Business ideas for sharing - 22 September 2024

Welcome to your weekly round-up of business ideas, curated by Business Writers Ltd . If you like this newsletter, please share it with people in your network because it might inspire them.

We highlight stories relevant to our region, such as developments in digital creativity, technology, renewable energy, sustainability, and manufacturing.

We also include news of networking events and funding competitions that can help the enterprise ecosystem in Norfolk and Suffolk thrive.

Plus Jobs: when we find them, we share local opportunities - scroll to the end to see the latest.

1) Are Norfolk's railways on the right track? Your chance to have your say!

Norfolk County Council is updating its Rail Prospectus for the region, and has now put the first draft out for public consultation. What do you want to see from the lines linking Norwich with Cambridge and London - do we need new stations or faster trains? Take time to read the proposals and give your response - DEADLINE 21 October: Norfolk Rail Prospectus - Norfolk County Council.

2) Helping successful women become angel investors - 27 September

Anglia Capital Group is a leading group of business angel investors in the East of England. This event, at the EpiCentre in Haverhill, is for business women who are already High Net Worth or Sophisticated Investors. It will introduce them to the high-risk world of angel investing. More details and risk warnings here: Female Angel Investor Series - Becoming an Angel Investor, Friday 27 Sep 2024 at 9:30 AM.

3) Cambridge-Oxford innovation arc - new report

The Oxford-Cambridge arc is home to a significant part of the UK tech industry, particularly in the areas of life sciences, AI and quantum computing. This new report from UKTN looks at the success of the region so far and the potential for businesses, investors and talent. Tech report: Oxford and Cambridge arc - UKTN ( uktech.news ) .

4) The Galley Beggar Press short story competition - open for entries

Norfolk publishing house Galley Beggar Press is once again running its annual short story competition for new and published writers from anywhere in the world. This is your chance to test your creative skills and to be in with a chance of the top prize of ￡2,500. More details, including all the FAQs and entry details, here: Prize — Galley Beggar Press.

5) Skills Bootcamps celebrate 2 years of success - find out more

Skills Bootcamps for people and businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk have already supported more than 600 learners. There are now 32 training programmes, provided by 18 approved suppliers. All the skills have been selected following local employer consultations to ensure they meet the needs of businesses in the region. Find out how your employees can benefit - and how that can help your business grow: Skills Bootcamps - Suffolk County Council.

6) How can cities reduce CO2 emissions and help the UK reach Net Zero

New Centre for Cities report looks at what urban centres, like Norwich, Cambridge and Ipswich, can learn from international examples about greening their infrastructure and transport. Accelerating net zero delivery: What can UK cities learn from around the world? | Centre for Cities.

7) Norwich BID to launch strategic manifesto for our city and county

Join Norwich BID, Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and local business leaders at Carrow Road on Wednesday 25 September (08:30 - 12:30) for a morning of talks and discussions about how to drive innovation, sustainability and collaboration in our region. City Conversations | Simplifying strategies & mapping manifestos | Eventbrite.

8) Innovation Grant Mentoring for scale-ups in Norfolk and Suffolk

Do you need help applying for Innovate UK funding? Check out this FREE mentoring and bid writing service from Norfolk County Council. It's open to businesses in Norfolk or Suffolk. Innovation grant mentoring project - Norfolk County Council.

PLUS Jobs

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

• EastWind Offshore Cluster seeks new Chair and Vice-Chair - nominations close 31 October: EastWind Nomination Form ( ewoc.co.uk ) .
• [Your offer of a great career opportunity could go here.]

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

We hope you find these updates interesting and useful.

Please share with your network and post your thoughts below.

Thank you for reading,

Huw

Chief Engagement Officer

Bonus content

To find innovation hubs and clusters across Norfolk and Suffolk, follow Connected Innovation .

For inward investment and business relocation advice, contact Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited .

PS: Feel free to contact me on LinkedIn or at Business Writers Ltd Ltd .