Business and Industrial News, October 26, 2010

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Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

WELCOME to Business Today 2010, the all-colour Lynn News supplement which takes an overview of commerce and industry in West Norfolk. Business Today has again received strong support from the business community and includes comments from the boroughs business leaders. It also launches the prestigious 2010 Mayors Awards for Business Achievement and looks back on how last years winning companies have progressed.

Time for clear heads

West Norfolk regeneration director, John Norton (left) and council leader Nick Daubney take a brief break from their future planning roles to visit the Memories of Lynn exhibition at the council ofces and look back on how the town has developed since the sixties.

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IMES are tough theres no doubt about that and its at times like this that a clear head is needed. It is not the time for knee-jerk reactions or for making short- term decisions which we may live to regret. We need to take stock and be creative and innovative in thinking about how we can move forward in a vastly different world in which public expenditure will be severely curtailed. Much reliance will be placed on private business to pull us through by providing good quality jobs and fostering economic growth. It goes without saying that the borough council wishes to work closely with the business community in sharing our knowledge, skills and using our powers to determine and act on our priorities in order to bring sustainable growth to Kings Lynn and West Norfolk. This is nothing new for the Borough Council we have spent many years developing these business relationships and it is imperative that the trust which has been built up over many years continues. It is vital that we continue to work to achieve the long term vision for the borough, which is to continue to develop Kings Lynn as a successful economic driver and service centre for a large catchment of 200,000 people. We are too far from our nearest cities of Cambridge, Peterborough and Norwich to rely on them. We also need to work to make sure that our market towns of Hunstanton and Downham Market prosper. The former building on its tourism economy linked to the nationally

renowned north Norfolk coast; the latter as a thriving town with good rail access to Cambridge and London. We need to understand the needs and build on the potential of our rural economy by trying to get better Broadband, encouraging innovations, such as at British Sugar at Wissington, and doing all we can to convince the Government that the location and facilities at RAF Marham are so good that they should be retained in any future reconguration of the Royal Air Force. The borough council will continue with its Decade of Development regeneration programme albeit at a slower rate and with some re-phasing of projects which are dependent on land receipts. It may take a bit longer, but as long as we know where we are going and dont waiver it can be done. The abolition of the Regional Development Agencies East of England Development Agency in our case is leading to a rethink of how the public and private sectors can work together at a more local level in promoting economic growth. The Government has invited proposals for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) as joint public/ private partnerships to agree local economic priorities and to bid for a smaller amount of public money which may be available. LEPs should reect how economies work and not necessarily local authority boundaries and, although they will be smaller than the RDAs, they must be sufciently large to have some clout. Forty are envisaged nationwide and we are working with two proposed LEPs one for the Greater Cambridge-Greater Peterborough area and one for Norfolk. This reects the fact that we have very strong economic linkages to the west and south in addition to being part of Norfolk. In discussion with the local business community we have agreed that it is important that we keep our options open by having a foot in both camps. Big changes are taking place and we must all work to make things go further with less. We need to think differently and be innovative. For the strong this is an exciting challenge. The borough council is up for it and we know that we can rely on our business community to be shoulder to shoulder with us.

Nick Daubney Leader of the Council John Norton Executive Director Regeneration

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01553 772043

Website access to training courses

A NEW service has been launched which will revolutionise how businesses in West Norfolk access training courses. The Skill Up Norfolk service will make it easier for companies and individuals to nd relevant courses by searching information uploaded to its website by the countys training providers. More than 1,300 courses are already available online from more than 70 training providers, and a telephone helpline is available to give personal advice for anyone having difculty nding the right course. Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, which runs the site, said the service was the rst of its kind in the county, and had an important role to play in driving up skills. Its absolutely crucial that we make a concerted effort to close the skills gap which currently places Norfolk below the national average for adult skills, she added. We hope this new service will help people who have had difculty nding the most appropriate training courses, while it also gives training providers a valuable outlet to promote the courses that they run. The telephone help service would add a level of personal service. I think the time has come back for personal service when looking for information, so we are giving people the choice of looking online, but with help there if they need it, she added. Mark Reavell, director of employer engagement at the College of West Anglia, said: This is about helping businesses to improve the range of skills of their staff which, in turn, improves their business performance. The beauty of this new service is that it gives a focus for people to be able to nd out whats on in their areas. Some people know about the brokerage services and the different training providers, but this simplies things and gives people a central point to nd out about the courses. An increase in skills could see the Norfolk economy grow by tens of millions of pounds, and create more than 2,000 jobs in the process. Higher skills result in higher productivity and business success, which in turn feeds into more wealth creation and a better standard of living, said Mrs Williams. This service will make access to training easier, and signpost users to other useful sources of help. The site, which is free to use, includes information on how to access funding and careers advice. It includes a map of training providers, with courses searchable by keyword, industry sector and attendance from day release to full time. For more information visit www.skillupnorfolk.co.uk

Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Its absolutely crucial that we make a concerted effort to close the skills gap

Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

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Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Bennetts are taking a pioneering approach to the layout and operation of the 12,000 sq ft branch which is nearing completion on the St Nicholas Retail Park, at North Lynn. The company is keeping details of their plans under wraps until the store opens but managing director Mike Jones has said that if the new format works it could be rolled out to other stores. BennettsisEastAnglias largest independent electrical retailer. The Lynn store will bring its total number of retail stores to 15. It will employ around 20 staff and will feature a trade service for businessto-business customers plus a click and collect service for customers who order on-line. It will be serviced by Bennetts 3.5 million distribution centre that opened at Bowthorpe,

A NEW electrical superstore due to open at Lynn next month is being used as a design test bed for the future.

New format for electrical store

Mike Jones, managing director of Bennetts

Norwich in 2008. The new store will be located on the retail park off Edward Benefer Way, alongside outlets including Wickes, Farm Foods, Aldi and Domino Pizza. Mr Jones said: This is a signicant development for Bennetts at a time when the economy for all retailers has been somewhat shaky, but a store at Lynn has always been part of our plans. It was just a question of nding the right location at the right time.

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Paper company on a roll

PALM Paper is on a roll. The companys order books are full and its products have become the number one choice in pressrooms all over the country. Derek Harman, UK managing director told the Lynn News that an average of 55 truckloads of paper are now leaving the Lynn site every day heading for customers in London, the south east and the north west. One day saw a record of 73 trucks and they could peak as high as 90 as orders keep coming in, he said. Breaking records and beating targets is nothing new for Palm Papers 400 million plant. Even the start-up of the giant newsprint paper machine in August 2009 was way ahead of schedule and the whole operation has continued to be supersmooth. The machinery manufacturers have told us that they consider it to be the best start-up on record, sad Mr Harman. On the production side they have done a fantastic job. It was a big challenge to set up a plant of this scale but the machinery has risen to that challenge and we are already six months ahead of target in terms of speed. He said that they originally planned to get to the full output capacity of 400,000 tonnesplus in 2013 but at the present rate they could be within ten per cent of that gure next year. Best news for the team is that the paper they are producing looks good and prints well; and feedback from customers shows it to be their number one choice. Ninetyper-cent of the paper produced at Lynn now goes for newsprint. The owner, Dr Wolfgang Palm, visits Lynn on average once a month and still takes a hands-on role when it comes to talking with customers. One hundred and fty people now work at the plant, together with 25 support staff from Germany who were brought here to spend the rst three years overseeing the operation. The company has also launched an apprenticeship scheme and currently has eight trainees who will be spending some of their time over at the sister plant in Germany. We are very pleased that we managed to recruit the people we needed and that we have only lost ve since we started, said Mr Harman. He is also happy with the relationship that has built up between Palm Paper and the people of South Lynn - huge crowds took up the invitation to see round the factory oor and enjoy a fun day at the factory in September.

Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Paperweight: one of the jumbo reels, which each weigh 100 tonnes, is moved through the machinery watched by a young visitor. Picture: MLNF10PM09079 www.photostoday. co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335

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6 Business and Industrial News, October 26, 2010

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Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Matthew has the spark to go it alone

TWELVE new businesses have started up in West Norfolk with a little help from the borough council. As an enterprise-friendly council, West Norfolk was awarded government funding to encourage business growth and in the last year 25,000 has paid for help and advice for budding entrepreneurs. Working on behalf of the council, local enterprise agency NWES ran workshops and provided one-to-one advice to over 100 people many of whom had just lost their jobs. Over 98% of those involved gave the project a huge thumbs up and as a result of this success, in September of this year the council agreed to allocate a further 40,000 to extend the scheme. Lynn electrician Matthew Fysh is putting all his energy into his new business AbWatts Electrical. I always wanted to be my own boss and have a career that I am in charge of, said Matthew. With a shortage of jobs, Matthew has proved that self employment is a viable alternative, said NWES Business Advisor Paul Gardner. For business start-up advice, contact NWES on 0845 6099991

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Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

MAYORS AWARDS FOR BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT 2010 - A

AS Mayor of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk, it gives me much pleasure to invite businesses of all sizes and types within the borough to enter for this years Mayors Awards for Business Achievement. Past winners of the awards have much appreciated the many advantages that a win can bring, not the least being an enhanced business prole with prole better product perception, the opening up of new opportunities and a boost in workforce morale and teamwork. For several years I ran a small business and so have some understanding of the challenges faced by smaller businesses. However, these challenges are greatly magnied in the present very difcult nancial cli-

be your year!

Does I your rm merit Dont hesitate a top - this may just award?
Zipha Christopher, West Norfolk Borough Mayor

Last years winners with council and civic leaders after the presentations at Lynn Picture: MLNF10PT03058 www.photostoday.co.uk To order, please ring 01553 8
seek to acknowledge businesses that have made an outstanding achievement during the year, or during a longer period culminating in that year. Examples of relevant achievements might include developing new products or services, entering new markets to promote or expand the business, or making signicant investments in infrastructure or in training and developing the skills and abilities of staff. By entering the awards, businesses can raise their local prole, and take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank their staff, whose efforts have made the achievements possible. There are awards in the following three categories: Manufacturing Business of the Year; Service Business of the Year; and Young Business of the Year (for those businesses that have been trading between one and four years) The winner in each category will receive a shield and plaque to commemorate the award (the shield to be held for one year), a 750 cash award and advertising up to the value of 400 with the Lynn News. The borough council is the principal promoter and organiser of the awards, and is supported by three sponsors - the Lynn News, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the West Norfolk Partnership. Once entries have closed a panel of judges, led by

S your business doing great things? Even in these tough times there are plenty of rms out there in West Norfolk who are making a success of what they do and deserve public recognition. If your company is one of them, a good way to earn yourselves and your workforce a pat on the back is to enter this years Mayors Awards for Business Achievement. Launched today, application forms are now available and the deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 30. The awards scheme is 21 years old this year and is recognised as the business accolade on this side of the county. Each year, the awards

the rep aw up to b Jan A wil civ ma the wil Os F ple Aw Ac htt uk wh cop Alt Pau De 015 har

mate, and much extra effort is being called for. Winning an award can give a huge helping hand in these difcult circumstances. I am very much looking forward to the judging for this years awards, and whatever the size or type of your business, please dont hesitate to enter. This just may be your year!

Zak Pitt (left), Rachael Muldowney and Ben Chinery, of Jordan Fitness, with some of the equipment they supply to sports te Europe. Picture: MLNF10AF10001 www.photostoday.co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335

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APPLICATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE SO ENTER TODAY

Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Town Hall. 817335

RISE Scaffold is on a high again after climbing out of a sticky patch when the recession bit last year. After experiencing the ups and downs of the economic rollercoaster, the company has secured some high prole contracts and enjoyed a major boost to morale when it won one of the Mayors Business Achievement Awards earlier this year. We were very pleased, and pleasantly surprised. It was just the pick-up we needed, especially for the staff, said managing director Rob Howlett. Mr Howlett started the company, which is based at

Scaffold business hitting the heights

Austin Fields, Lynn, about two and a half years ago. He had worked for another rm before deciding it was time to set up on his own. He began with just one other employee and the team grew steadily as work came in but the real turning point came when he was awarded a contract at the Palm Paper factory site at Lynn. On the back of that deal the workforce grew to around 25 and Rise Scaffold was one of only four companies out of 36 to pass the audits and be accepted as a member of the trades national association. That accreditation has opened more doors and means that Rise Scaffold can now work for major contractors including Willmot Dixon, Taylor Wimpey, Jackson Construction, English Heritage and EDF. With the Palm Paper site complete and the recession biting, the company had to lay off some staff but it has picked itself up again with contracts for construction giants Balfour Beatty and Birse and with the launch of a design department. Mr Howlett said that they were carrying out design work for the Construction Industry Training Board and designing training packages for countries overseas.

e mayor, and including presentatives of all the wards sponsors, draws p a short list of entrants be visited and judged in nuary. All shortlisted businesses ll be invited to attend a vic dinner hosted by the ayor on February 25, when e winners of each award ll be announced in an scars style ceremony. For further information ease visit the Mayors wards for Business chievement webpage at tp://www.west-norfolk.gov. k/Default.aspx?page=23388, here you can download a py of the application form. ternatively please contact ul Harrison, Business evelopment Ofcer on 553 616735 or email paul. rrison@west-norfolk.gov.uk

Rise Scaffolds managing director Rob Howlett (front left) with depot manager Dave Hemming and staff at the Austin Fields site. Picture: MLNF10PT09623 www.photostoday.co.uk. To order, please ring 01553 817335

eams across the UK and

SOME of the top teams in the world of sport use equipment from a West Norfolk rm to get their players match t. Red Bull Racing, Chelsea, Everton, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Tottenham football clubs, Scottish Rugby and British and Irish Lions are just a few of the high prole clients of Jordan Fitness. The Walpole Highway-based company has been in the tness industry globally for more than 20 years, designing, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of tness equipment for the trade and retail markets. Although the lions share of its clients are sports clubs and organisations, Jordan Fitness has also installed its products at universities from Kent to Glasgow, to the re service, the police, the prison service, the RAF and to Buckingham Palace. While Jordan Fitness helps so many

Lean, mean and t for anything

Apprentices part of Polar success

THE BOSS of Polar Systems, Peter Gamble, admits that entering the Mayors Awards was quite an eye-opener for him... not to mention a shock when the company was announced as one of the winners. I didnt think we stood a chance, he admits. I really didnt know what to say But as well as being delighted to accept the accolade, he says that just entering and getting involved made him aware just how much interest the borough council takes in local business. It gave me an insight into the working of the council and, of course, there was the exposure that we got and the very real boost it gave to the workforce here, he said. Polar Systems, based at Oldmedow Road on the Hardwick industrial estate, has been manufacturing and supplying specialist processing equipment since 1986. Managing director Peter Gamble set up the company working from the back bedroom at his home. Now he employs

Polar Systems general manager Michael Berycz (front) with the latest batch of apprentices (from left), Michael Brennock, in his rst year of training, Shaun Hornsby and Ben Sawyer, both in their fourth year, and Jake Morley, another in his rst year. Picture: MLNF10PT09622 www.photostoday.co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335

organisations to victory, it scored its own notable success last year when it won one of the West Norfolk Mayors Awards for Business Achievement. After all of the hard work put in by the team, it was good to be rewarded in this way, said Neil Jordan, who is chairman of the Jordan Leisure Group. Since winning this award, we at Jordan Fitness have noticed only the positive effect this has had on our company prole both in the local and business communities. We have been proud to publicise the fact that we were honoured in this way and have included the award logo on all promotional material including our website, he said. He added: The whole team at Jordan Fitness has been given a boost as it is nice to be recognised in this way for all the hard work and dedication from each member of staff.

around 45 people and exports globally with some of the more recent orders going to Beirut, Nova Scotia, Iceland and the Middle East. The companys export record and the way that it has embraced the latest technology were two factors that impressed the judges enough for them to give it the manufacturing award. They also heard about the companys latest investment - a new machine centre costing a cool 140,000 and coming from America in the next few weeks. This, says Mr Gamble, will make the operation even more versatile and help Polar Systems to keep pace with the constantly changing technology. Polar Systems is a company that believes in training its own a policy that Mr Gamble adopted to help to overcome the skills shortage in the area. Twenty apprentices have now either been trained by Polar Systems or are in the process of training and some of the original trainees still work for the company.

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APPLICATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE SO ENTER TODAY

Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Scaffold business hitting the heights

RISE Scaffold is on a high again after climbing out of a sticky patch when the recession bit last year. After experiencing the ups and downs of the economic rollercoaster, the company has secured some high prole contracts and enjoyed a major boost to morale when it won one of the Mayors Business Achievement Awards earlier this year. We were very pleased, and pleasantly surprised. It was just the pick-up we needed, especially for the staff, said managing director Rob Howlett. Mr Howlett started the company, which is based at Austin Fields, Lynn, about two and a half years ago. He had worked for another rm before deciding it was time to set up on his own. He began with just one other employee and the team grew steadily as work came in but the real turning point came when he was awarded a contract at the Palm Paper factory site at Lynn. On the back of that deal the workforce grew to around 25 and Rise Scaffold was one of only four companies out of 36 to pass the audits and be accepted as a member of the trades national association. That accreditation has opened more doors and means that Rise Scaffold can now work for major contractors including Willmot Dixon, Taylor Wimpey, Jackson Construction, English Heritage and EDF. With the Palm Paper site complete and the recession biting, the company had to lay off some staff but it has picked itself up again with contracts for construction giants Balfour Beatty and Birse and with the launch of a design department. Mr Howlett said that they were carrying out design work for the Construction Industry Training Board and designing training packages for countries overseas.

Town Hall. 17335

e mayor, and including presentatives of all the wards sponsors, draws p a short list of entrants be visited and judged in nuary. All shortlisted businesses ll be invited to attend a vic dinner hosted by the ayor on February 25, when e winners of each award ll be announced in an scars style ceremony. For further information ease visit the Mayors wards for Business chievement webpage at tp://www.west-norfolk.gov. k/Default.aspx?page=23388, here you can download a py of the application form. ternatively please contact ul Harrison, Business evelopment Ofcer on 553 616735 or email paul. rrison@west-norfolk.gov.uk

Rise Scaffolds managing director Rob Howlett (front left) with depot manager Dave Hemming and staff at the Austin Fields site. Picture: MLNF10PT09623 www.photostoday.co.uk. To order, please ring 01553 817335

eams across the UK and

SOME of the top teams in the world of sport use equipment from a West Norfolk rm to get their players match t. Red Bull Racing, Chelsea, Everton, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Tottenham football clubs, Scottish Rugby and British and Irish Lions are just a few of the high prole clients of Jordan Fitness. The Walpole Highway-based company has been in the tness industry globally for more than 20 years, designing, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of tness equipment for the trade and retail markets. Although the lions share of its clients are sports clubs and organisations, Jordan Fitness has also installed its products at universities from Kent to Glasgow, to the re service, the police, the prison service, the RAF and to Buckingham Palace. While Jordan Fitness helps so many

Lean, mean and t for anything

Apprentices part of Polar success

THE BOSS of Polar Systems, Peter Gamble, admits that entering the Mayors Awards was quite an eye-opener for him... not to mention a shock when the company was announced as one of the winners. I didnt think we stood a chance, he admits. I really didnt know what to say But as well as being delighted to accept the accolade, he says that just entering and getting involved made him aware just how much interest the borough council takes in local business. It gave me an insight into the working of the council and, of course, there was the exposure that we got and the very real boost it gave to the workforce here, he said. Polar Systems, based at Oldmedow Road on the Hardwick industrial estate, has been manufacturing and supplying specialist processing equipment since 1986. Managing director Peter Gamble set up the company working from the back bedroom at his home. Now he employs

Polar Systems general manager Michael Berycz (front) with the latest batch of apprentices (from left), Michael Brennock, in his rst year of training, Shaun Hornsby and Ben Sawyer, both in their fourth year, and Jake Morley, another in his rst year. Picture: MLNF10PT09622 www.photostoday.co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335

organisations to victory, it scored its own notable success last year when it won one of the West Norfolk Mayors Awards for Business Achievement. After all of the hard work put in by the team, it was good to be rewarded in this way, said Neil Jordan, who is chairman of the Jordan Leisure Group. Since winning this award, we at Jordan Fitness have noticed only the positive effect this has had on our company prole both in the local and business communities. We have been proud to publicise the fact that we were honoured in this way and have included the award logo on all promotional material including our website, he said. He added: The whole team at Jordan Fitness has been given a boost as it is nice to be recognised in this way for all the hard work and dedication from each member of staff.

around 45 people and exports globally with some of the more recent orders going to Beirut, Nova Scotia, Iceland and the Middle East. The companys export record and the way that it has embraced the latest technology were two factors that impressed the judges enough for them to give it the manufacturing award. They also heard about the companys latest investment - a new machine centre costing a cool 140,000 and coming from America in the next few weeks. This, says Mr Gamble, will make the operation even more versatile and help Polar Systems to keep pace with the constantly changing technology. Polar Systems is a company that believes in training its own a policy that Mr Gamble adopted to help to overcome the skills shortage in the area. Twenty apprentices have now either been trained by Polar Systems or are in the process of training and some of the original trainees still work for the company.

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10

Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

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The best things come in 3s

is very traditional. Director, Patrick Finch, who spent his formative years in the transport industry with Dents Transport of Hilgay, says: We try to minimise empty running and aim to structure where we deliver to on certain days of the week. This has enabled us to achieve a diesel spend as a proportion of turnover of 25% which is crucial in times of high diesel prices. The success of the company is not only due to Patrick and Jasons typical Eddie Stobart - never say no approach to customers requests, but also due to the loyalty, dedication and reliability of its staff. The company aims to include everyone as part of a close-knit team and to avoid any turnover of staff in order to maintain standards and reliability. The company has diversied, too, in the vehicles it runs. The eet consists of a van, a 7.5 tonnes fridge vehicle, two 26-tonnes fridge vehicles, 24 fridge trailers all capable of carrying 26 pallets each and two curtain-sided trailers. All the tractor units are DAF XFs with the initial batch bought secondhand. However, in the past two years the company has taken delivery of nine new XF 105s from local dealer Ford & Slater. A further two new units are ordered for March 2011 and six

HREE is a magic number for Setch-based transport company 3 Distribution Ltd. The rm was established three years ago by three founders Dave Rayner, Patrick Finch and Jason Bartmeier, helped by a team of drivers and ofce staff well known to them from their previous 50 years experience in the transport industry. In a little over three years the company has doubled its eet from 15 to 30 vehicles, acquired an international licence and successfully explored ways to nd new contracts to see it through the economic downturn. The majority of work is now temperature-controlled and each vehicle can be tracked and temperature-monitored from the companys ofce via pc, laptop or iphone. When the operation started, nearly all of the goods it carried were frozen, but now chilled distribution accounts for 20% of all sales. The companys international licence has enabled it to satisfy customers requests for deliveries to France, Germany, Italy and Spain. This is a classic example of how 3 Distribution has taken steps to ensure it and its employees prosper through the recession. The way the company operates

The ofce at the Setch site is the hub of the operation. Mark Walton (left), the administration clerk, is pictured with company directors (from lelft)_ Dave Rayner, Patrick Finch and Jason Bartmeier.

are expected for September next year. All fridge units have been supplied by Carrier with whom 3 Distribution Ltd has formed an excellent rapport. As a result, 3 Distribution will feature strongly in the promotion of the Carrier Foretrack telematics system. All vehicle servicing is carried out on site by Dave Rayner Commercials and Patrick Finch says: With

Dave Rayner being a signicant shareholder in both companies the service 3 Distribution receives is above and beyond in order to keep the wheels turning. In October 2009 the transport industry was saddled with new legislation; the Driver CPC. This, however, was turned into a positive by 3 Distribution who are now a JAUPT approved training

centre with a dedicated classroom and trainer on site. The company not only trains in-house but offers its services to outside businesses at competitive rates. For details on this contact Steve Dobie on 07917453396. For all your transport needs, contact Patrick Finch on 07917451695 or Jason Bartmeier on 07710545446.

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Business and Industrial News, October 26, 2010

11

Taxi service success in Hilgay

Charles Procter of Hilgay, Downham Market, is celebrating after the successful launch of his new business running a 24 hour taxi service based in the village. I realised that there was a good opportunity when I tried to book a taxi one evening for my daughter and was horrified by the cost! explains Charles, 48. Having spent many years working in the building industry and working in London we moved to Norfolk for a better quality of life but clearly transport can be a problem for many people in the villages. Therefore, I started Cars 4 You as a low cost and reliable taxi service. I'm glad to say that Im finding customers always book again once theyve used me! Charles has invested in his car, undertaken his CRB check and obtained his licenses and is determined to make a success of his new venture. To help him start his business, Charles contacted local business support experts, NWES: Photo: Charles Procter of Cars 4 You Like many entrepreneurs, Charles was quick to spot an opportunity in the market and has the determination to make this venture a success. He has focussed on giving great service and is reaping the benefit with repeat bookings already, explained his Business Advisor, Paul Gardner. NWES was really helpful and showed me how to set up and start the business, adds Charles. Id suggest anyone who is thinking of becoming self employed should get in touch with them in Kings Lynn. Charles has registered as an official taxi driver with the local council and has been helping residents with their journeys. If you are in need of a lift contact Cars 4 You on 01366 380066 or 07931 390832. For free advice on how to start your own business and become self employed contact NWES on 0845 60 99 991 or visit www.nwes.org.uk. NWES was able to provide fully funded help and guidance under the Enterprise Kings Lynn project which is supported by the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk. The project delivers individual business advice and bespoke interactive workshops to pre-start individuals and is aimed at increasing their confidence, business skills and ability to engage with mainstream business support

www.nwes.org.uk BUSINESS ADVICE | TRAINING | FINANCE | PREMISES

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12

Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

... the employer of choice

SNAP-ON, brand leader in diagnostic tools, software and information for the automotive market, is a $2.9 billion dollar business which bases its European headquarters in Kings Lynn. From here it supplies both Snap-on and Sun branded products to more than 45 countries around the world, manufacturing their software in seven different languages. Snap-on attributes success to its continued development of products to meet todays technological advances and the needs of customers. High volume sales of its garage equipment, including MoT bays and associated products, the continued success of vehicle diagnostic equipment, such as the VERUS, MODIS, SOLUS PRO, Vantage PRO and ETHOS, helps automotive technicians deal with the ever-changing complex and sophisticated systems in todays vehicles. But this success would not be possible without Snap-ons associates who the company believe are its greatest asset. Snap-ons mission statement sets the objective of being a great employer, and with 112 employees working for Snapon Diagnostics in the UK and averaging 13.7 years service, they believe this reects their goal of being the employer of choice. Snap-on promotes a variety of initiatives that lend themselves to creating a good atmosphere in the workplace. Regular charity events are held to raise money for local charities such as Tapping House, GEAR, the Special Care Baby unit at Lynns Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as larger charities like Great Ormond Street, Cancer Research and Children in Need. These events, which include activities such as in-house competitions, barbecues and Wii challenges, help bring the employees closer together in non-work related activities and help to build a positive culture. Snap-on also focuses on the employees wellbeing and offers them u shots and annual medicals, via a local scheme the NHS Health Trainer Day where employees meet with trained advisors to receive advice on healthy eating, tness plans and smoking cessation. Employee development has also been a key objective, and to date investment in education programmes at the College of West Anglia and University of East Anglia have led to approximately 90% of employees having undertaken training in the past four years and achieving formal qualications from NVQs to MBAs. It underlines the fact that Snap-on recognises the importance of giving employees the right tools to be successful in their jobs. Through the relationship with the college, Snap-on has also been able to take on two apprentices this year in its warehouse and repair centre - an exciting opportunity to encourage young people into the business and give them the skills to further their careers. Having also achieved ISO accreditations in Environmental, Health & Safety, Standard Quality and UKAS, Snap-on Diagnostics really is a great place to work.

Snap-on and its employees organise fundraising events and make contributions to worthwhile causes in the community. Norfolk Hospice Tapping House is one charity that has beneted and this presentation shows staff handing over 250 from one of their money-raising efforts.

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Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

13

Whilst insurance costs in general remain relatively low (many companies are still paying less than they did in 2007) there are factors that will, over the coming months, add cost. An example of a small but notable increase is that the rate of insurance premium tax is to increase in January 2011 from the current 5% to 6%. Fenton Insurance Solutions managing director, Ian Gutteridge, said: It is vital that professional help be found to make sure that valuable protection, that may leave the business exposed to huge risk, is not removed in the course of such an exercise. Fenton Insurance Solutions can work with business to review their existing portfolio to make sure that any savings that

N difcult nancial times it is important for businesses to consider their costs very carefully and it is tempting, when the spotlight shines on insurance, to look at ways of making savings by cutting down on cover.

Reduce your costs, but at low risk

Before you renew, get a Fentons review

Our Policy Your Protection

Fenton insurance staff at the ofce at Greyfriars Chambers in St James Street, Lynn. Picture: MLNF10AM0945 www.photostoday.co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335
are made are appropriate to the business and its risk prole. The qualied team of directors and account executives at Fentons can tailor a portfolio of cover to ensure that the correct protection for the business is maintained whilst ensuring that the overall cost remains affordable and competitive. An example of high risk cost cutting is where businesses look to remove their business interruption insurance, to save cost. These businesses are failing to appreciate the importance of the cover and, without it should a sizeable claim occur, they are risking serious damage to or even the closure of their business, said Mr Gutteridge. There are ways in which costs can be reduced by looking at the structure of the insurance portfolio. These often involve the business accepting additional risk. This should only be done with eyes wide open and accepting that should the worst happen the uninsured cost will be increased. The message is clear. Local companies requiring qualied and professional advice are invited to make contact. As the team say: Before you renew get a Fentons review. See advertisement for contact details.

To arrange your commercial insurance review contact: Fenton Insurance Solutions Ltd Greyfriars Chambers, St James Street Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5DJ Tel: 01553 760005 www.fentongroup.co.uk graham.osborne@fentongroup.co.uk
Part of the CCV Group

New cycle stands are IFS has chemistry right right up their street
RECORD sales gures at Bollards International may indicate an improvement in the general marketplace, particularly in the private sector. They might also indicate that the company is gaining a greater percentage of the street furniture business in the UK. Apart from the current range of over 70 different bollard designs, the company has introduced a variety of new and exciting products to its sales portfolio, several of which support the health benets of, and growing interest in, cycling. A new range of customized, locally-produced cycle stands will soon be seen around the London streets, where rentable cycles are becoming very popular. Many schools have recognised the benets of attractive and functional cycle stands and cycle hoops. Closer to home, Bollards International has a new range of cycle shelters, one of which can be seen at the St. James Swimming Pool entrance. Another has recently been installed at the Downham Leisure Centre. Further recent developments include stainless steel and telescopic bollards, fold-down parking posts and a totally new concept in outdoor seating, the patented Smart Seat which is gaining popularity in schools around the country. The increased market share achieved by the company can be put down to three things, according to sales manager Adam Bird: Firstly, the products, most of which are manufactured in Roydon, are universally regarded as the best quality on the market. They are manufactured from a recycled steel core and a high-performance polymer, formulated by our parent company, IFS Chemicals Ltd. Secondly, the bollards are moulded using an environmentally attractive chemical system that is unique in the industry. Thirdly, the customer care and after-sales service feedback is exceptional due in large part to the versatility and expertise of the manufacturing and sales support teams. Other major projects completed this year include a post and rail installation on the Isle of Arran, a signicant development at Tesco in Rochdale and a large seafront development in North Wales. Further a-eld, the company has recently set up several sales agents on the Continent and already orders have been received from France and Holland. For more details, go to www. bollards.international.com

Adam Bird, sales manager, at the newly installed St James cycle shelter.

OYDON-based IFS Chemicals Ltd has had another successful year in spite of the downturn in sales to certain parts of the end-user market. Whilst the building and automotive sectors have had a difcult time since the general downturn in 2008, the West Norfolk companys ability to switch emphasis to more buoyant business areas has been responsible for its continued success. A whole range of new chemical systems have also been developed over the past 18 months, all based on customized polyurethanes for very specic applications. These include a new type of cats-eye for improved road visibility, a new type of shower-tray for domestic properties, an environmentally attractive

insulation material for commercial refrigeration and a highly efcient insulation product for use in the manufacture of hot water storage cylinders. Managing director, Barrie Colvin, stated: The level of enquiries for our customised chemical products has never been higher. Every week we are approached to develop new chemical formulations for specic and diverse applications. This has come about as a result of our reputation for providing more environmentally attractive solutions compared with our various competitors. We manufacture our own chemicals from locallyproduced rapeseed oil, something which is unique in our industry. Although the business

is centred on supply and support for UK customers, IFS also supplies increasing amounts abroad. An example of this is a recent order for specialist chemicals to protect a pipeline in Africa. The sub-sea pipeline is part of a replacement line owned by Exxon-Mobil that carries crude oil from the offshore Usari to Idoho drilling platforms. The company now has a very strong portfolio of customers who order on a regular basis. Although each customer has their own tailored chemical system, their requirements are essentially the same a high quality product with an efcient back-up service. The full range of products can be seen at www.ifsgroup.com

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14 Business and Industrial News, October 26, 2010

Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk

TO LET - Kings Lynn
Hardwick Industrial Estate 31,100 ft2 (2,889.3 m2) Easy access to A10, A47 & A17 Economical & flexible terms

TO LET - Kings Lynn

Hardwick Industrial Estate 2,193 ft2 (203.7 m2) Retail Use Permitted Good road Links

TO LET - Downham Market

Saint Johns Industrial Estate 736 ft2 (68.4 m2) Ideal starter unit Easy access to A10

TO LET - Kings Lynn

Hardwick Narrow Industrial Estate 500 ft2 (46.4 m2) Flexible terms available Ideal starter unit

TO LET - Kings Lynn

North Lynn Industrial Estate 2553ft2 (237m2) B1, B2, B8 Excellent condition

TO LET - Kings Lynn

Broad Street, Kings Lynn Town Centre Ground floor 24 m2 (257 ft2) Good footfall

TO LET - Kings Lynn

North Lynn Industrial Estate 5900ft2 (548m2) B1, B2, B8 Excellent incentives

TO LET - Flitcham
Flitcham Barns From 698 ft2 (65m2) to 1,757 ft2 (163m2) Office & Light Industrial

FOR SALE - Downham Market

Saint Johns Industrial Estate Plot 1 0.49 ha (1.21ac) Plot 2 0.37 ha (0.92ac) Plot 8 0.18 ha (0.45ac) Plot 10 0.26 ha (0.63ac) Plot 11 0.18 ha (0.44ac) Plot 13 0.30 ha (0.73ac)

FOR SALE - Kings Lynn

Hardwick Industrial Estate Commercial/Industrial Development Land Site extending to approximately 4.4 acres (1.8 ha) Suitable for a variety of uses (Subject to planning)

For further information contact: Property Services, Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk
Kings Court, Chapel Street, Kings Lynn Norfolk PE30 1EX Tel:01553 616200 Fax:01553 616682 DX57825 www.west-norfolk.gov.uk

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Business and Industrial News, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

15

Creating the perfect c ourse

I
NVESTING in skills has never been more important to businesses of all sizes and there has never been a better time to ensure you have a well-trained workforce for the future. Taking that initial step can be daunting, but now is the time to work together towards meeting the training and skills needs for the future. An investment in apprentices now will pay dividends in the future and the College of West Anglia is here to help. The college is one of the largest providers in the East of England and currently has 900 people on apprenticeship programmes with 600 employers of all sizes. We have the expertise and resources to help you deliver the right training with the right people. With a team of 12 training advisors, the college supports both your business and your workforce with a focussed employer engagement team. Apprentices could be the best investment you and your business can make and the schemes provide the best way of making sure the right skills are developed and delivered. Many companies which join the scheme will go on to take other apprentices as employers discover the benets it can bring. It is even possible to invest in those already working for you by training them through the apprenticeship system. The apprenticeship is made up of a framework of qualications including comqualications petence and knowledge-based elements along with functional maths and English. The scope of apprentices is not limited schemes are operating in a wide variety of working environments, from technology to childcare or retail and many more besides. The scheme allows young people to have the very best start to their careers with a combination of workplace learning and college tuition designed to provide a solid foundation for their future. The skills you help them acquire during their apprenticeship could prove invaluable to your business in the future, but, taking an apprentice also means your future business has staff who know what needs to be done. Any size of business can have apprentices and the programme is offered for people aged over 16 with full government funding available for those aged 16 to 18 (subject to conditions). Those aged 19 or older are partially funded. In order to be eligible for funding for apprenticeship programmes, your team must: Be employed for a minimum of 16 hours a week. Have lived in the EU for a minimum of three years Not have achieved a level 4 qualication qualication or equivalent (degree, NVQ level 4 etc) There is no time like the present so contact us now and discuss how you can benet from investing in apprentices.

Apprentice Matthew Goss and Lynn Golf Club course manager Colin Robinson (left) on the 11th green. Picture: MLNF10PT10001 www. photostoday. co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335

CWA Services Business

Delivering Performance Through People

Apprenticeships Bespoke training

Lisa Webster, childcare manager at Mr Bees Family Centre, with apprentice Roxii Nicholls. Picture: MLNF10PT09634 www.photostoday.co.uk To order, please ring 01553 817335

Specialist short courses Work-based qualifications

Tel. 01553 691001 Email. cwabusiness@col-westanglia.ac.uk Web. www.cwatraining.co.uk

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY THEMSELVES ...

Lisa Webster, childcare manager for Mr Bees Family Centre, Hamburg Way, North Lynn: We have always referred our trainees to the college as we nd its the best way for them to gain the knowledge they need to help support them in practice. It has enabled us to train our staff to a higher standard, but also for them to gain the experience they need. Colin Robinson, course manager at Kings Lynn Golf Club: Our training advisor has given us very close attention. She has given us the freedom to work with our apprentice on our own terms, but has always been there to make sure we are all happy with the way things are running. I would recommend CWA training to other businesses. Peter Mortin, site manager for Norfolk Lavender, Heacham: The college is very approachable and exible in supplying the needs of a company. It has a good understanding of the local economy and businesses. The two apprentices with us are now in their second year and have learned the skills needed within our business excellently.

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16 Business and Industrial News, October 26, 2010

brown-co.com
HIGH STREET

TO LET
Ground oor retail unit Situated in prime shopping area Rear servicing Shoppers car park to the rear 86 m2 (934 ft2)

Commercial

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Contact john.weston@brown-co.com or alison.richardson@brown-co.com

SO LD LE T LE T SO LD LE T LE T

LE T

HUNSTANTON

FOR SALE

SO LD LE T

On the Instructions of Witley Press following their recent successful relocation

Former traditional printing works Major redevelopment opportunity In the heart of Hunstanton Commercial, Residential or Leisure potential Access from Church Street and Greevegate and High Street 1,208 m2 (13,000 ft2)/0.16 hectares (0.45 acres) sts

HAMLIN WAY

TO LET
LE T
Attractive ofce accommodation Open plan/partitioned ofce Gas central heating Security alarm and door entry 321 m2 (3,465 ft2) Plus planning consent for two storey extension

WALSOKEN

TO LET
Substantial depot premises White wall production Chillers, storage and yards Good access to A47 4,273 m2 (46,016 ft2)

LE T

FOR RESULTS . . .
Agency Sales & Lettings Valuations & Acquisitions Management & Rent Reviews

01553 770771

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