Business ideas for sharing - 17 November 2024

Welcome to the latest business ideas for sharing, curated by Business Writers Ltd. If you like this newsletter, please share it with your network because it might inspire others.

Each week we bring you stories relevant to our region, such as developments in digital creativity, technology, renewable energy, urban sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

You'll also hear about networking events and funding competitions that can help the enterprise ecosystem in Norfolk and Suffolk thrive.

Plus Jobs: when we see them, we'll share them. Scroll down to see the latest local opportunities.

1) Take part in latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES)

Norfolk Chambers has just announced that the last QES of the year is now open to respondents. The QES is the UK’s largest and longest-running independent survey of business sentiment. Since 1989 it has provided policy makers with detailed insights into the UK economy and the health of the UK private sector. This is your chance to share your views on the state of the economy as it applies to your business and our region. Take part here: Quarterly Economic Survey - Q4 2024.

2) Offshore wind industry in East of England receives boost

The UK Government's latest offshore wind auction has awarded 'Contracts for Difference' to a number of projects, including ?rsted’s Hornsea Three (off North Norfolk) and ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia Two and Three. This is excellent news for the supply chain in the East of England. Find out more in this article: How EastWind is turning offshore opportunity into action | Eastern Daily Press.

3) EcoBite Summit: Innovating Sustainability in Food & Drink

This is a new event for businesses in the food and drink, machinery, packaging and tech industries. It aims to help strengthen networks and share knowledge about the challenges and opportunities across these sectors. It will be cover topics such as sustainability, automation, innovation, waste elimination and food safety. Details and tickets here: EcoBite Summit: Innovating Sustainability in Food & Drink, Tuesday 3 December 2024 at 12:30.

4) Get ready to book your Norwich Science Festival 2025 tickets

Celebrate the incredible research and innovation in our city when Norwich Science Festival returns Saturday 15 to Saturday 22 February (half-term week). Tickets for this celebration of science and technology will go on sale on Thursday 28 November. Put the dates in your diary and, to ensure you don't miss the fun and excitement, bookmark this page: Norwich Science Festival returns in February 2025!

5) Discover the merchants' marks of medieval Norwich

The National Centre for Writing is hosting a free exhibition where you can discover the history and legacy of the marks that once adorned businesses in Norwich. A merchant's mark was the forerunner of the modern brand logo. This exhibition is a testimony to the city's status as an international trading port. Details here: Make Your Mark | National Centre for Writing.

6) Councils in the East of England partner with US city for growth

Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex county councils have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the city of Virginia Beach to boost trade and cooperation. The city is one of the main US offshore wind industry hubs and has strong technology sectors, including software and cybersecurity. The MoU covers business, research, academia and training. Find out more here: Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex councils partner with US city for business growth.

7) How can R&D tax credits can help your business innovate and grow?

Did you know you can get cash back from HMRC to fund your research and development? R&D tax credits are available to help entrepreneurs develop new products, services and technologies. If you are already investing in the future, they could help you reinvest more and grow faster. BUT - you need to know how they work and how to claim! So check out this FREE introductory webinar: Understanding R&D Tax Credits, Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 12:00.

8) Startup Tuesday is back - 19 November 2024

The Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) in Norfolk is once again hosting a FREE event for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you are looking for inspiration, or advice on how to bring your ideas to market, this event in The Millennium Library, Norwich, could be for you. Get the knowledge you need from experts to start building your own business. Details here: Start-up Day 2024, Tue 19 Nov 2024 at 13:00.

9) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - Shared Ambition for 2050

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has started the process of developing its ambitions for the region. The Shared Ambition 2050 project is now open for public consultation. This is your chance to contribute ideas that will inform "how and where to develop public services, grow and support local businesses, educate young people, develop the future workforce and support changing communities". Find out more here: Have Your Say Today - Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 2050 - Shared Ambition.

PLUS Jobs

Our occasional round-up of interesting roles in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge:

• Group Product Manager | Gearset in Cambridge | LinkedIn
• Project Administrator with Suffolk Supply Chain | Spider
• [Your offer of a great career opportunity could go here.]

"Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." - Mary Oliver

Bonus content

Find innovation hubs and clusters across Norfolk and Suffolk with Connected Innovation.

Get inward investment and business relocation advice from Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited.

Thank you for reading. We hope you find these updates interesting and useful.

If you do, please share with your network and post your thoughts below.

Huw

Chief Engagement Officer

Connect with me on LinkedIn or at Business Writers Ltd Ltd.

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