buy local Norfolk Blog

Local Cheese With Local Food Direct

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Summer is a great time of year for eating outside, with lots of people spending their weekends and evenings going out for picnics or barbeques. Among our more popular products at Local Food Direct over these months are our cheeses.

With nearly 20 different varieties on our website at the minute, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Let me introduce you to a few of our cheese suppliers and tell you about a few of our best-selling cheeses.

Mrs Temples Cheeses are famous throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. The methods that Catherine Temple uses to make her cheeses have been handed down from her mother and grandmother, so have definitely been both tried and tested! The cows that produce the milk are the family’s own herd so you can be sure that everything is from Norfolk. One of the most popular of Mrs Temples’ cheeses is the Walsingham cheese, which has been described as a cross between Wensleydale and Cheddar – great for eating on its own but fantastic in salads, or melted on a burger.

Across the border, Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses are run by Catherine, a qualified Veterinary surgeon, and Jason, who worked in the dairy industry for over 20 years. They bought their dairy in 2007 after working hard for three years previous to gain all the skills needed to run it. Their Suffolk Blue cheese is rich and creamy, and made with vegetarian rennet. Fantastic with wine or bread.

Back in Norfolk, Ferndale Norfolk Farmhouse Cheeses are an award-winning company based in Little Barningham. In 2007 they won the silver and bronze medals in the New Cheeses category of the British Cheese Awards. Their Norfolk Dapple is a mature cheddar-type cheese. While it is harder and dryer than many other cheeses, it has a fantastic flavour.

Rodwell farm dairy didn’t produce cheese until fairly recently. The farm was always a dairy producing milk and butter but never cheese - until 2006. Their 6 month matured Shipcord cheese is similar to a good cheddar but has the lasting flavour of some alpine cheeses. This is another of the award-winning cheeses that are available on the Local Food Direct website.

Willow Farm Dairy produces cheese made from ewes’ milk rather than cows’ milk. Based near Wymondham in Norfolk, Jane Murray who runs the farm has a herd of 54 British Friesland dairy ewes. The brie-style Norfolk White Lady is a firm favourite for many and is great on a local cheese board with grapes and crackers.

For something even more different, try Fielding Cottage in Breckland Valley who make fantastic cheeses from their herd of goats. Their soft goats cheese, rolled in herbs is delicious spread on freshly baked bread – give it a try!

These 6 fantastic producers that feature of Local Food Direct have a wide range of cheeses available for you to try this summer. Keep an eye out for more seasonal cheese being added as well.

Posted By: Paul Campbell
11 comments

The Perfect Barbeque With Local Food Direct

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video : (click here to watch)

With Bank Holiday Monday nearly upon us, many with be hoping for warm weather for an excuse to spend a relaxing afternoon in the garden with a burger or two! But why go to the supermarket for your sausages, steaks and chicken wings that have probably come from other countries when you can have fantastic locally sourced produce on your BBQ.

At Local Food Direct, we work with great producers and suppliers of high quality, locally sourced foods that will be perfect for your barbeque.

C & K Meats from Eye in Suffolk are a brilliant family-run butchers who go out of their way to support local farmers and produce the highest quality products. Their Lamb & Mint burgers are exceptional as something a bit different or you could also try their Free Range BBQ Loin Ribs.

Another Local Food Direct producer, Highways, is based near Diss in Norfolk, and they breed Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. The pork from these rare-breed pigs has a very distinctive taste – you won’t want to eat another supermarket banger after tasting their Pork & Apple sausages! Highways also cater for the gluten-free among us with burger and sausages available.

At Local Food Direct, we have great salad vegetables in season at the moment supplied to us by Hughes Organics and Maple Farm. From organic salad leaves to vine-grown tomatoes and radishes, there’s everything you need to make the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Not to mention all the fantastic chutneys and sauces we have on the website as well – you’re spoiled for choice!

Finally, why not refresh yourself and your guests with delicious juices from Breckland Orchard or Greenwoods Apple Juice. Or if you’re after something a bit stronger, we have wines from Chapelfield Vineyards and Beers, Ales and Ciders from Grain Brewery, Spectrum Brewery, Norfolk Square Brewery and Calvors Brewery. Happy barbeque-ing!

Posted By: Paul Campbell
6 comments

Some Like It Hot..

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video : (click here to watch)

Many farmers may be desperately hoping for rain, but due to the incredibly warm weather we’ve had recently, some local producers are off to a great start to the spring season and harvesting bigger and better fruit and veg than they normally would.

Grapes have done fantastically this season with many experts saying that English wine will do very well from it. England actually produces some of the best sparkling wines throughout the world even though it only accounts for a small percentage of world wine production.

You can find a range of locally produced wines on our website, straight from Chapelfield Vineyards. These grapes are grown near Halesworth in Suffolk and distributed by Mr Fruity in Norfolk. There are several different varieties available - the floret is particularly delicious!

Strawberries too have come into season much earlier than normal. Perfect for a healthy start to the morning, perhaps with some yoghurt and cinnamon, or why not use them to make a fantastic dessert. Pavolvas are great for barbeque weather – you can even use locally bought eggs to make the meringues.

Strawberries also have a very low glycemic index (GI) meaning that they don’t raise your blood sugar as much as other fruits - even more of an excuse to have some delicious locally produced strawberries in the sunshine. Wood Berry Farm in South Norfolk grows fantastic strawberries, which you can find on our website now.

Other great produce in season at the moment includes lamb, asparagus, spinach and spring onions. Spring is a brilliant time of the year for buying local produce because there is so much to choose from. Why not visit our website this week and see what takes your fancy?

Posted By: Paul Campbell
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Fantastic Local Producers From Local Food Direct

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video : (click here to watch)

Local Food Direct is a social enterprise based in Norfolk working to promote buying local produce. You can order local food online at the website as you might from a supermarket but everything featured is either produced in Norfolk or Suffolk or we use suppliers who are based in these areas where there are no producers available. Here are a few of our producers to whet your appetite!

Stark Naked Foods

Stark Naked is based near Eye in Suffolk and is a proud producer of fresh pestos with 100% natural ingredients. Founded by Victoria Starke, the company is now the largest parsley grower in Europe and the biggest herb grower in the UK. The herb house is only 20 feet away from where the herbs are harvested, meaning the ingredients are at their freshest. From classic basil to spicy coriander and chilli, Stark’s pestos are great with pastas, burgers, chicken wings and much more.

Nortons Dairy

Nortons Dairy in Norfolk believes strongly in animal and environment friendly milk and dairy products. Nortons used to be under contract by a large dairy company but decided to take things into their own hands when the milk needed to be transported over 70 miles away and they made demands about quantities produced. All Nortons’ dairy cows are milked each morning and the milk is processed on the same day – so you can be drinking it by the afternoon! Nortons Dairy produces the milk we sell on the website, as well as butter and cream.

Highways

Based near Diss in Norfolk, Highways are a husband and wife team breeding Gloucestershire Old Spot rare breed pigs. The pigs are raised with a great amount of effort and care. The pork produced here has a very distinctive taste and is full of flavour – quite different from pork you might find in the supermarket. With gluten free sausages available too, everyone can sample some of the fantastic produce from this local company.

Ebenezer Cottage

For delicious jams, chutneys, spreads and preserves, look no further than Ebenezer Cottage in Norfolk. Liz makes all of her products in small batches ensuring the best quality and uses traditional recipes handed down through her family. Most of the fruits come straight from Liz’s own garden and from local orchards. From traditional piccalilli and apple chutney to exciting mulled wine jelly, Ebenezer Cottage’s jams and chutneys won’t fail to impress.

Posted By: Paul Campbell
6 comments

Spring Is In THe Air

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video : (click here to watch)

I don’t want to speak too soon, but it seems that winter is officially behind us now – hooray! However, this means that we leave behind some of the best winter warmer vegetables in season such as parsnips, kale and carrots.

But fear not - with spring in the air, a whole host of fruits and veg will start to come into season locally.

Cauliflower is great in April and May, and while this may remind many of you of awful school dinners or soggy boiled veg with a bad Sunday roast, there are loads of great ways to use cauliflower. Try it in an Indian curry such as sag aloo alongside the potato. The tomato-ey base of the curry will really soak in giving it a great taste and soft, marinated texture. Or why not try a traditional cauliflower cheese with some mustard to give it a bit of a kick?

We will also start to see rhubarb sold locally. It’s great for stewing with sugar as a treat or even, if you want to be more adventurous, rhubarb goes fantastically with fish such as mackerel or even pork. Rhubarb is at its best from late April or early May to September and as the weather starts to get colder nearer to autumn, a rhubarb crumble is a must!

It’s also that time again for spring lamb to start appearing at our butchers until early July. Try roasting with lots of in season veggies (cauliflower, new potatoes, spring onions and purple sprouting broccoli) for a Sunday dinner or create something new with different cuts of meat. Lamb is also great for Moroccan dishes such as chops in tagines or meatballs with a chickpea and tomato side.

If you’re venturing outside for the first few picnics or barbeques of the year, why not try a creamy new potato salad coupled with a salad of radishes, spring onions and spinach?

There are so many fantastic foods coming into season now that your palate couldn’t possibly be bored! At Local Food Direct we are constantly updating our foods sold online so you can always have the freshest local produce when it’s at its best.

Posted By: Pal Campbell
3 comments

The Soaring Price Of Pork

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pork is a part of a weekly meal plan for many, from sausages and bacon to chops and steaks. But unfortunately in recent months, pork prices have started to rise.

Wheat prices have doubled since July last year due to the drought and fires throughout Russia and other countries. Coupled with the rise in fuel for transportation, the result is pig feed being more expensive for farmers who have in turn had to pass the costs down to the consumer.

Because of the rise in price, many supermarkets may start importing their pork products from further afield, causing more damage to the environment. In addition, some of the costs the consumer will end up paying won’t be going to the farmer or vendor, but to pay for the cost of transportation overseas.

In Britain, we are very lucky to have thousands of farms producing high quality pork every day plus the hundreds of farms who produce organic and free range pork as well. While the costs may seem more at first when buying locally, they are much more worthwhile when you break them down.

First, by buying locally, much less of the money you pay for your sausages or steaks will go on delivery or shipping costs. More of the profits can go straight to the farmers themselves affording them the option to ensure the highest quality of their pork.

This then means that the money stays in the local economy, meaning the farmer is more likely to reinvest it in his farm, or spend it locally. The more money we keep in the local economy, the better off we become - more money creates more spending which creates more jobs.

If you are making your shopping list on a budget, why not try some more unusual cuts of pork for stews and casseroles such as shoulder. This will help make your money go further while supporting the local economy.

At Local Food Direct, we work with fantastic local producers to bring you local produce that can be ordered in one place. C & K Meats and D J Barnard both sell delicious, top quality meat including pork from either Norfolk or Suffolk.

Posted By: Local Food Direct
3 comments

Living on a Budget with Good Quality Food

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video : (click here to watch)

When times are tight financially, the cheap, low quality items at the supermarket can seem tempting to beat the credit crunch. But it is possible to save pennies while eating local food that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Many people assume that buying local food is going to be more expensive, especially if you want higher quality items. So here are a few tips to help you stick to your a budget while buying local, quality foods.

First, try making a weekly meal plan before you do your shopping. By writing out what you will have each day, you can see what leftovers you might end up with and make sure that it does not go to waste. Omelettes and stews are great for using up odds and ends left at the end of the week, while still providing a tasty, nutritious meal that goes along way.

Try adding in one meat-free meal each week. Paul McCartney started the campaign ‘Meat Free Monday’ in 2009 encouraging the public to replace one meal each week with a meat-free alternative. The website - http://www.supportmfm.org/ - not only provides information on why the campaign is important, but you can also find great meat-free recipes that are just as tasty and filling.

Using local shops instead of supermarkets for fruit and veg means that you aren’t being charged for the packaging and shipping of the goods, so all your money is going on the quality of the product. If you keep an eye on what’s in season, you easily end up with cheap and tasty veg – the English seasons will bring an abundance of delicious crops which local growers are as eager to sell as larger supermarkets.

Using better quality cuts of meat might seem like a more expensive option at first, but a better cut will go further for your meals. You could also try using more unusual cuts of meat such as chicken thighs or lamb shoulder for casseroles and stews. These tend to be cheaper and the shape and size won’t matter if you are dicing it for your meal.

At Local Food Direct, we try to make it easier for everyone to buy quality, local food by drawing all the best produce around the area together at our online shop. We can deliver straight to your house giving you all the ease of a supermarket shop, while helping the local economy and environment – and getting away from those supermarkets that are taking over our towns.

Posted By: Admin
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Beating the Hungry Gap

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re almost there – spring is springing, the daffs are poking up, the sun is shining and everyone seems to get a bounce in their step having woken up with blue skies outside. While we might have a few cold nights yet, that wintery feel is finally dissolving.

Whatever promise and excitement the spring may hold, a lot of people are surprised to learn that it’s actually a ‘lean’ time for fresh fruit and vegetables. The reason is that the winter crops, like root vegetables and cabbages, will be starting to ‘bolt’, ending the time in which they can be harvested – but at the same time, all the summer delights are barely even seedlings at this time of year, so we have to sit back and patiently wait for our salads and fruits.

There are theories that the origin of the celebration of Lent was linked to this ‘hungry gap’, although the term was also used to refer to the middle of the summer when grain stores would run empty a few months or weeks before the harvest.

The herald of the end of the hungry gap will be the year’s first broad beans – announcing the rest of the bounty of summer to follow. But until then, we still have to eat!

For fans of local food, this poses a dilemma – we can all too easily get our salads and fruits from warmer climes or massive in-door hot houses, but that means breaking our local rule.

At Local Food Direct our way round this is by making sure that we are using local suppliers – so even if the food miles are higher than we’d like, the money spent is still going into the local economy and supporting people who are growing food locally year round. We also make sure that any goods from further afield are organic. So if you’re dead set on not going without, we have our ethical local suppliers who are importing.

However, the most environmentally sound thing to do its to use up the stores of winter vegetables – while it may be getting warmer, so soups might not be on the menu, the veg from the winter will still be delicious – especially if it hasn’t been shipped across the country and stored in massive crates.

There’s a type of kale that is actually known as “Hungry Gap” because it crops at exactly this time of year – and carrots, beetroots, wintercress, rocket and spring cabbages will all be around as well, so keep an eye out for new recipes and enjoy experimenting with them.

But most of all, enjoy the longer days and warmer winds – even if they do bring slightly less fresh and local food! Summer will be here soon, with masses of delicious local fruit, salad and vegetables.

Posted By: Admin
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Real Bread, Please!

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video : (click here to watch)

Real bread, please!

One of the incredible things I have noticed recently is how few genuine bakers there are around – people making delicious, fresh bread from good ingredients and without preservatives.

Real bread is skilfully made from four simple ingredients: yeast, flour, water and salt – and in sourdough there isn’t even any yeast! Compare that to the extensive ingredients lists that are impossible to decipher on the packaging of industrially produced bread – they are worlds apart.

When we talk about something being “the best thing since sliced bread”, I’m not sure we’re really on the right track. I’d take a freshly baked rustic loaf with a flavoursome crust above a preservative-filled, generic, perfectly sliced bread any day – even if does require getting a breadknife out!

I was having a look online for some statistics to include in this post and I came across a really interesting campaign – the Real Bread campaign is a lottery funded project run by ‘Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming’. I was interested to see that one of their criteria for “real bread” is that at least 20% of the ingredients are locally sourced – good on ‘em!

Reading up on them I found the stats I was looking for – that 95% of bread in the UK is produced by a handful of industrial bakers and in supermarkets. The problem is that this bread is so over-processed that it’s not healthy any more, and has become part of the national problem of unhealthy eating. I recommend having a look at the Real Bread campaign’s “background to the campaign” page – it outlines the argument really interestingly.

I see bread as another example of the shift our society has made away from local suppliers and towards mass-produced food – but I’m glad to say the tide is turning. We have more and more customers requesting ‘real bread’ with their deliveries and are really happy to work with Dozen Artisan Bakery in Norwich, where all the bread is baked using traditional methods and organic ingredients.

As far as local produce goes, bread is one of the things that really is better when it’s bought locally – the closer you are to the oven it’s baked in, the fewer preservatives are needed, the better the ingredients will be, the fresher the loaf on your table will be and the better the taste.

Posted By: Admin
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Comms Consulting To Donate 20% of Revenue From Buy Local Members to East Anglian Air Ambulance

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Comms Consulting, an independent telecoms management company based in Norwich, are helping to support Buy Local’s chosen charity East Anglian Air Ambulance by offering to donate 20% off all revenue received from Buy Local Members.

Unlike other companies, Comms Consulting only makes money if they save you and your company money. They also offer a free audit before explaining how they can help you.

You can visit their website at http://www.comms-consulting.co.uk/ and contact them on 01603 483730 to find out more.

Posted By: Admin
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Help the Hamlet Centre

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The exciting news is: The Hamlet Centre is on the shortlist to benefit from the Norwich City Football Club's 'Community Chest' this year! If chosen, our logo will go on the team shirts for the Leeds match on Nov 28, and .....we stand to benefit from up to £20,000 from a range of activities on the
day.

Now the hard bit: We have to gain a lot of supporters to vote for us, and we mean a lot!

People need to collect daily tokens from two weeks' EDP. It would be great if you could please ask your friends/family in Norfolk to buy the EDP, cut out the tokens and get them to the collection points or send them to Hamlet Centre, Ella Road, Norwich NR1 4BP, deadline is Oct 30th.

Also, you can just text "AVIVA HAMLET" to 88442. Texts are free (standard network rate), and one text per mobile number will be accepted. Can you also get your networks going and get on facebook, twitter, myspace, msn, whatever you're on and ask people to text for us, the deadline for texts is Nov 1st.

We really, really want it to be us - this would be the biggest fundraising boost we would have ever had in one day!!!!!

Thank you very much for your support,

Julia,
The Hamlet Centre Trust - Supporting children and adults with disabilities in Norfolk

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Are you up for a "local" challenge this winter?

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Are you up for a challenge this winter?

Why not try buying all of your groceries from local suppliers for just one week?

buy local member Local Food Direct is a social enterprise working to make it easier for people in Norfolk and Suffolk to buy from the excellent producers we have in this part of the UK.

Did you know that the UK produces 19 MILLION tons of CO2 every year from transporting food? Every time we buy a shoulder of lamb from New Zealand, potatoes from Israel or tomatoes from Saudi Arabia, we’re contributing to this mind-blowing figure.

According to the Food Policy journal, if everyone in the UK bought food that was produced within 20km of where they live, the country as a whole would save £2.1 billion in environmental and congestion costs. It is possible to make a difference by changing our individual buying habits!

buy local member Local Food Direct works with over fifty local companies to offer a comprehensive grocery delivery service, so that you can do your weekly shop as usual, but can avoid the mega-store supermarket chains that are doing so much damage to local economies and local producers.

Where they can’t find a local producer, they work with local suppliers – so that even if food or products have to travel (there aren’t many Norfolk bananas, unfortunately) the money you spend is going back into our communities, strengthening our local economy and ensuring jobs for local people - everything that buy local Norfolk holds dear!

If you have questions about how the Local Food Direct delivery scheme works, you can find the answers on www.welovelocalfood.co.uk – or you can get in touch with Paul, who is always happy to answer questions.

Join in, take the challenge. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to have a fridge full of local produce, without having to trek around various farm stores after work!

Better food, fewer food miles – if you’ll forgive the over-used cliché: it’s a winning recipe!

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6 months free office space at the Business Base for lucky prize winner

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

buy local member, the Business Base ran a prize draw at the AAB10 this year – the grand prize was 6 month’s free office space at one of their business centres. The winner was Chris from Eminence Training Solutions who is over the moon – and so is his wife as she is now turning the spare room into a walk in wardrobe!

Chris is taking an office at Eastgate Place, the Business Base site that is in the most convenient location for him. Chris is also a fireman and the trainers for Eminence are all firemen and paramedics.

Posted By: RLS
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Ormiston Victory Academy Community Fireworks show

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Head along to Middleton Crescent in Costessy on October 21st for a community fireworks display including the Battle of Trafalgar!

buy local member Flashfx have provided the fireworks for this eye-catching show, and we hear it's going to be spectacular!

It starts at 7pm and an entrance fee is payable on the door. Families are welcome.

Posted By: RLS
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Upcoming Norwich City Council Tenders

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Norwich City Council will be putting temporary contracts out to tender for housing repairs and maintenance and other services that Connaught previously supplied them with.

The temporary contracts are expected to be 9-12 months in length and would start in November.

The Council had hoped to hand over the work to a contractor that had agreed to employ staff previously employed by Connaught – however, for legal reasons, they are having to put the long term contract out to tender as well. In the meantime, temporary contracts to provide the services will be needed.

More information can be found on the Norwich City Council website - http://www.norwich.gov.uk/webapps/news/news.asp?cid=6606

We encourage buy local members to keep an eye out for the tenders – and hope that the City Council will look to local contractors.

Posted By: RLS
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All About Business 2010

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday 30^th September.

Norwich City Football Club is the venue for this year’s Norfolk SME business community show-case.

Open to visitors from 11am to 5pm (with the official opening at 12 noon by Caroline Jarrold) this exhibition boasts two presentations from “millionaire mentor” Mark Rhodes.

Buy Local has booked a stand at this event - which attracted over 400 business visitors last year. See you there?

For more details and to register... www.all-about-business.co.uk

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5th Birthday Offer

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

To celebrate having been in business for 5 years, Kimberly Dawn Carpenter is offer all buy local members £5 off all treatments - so that means relaxing, wellbeing-enhancing treatments for only £20.

The offer lasts until the end of September.

From all of here at buy local, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMBERLY!!

Read more about the holistic therapies that Kimberly offers

Posted By: Buy Local
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Our new website is launched!

Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to our new website, a resource for looking for: local Norfolk products or services, news of exciting business events, networking opportunities and forums in which to find local suppliers.

We would like to thank our funders, Go For It! Enterprising Norwich for making it possible to launch this new website.

Posted By: Debbie Harvey
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Looking for Norfolk products or services?

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Posted By: Debbie Harvey
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GML "Creative Design" Launch Party

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GML Consulting are introducing a Creative Design Service to their clients, so they will now be able to handle their needs from start to finish! All company branding and print needs from logos, business cards, brochures, and leaflets in addition to hand drawn illustrations and animated websites that will stand out from the crowd, GML should be able to help you maximise the potential of your business!

This is a very exciting time for GML Consulting, and we hope that you will be able to join us on the 22nd February. Click here to view invitation and RSVP information.

Posted By: buy local
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Are you a small retail business looking to grow?

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Our 'Make Your Mark in Retail' competition is for any small retail business looking to grow. We understand that the hardest part of growing your business is getting in front of the right customers. Our competition gives the opportunity for one lucky business to do just that and for FREE.

In partnership with Natwest, Enterprise UK and The National Skills Academy we are offering one lucky business 6 months rent FREE trading in one of our centres on a Retail Merchandising Unit. As well as this we also have a whole host of additional prizes key to ensuring your long term business success Click HERE to find out more

Posted By: buy local
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New Website For Social Networking In Norwich

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The new site is currently under construction and will be launched in the New Year.

Neo Norwich chose GML because of their extensive portfolio of like minded websites, boasting some of the biggest clubs in the county. You can follow Neo Norwich on Facebook and as soon as the site is launched we will let you all know.

Stand by Norwich, Neo Norwich are coming.

GML are currently expanding at an incredible rate having recently won many new contracts ranging from simple brochure sites to full blown e-commerce sites with integrated search engines. 2010 looks set to be our biggest year to date!

Posted By: buy local
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'buy local' wish you a Happy Christmas!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Posted By: buy local
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Norwich's fastest growing web design company sponsor local Bowling team

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

They have so far designed and built a fully managed new website, which went live this week www.norwichybc.co.uk Their new site gives the teams the ability to update all of their results and any news to keep their fans abreast of what's going on. They have members from ages 4 to 16 who play every Saturday. Full fixture lists are also on the site. They regularly attend national events and do very well. For more information contact Simon at GML Consulting Ltd on 01603 508066.

Posted By: buy local
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Hardship relief for businesses in the Broadland area

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To qualify for relief businesses have to show that they are suffering hardship as a result of the recession and provide information to back up their claim.

To obtain further information, please telephone 01603 430439 or email simon.quilter@broadland.gov.uk

Posted By: buy local
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Re-opening of the original Spurgeon's shop

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For Spurgeon's Butchers, this Christmas will be one to remember, following the re-opening of the original Spurgeon's shop. The business was started back in 1925 by Frank Spurgeon, the grandfather of current managing director, Anthony Spurgeon, when he built his first shop in Harleston.

He sold it again in 1938 but the shop has remained a butchers ever since with just two owners in all that time, most recently Terry Beales under the name TW & CA Beales.

"I was hoping to find the original sign under the current shop front," said Anthony Spurgeon. "But unfortunately it wasn't there. Luckily we have the photographs of how it looked when my grandfather opened it and we've been able to replicate in exactly. It's nice to be able to link back to my grandfather's original shop."

And Mr. Spurgeon is looking forward to a busy Christmas at his five shops, which include another branch in Harleston, plus Brooke, Long Stratton and Norwich.

After winning the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival "Battle of the Bangers" title for the second year running, he's expecting their sausages to be a big seller this Christmas, as well as the traditional turkey, of course!

Posted By: buy local
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NORFOLK SHOP, BIG BLUE SKY WINS ‘BEST FOR HOME’ TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE SHOP AWARD

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last night, Tuesday November 17, the winners of the prestigious Telegraph Magazine Shop Awards were announced at an awards event in London, held at the unique Quintessentially Soho 'pop-up' club at The House of St Barnabas.

Earlier this year Telegraph readers were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite shops with seven categories for national and online retailers and, for the first time, three categories for local, independent shops: - best for fashion; best for home; and best for food and drink.

Mary Portas, shop reviewer for The Telegraph Magazine, said: 'We are delighted to present this award to Big Blue Sky. Shoppers have voted for this inspiring seaside store due to its excellent customer service, quirky and unique products and welcoming shopping environment. What brings people back time and time again is the fact that they know they will find something there that they won’t find anywhere else.'

Catherine Edgington, who founded Big Blue Sky in 2003, said: “Big Blue Sky is absolutely delighted to have won this Telegraph Magazine Shop Award and thanks everyone who voted for us. We take our customer care very seriously here and really appreciate our customers' honest and constructive feedback. We know that this will give us the opportunity to continue to give 100 per cent to our customers and be able to find new and exciting products for the shop in order to keep to our aim of inspiring, original and local.”

Michele Lavery, editor of the Telegraph Magazine, said: 'Big Blue Sky's stock is local, but its customers come from far and wide to sample its eclectic range of homewares. Small independent retailers have had a tough year in the current economic climate but Big Blue Sky has continued to go from strength to strength.'

Big Blue Sky sells a wide range of locally produced home furnishings, books, cards, toys, jewellery and ceramics.

For more information on Big Blue Sky go to www.bigbluesky.uk.com

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September 2009 saw the launch of the new Get I.T. Dunn website

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The website has been re-launched with a vibrant new look, new content, significant layout updates and also features a community focused design, allowing visitors to the website to create accounts, make comments and contact company proprietor Leum Dunn directly with questions about their computing issues.

Talking about the website, buy local member Leum commented: "I am delighted with the new website. There have been some long and sleepless nights on the run up to launch day but I really feel it reflects my simple and honest approach to PC Fault Diagnosis & Repair without being overly technical or intimidating. It is my genuine hope that my customers and friends now create accounts and get stuck in with asking questions and offering opinions."

Get I.T. Dunn is the trading name of Leum Dunn, a Norwich based, I.T. technician who provides expert computer support and training to private individuals, small businesses and charities in the Norwich and Norfolk area.

Click here to visit Get I.T. Dunn

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A Norwich business could win £27,000 to help out during the recession.

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

You just have to tell them how your business creates opportunity despite the financial downturn.

The winner will get £20,000 cash towards business development, a £5,000 voucher to buy training courses and a Graduate Student placement, with £2,000.

Log on to www.ixionholdings.com/challenge and submit details before the deadline of 5.00pm on Friday 30 October 2009.

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Norfolk butcher's bangers are best

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Spurgeons was named as the public's favourite sausage after the competition at The Forum, Norwich, held as part of the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival.

Runner-up was Archer's, of Plumstead Road, Norwich, which won the title in 2007.

Seven butchers took part in the event, each cooking their own sausages and handing out free samples to visitors who then voted for their favourite.

Spurgeons is based at Brooke, near Norwich and has branches in Harleston, Long Stratton and Norwich. It was established in 1925 by Frank Spurgeon and still makes sausages to his original recipe.

His grandson Anthony Spurgeon, the company's managing director, said: “I'm amazed - really pleased. It's reiterated that our sausages are a firm favourite with Norfolk people.

“I think it's consistency in what we do. We use local pork - nothing but shoulder pork - and our own mix of spices. There was some stiff competition. Archer's weren't competing last year but they were here this time, so I thought we would be up against it.”

Winning the competition last year had boosted business, said Mr Spurgeon, who estimated it has increased sales were by some 300kg (661lbs) a year, and was hoping for a similar effect this time round.

Nearly 5,000 people voted over the course of the day.

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Award Winning Jungle Public Relations Ltd is offering Buy Local Members 20% discount on its range of Media and PR courses

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Our course teaches you how to get noticed; how to write and effective press release that will get printed, reach the right audience and build a good reputation. Jungle’s media training helps you fully understand the press and how to use them your advantage.

The workshop is taught by Kate Morfoot, Director of Jungle PR Ltd and approved member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. For bespoke courses, expert journalists are brought in to give you the inside tips...

What can you do to get noticed?

How to build an awareness and enthusiasm for your business

Reaching the right audience with the right message

How to write a press release

Understanding the press and how it operates

Using the press to your advantage

Jungle PR’s range of courses allow company members to learn more about how to engage with the media and get their company or products featured, how to manage their reputations online and learn about engaging with their audience on the internet, as well as offering a tailored solution for continuing to market without commitment to big marketing budgets.

For more course information contact Jungle Public Relations Ltd on 01362 694649.

Half Day | Full Day | Individual & Group Courses Available

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buy local member Jungle PR shortlisted for three Industry Awards

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Amongst the 1,448 East Anglian entries this year, Jungle Public Relations Ltd, has been shortlisted for three Awards; Outstanding Small Consultancy, Best Media Relations Campaign for Hawkin’s Bazaar and Best Low Budget Campaign for ZAKS Fine American restaurants.

Kate Morfoot, director of Jungle Public Relations Ltd says: “We are delighted to be recognised in these Awards . Reaching the short list is proof to your colleagues and clients that your work has been judged to be among the best in East Anglia and it is a great morale booster for our team.”

Previously, Jungle Public Relations won a Gold Award for Best Media Relations for its BeWILDerwood campaign and a Silver Award for Outstanding Small Consultancy in 2007.

The PRide Awards is the only awards scheme which showcases the best PR work being carried out across the UK regions and nations. There are twelve areas taking part in the PRide Awards - East Anglia; Home Counties South; Midlands; North East; North West; Northern Ireland; Scotland; Thames and Chiltern; Wales; West of England; Wessex and Channel Islands and Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The judging process is rigorous with a national panel of industry experts assessing the shortlisted entries and choosing the winners. Ann Mealor, CIPR Acting Director General said: “This year more than ever, consultancies and organisations entering the PRide Awards want to spotlight their achievements while boosting morale - and being a PRide finalist does just that. Having gone through rigorous judging to reach the shortlist is a great achievement and I offer my congratulations to all those who have reached this stage of the competition.”

Winners will be announced at a presentation dinner in Stansted on Monday 7th December 2009 by BBC presenter, Alex Dunlop.

For more information about Jungle Public Relations Ltd. and its range of services visit www.junglepr.com.

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Awards for All

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Voluntary Norfolk are co hosting an event with Big Lottery and Community Connections looking primarily at Awards for All but also the wider range of small grants and funds currently available.

Please download further information here:

Awards for All Poster

Awards for All Flyer for Great Yarmouth

The workshop is being held on Thursday 1st October 2009, 1030 till 1530 at Great Yarmouth Library.

For more information please contact Helen Johnson on info@gyvsp.org.uk

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buy local member Lambda Films are delighted to announce the launch of their new website

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

'Make sure to check out the showreel, which is a compilation of all of our recent work, and the portfolio details the process undergone to achieve those results. The recent buy local Video Directory also features in the portfolio section.

We'd very much appreciate it if you could take just a minute or two to check out the site and any feedback would be warmly welcomed.'

www.lambdafilms.com

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New free service on Supply2Gov

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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New Business Rate Support Begins

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Special provisions mean that from today all business ratepayers can apply to their local council to put off 3 per cent of their whole year's 2009/2010 business rates bill and those who accrued a rise in their bill because transitional relief has come to an end can now defer 60 per cent of the increase.

Local councils are now sending out a simple one page application form with details of how to apply for this scheme and small business rate relief to every ratepayer in England.

Businesses should apply to local authorities as soon as possible. Once approved, businesses will pay reduced instalments for the remainder of the financial year or until payment is complete. Businesses that submit their application next month can expect to see their bills reduced by October.

Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said: "The business rates deferral scheme will provide real help now to businesses facing financial pressures in the current climate.

"Letters are already on their way to every ratepayer explaining how to apply for this new scheme, as well as detailing existing help for small businesses that could potentially halve their total bill.

"This is on top of other help for business from Government, including free business health checks, skills training, and help for almost 100,000 large businesses to defer over £1.7bn in other taxes."

Applicants should simply return the form to their local authority before the end of the financial year. Only one application form needs to be completed where the ratepayer has more than one property in a local council area provided all the relevant addresses are given on that form.

Further help may be available for small businesses to pay their bills, with Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). This relief supports small businesses who generally occupy only one property. The relief is available at 50 per cent for eligible properties up to £5,000 rateable value and relief decreases at the rate of around 1 per cent per £100 of rateable value up to 0 per cent at £10,000.

Application forms for the new scheme can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/doc/1295587.doc.

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New Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This will create a single department committed to building Britain’s future economic strengths. To compete in a global economy and create the jobs of the future Britain requires a regulatory environment that encourages enterprise, skilled people, innovation, and world-class science and research. The merger of BERR and DIUS brings together the parts of the Government with key expertise in these areas.

It combines BERR’s strengths in shaping the enterprise environment, analysing the strengths and needs of the various parts of British industry, building strategies for industrial strength and expertise in better regulation, with DIUS’s expertise in maintaining world class universities, expanding access to higher education, investing in the UK’s science base and shaping skills policy and innovation through bodies such as the Technology Strategy Board.

It also puts the UK’s Further Education system and universities closer to the heart of Government thinking about building now for the upturn.

The new department is the institutional realisation of the approach to promoting UK competitiveness and productivity as set out in the New Industries, New Jobs paper of April 2009, produced jointly by BERR and DIUS.

The new department will:

• Advocate the needs of business across Government, especially of UK small businesses;

• Promote an enterprise environment that is good for business and good for consumers;

• Design tailored policies for sectors of the UK economy that represent key future strengths and where government policy can add to the dynamics of the market;

• Assess the changing skills needs of the UK economy, especially the intermediate and high skills vital in a global economy and design policies to meets them through public and privately funded lifelong training;

• Invest in the development of a higher education system committed to widening participation, equipping people with the skills and knowledge to compete in a global economy and securing and enhancing Britain's existing world class research base;

• Continue to invest in the UK’s world class science base and develop strategies for commercialising more of that science.

• Continue to invest in skills through the Further Education system to help people through the downturn and to prepare Britain for the future;

• Deliver on the government’s ambitious objectives to expand the number of apprenticeships;

• Encourage innovation in the UK;

• Defend a sound regulatory environment that encourages enterprise and skills;

• Collaborate with the RDAs in building economic growth in the English regions;

• Work with the EU in shaping European regulation and European policies that affect the openness of the single market and the competitiveness of European and British companies;

• Continue to work to expand UK exports and encourage inward investment to the UK.

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It’s easy to ‘buy locally’ with new Norfolk Business Guide

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Local Business Guide 2009 has been introduced to mark the second birthday of social enterprise buy local Norfolk. The scheme has been founded to support the local economy by making it easier for shoppers to recognise a genuinely local business and therefore make a considered decision of where to spend their money.

Chairman of buy local Norfolk, Nigel Dowdney says, “Buying more of our goods and services from local businesses employing local people injects vital investment into our economy. It is important to recognise that it is not only food and retail products that can be bought from local independent traders. Our membership includes holiday companies, healthcare providers, filmmakers and those supplying household goods. This new guide will enable people to easily identify who their local suppliers are and how easy it is to buy from them. In many cases they will often be less expensive and offer a higher level of customer services than the national chains.”

The new guide will be available at museums and libraries around Norfolk, at Park and Ride outlets, at summer events including the Royal Norfolk Show and through buy local members across the county.

To download a copy of the guide, please visit the links page.

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buy local challenge, how did our politicians do?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As well as Mr Clarke and Dr Gibson, those who successfully completed the challenge included Steve Morphew, leader of Norwich City Council and his partner Maggie Wheeler, chairman of Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust, Adrian Ramsey, deputy leader of the Green party and Judith Lubbock, Lib Dem city councillor.

They are now urging Norfolk people to join the campaign to provide vital support to local independent traders.

The challenge was also aimed at identifying any goods and services that are difficult to buy locally and gaps in the market which independent firms may be able to fill.

Visit EDP 24 to read the full article and to access video clips from the politicains involved in the challenge

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City Politicians underway in buy local challenge!

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MP's and City Councillors are taking part in the 'we buy local challenge'

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Participants in the April 2009 challenge, include:

Charles Clarke - MP for Labour Norwich South

Dr Ian Gibson - MP for Labour Norwich North & Liz Gibson

Steve Morphew - Leader of City Council Norwich

& partner Maggie Wheeler - Chair of Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health Trust

Adrian Ramsay - Deputy Leader Green Party

Judith Lubbock - City Councillor - Liberal Democrat Eaton Ward

During this time they will be making short videos and blog entries about their experiences. Read more at

webuylocal.wordpress.com

Evening News 24

www.webuylocal.co.uk

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Congratulations to Harvey's Puremeat!

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

'Harveys' has just achieved 5 star accreditation from Environmental Health in Norwich! And as a result of samples taken from many Norfolk outlets by Trading Standards, 'Harveys' also came top for their Famous Sausages as they contained less salt and fat than any other producer. Congratulations to 'Harveys Puremeat' from buy local!

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LGA Calls for Action on Business Rates

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England, is warning that some firms are set to be hit by rate bills that will be doubling or tripling because a programme of Government rate relief is coming to an end.

Business rates are reassessed every five years by the Government and firms that see sharply rising bills are eligible for transitional relief totalling £100m a year. However, this scheme is due to come to an end across the country from 1 April, affecting thousands of firms that have been paying reduced bills for years and in some cases for decades.

Levels of business rates are set by the Government. Councils collect the rates which are then redistributed to local authorities.

The LGA is calling for:

• The extension of the relief to protect the businesses that have been worst affected and that are at danger of going bankrupt resulting in job losses.
• A radical overhaul of tax breaks for small businesses that would see them receive rate relief automatically that currently goes unclaimed.

LGA research shows that:

More than half of all councils (56%) are reporting that firms in their area are having difficulty paying business rates to local authorities. Eight out of ten councils are reporting an increase, or anticipated increase, in businesses requiring support.

Cllr Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the LGA, said: "Bills are starting to drop on businesses’ mats and up and down the country and some are telling councils that they simply won’t be able to pay. It's unacceptable that some businesses could see their rates bills double or even triple.

"It’s clear that a decision about ending this relief was made whilst the economy was still booming and it was thought that businesses would be able to cope. In the new environment, it’s just not realistic to expect many businesses to deal with this sharp rise in their bills.

"Ministers should consider extending the relief for firms that are going to be the worst affected by this change to prevent jobs from being lost. The recession is claiming around 85 small businesses every day and many need every single last bit of help and support to get through tough times.

"Every effort must be made to make sure that even more businesses don’t go to the wall, creating unemployment and scarring our high streets with more empty shops.

"The importance of small businesses to a thriving local economy cannot be underestimated, stimulating employment and keeping money flowing into local areas. Independent retailers such as newsagents, hairdressers and corner shops are the lifeblood of local areas."

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Should Norwich have chain-free zones?

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

visit Evening News 24 to read the full article

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New Sustainable communities act - London Public Meeting

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(www.localworks.org) of which ACS are proudly a leading member. Now that we have this fantastic new law a ‘bottom up’ process has been set up and can be used by you, your communities and councils to protect and promote local shops, services, trade and the environment, devolve powers and potentially even trigger new legislation. However, councils must choose to use the new powers before communities can and in London so far only a handful of councils have done so.

Please come to our public meeting and hear how the Act works and how you can help ensure all London’s councils choose to use it.

Date & time: Tue 10th Feb 2009, 7-9pm

Venue: The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, Parliament, Victoria Embankment, Westminster SW1A 2LW

Speakers:

INVITED - Haze Blears MP (Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government) - INVITED

Oliver Letwin MP (Chairman of the Conservative Policy Review)

Julia Goldsworthy MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government)

John Wright (Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman)

Hugh Lanning (Public and Commercial Services Union Deputy General Secretary)

Ron Bailey (Unlock Democracy Campaigns Director)

Chair: Mike Benner (CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale Chief Executive)

ACTION – please help publicise this meeting by forwarding this email on and by distributing our flyers and posters, contact me on steve@localworks.org or 020 7278 4443 and I’ll send you as many as you wish.

This is a free, public event and no booking is required. More information – www.localworks.org

Background

The Sustainable Communities Act’s process started on 14 October when central government invited all councils to choose to use the Act’s new process by submitting proposals to government for help and action.

The Act gives government a legal duty to “co-operate” and “reach agreement” with communities and councils. This is a wholly new form of governance - it is not the top down decision making we have always had.

In the words of Hazel Blears, when she launched the Act’s process on 14 October, this Act is about “turning power upside down in this country”, and she added that it is about “reaching agreement where you say ‘I can do this and I can’t do that’ and then have a dialogue about the final decision to be taken together.”

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An evening with 'the best of'

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is an open networking event, 'fingerprint networking'. The idea is that people who are not used to networking can come along for the evening and enjoy a fun way to talk to people in the room. The event is being run in conjunction with thebestofnorwich client, Right Angle Events.

If you don't like the idea of a 'theme' you are still welcome to come along for some normal networking - its up to you what you want to do on the night. There are also some stand spaces available.

The networking starts at 6 - 6.30pm.

The cost is £18 for non bestof business members and £16 for bestof businesses.

The cost includes tea or coffee on arrival and a warm buffet, along with 'fingerprint networking'.

Sara and Chris at the bestofnorwich are hoping to follow the success of 'lunch with thebestof' at the Maids Head Hotel, where 106 people attended.

thebestofnorwich is running these networking events every two months so if you can't make this one but would like to go to their next one contact Chris and Sara on 01953 600534 or norwich@thebestof.co.uk. Visit the website for more information: www.thebestof.co.uk

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buy local member Steve Gaskin of Right Angle Events, interviewed by BBC Radio 2

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/vine/

Listen again, Jeremy Vine Show, Wednesday 1pm

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Government Publishes Local Democracy, Economic Development & Construction Bill

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Strong communities will help the country come through the economic challenges we face. And, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears is clear that we need to unlock the potential of local people and involve them in shaping their services and communities. Re-invigorating and strengthening local democracy is key.

She believes that the new Bill will offer people and communities those opportunities - underpinning the Government's commitment to doing all it can to help people, businesses and communities through the current economic hardships and to prepare effectively for economic recovery.

At the heart of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill is:

* a new duty on local councils to promote democracy - putting local authorities at the forefront of the drive to reconnect people with public and political decision-making. The duty will ensure all sections of their community understands how the council works, who makes the decisions on their behalf in their neighbourhood, and how they can get involved if they wish to

* new rights for the citizen to have more information and influence over the local decisions

* new powers to hold politicians and officials to account

* a new duty on local councils to respond to petitions

As well as strengthening local democracy the Bill addresses economic development. To make sure that all areas are making plans for recovery from the economic slowdown and taking action to support businesses and boost jobs and skills:

* there will be new regional strategies in each of the English Regions to bring together economic and spatial planning

* a new duty on local authorities to assess the economic conditions of their area

* further powers for councils to work together to promote economic development and regeneration

The Bill also improves current legislation on commercial contracts to provide a fairer system for construction companies and improve cash flow - especially important for small and medium construction companies.

Hazel Blears said:

"The new Bill will give every neighbourhood, city and region the opportunity to unlock the potential and the talent of its people. It will give local authorities more power and freedom to respond to local needs - and through stronger engagement and consultation with their communities they will be able to do this more effectively.

"The current economic downturn is having a huge impact on our communities. This Bill sets out the framework for every level of government to address the economic issues facing their areas in a coordinated and effective way, and plan for sustainable economic growth in every region of the country."

Key measures are:

* Duty to promote democracy - this supports evidence that local authorities who actively involve people in decision-making benefit from higher public satisfaction. The duty will ensure councils raise awareness of their work and services so people can find out and understand how decisions about services that affect are made, how to make their voice heard and how to stand for a civic role.

* Duty on local authorities to respond to petitions - a recent YouGov survey found that 90% of people think councils should take account of petitions - even though LGA survey showed less than a third of councils guarantee a response. The new duty will require councils to respond to petitions - improving transparency in local decision-making and the extent to which citizens feel able to influence local decisions.

* Extending the duty to involve - growing evidence highlights that involving citizens in the local decisions and services affecting them is an effective way of driving up the performance of public services. This duty already applying to best value local authorities from April 2009 is being extended to partner authorities to give citizen's and communities more opportunities to have a meaningful say.

* Providing funding for a National Tenant Voice - to ensure tenants' views are central to decision-making processes.

* Strengthening overview and scrutiny - growing evidence suggests the number of scrutiny officers is decreasing as the range of work carried out by overview and scrutiny committees is increasing. Proposals plan to boost capacity and raise awareness of overview and scrutiny through the creation of a scrutiny officer and broadening the scope of what joint overview and scrutiny committees can consider.

* Making the Boundary Committee for England and independent body and separate from the Electoral Commission - implements Committee on Standards in Public Life recommendations to ensure the Electoral Commission's integrity and public confidence. Legislating for a separate Boundary Committee will establish a strong national body that is impartial, independent and solely focused on overseeing boundary changes (electoral, administrative and structural) in England.

* Duty on local authorities to undertake an economic assessment of their area - to ensure that authorities have the right evidence to make informed decisions about promoting economic development

* New Regional Strategy for each English region (except London) - these new strategies will bring together and integrate economic and spatial planning in each region. They will be developed in by the Regional Development Agency in partnership with a new local authority Leaders' Board.

* New powers to create 'Economic Prosperity Boards' - to give local authorities the ability to create corporate bodies at sub-regional level to promote economic development

* Allow creation of multi area agreements (MAAs) with statutory duties - these will provide a further option for local authorities to work together on economic development by allowing MAAs to be put on a similar statutory footing to Local Area Agreements.

* Amendments to Part 2 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 - to improve cash flow and the referral of disputes to adjudication under construction contracts.

The Bill is the next step in transforming communities and public services - by implementing policies set out in Communities in Control White Paper, published by Hazel Blears in the summer, and in the Government's Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR).

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Fraud by Credit Card Scam

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard".

The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for Â£497.99 from a Marketing company based in London?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from Â£297 to Â£497, just under the Â£500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"

You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security.

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of Â£497.99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening .

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Oxford Retail Masters Forum - six fully funded scholarships

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Offered annually, these six scholarships give fully-funded access to the British Shops and Stores Association’s (bssa) Oxford Retail Masters Forum; a four-day residential course which is widely regarded as one of the top retail management training courses in the country.

Running from 16-19 March 2009 at the Said Business School, University of Oxford, it gives retail managers the opportunity to network and learn from some of the most respected experts in the industry.

Previous attendees reported having their eyes opened to new ideas and business opportunities and, during these tough trading conditions, anything that gives retailers a competitive advantage is an increasingly attractive prospect.

Over the course of the four days, attendees will have the chance to learn from some of the leading lights in the industry, whilst participating in exercises designed to maximise potential and showcase ability.

The 2009 programme features, amongst others: Phil Wrigley, Executive Chairman of New Look; Fraser Longden, Head of Talent and Engagement for Kingfisher; Jonathan Reynolds, Academic Director of the Oxford Institute of Retail Management, Said Business School and Stephen Robertson, Director General of the British Retail Consortium.

Scholarships are available to anyone who has worked in the industry for at least seven years but are particularly relevant for senior managers, regional managers and store managers.

To find out more, visit www.retailmastersforum.co.uk or download an application form at www.skillsmartretail.com/events.php.

The closing date for applications is 7 January 2009

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Norwich Evening News, Feature Writer, Emma Harrowing, takes the 'live locally' challenge

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

visit Evening News 24 to read Emmas full report

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Go For It! Enterprising Norwich day celebrates enterprising culture in the city

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Image by JMA Photography

The event was organised as part of The ‘Go For It – Enterprising Norwich’ campaign which has been launched to improve Norwich’s enterprising scene. Despite a recent survey highlighting that 98 out of 100 people had an idea for a business in Norwich, the city lags behind the national average with just 29 per 10,000 residents starting their own business compared to 41 nationally.*

Thursday’s open day at Norwich Enterprise Centre gave people the opportunity to chat to business advisors, get quick on-the-spot business advice and meet Norwich people who have taken their business idea and turned it into a reality. Organisers of the day hope visitors will have been inspired, motivated and encouraged to go away and think about starting up in business.

Norwich Enterprise Centre provides a ‘one stop shop’ for business advice, funding, training and support. The centre is funded by Norwich City Council’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), which in 2007 received £11.2M of Government funding to help more people in Norwich get started in business. The initiative works and funds various other partners across the city, including ‘buy local’, NWES, WEETU and Foundation East – all of which share the same goal, to support Norwich people to turn their business ideas into a reality.

Ellen Tilney, Economic Development Manager for Norwich City Council said: “Today has been a great success and proves that anyone can start up in business if they have a viable idea and access to the right support and advice services.”

As part of the campaign, Go For It! Enterprising Norwich has a branded taxi travelling around the city. On Thursday visitors were able to get business advice in the back of the cab to show how quick and easy it is. Ellen adds; “The taxi spreads the message that it’s best to get advice from people who have the knowledge to get you from A to B in the quickest and most effective way. Like taxi drivers, our business advisors can help people take the best route towards business success.”

Visitors were also able to talk to Norwich people who had set up their own successful businesses ranging from a garden centre to a photographer. And they found out about all the various organisations in Norwich who are funded by Norwich City Council’s LEGI initiative and can help business start-ups with funding, training, support and advice.

Jemma Mickleburgh from Norwich shared her story with visitors of how she set up a new photography business. She comments; “It’s really important for small business start-ups in Norwich to support each other and help each other to succeed. I’m pleased to be able to share my experiences of setting up on my own and encourage others to do the same and become their own boss. It’s really important that people realise how much help is out there and take advantage of it. The Prince’s Trust and NWES helped me with a low rate loan and also a business plan. Without this, I would have really struggled. The help is out there, so people should use it to change their lives.”

If you have a business idea and want help to get started, call the Norwich Enterprise Centre on 01603 227840 or visit www.goforitnorwich.co.uk for more information about who can help you.

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buy local member reaches award finals

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Director Jane Miller says "I am delighted that the hard work undertaken by so many rural women in Norfolk, who joined together over five years ago to protect rural jobs has been recognised in this way. The Enterprising Women Awards are all about recognising enterprising women across the whole spectrum of their business development; I am delighted that rural Norfolk is being highlighted . I hope we can encourage more people to work together to benefit not only their own development but to also benefit their communities”
The winners will be announced at a champagne reception at the end of the Enterprising women conference at Abingdon Hall Cambridge on Friday 21st November

http://www.producedinnorfolk.com/news.php

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Local businesses rewarded at buy local awards dinner

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Norwich-based Seriously Responsible Print Ltd was awarded the ‘Environmental Practices Award’ for the use of effective processes to reduce environmental impact. The company uses sustainable resources throughout its business including renewable energy, recycled stocks and ethical banking.

The ‘Innovation Award’ was given to Graphic Design & Print Community Interest Company (CIC) for its remarkable commitment to donate 100 per cent of its profits towards training and employing local people with learning disabilities.

Guests enjoyed a five course dinner at the awards ceremony prepared by students from Norwich City College’s Hotel School. Keynote speakers included Mike Burrows of Shaping Norfolk’s Future and Simon Gerrard of Local Carbon Reduction Scheme CRed who spoke about the benefits of supporting local business.

The winner’s trophies were locally sourced and made by local company and buy local member, Craig Michael Studios from a natural stone, ‘Serpentine Nodule’, found at Downham Market and recycled plastic coffee cups, which successfully marries buy local’s two primary messages - environmental and local.

Nigel Dowdney, chairman of buy local, says the awards are an important part of buy local’s work to recognise the achievements of genuine local companies. He said: “The awards help us to recognise members’ achievements and identify the businesses which have gone that extra mile to be environmentally friendly and are making a difference to their communities and the local economy.

“Judging was difficult because all members have demonstrated true commitment to the local economy and community but the two winners have taken extra steps to be innovative and green in their approach.”

Abbey Business Banking sponsored the Environmental Practices award and CRed and Carbon Connections sponsored the Business Innovation accolade.

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Parliamentary Statement on SME's

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ministers will be meeting with business organisations and businesses across the country to discuss the problems they are facing. Issues discussed may include: cash flow, access to finance, higher bank charges and costs. ACS will be writing to the Minister to request a meeting and would appreciate any feedback from members on these issues or any others you may wish us to raise
Government will pay its suppliers within 10 days to help cash flow to small business
Treasury will press the importance of flexibility to the HMRC when it comes to dealing with tax. There will a publicity campaign around this released later this year
Royal Bank of Scotland, Halifax Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB are committed to ‘maintain the availability and active marketing of competitively priced lending to SMEs at a level at least equivalent to that of 2007” as part of the Government’s recapitalisation package. The Chancellor and Peter Mandleson will be meeting banks and building societies tomorrow to discuss their policy towards small business
Business Link advisors will provide a free health check for every small business, giving advice how to adapt to economic conditions
SMEs are the focus £350 million of Government funs to help them get through the tough economic climate by training existing staff. All training at NVQ level 2 will be free to all SME employees and there will be free bite-size courses in business improve techniques and customer service.

The Conservative had an opposition day debate on Monday which they called for immediate practical assistance for small businesses including prompt payment from central and local government, deferral of VAT, a cut to National Insurance, a reduction in corporation tax for small business and a greater promotion of the small business rate relief to which many are entitled, but for which not all apply. They have criticised the announcement of training funds as “reheat of old money and a recycling of old schemes”.

ACS is working with both Government and the Opposition at this time. James Lowman attended a Conservative Small Business Summit on Monday and discussed small shops with David Cameron, a press release on which can be found at www.acs.org.uk.

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Job Vacancy

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Full time, 37.5 hrs per week, initial contract for 1 year commencing Jan 2009 which may be extended to a permanent post.

Salary up to £16,900

buy local is a membership scheme developed by locally owned businesses. It is designed to support the local economy by promoting the benefits of local purchasing to businesses and to the public. This is a newly created post that will provide opportunities for career development to the right candidate. An application form and job description can be obtained by emailing: admin@buylocalnorfolk.org.uk or telephone 01603 766166

The closing date for all applications is 14th October 2008

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Budding new business makes awards shortlist

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thriving new business Seriously Responsible Print Ltd has been unveiled as one of four finalists at the Startups Awards 2008 in the green Business of the Year category, handing it the chance to win the £5,000 top prize.

The short listing judges were impressed by Seriously Responsible Print Ltd's concept and potential, placing the buisness among a handful of lucky finalists plucked from hundreds of entries.

Seriously Responsible print ltd is a corporate & socially responsible digital printing company. The philosophy of the business is about being eco - friendly, ethical and socially responsible - as they say "the power of sustainable print".

The Startups Awards 2008, organised by Crimson Business' Startups.co.uk, in conjunction with Barclays, comprises of 17 categories, each showcasing the best new businesses in the UK. The overall winner will walk away with a £5,000 cheque.

The winners will be unveiled at a prestigious award ceremony and three course luncheon to be held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington on Thursday 30 October.

Christina Youngs, Managing director, Seriously responsible Print Ltd comments: "We are thrilled to be a finalist in the Green Business of the Year" category and very much look forward to the event in October. We are passionate about our business and to be recognised for the hard work and dedication by the Startups.co.uk is fantastic, and we are absolutely delighted to be in with a chance of not only winning the category but also the much-coveted 'Barclays Startups Business of the Year prize."

For further information about Startups Awards 2008 visit www.startupsawards.co.uk

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buy local business awards 2008

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Environmental practices award

To be considered for the Environmental practices award, please submit up to 150 words detailing the steps

or processes your business had undertaken to reduce environmental impact and any achievements to date.

______________________

buy local business innovation award

What impact has becoming a member of buy local had on your business practices?

Perhaps you have reviewed your procurement practices and been successful in finding new locally owned suppliers, whereas perhaps you procured from outside of the area previously?

You may have success stories in obtaining new contracts from joining with other buy local members, or increased sales as a result of taking part in a buy local event.

If you are a start up business it may be that interaction with buy local has influenced your business practices from the very beginning.

To be considered for the business innovation award, please submit up to 150 words in writing.

______________________

For each award, three finalists will then be selected and each finalist will then be asked to submit up to 500 words and any supporting evidence, quotes or testimonials. A telephone interview will then take place, with the three judges present.

Finalists of each award will be announced at the awards dinner on 4th November, 7pm, at The Debut Restaurant, Norwich City College, Hotel School. The winners will have opportunities for photographs, local press coverage and to be featured on the buy local website.

The judges decision will be final.

All entries should be submitted to the coordinator before 5pm on 17th October 2008 to :

buy local, Unit 20, Henderson Business Centre, Ivy Road, Norwich, NR5 8BF

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Campaigners halt the march of Tesco, putting Sheringham firmly on the map!

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To read the full article, please visit EDP24

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Apply for Small Business Rate Relief before September 1st

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Could it be too late to halt the decline of independent shops?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read the full article at Biz online, Edp 24

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FSB urges government to maintain business growth scheme

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The UK’s biggest business organisation said that the government should recognise the success of the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive (LABGI) scheme by extending its life span.

Under the LABGI scheme, local authorities have received around £300 million per year for three years as a reward for successfully promoting economic growth in their areas. They can use that money as they see fit. Now the plan is to bring in a new scheme that would see local authorities receive only about £100 million per year. The FSB believes this is inadequate. The original scheme has been a success and should be extended, but the money should be ring-fenced to support local businesses.

Roger Culcheth, FSB local government chairman, said:

“The LABGI scheme has been a great success and should be extended in its present form. It has encouraged councils to work harder to support economic and business development in local areas.

“But the money it raises must not get lost in council finances. It should be ring-fenced to support the success of local businesses in the future.

“Given the economic hardships that many are facing at the moment, a less generous scheme to support local businesses is exactly the wrong thing to do. Extending and improving the existing LABGI scheme would be a shot in the arm for the 4.5 million small businesses that generate over half of the UK’s wealth.”

The FSB is Britain's biggest business organisation with over 215,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.

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Fantastic time had by buy local members & supporters in the Lord Mayor's Street Procession!

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The evening provided a great opportunity to engage with the public, buy local balloons and stickers where given out and all money collected went to the Lord Mayor's Chosen charity 'Norwich Riverside Lifeboat'

Members were invited to display promotional banners on the lorry and it has proved to be a great success, with one member already reporting new enquiries received as a direct result of their banner being seen in the procession!

Thank you to all those who took part, including Hellesdon Hospital for the loan of the delivery bicycle, Linzers Bakery for the bread displayed in the basket,Theatre Royal for the loan of the old fashioned sack barrow, Phils Top Shop for the potatoes and Derek Cooper (Transport) Ltd of Norwich for the loan of the Lorry.

Please make a note in your diary for next years street procession on Saturday 11th July 2009! All members are welcome to take part.

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Telegraph Research Shows 3,000 Greengrocers Lost in Last Decade

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The closures highlight the ‘slow death’ of the British high street, which has been caused by the growing power of supermarkets and the increasing costs of running an independent business.

Falling numbers of greengrocers have been apparent for some time, but it has been difficult to calculate how many have closed down. However, HM Revenue & Customs, which has a record of every VAT-registered business in the country, has released data to The Daily Telegraph showing the full picture.

In April 1997 there were 6,916 registered greengrocers. By April this year, the numbers had fallen to just 3,948 – a fall that equates to five closing every single week for the last 11 years.

The figures come despite the Competition Commission ruling earlier this year that supermarkets posed no threat to independent retailers. "Those that provide consumers with a strong retail offer will continue to survive and prosper" the report declared.

The closure of greengrocers comes on top of a 2,700 butchers and fishmongers shutting up shop since 2001.

Helen Rimmer, Friends of the Earth's food campaigner said: "Supermarkets are annihilating consumer choice by bulldozing through weak planning regulations, forcing more and more local shops out of business and leaving us with identikit high streets."

The campaign group argues that consumers are the big losers, pointing out that the majority of grocery shops charge less for their fresh produce than supermarket chains – despite the high profile price war that Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's are waging.

Of the findings, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “ACS made representation to the Competition Commission in their grocery market inquiry reflecting the fact that local shops and small independent grocers are in decline. Independent retailers and local shops offer the consumer real choice and diversity. They provide communities with vital services and it is this that gives them a real point of difference in the convenience sector. ACS will continue to campaign for a level playing field on behalf of local shops.”

ACS, the voice of local shops

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Doing Business in Norwich

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Download your copy of 'Doing Business in Norwich' to read more

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The second buy local member to receive an award in recent weeks

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gary also received 'May Membership Champion' title at the buy local first anniversary celebration

In recent weeks Opolka member, Nigel Dowdney recieved the Community Heroes award at ACS Summit 08!

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Seriously Responsible Print Business Launch

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Locally sourced refreshments and nibbles will be provided.

Unit 2, Henderson Business Centre, Ivy Road, Norwich, NR5 8BF

01603 878008 info@seriouslyresponsible.org.uk

www.seriouslyresponsible.org.uk

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Opolka employee to attend the bssa Summer School at Keble College, Oxford

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The bursary covers attendance, including accommodation and all course materials. Louise, shortlisted down to 30 from in excess of 300 applicants, for one of the 10 available places was ultimately successful.

The bursary awarded by The Retail Trust, has made it possible for independent retailers to benefit from this intensive training, at a cost that is often only achievable for the large multi-nationals. Congratulations to Louise!

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buy local celebrates First Anniversary!

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The event included informative talks from Chris Futter, MD of Red Orange Ltd, Sam Williams Senior Business Reporter for Norwich Evening News and Terry Lee, Future Radio’s breakfast Presenter.

‘Membership Champion May 2008’ was awarded to Gary Watson, of Hangman Curtains and Blinds, for achieving the highest rate of membership referrals. Gary joined the buy local scheme earlier last year to foster closer links with other local businesses.

Guests enjoyed supper and buy local birthday cake provided by Wild Rocket Catering For Events and were given the opportunity to go on a fascinating tour of Eagle Ward and St Helen’s Church, at The Great Hospital, amongst the most distinguished older buildings in Norwich, which was founded in 1249.

buy local Members exhibiting at the event included; Produced In Norfolk, Hangman Curtains & Blinds, Active Marketing and Design Ltd, Tas Valley Fire Protection Services Ltd, Graphic Design & Print CIC and Red Orange Ltd.

Membership Champion Gary Watson, of Hangman Curtain & Blinds
with Directors Martin lake, Nigel Dowdney and Project Coordinator, Debbie Harvey.

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Early Day Motion for Planning Policies and Supermarkets

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Please visit

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=35615&SESSION=891

and write to your local MP to request their support for this important EDM

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Please visit and register your support for this petition and pass to anyone you know who supports our local economy.

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Please visit and register your support for this petition and pass to anyone you know who supports our local economy.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/keeptradelocal/

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Small businesses to get free access to public sector contracts

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

From 1 May until 31 July 2008, the http://www.supply2.gov.uk website will allow new registrants to gain free access to public sector contracts valued under £100,000 for the UK and Northern Ireland. The free trial is part of the Department for Business' Enterprise Strategy which was released in March, which outlined new measures to increase the amount of government business that is won by small firms. Business Minister Shriti Vadera said, "Small and medium sized businesses need our support to expand. Many smaller businesses are more innovative, have lower costs and present better value for taxpayers than larger firms. "Introducing Britain's small firms to Government procurement contracts online will provide opportunities to grow that they would not have otherwise found.

Encouraging more small businesses to register for opportunities will mean buyers benefit from increased competition and access to a wider range of suppliers."

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buy local chairman and local business owner Nigel Dowdney Community Heroes Award Winner Announced at ACS Summit 08!

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Short listed down to 3, from 33, 000 Association of Convenience Stores members, Nigel Dowdney, owner of two local shops in Norfolk was announced as the winner at the ACS Summit 08!

Nigel set up and has Chaired the West Earlham Trade Association for the past two years. The association has since organised fairs involving the whole community and been responsible for securing Government funding for a new CCTV system, new awnings to shopping parades and further funding to improve shop frontage and signage, all as part of an effort to overhaul deprived areas in Norwich and attract investment to economically depressed areas. Nigel is also a trustee of the West Norwich Partnership, a charity set up to improve the area of West Norwich for the benefit of those who live and work there, and he is also a member of the BizFizz advice panel offering advice to start-up businesses. In addition, Nigel chairs buy local, an organisation set up to encourage the promotion of local business within the community.

The Community Heroes Award winner was announced at the Gala dinner following ACS Summit 2008 on Thursday 24th April.

The event was held at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole and the three finalists were

Nigel Dowdney, owner of two local shops in Norfolk;
Jonathan James, of James Graven & Sons in Cambridgeshire.
Nita Shah, of the Hermitage Post Office and Stores in Berkshire;

All three finalists won tickets to Summit and the Gala dinner, and the winner was presented with a cheque for £1000.00.

Nigel would like to thank everyone for their support and making this award achievable

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Community Heroes Award, Norwich & Norfolk Region needs your vote!

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Short listed down to 3, from 33, 000 Anglia Convenience Stores members, Nigel Dowdney, owner of two local shops in Norfolk needs your votes to put Norwich & Norfolk in the spotlight!

Nigel set up and has Chaired the West Earlham Trade Association for the past two years. The association has since organised fairs involving the whole community and been responsible for securing Government funding for a new CCTV system, new awnings to shopping parades and further funding to improve shop frontage and signage, all as part of an effort to overhaul deprived areas in Norwich and attract investment to economically depressed areas. Nigel is also a trustee of the West Norwich Partnership, a charity set up to improve the area of West Norwich for the benefit of those who live and work there, and he is also a member of the BizFizz advice panel offering advice to start-up businesses. In addition, Nigel chairs buy local, an organisation set up to encourage the promotion of local business within the community.

To pledge your support

and win this one for West Earlham, Norwich and Norfolk!

vote for Nigel, by visiting the link at :

http://www.acs.org.uk/en/events/community_heroes/index.cfm

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Inquiry into Carbon Footprint of Commercial Sector

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are currently no targets to cap emissions from commercial buildings, which account for about 20% of the UK's CO2 output.

The all-party inquiry follows concerns that not enough is being done to tackle emissions from the sector. It will call for submissions from stakeholders on reforms to reduce the energy use of existing buildings and report to the Government in the summer.

"Debate has so far largely focused on the carbon footprint of people's homes," said Labour MP Clive Betts, chairman of the All Party Urban Development Group which is undertaking the inquiry.

Because commercial buildings are so varied - encompassing everything from small shops to office buildings and factories - it is particularly difficult to tackle CO2 emissions from the sector.

The group's spokesman said the inquiry would call for the Government to provide "clear guidance, fiscal incentives and a unified system of assessment and reporting".

He also said the group did not want to comment on specific measures until the completion of their report.

From October all commercial buildings in England and Wales will be required to have an assessment of their building's energy efficiency and display the resulting Energy Performance Certificate in a prominent place.

There are no caps or penalties associated with the rating, but it is hoped the public recognition of companies with greener premises will encourage firms to improve their emissions.

News as supplied by: ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

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buy local members Barford Hire, celebrate their 21st birthday!

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

David, now 67, is taking much more of a back seat these days and his son Nick, 38 has taken up the reins, handling the busy used van and truck sales dept. In fact the whole family have major roles in the business; daughter Mandy is financial director , son-in-law Jon is manager of the self drive hire dept and wife Anne and daughter-in-law Emma are in Admin positions. Even non-family members Peter Barker and John Hilling, have been with the company over 10 years each , so almost part of the family, making it a very strong, loyal team. When you rent or buy from Barford, you are choosing a business with its roots deep in the region.

Our website www.barfordhire.co.uk has a continually updated gallery of current stock with lots of detail and pictures available 24 hours a day readily available at the click of a mouse. Register your details online with us at www.barfordvansales.co.uk to let us know what you are looking for and in doing so, enter the prize draw we are running at the moment to win an In-car CD Stereo player and we can then keep you updated with special offers and news. The office is open Monday to Friday 8-5.30 and Saturday mornings but viewing can be arranged at other times by appointment.

Not ones to sit on our laurels, new services are planned to see us through the next 21 years, like trailer hire and sales and storage facilities. Everything’s conveniently situated at our out-of-town site, where we keep away from the rush-hour trafic just 3 minutes off the A47 and yet only 15 minutes from Norwich city.

We feel our business in a very strong,reliable and steady position and this is greatly to do with the fact we have all worked here for a long time with many years experience and customers like that continuity, together with a very personal service. Our large customer base has been built on recommendation and that personal service, and we are very fortunate to have very nice customers in return!!

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buy local directors hit the airwaves on Future Radio

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you missed this informative interview, listen to the podcast now by following this link:

http://futureradiofm.podbean.com/2008/03/19/mike-stevens-interviews-nigel-dowdney-and-martin-lake-from-buy-local/

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Competition Commission tinkering will not work, says FSB

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The UK’s biggest business organisation repeated its view that the remit for the inquiry is far too narrow and that consumers have been let down by the competition authorities. The FSB called for an independent regulator with a wide-ranging retail brief to ensure fair competition in all parts of the sector and reverse the trend of over 2,000 independent shops going out of business each year.

The FSB is not alone in thinking that more radical action is needed: over 400 MEPs have adopted a declaration calling for an investigation of and remedies to “the abuse of power by supermarkets operating in the European Union.”

Clive Davenport, FSB Trade & Industry Chairman, said:

“The Competition Commission has consistently failed to be an effective regulator to the retail industry. Three time-consuming, costly and ultimately meaningless inquiries in just seven years tell their own story.

“The idea for an ombudsman to oversee the relationship between supermarkets and suppliers is a reasonable one, but it does not go far enough. There are many more issues, such as below-cost selling and free parking for out-of-town shopping centres that the Competition Commission has failed to address properly.”

“There is a growing consensus of opinion across Europe that something must be done to protect independent retailers from the damaging effects of the unchecked expansion of supermarkets.

“In the UK it’s time for the Competition Commission and the Office of Fair Trading to put out of their misery and for an independent regulator with real power and a wide-ranging retail brief to be set up.”

The FSB is Britain's biggest business organisation with over 210,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk

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Fuel costs affect us all, says FSB

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

“Fuel prices are hurting small businesses and their customers in every sector and in every area of the country,” said Chris Glen, FSB Transport Chairman. “Now is not the time for the Government to be adding to their problems by increasing fuel duty. After a really tough year and several major tax increases, small businesses deserve a break.”

The garden centre and pet shop owner

Karen Baldwin, West Wales, said: “Our wholesalers have put up their costs because of fuel prices and one has stopped delivering to this area altogether. Often we have to drive long distances ourselves to get the things in stock that our customers want.”

The taxi driver

Doug Thorogood, East Sussex, said: “Increases in the amount I can charge customers are set by the local authority and these have been nowhere near the increases in my fuel costs. A little while ago I was spending about four hundred a month on fuel. Now, it’s more like five or six hundred.”

The contract cleaning company owner

Steve Brown, South Yorkshire, said: “We have seven vans, which we use to get to our customers all over the country. Our fuel bills have gone up by 14 percent in the past year. If there’s another increase in fuel duty we will have little choice but to pass this on to our customers.”

The haulier

Rachael Pickford, Wiltshire, said: “A couple of extra pennies on a litre of fuel in your car doesn’t sound like much, but when you’re talking about tens of thousands of litres it’s a different story. We’re paying up to a thousand pounds extra a month.”

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Competition Commission’s Timid Remedies Are No Solution

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

ACS has criticised the findings for not going anywhere near far enough to address the problems faced by retailers and consumers in the UK grocery market.

The proposed remedies include:

advising the Government to provide for an additional ‘competition test’ for local planning authorities to apply when assessing planning applications for new large grocery stores. The Office of Fair Trading will be given an advisory role as a statutory consultee.

a range of measures targeted at ending the use of restrictive covenants on land or buildings that could be developed or used by competitor grocery retailer

the replacement of the Supermarket Code of Practice with a new Grocery Supply Code of Practice which will:

be extended in terms of scope to include all grocery retailers with a turnover greater than £1 billon

require the appointment of in house code compliance officer and better record keeping

be policed by a newly established ombudsman to follow up complaints and proactively investigate breaches of the Code.

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman said: “This Inquiry has run for nearly two years and it is extremely disappointing that the proposed remedies are so timid. There is a very real problem in this market and the measures recommended go nowhere near far enough.”

On planning reforms Mr. Lowman said: “We welcome the fact that the Competition Commission has made no recommendations on the need test and the sequential test. We were very clear in our message to the Commission that these decisions were for Government Ministers to make. We continue to argue for a strong town centre first policy backed by planning tests that provide local authorities and local people with the widest possible scope to decide what is best for their area.

“We are cautious about proposals for a competition test and will remain so until we are comfortable that the working of the test will actually achieve its ends without creating loopholes through which supermarket developers can impose their will against the wishes and needs of local people. We also want to see very strong safeguards against the Office of Fair Trading being given greater weight in decision making than local people.”

Mr. Lowman also commented on proposals to replace the Supermarket Code of Practice and create an ombudsman:

“The decision to extend the scope of the Code of Practice is bizarre. The Code was created to check the power of the companies that operate from a dominant position in the market and exert buyer power over suppliers. To extend the scope beyond the Big Four is to ignore the fact that their dominance is greater now than when the code was created, the differentials in terms of price has extended from 13% in 2000 to 16% as found by this Inquiry. Extending the scope of the code will not address the imbalance of buyer power that exists between the Big 4 and everyone else.

“We welcome the creation of an ombudsman, but only if this regulator is given teeth. The biggest problem under the last code was the lack of complaints engendered by a climate of fear amongst suppliers, if the new system continues to rely on complaints the problem will remain. We wait to see whether the proactive powers of the ombudsman go far enough.

“ACS has consistently called for the introduction of transparency of buying prices as an alternative to the current Code. Only transparency would ensure that suppliers are not forced into unsustainable deals and that retailers that are buying products of similar quantity can obtain same price.”

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. The CC announcement is available at http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/grocery/index.htm

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Business Chief Slams Tax Reform

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Business leader Richard Lambert, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has said that Industry is in a "state of complete confusion". He said that he believes the chaos currently surrounding CGT has severely damaged the government's reputation.

Chancellor Alistair Darling announced CGT changes in October but has delayed revealing details of the new rules. At the CBI conference last November, the chancellor said he would announce revised proposals within three weeks, but so far there has been no statement from the Treasury on the subject.

It means that entrepreneurs are unsure whether to sell assets now, to take advantage of the current 10% rate, or wait and risk paying more tax later in the year.
Richard Lambert said: “Companies and entrepreneurs are finding it impossible to make rational decisions on their investments and disposals.

"If you have been building up a business over donkeys years and you suddenly face the prospect of a higher tax bill, you have to think now about whether you're going to get out of it. That's what people are doing, they are beginning to take decisions that have nothing to do with business or economic common sense. They are doing it because they don't know what their tax liabilities are going to be."

He added that the changes would bring a lot of "injustice" to many people, and that there needed to be a greater period of adjustment.

ACS continues to press Government to reconsider its decision, working with colleagues across the business community.

More information on CGT is available in the ACS advice pages

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Radio Broadcast

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

buy local members Produced In Norfolk hit the airwaves on Tuesday 5th February contributing to the discussion on the EU protection of local food, which was under investigation by BBC Radio Four’s Farming Today Programme. Why are the British and Norfolk in particular so reluctant to protect their regional food? Listen by following this link to Tuesday 5th February’s programme

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/farmingtoday/index.shtml

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Does Britain Face the Death of Community?

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The report claims that traditional social networks are becoming a thing of the past, as towns and villages across the country adapt to fast changing populations that have little in common other than happening to live near one another.

Most people believe the days of face-to-face contact are numbered, with 65 per cent saying that people in the future will have more contact through the internet than in person. Almost one in 10 Britons, nine per cent, admits to failing to meet other people socially on a weekly basis. And 15 per cent go a week without speaking to any of their neighbours.

The results are from an Ipsos MORI survey of almost 1,000 Britons aged 15 and above.

"There's a real issue with people being dislocated from the communities where they live," said Ginny Lunn, the director of policy and development at the Prince's Trust. "Everybody needs to take responsibility for communities and make sure people aren't isolated, otherwise we could face a generation of people who will become unconnected from society."

One of Britain's top experts, Professor Gary Craig, the head of the Centre for Research in Social Inclusion and Social Justice at Hull University, said: "Community empowerment of the poor neighbourhoods hasn't really happened; I don't think politicians believe in having powerful local communities."

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “This report highlights the key role that community facilities such as the local shop play in the future of cohesive communities. The local shop offers a a unique point of contact for neighbours, one which cannot be replicated by the large out of town supermarkets, which are impersonal and for many hard to get to.

“ACS are working hard to encourage the Competition Commission to recognise the very real threat that suggested changes to the current planning policy pose to our communities. We expect Government to publish a consultation on reforms to planning laws sometime in the spring.”

Association of Convenience Stores

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New Tendering Opportunities

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Members please log into the secure area, to view the latest tendering opportunities.

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FSB warns shoppers that small shops may not be around next Christmas

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With just fourteen days of Christmas shopping left the FSB, together with Friends of the Earth is urging shoppers to avoid out of town shopping centres and to hit their local high street instead. Avoiding the out-of-town shopping centres saves on carbon emissions generated from longer car journeys and will also allow shoppers to enjoy better personal service and wider choice. The local economy will also be protected so that a thriving high street is still able to offer these amenities and jobs for local people in the long-term.

As well as cutting car journeys, small shops help the environment by stocking local produce and using less packaging than the big supermarkets. Supporting them is a simple way to help make our local communities more sustainable.

Jeanette Thurtle , FSB East Anglia Regional Organiser, said

“The decline of our high streets should be given urgent attention. If we want our independent shops to be around next Christmas we have to support them. They offer the wealth of variety and originality that the big faceless shopping centres cannot match."

“Shopping locally also cuts carbon emissions and helps to create sustainable communities for the future."

Richard Hines, Real Food campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:

“The big supermarkets are squeezing independent retailers out of business all year round so it’s vital that we support local shops this Christmas. If we shop local first we can help our high streets to thrive, as well as benefitting the environment. And once you’ve recovered from the Christmas festivities, why not make local shopping a new year’s resolution for 2008? "

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Norfolk County Council Trading Standards warn of business mailshot

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The mailshot was sent directly to Norfolk County Council Trading Standards, requesting payment.

The business has a website, www.yellowpagesworldfamily.com, which is registered to an individual in Belgrade, Serbia.

The website is registered through an internet service provider in Macedonia. It does include a basic form of searchable directory, but potential customers should explore the directory first, to determine for themselves whether the listing will offer value for money.

Both the mailshot and the website use the words 'Yellow Pages' and a 'walking fingers' logo. However, Norfolk County Council Trading Standards has established that this business has no connection with the genuine Yellow Pages directory or www.yell.com, both of which are produced by Yell. The Yellow Pages and Yell.com brands are trademarks of Yell in the UK.

Norfolk businesses are advised to be wary in responding to any such mailshots. Businesses can report suspicious mailshots to Norfolk Trading Standards on 0844 800 8013 or can find out more about scams by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/scams.

Conrad Meehan, Senior Trading Standards Officer, Norfolk County Council Trading Standard, said:

"Local businesses often enquire about internet directory scams, and some businesses lose money to them.

"If you receive a demand for payment for something you have not ordered, then you should treat it with the utmost suspicion. If you are invited to advertise in a directory, have a look at the directory first and find out how much it is used by potential customers."

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Competition Commission lets supermarkets off the hook again

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The UK’s biggest business organisation said that the competitive advantage enjoyed by out of town supermarkets over independent retailers from free parking, the unfair treatment of suppliers and below-cost selling has not been sufficiently addressed.

The FSB strongly disputes the Competition Commission’s conclusion that the decline of convenience and specialist store numbers is insignificant.

Jeanette Thurtle, East Anglia Regional Organiser

“The Competition Commission’s report seems to recognise problems such as below-cost selling and the shoddy treatment of suppliers, but claims that small independent retailers are not affected. This is absurd.

“Small independent retailers are closing at a rate of 2000 per year and you’ve only got to walk down your local high street to see the evidence of this.

“The suggestion that, to increase competition, the planning system should be relaxed to allow more supermarkets to be built is perverse.

“Consumers deserve more than a choice between four supermarkets selling the same products. The specialist retailers and independent stores that offer consumers real alternatives are suffering from the anti-competitive practices of the supermarkets. The Competition Commission’s latest report does nothing to address this.”

Details of the Competition Commission decision can be found at http://www.competition-commission.gov.uk/inquiries/ref2006/grocery/provisional_findings.htm

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buy local Initiative Gets Thumbs Up from Local Businesses

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With a buffet and a glass of wine for encouragement some businesses battled through the traffic for up to an hour to reach the event, organised by Debbie Harvey buy local’s new co-ordinator.

The event included updates on the initiatives’ progress since its launch from Directors Nigel Dowdney and Martin Lake and was also a fantastic networking opportunity for local businesses genuinely interested in adopting/expanding procurement policies which favour local firms.

buy local member Norfolk Country Cottages were in attendance and felt the welcome event was a roaring success. Of the initiative James Ellis, Norfolk Country Cottages’ Marketing and IT Director commented, ‘Norfolk Country Cottages feels it is important to not only be involved with the local community but to also support it which is why we are part of ‘buy local’. As a local Norfolk based company we work closely with the local community for which we are very proud of and for which we get fantastic support back. To be part of ‘buy local’ and help other local companies succeed is as important as getting that support back, if we can all work to support each other locally, the local economy has a better chance in continuing to succeed.’

Norfolk Country Cottages were also joined by members Staff Call recruitment, The Home Gallery, The Best of Norwich, Fitt Signs and Produced In Norfolk in their vocal support of buy local and its principles.

Gary Watson of Hangman Curtain and Blinds also heralded the advantages of becoming part of the buy local scheme, ‘I joined the ‘buy local’ scheme to foster closer links with other local businesses. I find I get a greater service when dealing face to face with local business rather than dealing with business outside of the local area via email, phone or fax machine.’

The event also launched buy local’s website, built by members Internet Geeks. The website which is at present in its first phase will allow businesses and the public alike to identify genuinely local services within their area, which have passed buy local’s rigorous accreditation process.

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buy local member short-listed for award

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The award is about recognising contributions and partnerships that enable tourism owners to focus on providing memorable visits, with the confidence of smooth running behind-the-scenes operations.

Produced in Norfolk is a co-operative of businesses that make everything from Norfolk cheese to chairs and fine jewellery and acts as an information point for local businesses wanting to source genuinely made in Norfolk products.

Thanks to PIN sourcing Norfolk goods has become much easier especially for businesses wanting to provide visitors and local people with distinctive local products.

PIN works with a range of local partners and is delighted that their work has been recognised.

The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 22nd November

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Norwich Buying Initiative Gains Momentum

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The buy local concept was launched at Norwich Castle earlier in the year and since that time, the board of directors has been busy recruiting a project co-ordinator and organising a web site which will be officially launched at the meeting at the Assembly House.

Backing for the initiative has come from local MP the Rt Hon Charles Clarke who said: “I encourage Norwich businesses to sign up to buy local. Local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and society and they can only gain by working together. I wish this initiative every success.”

As well as the launch of the website, the meeting will feature an update from the directors and a chance to network with other businesses over supper and a glass of wine. The event will run from 6 to 8pm at the Assembly House on Theatre Street in Norwich.

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