The Norwich Society celebrates Norwich’s unique character and beauty, helps preserve its heritage and contributes to shaping its future. We are seeking to develop closer links with businesses in Norwich in order to better inform our strategic thinking on the city’s future. Business and commerce has given the city its heritage and unique character – together we can work to leave a richer inheritance for future generations. We are seeking views on our Business Membership Scheme and how we can better engage with local businesses. Our questionnaire should only take a few minutes and we would really value your participation. https://forms.gle/asfXqU8DAjcCD73g6 For more information about our activities check out our website www.thenorwichsociety.org.uk
The College of West Anglia has secured ESF funding of £2.8m to develop a bold package of measures to encourage people, who are already in employment, to improve their skills.
The college is working in partnership with 5 other colleges across Norfolk and Suffolk to deliver a wide range of innovative training and support which will help employers in the New Anglia LEP area, in a bid to boost the economy. Employees working for companies that employ less than 250 staff will be the main beneficiaries, and the training will be targeted particularly at young adults, aged 19 and over.
As Susie Massen, Head of Work Based learning and Project Manager at the College, explains:
‘The concern is that currently too many workers lack skills at the right level to respond to anticipated labour market changes. This funding offers an exciting opportunity for the College and its partners to address this problem and it will benefit workers in Norfolk and Suffolk. Our focus is predominantly on younger members of the workforce and our aim is to develop their skills so that they can contribute more to the economy, and advance their career prospects. The consortium’s emphasis will be on improving skills in areas that will ensure the best future business growth. We will be developing new, innovative training and support solutions so that as many people as possible can benefit.’
The consortium consists of 5 other partners from across the Norfolk and Suffolk who will be involved in delivering the training and support.
Older workers over 50, especially those with no formal qualifications, will also benefit and be offered the opportunity to retrain and update their skills. In addition local employers that are eligible for funding will receive assistance through a full skills health check. Workers will also have increased access to information, advice and guidance, to allow them to make informed decisions about their career goals and next steps.
Full information on the funding can be found on this factsheet
Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for the month of May.
Visit their business to explore what they have to offer. Click on a business name below to view the full listing in our Member Directory.
Birdie Fortescue The Birdie Fortescue brand is based on a rich heritage of global inspiration interpreted into a range of textiles and interior accessories designed to suit classic contemporary living.
Clapham & Collinge LLP Clapham & Collinge is a local, leading firm of expert solicitors based in Norfolk. With offices in Norwich, North Walsham and Sheringham we provide a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals.
Motiv8 At Motiv8 Exercise and Fitness our philosophy is to give you a core set of disciplines and values to integrate into your lifestyle so that you can enjoy living stronger and living longer.
Parker Planning Services We are specialist Planning Consultants and Multi-Disciplinary Specialists providing a wide range of planning and specialist services required for planning applications and developments.
REAGIT The Revamped East Anglian Group for Industrial Training
Soul Church “We’re passionate about our city and we want to make a real difference to the people of Norwich. One of our aims is to build a warm, welcoming community where anyone can feel right at home and can access the support they need, whatever it may be.”
Tombland Bookshop Our shop is a fine, 15th century building opposite the Cathedral in the centre of Norwich. We are the largest bookshop of its type in East Anglia with a constantly changing stock of secondhand and antiquarian books on most subjects displayed on two floors, whose price ranges from £1 to over £10,000. We also carry a significant stock of specialist and academic books.
The Norfolk Farmhouse The Norfolk Farmhouse is a large detached Georgian Farmhouse which dates back to the 1800’s and was originally part of The Gunton Estate.
The Tree Academy The Tree Academy are dedicated to the learning, growth and development of people. As a team of specialists with broad industry backgrounds we are catalysts for excellence.
Congratulations to the Norfolk based companies that have been revealed in the Co-operative of the Year Awards 2019 shortlist; Norwich Mustard, AF Group and Norwich City Council.
Now it is over to the members of the public to decide the Co-operative of the Year Awards winners across each of the six categories.
Norwich Mustard is shortlisted for Breakthrough Co-operative of the Year. This award is for co‑ops with a turnover of up to £1 million who are breaking new ground and already achieving great things.
The AF Group has been shortisted for Leading Co-operative of the Year. The AF Group is one of the largest agricultural co-operatives in the UK, with a turnover of over £270 million and a growing 3,500 membership.
Norwich City Council has been shortlisted for the Co-operative Council of the Year. Sponsored by the Co-operative Councils’ Innnovation Network (CCIN) this award recognises best practice as demonstrated by co-operative local authorities, celebrating great work delivered at a local level.
The window for voting is open NOW. The winners will be crowned on Friday 21 June at the Co-op Congress in Manchester.
We are back at Norfolk’s largest two-day county show, which takes place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th June at the Norfolk Showground. Organised by Chamber members the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), The Royal Norfolk Show offers visitors an unmatched range of activities, displays and experiences. Following a successful return to the show in 2018, we are back and we want you to come and get involved. We’ll be on stand 82 on Third Drive, same location is in 2018 so you can find us easily! We’ll also be bringing back our colourful deckchairs (if the weather is nice!) and some new, pink flags to welcome you to our marquee – you won’t miss us! We have a jam-packed schedule of activities throughout the two days, all of which we encourage visitors to the show to come and take part in. We’re bringing back our networking breakfasts both mornings of the show, as well as extending our popular gin hour to both days at 2pm. We’ve also added some networking games, a Netwalking route around the show to visit our Members and an evening celebration event on the Wednesday night. On top of all of this, we’ll also be working on something really exciting in our marquee that we want you to get involved in – Norfolk’s Voice! Our new digital platform is coming soon and we want you to come create exciting content with us at the show ready for its launch. Tickets for the show must be purchased to attend the show, but once inside you can visit us anytime! If you’re a Chamber member, you can also get 10% off two day and one day adult tickets! Just email us or give us a call on 01603 625977 to get the code. To see our full schedule of activities and what we’ll be up to on stand 82, click here.
Commenting on the announcement that a new nuclear power plant will be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“After months of uncertainty, British business will be pleased that negotiations for the UK’s first new nuclear power plant in decades have been successfully concluded. Nuclear power is a critical part of the UK’s future energy infrastructure mix, and will help ensure our businesses have access to secure sources of energy in the years ahead. Businesses in Somerset and beyond will be a vital part of the supply chain opportunities on offer.
“This is a major step towards ensuring nuclear power continues to play a vital role in the UK’s future energy security, but it is only one step. Dithering by successive governments has meant that this vital project, like so many before it, will end up costing the Exchequer and consumers far more than needed.
“Britain must adopt a comprehensive, long-term strategy to guarantee the security of our energy supplies. Only then will we see both certainty for investors and affordable energy for consumers. More politicking will only run the risk of the lights going out. We await such good news about Sizewell C in the future”
Following on from the success of last year’s celebrations, Norfolk Day is back! This year Norfolk Day will be held on Saturday 27th July. With this in mind, and supporting our great county, it is a great opportunity to showcase our brilliant businesses. Several organisations will be celebrating with events being held on Friday, which is an ideal chance to involve your staff, and fit around the working week too.
Last year over sixty of you; our members shared your #15SecBiz, these films were a fantastic insight, and inspiration into the great work being achieved in our county, on a daily basis. So, this year, whatever you are planning, we want to hear about how you and your staff members will be celebrating Norfolk Day this year. Maybe you are planning something big or small to mark this day. Keep us posted so we can support you with the promotion of this and potentially link up other members with you too.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe (COBCOE) announce that they have reached an agreement that will see 24 additional British Chambers across Europe become part of the BCC’s Global Business Network – significantly expanding the leading business organisation’s reach and practical, real-world support for trade between the UK and the Continent.
The agreement means that the BCC Global Business Network now includes 49 British Chambers around the world – doubling the strength of the network in markets worldwide.
The move creates new connections and support for both UK and European businesses, at precisely the time they need them most.
With the nature of the UK’s future relationship with the EU still uncertain, the British Chambers of Commerce and COBCOE have taken a strategic decision to bring their networks together – ensuring that firms have a front door not just in every region and nation of the UK, but in major capitals and commercial centres across the European continent as well.
Thanks to the move – led by BCC President Francis Martin and the COBCOE Board – both UK firms and European firms will be able to harness opportunities for trade and access practical advice, support and connections to keep trading across borders, regardless of political change.
Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“We are delighted to welcome so many new members from across Europe into BCC’s global business network.
“From Manchester to Madrid, Aberdeen to Amsterdam, and Belfast to Bucharest, the British Chamber network will be best-placed to help firms trading across borders in Europe and beyond.
“Our Global Business Network supports two-way international trade and provides practical solutions to trading challenges. Expanding BCC’s membership to include overseas British Chambers across Europe means that we will now be able to assist businesses practical support, advice and connections in almost 50 countries all around the world.
“As we face the challenges and opportunities of Brexit, we can think of no better business response than delivering practical, real-world connections between countries all across Europe and the regions and nations of the UK.”
Garry Parker, Chair of COBCOE, said:
“The fusion of COBCOE members into the BCC’s Global Business Network creates an unrivalled business network with a truly global reach.
“British Chambers of Commerce across Europe have a long and important history, supporting businesses trading across boundaries for many decades, and representing the interests of both British and European businesses.
“This agreement – which was unanimously approved by COBCOE’s membership – will enhance and grow those connections, boosting connectivity between UK and European businesses and creating new opportunities at a time of great political uncertainty.”
Our flagship technology conference makes its return to The Space Norwich this September, but time is running out to get your hands on early bird tickets! Ending on Friday 21 June, the ticket discount applies to tickets for both Norfolk Chambers members and non-members. The conference is open to all businesses who are looking to improve and advance on the ways they use technology in the workplace, as well as learn about upcoming trends and tools. 2019’s conference will bring together over 20 industry experts through panel discussions, keynote speakers and workshops to enhance your knowledge on specialist subjects, following our theme of ‘myth busting’. Every business is adopting new technology, every business is becoming a technology business, but what are the myths and barriers that hinder those transitions? That’s what our guests on stage will be joining us to answer. New speakers are being added to the line-up every week, meaning a wide range of topics will be covered, and your questions will be answered by those with the knowledge. Panel discussions will be brought back this year following their popularity at 2018’s conference, meaning you can ask your questions live to our panels. There will also be a technology themed exhibition at the conference and a networking lunch to follow the main talks. Talking Tech 2019 is sponsored by Breakwater IT and Naked Element. To find out more about the event, see the speaker line-up or book tickets, please click here.
There are over 350 Employee-Owned businesses in the UK delivering around 4% of GDP and the sector includes companies such as John Lewis and more recently Richer Sounds, so when Risk and Policy Analysts decided to take the step to becoming employee-owned they were in good company. At our South Norfolk Networking Breakfast at Park Farm Hotel on June 13th we were very lucky to have Peter Floyd, former Managing Director, with us discussing their journey and the factors that led them to taking that step.
RPA has been going for over 30 years and was originally set up by Pete and his wife Meg providing policy consultancy to the European Commission, chemical industry, and public bodies across a number of different areas. They grew from nothing to having 30 employees based in Loddon with a £3m turnover. For the past ten years Pete and Meg have been looking for the right way to move away from the business in order to take a back seat while still looking after their employees. As Pete highlighted, when you start a business no-one explains that success also means you’re responsible for other peoples’ mortgages, children, and livelihoods so closing the business and making people redundant wasn’t an option.
They tried several times to sell the business but often found that the new owners wanted them to stay on for a period of time and the process was complex. They explored the options available to them for employee ownership and found that advice differed expert to expert, employee ownership is still evolving, and advice was costly. Once they had made sense of the advice given to them they came up with criteria for employee ownership that would make it right for RPA so the company is owned and influenced via the Employee Ownership Trust with no buying and selling of shares so the process of joining and leaving the company remains straightforward and profits are shared fairly based on length of service and salary.
The main thing delegates were left thinking about was that there is no “right” way to exit your own business, it has to be right for you and your employees and that getting advice from a number of advisors means you can decide on the best approach for you. All in all it was a really interesting morning learning about a route that more and more businesses are looking at as a viable option to retain their independence.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the country’s oldest wildlife trust, were our feature charity for the morning and were the inspiration for our networking activity “if your business were an animal which animal would it be and why”… They look after over 50 nature reserves across the county and provide a number of education services.
Why not join us at our next networking event? Take a look at all our upcoming events here.
Norfolk County Council and partners, Norfolk Chambers and the Growth Hub, are working with the Swedish energy group, Vattenfall to encourage local Norfolk businesses to engage with and bid for contracts associated with big infrastructure and other complex projects.
Vattenfall’s Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind farm projects aim to supply 10% of the UK’s domestic electricity needs and represent potentially multibillion pound investments into the East of England over their thirty year operational lifespan. The range of goods and services required to build and operate the projects successfully is huge, from onshore surveying and preconstruction preparation, to cable joining to hospitality services, to fabrication, to marine logistics.
The onshore work for Norfolk Vanguard is likely to be out for tender in early 2021 and Norfolk Council and its partners are developing a programme of assistance to encourage a wider range of local companies to understand, prepare, engage and ultimately successfully bid for elements of the work planned.
Rob Lilly, Procurement & Supply Chain Manager for Vattenfall said:
“Over 70% of companies wanting to supply to the renewable energy sector, listed the ability to engage with the developer, as an area they needed support with. This is a great opportunity to meet the people behind the project, who can give you a great insight into what Vattenfall are looking for from our suppliers. Sustainability is something we consider and local companies, being part of a local supply chain make perfect sense.”
This programme will create a model, which will assist in the development of small to medium size companies (SMEs) in our region, to enable them to take advantage of major contracts as they appear, not just the current windfarm projects. Vattenfall, as a key partner of this project, are committed to helping with this development process as much as they can.
Vattenfall have already held two major supply chain events in Norfolk to start the conversation with Norfolk SME’s. Over the next 6 months, the partners are planning a series of smaller events/workshops in co-operation with Vattenfall, to raise awareness, increase business readiness and address supply chain and business development.
Norfolk County Council and partners are inviting Norfolk SME’s to grasp this opportunity by making themselves aware of the opportunities available, reviewing their capabilities and capacity and planning their development to be able to bid for and win major contract work such as this.
Commenting on the upcoming workshops, Tom Humphries, Skills Policy Manager for Norfolk County Council said:
“Many SMEs don’t recognise that they have the skills or capabilities to enter the supply chains of larger projects or infrastructure developments. In partnership with Vattenfall and the Norfolk Chambers, Norfolk County Council look forward to working with interested small businesses to identify and support these skills and to take advantage of future contract opportunities.”
Asked why local businesses should consider attending the free supply chain workshops, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“Many local SMEs do not realise that they have the capability to be part of a large scale supply chain. Our workshops are designed to highlight what they do need to be involved and will also help identify any areas that the SME may need to adapt/upgrade to be able to compete. We will also be looking to see how we can support those businesses to gear up to be ready. Whether that is help with upskilling, access to finance for new equipment or support for their management teams.”
The first events are planned for Dereham on 02 July and North Walsham on 03 July and will focus on business awareness in relation to the opportunities presented by the Vattenfall windfarms.
To find out more and book your place, please click on the below links:
Following the workshops will be an opportunity to talk directly to the UK Supply Chain Manager – please register your interest to be allocated a slot by emailing: futuresupplychain@vattenfall.com
Our Apprenticeships and T Levels HR Forum, in partnership with City College Norwich, was an intimate affair held in their Start Up Lounge. Delegates were treated to an afternoon of learning about Apprenticeships and the incoming T Level qualification by the college’s expert team.
Ruth Royle, Apprenticeship Delivery Manager, was up first discussing how to get the most out of Apprenticeships, she began with an outline of how they’re delivered and what subjects are covered, before moving on to how course funding works for organisations of different sizes and different ages. Ruth highlighted the importance of using the standards outlined in the course specification when recruiting an apprentice, the support you can expect to receive from City College, and pointed delegates in the direction of a number of platforms for advertising apprentice vacancies. She also outlined some of the expectations City College has of employers and the ways they can help support with these, which included having a mentor available for progress review meetings and a detailed action plan outlining work to be completed between visits.
Before delegates were given a brain break, Laura McLean, Director of Strategic Development and Implementation, gave an overview of the incoming T Level qualification. This included information on what they actually are – equivalent to 3 A Levels, developed in collaboration with employers and businesses, and a mix of classroom learning and “on the job” experience in the form of an industry placement of 315 hours. She explained they are part of the reaction to the need for a simplified system of post-16 education that includes more emphasis on technical education. Laura wrapped up the first session by explaining the grading system used for T Levels and the expected timetable for a variety of courses to be released.
After a short break we had the pleasure of Jenny Bach, Industry Placement Lead, presenting to on industry placements. She explained the requirements the college has of employers prior to a student starting with them (including health and safety checks and the provision of a manager or mentor to support the students) to ensure a supportive environment for both the student and the employer. There is no prescribed model for industry placements and Jenny explained this means that the college can be flexible about how they’re structured, although it usually works out to be one day a week with the occasional block week. She showed the group videos of both students and employers talking about how useful they had found them and the positive impact they had on both parties.
The afternoon finished with a short Q&A session and some free networking time which happened, unsurprisingly, around the cookies and hot drinks! Overall it was a really informative afternoon which saw delegates take away some useful information and food for thought around Apprenticeships and T Levels.
If you’re interested in attending our next HR Forum in September, you can find more information here, more details will be released soon!