The successful Employer Training Incentive Pilot which has helped numerous businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk with training costs for staff,has this month increased the amount per learner meaning businesses can claim more funding.
Under this scheme businesses canreceive cashback towards staff training, apprenticeships and qualifications.Businesses can claim 25% cashback on additional training up to £1,500 per learner (previously £1,000).It is only available until 28th February 2017 to businesses that employ less than 250 people (globally) to help Norfolk and Suffolk SMEs to grow.
ETIP Funding can be clamed back on business trainingNorfolk Chamber has recently launched namedThe Training Roomwith half-day workshops on social media, marketing, personal development from experienced trainers.
The scheme
is available to SMEs across Norfolk and Suffolk
offers a 25% return against cash paid on additional training made by the employer to a maximum claim value of £1,500 per learner; for Level 3 & 4apprenticeships and qualifications this rate rises up to 40%
gives the businesses control regarding the choice of provider used to train their staff and the training required
Eligible training must be additional i.e. non-mandatory and used to enhance productivity, efficiency or vocational effectiveness.
Training can either be
an apprenticeship (over 19 years of age)
an accredited Qualification Level 1-4
non-accredited training
For more information about ETIP and how to apply please click here.
Following the Brexit vote and the economic uncertainties faced by business, it is now more important than ever to take part in the QES to ensure that the Norfolk business community has a clear voice on our local and regional economy. What is the impact of Brexit on your organisation? Have you had to amend your recruitment plans? Are you exporting more or less?
Today (Monday 22 August) is the first day of the fieldwork period for the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). It is the largest independent business survey in the UK and is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor to plan the future of the UK economy. It is also closely watched by the International Monetary Fund.
Key findings in the previous Q2 2016 survey relating to Norfolk:
Even before the vote, both business confidence and economic growth had softened in Norfolk. The Q2 survey results, which were captured just before the vote, suggested that many businesses had been operating in something of a holding pattern for some time.
Overall, the figures for both the services and manufacturing firms indicate continued low levels of growth. However, in the run-up to the referendum remained fairly static across many indicators, and slackened in others.
In the Norfolk manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting improved export sales rose to a percentage balance of -11 from -25. The balance of advance orders returned to 0 from -33 in Q1.
There was a significant rise in Norfolk manufacturers looking to invest in training – up 27 points from -9 in Q1 to 18 in Q2.
The balance of Norfolk manufacturers reporting improved cash flow fell significantly to -26, from -10 in Q1. The national average was 4 points.
Ahead of the referendum, services companies in Norfolk reported a drop in both export sales and orders (-9 and -9, down from 9 and 3 respectively)
Domestic sales and orders for Norfolk’s manufacturers fell considerably, whilst the services sector remained consistent in sales and saw a small growth in orders. For manufacturing, both home sales and orders fell to -15 points, whilst in the services sector sales remained the same at 21 points, and orders increased 8 points to 19.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is preparing the Local Plan Part 2: Detailed Policies and Site Allocations, which, once finalised, will allocate land for new development and apply policies to meet local needs in the Borough up to 2030.
As part of this process the Council is seeking suggestions from the business community of what should be included in the plan.
This is an opportunity for developers, landowners, individuals or other interested parties to suggest sites for allocation for development for housing (including gypsy and traveller sites), employment, retail, tourism, community facilities, green infrastructure or other types of development.
Sites or localities/areas may also be suggested for special policy treatment (e.g. protection, designation or particular requirements for their development, etc.), and other matters suggested for inclusion in the Detailed Policies and Site Allocations document.
After a great year for the Norfolk Chamber, we are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for this year’s ‘Excellence in Membership Services’ award at the 2016 Chamber Awards.
The Chamber Awards, now in its 13th year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.
Business Manager Jason Williams said; “It’s great that the Norfolk Chamber has been recognised for all the hard work that the team has put in over the last year. We will build on this success going forward to ensure that our members get the best possible service from us.”
The British Chambers of CommerceBusiness and Education Summit is an inspirational and interactive forum to exploreissues and will provide the opportunity for delegates to make new connections and engage with latest best practice through expert speakers, panel debates and informative breakout sessions. The programme will focus on three key themes:
21st Century Skills and Education
Technology and Education
Higher Level Skills and Apprenticeships
Nova, Elinor and representatives of the Young Chamber Board hope to see you there!
Norfolk Chamber members can purchase tickets at a 25% discountwith a special promotional code – email [email protected] to access this members-only code.
Between October 2020 and April 2021 more than 180 nations and an international audience of 25 million visitors will visit the UAE for one of the greatest shows on Earth.
Whilst the Expo itself will last for six months, there are three distinct stages to the project: the build (2016- 2020), the event (2020 – 2021) and the legacy (2021 onwards) so opportunities for UK companies be involved are manifold, massive & multi-year.
They are already talking to a number of UK firms who are looking at setting up in the UAE in order to access and service opportunities around Expo 2020 Dubai; the Department of International Trade has a dedicated senior project lead at the Dubai Embassy who is making sure that British interests are front and centre. So, whether it’s Tokyo or Dubai, 2020 promises to be a golden year for the UK – just remember that in Dubai it’s already started!
If you want to participate, all procurement opportunities are being openly tendered through the Expo 2020 Dubai online portal and companies must register there in order to access any tender or spend. Find out more on theirblog.
On Thursday 8th September, over 70 members joined us for a Business Breakfast based on the tourism industry, at the Great Yarmouth Town Hall. The venue provided an impressive setting in the grand Assembly Room where delegates networked over coffee and breakfast, followed by a presentation from Rebecca Harris, Hoseasons.
We kicked off the morning with a brief talk from our event sponsors, Santander. They provided an overview of their services in the sector and explained that they are happy to sponsor Norfolk Chamber events and gain brand exposure. Following this we tested how awake our guests were with a bit of Speed Networking! Guests were split randomly into groups and were given 4 minutes to network with their group before being hurried onto their next group. Guests commented that the activity gave them lots of new contacts and made networking a lot swifter overall.
After a delicious breakfast was served we heard from our guest speaker, Rebecca Harris, Communications Manager, Hoseasons. Rebecca discussed how she has used a range of techniques and innovations to help make Hoseasons as successful as it is. Customer service was a key message throughout her presentation, along with the use of technology and keeping up to date with it. In the Q+A, guests questioned the use of Live Chat on websites and the benefits of it, to which Rebecca provided impressive usage figures since they installed the software, proving the Live Chat a success.
We finished the event with some time for free networking, in which many guests took this opportunity to talk further with the speakers and get in some final business card exchanges.
Does this sound like something you’d like to attend? Book now for our next Business Breakfast in Norwich on Friday 7th October. Click here for more details.
Brexit’s long term impact on Norfolk businesses and the rest of the UK is still far from clear. The Prime Minister, Teresa May says “Brexit means Brexit” but what does that really mean for Norfolk businesses?
At present there are no clear answers from the Government. Chamber members are – rightly – focused on the impact of this transition on their own business models and prospects. They also want the Government and Bank of England to deliver stability of markets, clarity on the political timetable for transition, and firm action on those matters that are entirely within Westminster’s gift.
The Chamber network is working hard on behalf of our members to influence the new Department of International trade, and other Ministers, to ensure that the voice of business is clearly heard in these negotiations.
We are calling for 5 key principles to guide the work of the Government in its negotiations on Brexit – as well as any future new trade arrangement – to ensure the best possible outcome for the Norfolk business community and the rest of the UK. These key areas are:
Trade – getting the best possible terms with the EU-27
Labour Market – certainty on the right of their EU workforce
EU Funding – maintain UK access to the European Investment Bank
Regulation – short term stability
Taxation & Customs – a clear transition period and a new UK origin model
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The majority of Norfolk businesses will be impacted by Brexit in some way. Even if your company does not do business with EU countries, there is a high chance that you have suppliers or partners who do, so there will be a knock-on effect to your business.
“Norfolk Chamber is calling for local businesses to provide case studies and feedback on how Brexit is impacting your organisation, and whether you are having to make changes as a result of Brexit.
“This is also your chance to have your opinion heard on Brexit where it matters – send us your questions and we will ensure, through the Chamber network, they are heard by the people in Westminster who can make a difference.”
At the Chamber’s Bank of England Lunch, held at the Norwich City Football Club, attendees highlighted that at present they were seeing very little impact from Brexit. Tim Pike, the East of England Agent for the Bank of England asked for feedback on whether the businesses had seen a change in demand following the EU Referendum; whether they had altered their investment and recruitment plans; and if those importing raw materials had seen an increase in costs?
Overall,the consensus of the businesses who attended the lunch was that it was ‘business as usual’. However they did express caution for the future, due to the lack of clarity on Brexit.
Peter Foster, Vice President of Norfolk Chamber, who hosted the lunch said: “It is always fascinating to hear from Tim Pike and the feedback from the businesses in the room was positive. It is clear from the discussions that more clarity is needed from the Government in relation to Brexit before businesses can make any major investment decisions. I am looking forward to seeing the next QESresults as to whether the wider business community has similar thoughts.”
The Quarterly Economic Survey results for Quarter 3are due to be published week commencing 10 October 2016.
The first tying-in of existing roads to new roundabouts on Norwich Northern Distributor Road is scheduled to take place under night-time road closures from tomorrow(Friday 16September). The aim isto cut down disruption and achieve a longer-lasting road surface.
Subject to final approval for night working*, Fir Covert Road will be closed for one night from 8pm on Friday 16 September until no later than 6am on Saturday 17th. To complete the tie-in, a further night closure is planned for Friday 30 September. Traffic will be diverted via Drayton High Road,Boundary Road (Norwich ring road) and Reepham Road.
The tie-in of A1067 Fakenham Road to the new roundabout and road realignment will be carried overnight from Tuesday 20 September to Friday 23rd. The road will close at 8pm each night, reopening no later than 6am the next morning. Light vehicles will be diverted (north to south) via the B1145 through Reepham, Reepham Road and Fir Covert Road. HGVs will be diverted (north to south) via the B1535 Weston Hall Road to the Wood Lane junction with the A47, then into Norwich, using Sweet Briar Road (Norwich ring road) to return to Drayton High Road (A1067).
Once complete, A1067 traffic will be moved on to the realigned section and the old road will be broken up, with the material re-used on the NDR.
If carried out under the NDR project’snormal 7am to 7pm working hours* without road closures, the work on these two roundabout tie-ins would take several weeks and have an extended impact upon traffic. Working alongside traffic under lane closures would also lead to multiple joints in the road surface, reducing durability, and would have safety implications for construction workers and road users.
*The working hours on Norwich Northern Distributor Road are set by the Development Consent Order. Any variation has to go through a formal assessment and approval process. This is expected to be concluded today (Thurs), allowing night working as set out above.
Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty are warning people living in and around Horsford, or who travel through Horsford on their way to Norwich, that travel will be disrupted by closures of the B1149 Holt Road from Monday 3 October to Friday 14 October 2016.
The closures, one either side of the Holly Lane junction with Holt Road, are needed to divert a gas main, water main and irrigation pipe. Attempts to carry out the work under traffic lights in August were unsuccessful because of the depth of the gas main – over 2 metres deep – and the presence of a fragile asbestos cement water main within the road. The scale of excavation needed can only be carried out under full road closures, which will take place as follows:
Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October
Holt Road closed between Horsford village and Holly Lane.
Long peak hour delays are possible on Church Street from its junction with the A140 Cromer Road. Traffic control will be in place at the Church Street/Cromer Road junction to help drivers make the right turn towards Norwich safely. However, A-road traffic will be given priority so delays on Church Street are unavoidable.
Temporary traffic lights will also be used at the Holt Road junction with Church Street. This is mainly to ensure that buses and other large vehicles can make the turn without causing a log-jam. Bus users are advised to check with bus companies for changes in timetables and routes.
Provided works are on schedule, the closure will be lifted for the weekend of 8/9 October.
Monday 10 October to Friday 14 October
Holt Road closed between Holly Lane and the Holt Road/A140 Cromer Road roundabout.
Holly Lane will be available as well as Church Street, but delays are likely on both routes. The right turn out of Church Street into Holt Road will be more difficult in the evenings because northbound traffic will be coming up Holt Road from Holly Lane.
John Birchall, NDR public liaison officer, said: “This road closure is the most difficult we’ve faced. Unfortunately, when we dug down, we found that the gas main was more than two metres deep and very close to a fragile water main. After looking at a number of options our engineers were forced to accept that much bigger excavations, under road closures, were unavoidable.
“It’s not possible to reopen the old Drayton Lane again. We delayed sewer diversion work in August to keep the lane open, but specialist contractors are scheduled to start sewer diversions in the next few days, and any further delay could cause access problems for Horsford later in the contract by holding up construction of the realigned Drayton Lane.
“This leaves Church Street as the only route available to the south of Horsford during the first week. We will have traffic control at the junction with the A140, but it’s bound to be under pressure, particularly during the morning peak.
“We would urge all users of the B1149 Holt Road to allow extra time for journeys, avoid peak hours and use alternative routes if possible.”
Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty apologise for the disruption these unavoidable closures will cause.
Last week was a successful one for Norfolk businesses that took part in the Eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016.
In the same year that they celebrate their 50th anniversary, we were ecstatic to hear that MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting had been victorious in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ Eastern heat!
Loma Kanu, MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting, said: “Our Norwich Office entered the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards and we were delighted to have been awarded Regional winners of the ‘Best Use of Technology Award’. We found out there were over 500 entries for the awards and over 186 entries in this category alone, so were thrilled to have won.
Our application was based around our completed BIM Level 1 projects and what we are doing to implement what is required to achieve BIM Level 2, through the internal groups and training in place.
We also touched on our 50th Anniversary, our plans for growth, use of technology to support marketing and communication objectives and how our company implemented cyber strategy to protect our business, our customers and data.”
Formed in 1966, MLM is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy and corporate approved inspector, they provide professional services in all aspects of Environment Planning and Development, Buildings and Infrastructure, Compliance and Sustainability.
MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting will now be put forward for the national award that will be announced at the Chamber Business Awards 2016 ceremony in November.