Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/30/2012 -- Morton Solutions' Managing Director is excited to hear about the Norfolk and Norwich Festival running for another year. The multi-artform festival, which runs from the 11th to the 26th of May, will feature a range of leading companies, performers and visual artists from across the world.

"Last year's festival was fantastic," said a source from Morton Solutions, a Norwich-based sales and marketing company, "There was such a range of performances and interesting events to go and see, and it was really well organise, so it's great that they get to do it again."

The city council's licensing sub-committee recently granted the organisers of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival a premises license, meaning that once again, Chapelfield Gardens will play host to the festival later this year. The premises licence allows for the provision of regulated entertainment facilities, late night refreshments and the supply of alcohol at the park for the same hours as last year.

Representations objecting to the application were received from two people with concerns relating mainly to the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance, and there was one letter of support.

A source at Morton Solutions told us that last year's festival was very well handled, adding, "The event is professionally run, and generally goes off without a hitch, but you can always expect some objections at the planning stage. To have so few is a testament to the good job that was done last year."

Mikey Martins, associate producer of outdoor and circus arts, said "We are very pleased to be granted the licence, and are very grateful for the continued supported from the city council. We are looking forward to the festival and are very excited about this year's programme."

The international arts festival for the East of England will take in a mix of music, theatre, dance, circus, literature, outdoor performance and visual arts.

The full programme will be announced on March 1, but one of the highlights already revealed will be a unique show celebrating the county, called 100pc Norfolk, which will share personal stories and insights into county life. The show will be at Norwich Theatre Royal on May 18 and 19. The Nigel Kennedy Quintet will also be performing at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday, May 22, as part of the festival.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said the MD of Morton Solutions, "If it's as good as last year I really can't wait."

The opening hours of the festival will be from 10.30am to 1.30am from Monday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30am on Friday, 10am to 2.30am on Saturday and 10am to 12.30pm on Sunday.

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/

http://www.prlog.org/11831399-morton-solutions-on-the-great-wealth-debate.html

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morton-Solutions/113241105451269

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/29/2012 -- Last week a rumour ran around the news networks, starting at CNN, which had people scratching their heads in disbelief. It seemed that, with a stock market value of $500 billion, Apple is the 20th biggest economy in the world, worth more than – for example – Poland, whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is around $470 billion.

As amazing as this seems, it's not strictly true. This is because a company's market value is linked to the expected value of all future profits. GDP, on the other hand, is a measure of the value of goods and services a country has produced in a single year. You might as well compare apples to onions.

"This news was obviously released to provoke a reaction," said a source within Morton Solutions, a Norwich-based marketing company. "Still, it makes you think. Huge corporations like Apple have a truly staggering bank balance, making them a very powerful influence on the global economy and the international stock market."

So can the relative power of a company be compared with that of a country? Yes, says Professor Paul De Grauwe of the London School of Economics, but it must be done properly. De Grauwe estimates Apple's relative value would shrink four or five-fold if you compared them properly. This would make it the 56th largest economy in the world, 36 places behind Poland, just ahead of Bangladesh and just behind Vietnam.

"Things seem a little more realistic when compared rationally" said the source at Morton Solutions. "But it is worth considering that even with these corrections it is true that Apple is a big company, and still just as wealthy as some of the world's smaller countries."

But if a company is bigger than a country, does that mean it is more powerful? Not necessarily, says Professor De Grauwe. "Just looking at the size doesn't tell us much about relative power of the company versus the country. Countries, after all, are the ones that set the rules of the game. They can tax companies, and they do."

"Large companies tend to have dramatically shifting values." said Morton Solution's managing director, Lewis Morton, "It is entirely possible that that in five years the market cap of Apple could have dropped to $100bn or $200bn. It happened to Microsoft. They used to be one of the biggest companies in the world, now it has scaled down. Fortunes change. Thankfully, countries tend to be a little more stable."

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17344386

http://www.briefingwire.com/pr/morton-solutions-set-for-may-festival

http://twitter.com/#!/mortonsolution

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/27/2012 -- All 15 Suffolk and Norfolk MPs have called on the government for investment in the Great Eastern Main Line. A letter sent to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond criticizes the speed, infrastructure and rolling stock on the line that links the region with London. This investment is vital for the development of the area. The managing director of Morton Solutions agrees with the above statement saying, 'public transport is something that so many of us don't really think about on a day to day basis until something goes wrong. Only when the trains or busses are down do we realize how reliant we are on the transportation system. This is exactly the reason why every effort needs to be made to make sure that transportation is convenient and safe for everyone.'

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said it had suffered from "low investment, bad franchises and second hand trains. Our constituents are fed up with a service that is expensive but too often late, dirty and overcrowded," he added.

Mr Gummer, who is leading the campaign, said: "We always get left behind in Suffolk and Norfolk.We have not had the investment that we need in the railway line for decades it's about time we have our fair share of the cake." Transportation is an important element of a growing economy. Quite simply, if there is limited transportation people can't get to work. Morton Solutions has unfortunately had issues with public transportation in the past especially over the winter period.

Mr Gummer claimed the region has had similar difficulties with rail improvements for a century but was "putting its marker down" for a slice of planned investment by Network Rail over the next 20 to 30 years.

Mr Gummer added: "We've decided to club together as a group and make our plea as a collection of MPs, all united, cross-party, hoping that if we do that we will right this historical wrong. The region is a net contributor to the economy, we produce more then they take out and we need continued investment or else the businesses will go elsewhere."

The Great Eastern Main Line connects London Liverpool Street with Ipswich and Norwich, among other stations. Mr Gummer is joined in the campaign by his 12 Conservative colleagues in Norfolk and Suffolk, and Norfolk's two Liberal Democrat MPs.

Morton Solutions offer outsourcing solutions to the problem of having to maintain in-house marketing solutions. They are able to offer clients the complete package when they work with them; they look at their existing strategies and in-direct marketing and ensure the tone of their work is consistent with it, they design the campaign for them and tailor it to suitthe demographic they are looking for across three fields (B2B, B2C and Event-based promotions). With the company expanding, it is vital that the transportation system in the area improves dramatically.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14926702

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/27/2012 -- A teenager from Swaffham, inspired by a school project, has opened a shop in Swaffham selling traditional treats. 18 year old Stewart Bell, attended Litcham High School and then Dereham Sixth Form College where he studied A-levels, including business studies and law. He is the owner of Bell's Confectionery Emporium on Swaffham's Market Place, in what used to be the Tourist Information Centre. "It's great to see the entrepreneurial spirit in someone so young," commented Lewis Morton, managing director of Morton Solutions, a Norwich-based sales and marketing company, "It takes a lot of motivation and perseverance to start a small business."

As well as selling sweets, including coconut mushrooms and brandy snaps, the new store also stocks 36 different flavours of lollipop. Stewart's father said, "His mother and I are extremely proud of him." Both Mr. and Mrs. Bell own and run Legends Diner on the A47 near Swaffham, Legends coffee shop on Swaffham Market Place, and 4 Bells Caravan Park on the outskirts of the town. Mr. Bell said the caravan park had been in his family since the 1890s. He added that he and his wife took over the coffee shop in 2000 and bought the diner about six years ago. Mr. Morton from Morton Solutions said that it was, "…a perfect example of how young businesspeople are influenced and supported by being brought up with a positive experience of the business world."

Stewart drew up the business plan for the sweet shop as part of his business studies A-level. "The premises in the Market place became available," said Mr. Bell, "and we thought let's set it up as a sweet shop and it can be Stewart's start in the business world. When he (Stewart) was on school holidays he would come and manage the shop." He added, "The only way to learn is from the bottom."

Mr Bell said that both he and his son were quietly confident about the future of the business, which allowed people to reminisce about what sweets they used to have when they were children. "Stewart is a great example for other young people who are interested in getting into business," said Morton Solutions managing director.

The shop is open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Saturday during the winter months, and in the summer it will also be open on Sundays.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/teenager_stewart_opens_up_sweet_shop_in_swaffham_1_1207461

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- City College in Norwich have announced plans for a new 5.7million pound creative arts building. The planned building set to be constructed beginning September 2013 will be situated on the site of the former West Lodge accommodation block that was demolished last summer. Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich, said: "The College is committed to providing 21st Century learning environments for all of our students and this exciting new building will enable us to provide all of our creative arts students with the facilities they need in one place." The new creative arts building will support the college's vision to deliver outstanding and innovative creative arts provision, with 3 floors built for:

- Performing arts rehearsal spaces, for dance, acting, and musical theatre.
- The digital arts, including interactive media, graphics, animation, media editing suites, a TV studio and music rehearsal and recording studios
- Traditional art and design, fashion and textiles and cultural heritage/craft based programmes.

The upgrade was made possible by a generous grant provided by the 'skills Funding Agency' which will cover a third of the over all costs, a source from Morton Solutions has said "It is great to see the skills funding agency providing a helping hand and allowing city college this opportunity to have this fantastic building"

The College will retain its 250-seat theatre in the Norfolk Building, which is soon to be re-launched under the new name of 'Platform'. This will remain as the venue for public performances of music, dance, acting and musical theatre shows. A source from Morton Solutions said "With this new building and also retaining the 250-seat theatre, we feel this will help to expand performing arts to a wider range of people around Norwich"

Jo Pretty, Head of School of Creative & Business Industries, said: 'This new building will provide an inspirational space for the development of creative talent in a much broader way, building on our strengths in developing students skills whilst promoting greater interdisciplinary collaboration across course disciplines' In doing this students can gain the skills required by the creative industries that are an important contribution to the UK and the local economy, A source from Morton Solutions said this "This new building is not only good for the students of city college but also for the future generation, Performing arts appeals to a wide variety of people and having this building is a big boost for both the students and for the public"

http://www.heart.co.uk/norfolk/news/local/norwich-expansion-plan-city-college/

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- This May the leading companies, visual artists and performers will descend on Chapelfield Gardens in Norwich for this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Morton Solutions, who are based in Norwich, are thrilled that the venue has been granted a premises license by the council's licensing sub-committee, with a source within the company saying: "This is great news. I'll be putting these dates - Friday 11th to Saturday 26th - in my diary."

The art festival - which will feature a variety of genres from across the cultural spectrum - will operate on the same hours as last year, opening from 10:30am to 1:30am on Monday to Thursday, 10:30am to 2:30am on Friday and 10am to 12:30pm on Sunday. Mikey Martins, associate producer of outdoor and circus arts, said: "We are very pleased to be granted the licence, and are very grateful for the continued support from the council."

There have been two objections to the event from people concerned about the prevention of public nuisance. "Which we can take as positive reaction," said a source within Morton Solutions. "The small number of objections to the festival which the city council has received shows that the people of Norwich are firmly behind this event." This certainly seems to be the case, with the council even receiving a letter of support from a citizen praising the upcoming event.

The full programme is to be announced on March 1st, but one act already confirmed will be a celebration of the county, called 100pc Norfolk.

Regional news website eveningnews24.co.uk reported that this will be "a unique show which will share personal stories and insights into county life." The show is to take place at the Theatre Royal in Norwich on the 18th and 19th of May. Also confirmed is the Nigel Kennedy Quintet, also the Theatre Royal on Tuesday the 22nd.

"And there's so much more still to be revealed," said a source within Morton Solutions. "Circus acts, physical theatre, comedy, music. The Norfolk and Norwich festival will have everything for the discerning patron. You won't want to miss it!"

Source: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/chapelfield_gardens_in_norwich_will_once_again_host_the_norfolk_and_norwich_festival_1_1211276

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- The members of a North-Walsham-based business network are celebrating this year, after helping each other achieve more £250,000 worth of work. Even in the current economic conditions, the Business Networking International (BNI) group believes that they can help members find work through cooperation and collaboration. The 16-18 members of the North Walsham 'Viking Chapter' have met up for two hours every Thursday since its formation in April last year. They get together for breakfast, and swap referrals for possible work and read out testimonials from satisfied customers, before leaving to start work at 8:30am. "It can be incredibly helpful for small business owners and entrepreneurs to have that connection with other businesspeople," said a source at Morton Solutions, a Norwich-based sales and marketing company.

The BNI group, inspired by similar American groups, believes that "givers gain" and members concentrate on learning about each other's trades and professions, and thinking of ways to help other members. They have been operating in Norfolk for 12 years, and now have 11 chapters, with a combined 250 members. Last year these members managed to find each other a total of £7.25m worth of business. Viking chapter director Richard Hewitt said, "If I can give you business opportunities, you will want to give me business opportunities; it's as fundamental as that."

"I'm self-employed and in a shop on my own all day," said Hazel Kemp, owner of Eastern Carpets, and recent chapter member, "and this group has the feel of a supporting community about it." A member since before Christmas, Ms. Kemp said she had already more than recouped her annual membership fee. Our source from Morton Solutions said, "This is exactly the kind of thing that helps businesses through rough times like this. Getting together as business owners and seeking to support each other."

Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk attended the chapter's most recent meeting, and talked to the group about encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to consider exporting. "British firms export far less than many other European countries, particularly Germany," said the MP, adding, "If we are going to re-grow our economy, part of that has got to be through exporting, particularly to countries in the Far East, including China."

Our Morton Solutions contact added, "The potential for growth and expansion is still there in UK business, and it's important that owners don't get disheartened, and spend their time getting involved in positive initiatives like this."

http://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk/news/business_networking_group_bni_viking_chapter_in_north_walsham_celebrates_250_000_milestone_1_1211872

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Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/30/2012 -- Hosting the Olympic games has a positive impact on a country's economy, giving a powerful boost to exports, according to academic research.

With the London Olympics now just a matter of months away, the current economic downturn has placed the issue in even greater focus, as pressure on government spending, and jobs, intensifies. Will it boost GDP, lower it, or have no impact?

The government announced in January 2009 that more than 30,000 new jobs will be created between 2009 and 2012 and in a recent interview a spokesperson from Morton Solutions said, "The games come at a time when – because of public spending cuts and extensive media coverage – the mood of the nation and the confidence in the economy is at a real low. It would be great if the Olympics can bring in revenue, and undoubtedly it will, but given how much the bid and hosting the games will cost in terms of public funding, there will be an uproar should it fail to deliver, especially given the backdrop of cuts in social spending."

According to one economist's predictions, the London 2012 Olympics will be marred by protests, transport issues and price gouging. The official forecast from the Office of Budget Responsibility is that the UK economy will grow by 0.7pc in 2012. The Olympics are guaranteed to contribute 0.1pc through ticket sales but beyond that the OBR only says: "Taking our assessment of both underlying growth momentum and the various temporary influences on GDP into account, we expect to see little measured GDP growth in the first half of the year but a stronger performance in the second."

A 2011 study said that consumer spending will soar by £750m during London's Olympic Games and also forecast a sustained boost to the British economy of a total £5.1bn over the next four years.

The detailed breakdown suggests that high street retailers which have taken the brunt of the recession will be the major beneficiaries, set to receive an extra £185m. The ailing hotel sector will get a £123m spending uplift, the entertainment and food and drink industry £81.5m and airlines, car hire and other travel sectors £40m. And supermarkets are set to see a £80m boost in spending.

Visa Europe's report said: "This is a first for an Olympic Games host market, which usually experience a domestic spending slump during the Games. This will be driven by the public's enthusiasm for the Games, demonstrated by the high demand for Olympic tickets. British residents are likely to switch from traditional patterns of summer spending to getting into the Olympic spirit by stocking up on supplies and entertaining at home. Supermarkets will be particular beneficiaries of this."

Marc O'Brien, managing director of Visa UK, said: "As the report shows, the UK will benefit from an immediate positive economic impact as a result of a large increase in consumer spending during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Much like the World Cup, British consumers are expected to boost supermarket sales by £80m as Britain lives up to its reputation as a nation of sport lovers, meaning that for the first time domestic spend is forecast to grow during a Games, previously unheard of for a host market."

He said this in turn would lead to a huge "ripple" effect: "Economic output will increase and the benefits will be felt in people's pockets as incomes increase. This immediate positive economic boost will translate into sustained economic stimulus and job creation, impacts which will be felt long after the Games have finished."

The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I am determined that hosting the Games will transform the wider job prospects and economic future for Londoners."

Quite how the nation at large will feel about the games and whether it will be enough to revive an ailing economy remains to be seen.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/30/2012 -- The Chartered Institute of Housing has found there will be thousands more claimants than properties that are affordable on benefits alone, meaning a further 800,000 homes will be put out of reach of people on housing benefit because of government welfare cuts – leaving low income families the choice of cutting spending on food to pay the rent or moving out.

This has led to increased fears of the creation of 'benefit ghettos', whereby people are forced to move away from areas where there are many jobs to more remote, seaside towns where there are few, according to a recent Guardian article. Many now face the prospect of trying to find shared housing that in many areas just does not exist. Even where such housing exists, for those who are vulnerable – disabled people or those trying to rebuild their lives following homelessness – this type of accommodation is just not appropriate.

All of which leads to an increase in pressure upon charities; many of whom have long been warning the consequences of such actions could be dire. Leslie Morphy, of the charity Crisis said the analysis vindicated warnings that the government's plan will cause homelessness, "The figures make clear that there will just not be enough properties anywhere that are affordable on these reduced benefit levels. With unemployment rising and more people relying on housing benefit, yet soaring demand for properties, the government's plans just don't add up – we urge them to stop and reconsider."

A spokesperson for Morton Solutions, who have just announced that they raised over 23k for the British Red Cross across October-November 2011, similarly questioned the cuts, "It smacks of persecution of the socially disadvantaged; the cuts will see many people forced out of their houses and will create 'sink' estates which spiral into problems. With homelessness on the rise for the first time in a number of years, this seems a questionable decision to say the least."

The Department for Work and Pensions has defended the cuts, saying housing benefit were unfair because some families on benefits had been able to live in homes that most working families not on benefits could not afford, "Early indications are that people are not moving out of cities in their droves to cheaper rural areas. For the vast majority of areas except the most expensive parts of inner and central London, at least 30% of all private rental properties will be affordable. Our measures will place a lid on spiralling rents and local authorities will continue to work with tenants and landlords to negotiate down rents, which will in turn help to keep properties within reach."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm