Business ideas for sharing - 29 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 your network because it might inspire others.

Here you'll find stories relevant to our region, such as developments in digital creativity, technology, renewable energy, sustainability, and manufacturing.

You'll also get 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'll share local opportunities - scroll to the end to see the latest.

1) New Norfolk and Suffolk tech report

UKTN has published its latest regional tech report and this one looks at Norfolk and Suffolk. Based on research and contributions from key stakeholders, this report identifies the tech strengths across the region and opportunities for further growth. Details here: Tech report: Norfolk and Suffolk - UKTN ( uktech.news ) .

2) Build your business brand at #SyncTheCity 2024 in Norwich

Sync the City unites aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, and designers, with business and marketing experts for a 54-hour start-up challenge. This year's 10th anniversary event in Norwich - Thursday 28 November to Saturday 30 November 2024 - offers a great chance to build your business brand with a dynamic tech-savvy audience. Find out about sponsorship opportunities here: Sync the City.

3) Norfolk's biggest B2B networking event is BACK!

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce are once again hosting their annual B2B exhibition at the Norfolk Showground. This year it's on Thursday 17 October 2024. Last year's event attracted more than 900 visitors and 120 exhibitors, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and local businesses from across Norfolk. Book your FREE tickets here: The B2B Exhibition 2024, Thu 17 Oct 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

4) New luxury hotel proposed for iconic Norwich building

Jarrold has announced that plans to convert the historic St James Mill into a luxury 88-bedroom hotel, complete with spa and restaurant. This beautiful building on the left-bank of the Wensum is a heritage landmark that has served as offices for many years. The public consultation opens on Monday 30 September and we hope this proposed investment in the city centre gets full community support: St James Mill - Lanpro ( lanproservices.co.uk ) .

5) Grab your tickets for Nor(Dev):Con 2025

Your chance to attend the biggest developers conference in the East of England - 27-28 February 2025. Hear experts discussing the hottest topics in tech, join thought provoking workshops, and enjoy networking with other developers. More here: nor(DEV): con 2025.

6) Akcela Ventures launches Founders Fund

New fund, administered by Connected Innovation and Akcela Ventures, aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs in Norwich and Norfolk. It will help founders from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds take their ventures from idea to market. This forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystems in Norfolk and Suffolk. More details, including how to apply, here: Akcela launches founders fund.

7) East of England Energy Awards open to entries - deadline 31 October

Businesses are invited to enter organisations, companies and individuals who are making a significant difference across all energy sectors – offshore wind, nuclear, oil and gas, geothermal, solar and O&M ports. Details here: EEEGR End of Year Celebration 2024.

8) Funding competition to help people be more nature-conscious

Do you have an idea for using existing data to help people make better, more informed nature-conscious decisions? If so, check out this funding competition from the Digital Catapult and partners. You could win up to ￡50k to develop your solution alongside a trial proposal. Design to deliver - Applications open | Digital Catapult ( digicatapult.org.uk ).

PLUS JOBS:

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

• Engagement Adviser and Administration Support - Norfolk County Council Careers
• Research Scientist - Quadram Institute
• [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 .