by Larking Gowen Partner, Mark Curtis. For over a decade Mark has been working with his clients to drive growth and change. Now, all small and medium sized businesses in the region have the opportunity to benefit from this knowledge and experience.
This workshop will: • Identify key areas that will unlock the potential of your business • Learn how to create and implement a plan to achieve better results • Provide you with tools and techniques that you can use time and time again
When and where? Thursday 12 July 2018 – Norwich Larking Gowen, King Street House, 15 Upper King Street, Norwich, NR3 1RB
Timings 8:30am arrival – breakfast rolls, tea and coffee available 1:00pm finish – Informal lunch and discussions
Early bird offer Secure your early bird place and invest in yourself for only £197* plus VAT per person by quoting EB50 when you checkout. This workshop is usually priced at £247 plus VAT per person. This cost covers all materials for the workshop, breakfast, refreshments and lunch.
*This is an early bird discounted rate and is subject to change without notice.
On a crisp January morning, delegates from across the county joined the Norfolk Chamber at the Sea Life Centre for a Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast on Sales Success in 2014
Delegates got the networking off to a great start with a cup of coffee and an ice breaker to warm them up on a winter morning. They then got to take part in a prize draw to win a signed copy of Terrines & Verrines by celebrity Chef Franck Pontais & the winner was Mark Ellaway from Bigfork Ltd. Our key note speaker Elliot Symonds, Sales Manager at Jarrold Training, then delivered a fantastic presentation, providing delegates with top tips to close the deal. Following this, delegates got another chance for some more networking with a safari move and a chance for them to try out what they learnt.
Elliot started his presentation off by setting the scene of what Jarrold Training do and who they are. He then went on to outline the 7 key closing techniques that someone can use, focusing on the Duke of Wellington (or if you’re American the Abraham Lincoln) closing technique. He finished his presentation talking about the 7 Safari animals including the shark & the whale. This lead perfectly onto the safari networking where the delegates got to move to another table and try the Duke of Wellington technique on each other.
The event ended with the delegates being able to go on a tour of the Sea Life Centre and get hands on with the creatures of the deep blue sea. Our next Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast is scheduled for the 3 April 2014 to book or for more informationclick here. Some of the tweets from yesterday’s event are below
The Univiersity of East Anglia invites you to “Brexit: Recap, Rethink, Recalculate”, a one-day workshop on Monday 9 July at Earlham Hall.
Academics, government officials, and businesses will address a range of topics identified as most relevant for UK industry, including rules on competition, trade in services, trade remedies, public procurement, the Fintech industry, and more.
The first new Freeports will be established after we leave the EU, to turbocharge growth and ensure towns and cities across the UK benefit from Brexit trade opportunities.
Ports and airports across the UK will be invited to bid to become one of up to 10 Freeports.
The Freeports Advisory Panel will include Ministers from the Department for International Trade and HM Treasury, as well as experts including technology advisor Daniel Korski, small business champion Emma Jones MBE, tax specialist Tom Clougherty and economist Dr Eamonn Butler.
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss – Norfolk MP for South West Norfolk, has announced a new Freeports Advisory Panel to advise the government on the establishment of up to 10 Freeports.
Expected to transform the country’s ports and airports just as freedoms transformed London’s Docklands in the 1980s, up to ten Freeports will be created after the UK leaves the EU on 31 October. More details on how ports and airports across the country will be able to bid for Freeport status will be announced soon.
Freeports are hubs for business and enterprise for both manufacturing and services trade. These could be free of unnecessary checks and paperwork, and include customs and tax benefits. These zones reduce costs and bureaucracy, encouraging manufacturing businesses to set up or re-shore. The most successful Freeports globally attract businesses and create jobs for local people through liberalised planning laws.
Freeports ensure Britain’s port cities and airports are ready to take full advantage of post-Brexit opportunities, including increased trade with the USA and fast-growing Asian markets as we sign our first free trade deals with global partners.
Britain’s decision to leave the EU on 31st October will mean we can operate an independent trade policy for the first time in 45 years, setting our own regulations and developing our own policies to boost economies around the country.
Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“We welcome any opportunity that enables Norfolk businesses to benefit from being able to import and export easily. With our region have some significant ports, such as Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe, one of the UK’s busiest container ports, we would call for the East of England to be one of the areas in which a Freeport is established. We stand ready with our colleagues across the East of England to ensure our region benefits from this initiative.”
There are already thousands of very successful free trading zones around the world, with the United States having pioneered the creation of over 250 free trade zones, employing 420,000 people, many in high-skilled manufacturing jobs. If the UK model is implemented as successfully, it could have a significant economic impact.
Today, Liz Truss will see how becoming a Freeport could benefit one of the UK’s major ports in the Northern Powerhouse, Teesport, alongside Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. The Mayor has championed Freeports, and a report commissioned by his authority found a Freeport could provide a significant boost to his region and the UK area’s GDP. Other ports which have expressed an interest in the bidding process include the Port of Tyne, Milford Haven and London Gateway.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss MP said:
“Freedoms transformed London’s Docklands in the 1980s, and Freeports will do the same for towns and cities across the UK. They will onshore enterprise and manufacturing as the gateway to our future prosperity, creating thousands of jobs.
“We will have a truly independent trade policy after we leave the EU on October 31. I look forward to working with the Freeports Advisory Panel to create the world’s most advanced Freeport model and launch the new ports as soon as possible.”
Case study: USA
There are many Freeport models across the US, known as Foreign Trade Zones. One such port is in Miami, which sees over 7 million tons of cargo pass through its port every year. Businesses within the zone can import, warehouse and re-export products duty-free. This cuts down costs for businesses, helping them become more globally competitive. Businesses can also defer paying tax on their products while they are stored on site, adding peace of mind for businesses looking to manage cash flow and respond more quickly to spikes in demand for their products. Freeports with less regulation doesn’t just help businesses cut down on paperwork, but they offer greater flexibility on when, where, and how they trade.
I am very pleased to invite you to join us at one of our free 45-minute seminars in Norwich, on any of the following dates:
2nd July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 5pm – 6pm
3rd July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 8am – 9am
3rd July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 5pm – 6pm
4th July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 8am – 9am
All senior leaders and executives are under constant pressure to improve operational performance within an ever more demanding commercial environment. Often initiatives, such as new product or service development, cost reduction exercises, staff engagement or quality improvement plans, are put in place to maintain competitiveness, improve performance or just survive. However, we believe sustainable competitiveness and delivering considerably ‘more for less’ requires more fundamental organisational change, hence the emergence of the ‘business transformation’ approach to driving organisational performance, growth and success. Prospect Consultancy is a Norwich-based consultancy offering proven expertise in organisational development and business transformation. This seminar explores the challenges and opportunities for large or small organisations that are interested in implementing the principles of business transformation to achieve effective organisational improvement. We will share a range of case studies, including the recent transformation of a group of large public sector organisations into one high performing private sector company, delivered through innovative business transformation disciplines and led by our Norfolk based team. This seminar offers insights into how all organisations, public, not-for-profit and private, can effect significant, comprehensive and lasting change. To book your place please contact: enquiries@prospectconsultancy.org.uk by 22nd June 2018 For further information about Prospect Consultancy please visit or click on the Event Flyer attached: www.prospectconsultancy.org.uk
I am very pleased to invite you to join us at one of our free 45-minute seminars in Norwich, on any of the following dates:
2nd July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 5pm – 6pm
3rd July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 8am – 9am
3rd July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 5pm – 6pm
4th July 2018 Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich 8am – 9am
All senior leaders and executives are under constant pressure to improve operational performance within an ever more demanding commercial environment. Often initiatives, such as new product or service development, cost reduction exercises, staff engagement or quality improvement plans, are put in place to maintain competitiveness, improve performance or just survive. However, we believe sustainable competitiveness and delivering considerably ‘more for less’ requires more fundamental organisational change, hence the emergence of the ‘business transformation’ approach to driving organisational performance, growth and success. Prospect Consultancy is a Norwich-based consultancy offering proven expertise in organisational development and business transformation. This seminar explores the challenges and opportunities for large or small organisations that are interested in implementing the principles of business transformation to achieve effective organisational improvement. We will share a range of case studies, including the recent transformation of a group of large public sector organisations into one high performing private sector company, delivered through innovative business transformation disciplines and led by our Norfolk based team. This seminar offers insights into how all organisations, public, not-for-profit and private, can effect significant, comprehensive and lasting change. To book your place please contact: enquiries@prospectconsultancy.org.uk by 22nd June 2018 For further information about Prospect Consultancy please visit or click on the Event Flyer attached: www.prospectconsultancy.org.uk
Are you standing comfortably? Arms by your side and breathe…
There was a buzzy, warm atmosphere as our members chatted over their early coffees, and we welcomed lots of new faces to our South Norfolk breakfast at Barnham Broom. The diversity of businesses that attend our events was definitely on show, ranging from Mark Fraser Valuations covering Probate Insurance, Cruise Ship travels with Maxine Smile to the Amazing Anthony, Magician and Mind reader.
One guest, who was invited along by one of the Customer Experience Team asked, ‘Do I have to stand up and talk? I’m not sure what I have to do?’
After reassuring them there is no standing up and talking (unless, of course you are our guest speaker), helping them to a coffee and introducing them to other members, they could see how relaxed and informal our networking events are. As Account Managers, our role is to support you and your business in your membership from your first event to
Our Guest speaker Paul Ward was witty and refreshingly open as he explained the motivational route that led him to Director and founder of Solace Coaching.
He took us on a journey that had us searching for a head up the midnight hills of Dartmoor, back to the offices of retail giant Argos!
Paul created Solace Coaching with a focus on improving business performance, and has led projects on improving customer service, introduced coaching into retail management and supported the transition of management within retail to that based on coaching, removing limits on the traditional model. In other work, Paul has worked within the charity and non-profit sector where he was responsible for staff satisfaction at all levels from those who volunteer within retail environments, to chief executives and directors. We heard about two of the tools he uses; NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and Motivational Maps – if you would like to hear more about these you can contact him here.
Our feature charity was New-U Enterprises, with Sue Buffin and Caitlin Searle coming along to talk about their wonderful charity. New-U offers individualised work experience placements in a flexible and supportive environment, to long term unemployed young people to help them progress towards work, training or volunteering.
They do this in our clothes and accessories swap shop in Castle Mall, Norwich
If you are interested in finding out more, or how you could help Sue and Caitlin then please email Sue Buffin who would love to hear from you
You can read some case studies, and more about New-U in the attached file.
At our flagship Economic Breakfast on Wednesday 2nd October we were joined by British Chambers of Commerce’s Economist Suren Thiru. We also had two of our lovely Chambers Business Award regional winners with us: Gnaw Chocolate who won Export Business of the Year, and Indigo Swan who scooped the Workplace Wellbeing award. They were presented with their awards by Chris Sargisson, Norfolk Chambers CEO, who praised the excellent work that both companies do.
Suren gave a very honest view of the state of the UK Economy including factors affecting businesses, the UK’s place in the global economy, and how the East of England is faring in comparison to other regions. He outlined a number of factors affecting businesses and the wider economy such exchange rates, employment costs, and late payments. He also acknowledged that uncertainty in the wider economy has a real impact, including Brexit, the global economic slowdown, and the possibility of a forthcoming general election.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom though as he highlighted the fact that the UK is not alone, across the globe economies are slowing down. There was good news for the East specifically as we are in the top 4 of regions in the UK for productivity. Overall it was a very frank assessment of the current climate and provided delegates with some good food for thought on what they can do to strengthen their business positions.
We also heard from Richard Bailey from Steeles Law, who sponsored the morning, on their year of aspiration, growth and celebrations as Steeles Law turns 50! Delegates also heard about the excellent work that the featured charity, OPEN, do supporting the local youth community.
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey – now in its thirtieth year as the largest UK private sector survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth– found that UK economic conditions weakened in the third quarter amid a significant deterioration in manufacturing sector activity.
The balanceof Norfolk manufacturersreportingincreasedexport orders lowest levels since before EU Referendum
The balance of manufacturers reporting improved cashflow drops once again into negative territory
The latest results of the survey of 6,600UKfirms, including those from Norfolk,that employ roughly 1.2 million people, point to an economy sagging under the weight of relentless uncertainty, another looming Brexit deadline, and deteriorating global economic conditions amid heightened trade tensions.
In the Norfolk manufacturing sector, there was a marked downward shift in many indicators in the third quarter. The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales remained weak and domestic orders also remained in negative territory – indicating more businesses saw a decrease than increase. The balance of firms reporting increased export sales dropped to its lowest level since Q1 2016 and the balance for export orders went negative and also stood at its lowest level since Q1 2016. Business confidence in turnover and profitability among manufacturers continued to fall.
The dominant Norfolk services sector saw a decrease in the balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales and orders, and export orders. The balance of firms confident in turnover and profitability improvements also fell in the quarter, as did the balance for investment in training.
Manufacturers reported that their cashflow position – a key indicator of the financial health of a business – has deteriorated. In the services sector, cashflow held steady, but remains extremely low by historical standards.
Responding to the alarming findings, the BCC is imploring Westminster to take urgent action. In the coming weeks, both government and parliament must do everything in their power to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit, while at the same time taking bold action to incentivise investment and to cut the high up-front cost of doing business in the UK. In an unwanted no-deal scenario, additional targeted measures will need to be taken by government to support businesses through unprecedented times of turbulence and change.
Reacting to the results, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“This is a reality check, not scaremongering or politicking. These are some of the worst Norfolk figures we’ve seen in sometime – and Norfolk jobs, businesses, and the future success of our local communities are on the line.
“Behind each and every one of these statistics sit thousands of real businesses, who are feeling the cold harsh winds of Brexit uncertainty and global trade turbulence right now.
“We need to see immediate action to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit on October 31st, alongside bold measures to stimulate investment and confidence across the UK and Norfolk. The government must also make urgent preparations to support business cashflow, where the strains of acute uncertainty are hitting businesses, and particularly manufacturers, hard.”
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Our findings point to a worrying drop-off in UK economic activity, with unrelenting uncertainty over Brexit and a notable slowing in global growth prospects dragging down almost all the key indicators in the quarter.
“The manufacturing sector continues to toil under the weight of diminishing cashflow, weakening global demand and disrupted supply chains, and the data indicates that the sector was a drag on UK GDP growth in the quarter. Although the slowdown in a number of the key service sector indicators was relatively modest, slowing activity in the sector is a concern given its dominant share of overall UK economic output. A stuttering services sector coupled with a worrying downturn in manufacturing activity indicates that any bounce back in UK GDP growth from the contraction in the second quarter is likely to be underwhelming at best.
“Looking forward, weakening orders, confidence and investment intentions suggest that unless action is taken the UK’s current weak growth trajectory could drift markedly lower over the near term.”
Key findings in the Q3 2019 survey:
Norfolk Manufacturing sector:
The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales rose from -13 in Q2 2019, to 0, whilst those reporting increased domestic orders rose, but remained in negative territory from -19 to -11.
The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell from +23 to -6 and the balance of firms reporting increased export orders dropped from +15 to -24.
The balance of firms reporting improved cashflow fell into negative territory from +25 to -5.
The balance of firms increasing investment in plant/machinery rose in the quarter from -19 to +10 remaining historically weak, and investment in training rose from -6 to +10.
The balance of firms confident that turnover and profitability will increase in the next 12 months fell from +50 to +38 for turnover and from +19 to +14 for profitability.
Norfolk Services sector:
The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell from +12 in Q2 2019 to +8. Those reporting increased domestic orders fell slightly from +4 to 0.
The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell from +4 to -5. Those reporting increased export orders continuing in negative territory fell still further from -4 to -5.
The balance of firms reporting improved cashflow rose very slightly from -5 to +2 but remains weak by historic standards.
The balance of firms looking to increase investment in plant and machinery drastically fell from +2 to -14 and fell slightly from +10 to +7 in training.
The balance of firms confident that turnover and profitability will improve over the next year decreased from +30 to +10 for turnover from +12 to -5 for profitability.
The B2B Exhibition 2019 kicks off next week at its new venue: Norfolk Showground. Welcoming hundreds of local businesses, this free to attend event will be a day full of face-to-face networking, relationship building, expert knowledge and problem solving. Opening doors at 10am on Thursday 17th October, The B2B Exhibition is a showcase of how brilliant business is in Norfolk and across the East of England. 100 exhibitors will be displaying their products and services at the show, giving you solutions to your business needs. On the day we’ll be welcoming a wide range of sectors from banking and charities, to consultants and software developers. At B2B our exhibitors are very generous with plenty of exclusive offers, discounts, competitions and giveaways to take advantage of. Some of our picks from this year include Norwich Sunblinds who are doing 3 for 2 on own brand sunblinds, 10% off new websites with Unity.Online and the opportunity to win an overnight stay with Maids Head Hotel. Take a look at our exhibitor offers page to see a full list of what’s up for grabs! Click here. Visitors to the show also have the opportunity to win big in our B2B treasure trail. When you arrive, you’ll be given a stamp card. Visit the 10 stands in the trail, get your card stamped, hand the completed card back in when you leave and you’ll be entered to win £75. However, if you visit the stands in a randomly, pre-generated, secret order, you’ll instantly win £5,000! We have an exciting line-up of knowledgeable workshops running throughout the day, with everything from customer service on social media to building trust within your business. For 2019 we are also introducing speed networking sessions, led by networking, energy expert Ian Hacon of Energise.me. View our full programme here. When the time comes and you need to take a break from the madness of the show, visit our café area where you can purchase drinks from the Green Farm Coffee Van, and lunch items and snacks from The Feed. Or if you’re feeling really hungry, pop outside the exhibition where The Bucket List will be set up with their Norfolk famous loaded fries. Don’t forget to also visit our amazing sponsors at the show. Our Media Partners Archant will be giving out their classic EDP goody bags on stand 26, and close by will be Birketts LLP on stand 29b with their expert team. Desira Group who have sponsored the exhibition entrance will be bringing a fleet of vehicles to create an outdoor display to welcome you to the exhibition, as well as welcoming you inside on stand 27. Look out for our event guide in the EDP on Wednesday 9th October, and make sure you book your free tickets to attend The B2B Exhibition 2019 today! Booking advance tickets means you can skip the queue and be entered into our prize draw. Book today: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/b2b
