NEWS

Norfolk businesses urged to invest

Businesses should not turn their back on the chance to invest in new technology because of the downturn, business leaders in Norfolk warned.

Caroline Williams, chief executive of the Norfolk Chamber, urged businesses to resist the temptation to be too “inward looking” - and advised companies to keep looking for opportunities to boost competitiveness.

The call came ahead of the Expo08 exhibition later this month that will showcase new technology alongside online marketing.

Both will feature in two workshops at the EDP-sponsored business exhibition being held at Norwich City Football Club.

The first, VOIP without the jargon, will be led by Barry Ward, business development manager for Norfolk-based telecoms specialist Swains Voice & Data.

The second, Online business growth, is from marketing consultant Sharon Sumner, managing director of Norfolk-based Planetweb Systems.

Mrs Williams said: “The advantage of business exhibitions like Expo08 is that over a couple of hours a business can check out over 70 potential suppliers, find out what is new and exciting in the market place and take advantage of new ideas on offer.

“It will be time well spent. The information given at the free work-shops will help them understand new technologies as well updating them about online marketing.

“It is very important during these challenging times that businesses ensure that they are up to speed on what is on offer to help move their business forward.

“I encourage all Norfolk businesses to visit Expo08 and give their competitors something to really worry about,” she said.

On show will be everything from ideas about how new technology will affect businesses and Next Generation Networking (NGN) to cost-effective marketing online.

Mr Ward said: “A revolution will sweep through telecoms over the next few years, and there will be profound changes in how we communicate with our customers and colleagues.

“These changes are already happening with Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), which is a way of making calls via a data connection rather than through a traditional telephone line.

“I will be aiming to explain in simple terms both the benefits and the potential pitfalls of the new technology.”

The free-to-attend Expo08 exhibition will be held over two floors at Carrow Road from 11am-5pm on Thursday, October 24.

Previous exhibitions have attracted more than 1000 visitors from across the county, and show stands have sold out rapidly as up to 85 exhibitors have gathered under one roof.

To book a stand, place or workshop call 01603 625977, or e-mail info@norfolkchamber.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.expo08.org.