Buy Local Norfolk

I am pleased and proud to be able to say that Getcomfortable is now part of the Buy Local community.  Being part of this organisation is a great way for companies to show their support for the local economy.  It supports small businesses in Norfolk, it keeps local business people talking, it is good for the environment and it is another example of Norfolk leading the way. 

Next time you are out and about doing your shopping, look out for the Buy Local sign many businesses show on their shop front window.  It means that if you buy something in that shop, you support that business and the local suppliers associated with it, you are proud of what our region can produce, and you are encouraging individual entrepreneurial businesses to flourish in our region.  Fantastic!

Is St Matthews The New Covent Garden?!

Last week I visited a free seminar run by Further Search Marketing.  Mark Cook and Brian Bush presented one hours worth of invaluable advice and insight explaining just how to get your web-site higher and higher up those valuable search rankings.  I think its is always very impressive when you key something into Google and the perfect solution appears at the top of the list, with a nice map, and a few quick links to the most important pages within the site.  Something for me to aim for I think!

 

During the presentation it became clear to me just how many of the best new media companies with a national or international presence are choosing to operate out of Norwich.  Not only is Norwich is able to offer lower overheads and a better work life balance, it is able to boast a direct train service to London in less than two hours, a direct train service to Cambridge in one and a quarter hours, and has an international airport with connections to Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Switzerland.

 

In Norwich we have some international experts working right on our doorstep – Silvertap are a leading bespoke Affiliate Marketing Network with customers as large as Tesco, DHL, Alliance & Leicester, and Cornhill Direct Insurance.  Nearby you have Soup, a specialist Digital Agency with clients that include Jordan’s Cereal, FujiFilm, and Howies.  Foolproof have also taken offices in Norwich.  These guys specialise in helping you sell more on-line by strengthening the on-line experience and making the proposition as strong as possible.  With all this so close by, it is no wonder that some of the best on-line businesses from Virgin Wines to Moneyfacts base there operations in Norwich.

 

I don’t think you often hear or read much about the vibrant creative industry that operates in Norwich, but it is another example of a group of companies and like minded individuals who focus on high quality best practise solutions, great customer service and value, and still find time to enjoy our beaches at the weekend!!  Long may it continue.

 

Energy For Innovation

I was lucky enough to attend the latest seminar focusing on the Low Carbon Economy introduced by the UEA.  As usual the event had a real buzz about it with many people from this emerging industry sector attending and networking at the event. 

I particularly enjoyed the presentation from John Best, Managing Director, EEEgr.  I thought his common sense / no nonsense approach gave the whole topic of “integrating innovation” a real tangibility.  It isn’t about radical solutions, although these may have a part to play, but it is also about every business considering energy consumption as part of its innovation pipeline.  This is something that we can all integrate into a new product development process.  It requires objective, creative yet practical thinking, but even things like using less packaging, making production time more efficient, or sourcing from a closer supplier all have a real part to play.  I think the EEEgr mission “to support the sustainable production and wise use of energy” is clear concise, and judging on reputation alone, is clearly something they are very good at delivering!

The East of England is really taking a lead in the low carbon economy.  This is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, new jobs, and a higher profile for our region.  It is up to every business to keep the momentum going!