Business

Ask the Experts - The Business Advisor

Richard Salmon, business advisor at NWES. Photo: Angela SharpeWriting a business plan could help your company succeed, says Richard Salmon, business advisor at NWES.

Testing times for restaurateurs

Fewer people are eating out as a result of the recession. Photo: Simon FinlayWith fewer people eating out and diners counting their pennies, today is a challenging time for restaurateurs. But offering value for money could be the key to success.

Aviva profits hit £1.3bn

A slimmed down workforce helped Aviva achieve £1.3bn profits last year - after losses of £885m in 2008.

Ask the Experts - could carbon neutrality help my business?

Taking steps to reduce carbon footprints could drive sales growth, according to carbon consultant Zaour Israfilof, of 3 Carbon Elements.

Manufacturing a bright future

Milltech Precision Engineering factory. The company has seen an increase in orders in 2010. Photo: Angela SharpeThe city's manufacturers have seen a surge in orders since the start of 2010. But is it the start of a sustained recovery - or just a temporary blip? SAM WILLIAMS reports.

Bumper month in city's housing market

Estate agents have reported a surge in house sales in Norwich. Photo: Denise BradleyWith surging sales, rising prices and homes snapped up within 24 hours, February has been a buoyant month for the city's estate agents. But could a lack of supply be artificially inflating the market? SAM WILLIAMS reports.

Ask the Experts - could switching my web browswer improve security?

Leum Dunn, of Get IT Dunn. Photo: Simon FinlayAlternatives to Internet Explorer offer clear advantages, according to IT expert Leum Dunn

Business support fit for a prince

Tara Martin set up her photography business, TM Digital, with support from the PrinceThe Prince's Trust helps thousands of young people set up businesses each year with advice, training and low cost loans. And with rising unemployment the number seeking assistance has risen 50pc.

Ask the Experts - what is the key to business success?

BizFizz coach Anne Francis. Photo: Sonya DuncanHaving run four businesses, worked in business support and regeneration over the last 20 years I have noticed certain principles in action.

Missed the tax return deadline? Ask the experts

James Banham, partner at Banham Graham Accountants. Photo: Antony KellyFiling late tax returns as soon as possible could still save you money, says accountant James Banham.

Could solar power boost business?

Growth in home solar power systems is behind boost for installers.Converting sunlight to electricity has long offered families a way to reduce their carbon footprints - and with new feed-in tariffs guaranteeing payment for the power they generate suppliers are seeing a boom in demand.

Ask the Experts - the challenges of being your own boss

In the first Ask the Experts column, Richard Salmon, business advisor at enterprise agency NWES, writes about the advantages and challenges of being your own boss.

Could apprentices help your company grow?

Apprentice Lorna Boldero with Norfolk County Council chief executive David White.From tackling skills shortages to injecting new ideas into a business, apprenticeships could help firms claw their way out of recession. SAM WILLIAMS reports as the country marks National Apprenticeship Week.

Could 2010 be the year to start a business?

The economy may have faltered, but could 2010 be the perfect time to start a business? SAM WILLIAMS gets the views of entrepreneurs.

Ask the Experts

Introducing the Evening News panel of experts, offering support and advice to businesses.

How carbon commitment will affect businesses

Businesses are required to commit to carbon reductions under a new law.A whole host of new environmental legislation will become law in the coming years - and among the key planks is the Carbon Reduction Commitment which requires companies to cut their energy use or pay a penalty.

Coping with the big freeze

Nigel Carter of City Farm Shop says sprouts and parsnip crops will benefit from the cold weather. Photo: Adrian JuddFrom mushy cauliflowers to burst water pipes and cancelled deliveries, the big freeze has had a far reaching impact on the region. But businesses in the city have pulled out the stops to ensure they can get their services to customers.

Could a minimum booze price help ailing pubs?

MPs have called for a 50p a unit minimum price for alcohol.It is being hailed as a way to cut binge drinking and improve the nation's health - and a minimum price on alcohol could also help the city's struggling pubs.

Recession claims 2,500 jobs in 2009

The recession claimed more than 2,500 city jobs last year - and while there are signs of recovery, experts warn of tough times ahead for business. SAM WILLIAMS reports.

Retailers upbeat about festive trading - despite the snow

Christmas shopping in Norwich. Photo: Nick ButcherWith one shopping day left before Christmas, the city's retailers remain upbeat about this year's festive trading - despite mixed signals nationally and the recent snow.

Recession no barrier to firms' support for charity

Businesses are continuing to support charities, despite the downturn. Photo: James BassSurviving in a recession may itself be a challenge, but the city's businesses are sharing in the Christmas spirit and continuing to dig deep to support good causes.

Jobs lost at Norwich firm

Twenty-three jobs have been lost after a Norwich-based civil engineering firm called in administrators in the wake of the construction industry slump.

Darling predicts return to growth

The economy shrank more than expected this year - but the country will return to growth next year, chancellor Alistair Darling said in the pre-budget report.

RAC - in Norwich to stay

Saj Arshad, RAC director of sales and marketing. Photo: Simon FinlayThe RAC is one of the oldest brands in motoring, and since being bought by Aviva in 2005 it has become a truly Norwich-based company. SAM WILLIAMS speaks to director of sales and marketing Saj Arshad about his quest to make RAC the country's number one breakdown company.

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