Growing high-tech & innovative businesses… this project helps you develop & manage relationships with potential business partners, customers & suppliers in in northern France.
The main aims of the project are to :
To support the growth of bilateral France-England trade amongst high-tech and innovative R&D companies
To develop & utilise an online portal of potential English-French business partners
To help strengthen business partnerships between French & English science parks, business centres and technopoles
The project helps to achieve this through supporting your business undertake the practical steps to build relationships with French partners.
Please see below for further information and how to register your interest.
In the last quarter of 2017, the survey results showed that whilst there were many business bright spots across Norfolk and the rest of the UK, the evidence showed that growth and confidence remain subdued overall as we entered the new year. Labour and skills shortages also looked set to be the biggest potential drag anchor on business in 2018.
Now we are in the first quarter of 2018 – how are businesses reacting to the current economic climate? Today (Monday 19 February) is the first day of the fieldwork period for the Q1 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).
It is more important than ever that as many Norfolk businesses as possible complete the survey.
The QES is the largest independent business survey in the UK and is used by both the Bank of England and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to plan the future of the UK economy. It is also closely watched by the International Monetary Fund.
The balance of firms reporting increased export sales rose from +27 to +31, the lowest since Q4 2016. Export orders remained static +27 to +26. The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell from +19 to +17 and domestic orders rose slightly from +21 to +23
The percentage of manufacturers that attempted to recruit in the last three months remained static at 83%. Of those, 73% had recruitment difficulties. Of these, skilled manual labour was the leading area of recruitment difficulties (79%).
The percentage of manufacturers expecting their prices to increase jumped from 26% to 54%, standing near historic highs. The price of raw materials remaining the key driver, with 80% reporting it as a cause of price pressure (down slightly from the 82% in Q2 and Q3)
Norfolk Services sector:
The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell slightly from +12 to +8, and whilst orders rose from +2 to +6. Domestic sales rose slightly from +14 +16, and also orders from +6 to +10
The percentage of businesses attempting to recruit remained static at 64%. Of those, the percentage of services firms reporting greater recruitment difficulties rose from 63% to 83%, the highest since records began
The balance of services firms expecting prices to increase, rose considerably from 33% to 49%, the highest since Q3 2008
Commenting on the announcement by the Financial Services Authority that it has found ‘serious failings’ in the sale of financial products to SMEs, John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said.
“The ‘serious failings’ found by the FSA in the sale of interest rate swap products will only damage business’ perception of banks further. Those that feel they are victims of mis-selling must have access to an independent assessment as soon as possible, as business survival may depend on it. Clear guidance and transparent timetables on reaching a judgment should be the bare minimum of any system of redress. “Many businesses look at practices undertaken by some in the financial services industry in disbelief and horror. Relationships between institutions that provide finance and those that receive it must be based on trust. Unfortunately, the revelations of the last week will only erode confidence in the banking system, and it will be a long road back to restore it.
“Lenders will need to do everything possible to rebuild their connections with the business community, so the economy can function in an orderly way again. But trust is hard to earn and easily lost, and a fundamental change in how banks and their business customers interact will not happen overnight. For this reason, the government must do two things to get the economy moving. The first is to breed confidence that wrong-doers will be held to proper account. The second is to create a state-backed business bank that will serve as a trusted source of finance provision. Only then will we see a stable base from which businesses can drive a sustained economic recovery in the UK.”
Set to take place on Friday, July 27, Norfolk Day is an opportunity for the county’s residents and businesses to show how proud they are to live here, and day in which everyone is encouraged to get involved.
Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber is endorsing Norfolk Day, he said: “We need to change the perception of Norfolk. We all know that it is a great place to live and work, but much of the outside world isn’t aware of this. We have a diverse and dynamic business community and we need to do more to shout about our success and potential.
“We have a highly successful insurance and professional services sectors and we are world leaders in food science and agri-tech with the Norwich Research Park and Hethel Engineering. We also have a strong emerging sector in digital/ICT.
“Norfolk should be very proud of our successes to date, but must be much more vocal about what we can achieve. I would urge all Norfolk businesses to get involved with Norfolk Day and show the rest of the world just how good we are!”
To find out more about getting involved on Norfolk Day email: [email protected] or tweet @norfolk_day or log onto the Norfolk Day Facebook Group.
The first North Norfolk Business Awards were held last week hosted by Chris Sargisson, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, with seven businesses of all sizes and sectors taking home winners’ trophies.
The victorious seven were:
Agricultural Award -Sands Agricultural Machinery, crop-sprayer manufacturer
Business Development and Innovation Award – Structure-flex, heavy-duty thermoplastic coated technical textiles
Business Growth Award – PSS, steering for trucks, buses, vans and military vehicles
Environment Award – Woodfruits, organic shiitake mushrooms
New Business Award – Amber’s Rose,flower preservation
Tourism and Hospitality Award – Thursford Christmas Spectacular, festive variety show
Young People and Skills Award – Bill Cleyndert & Company, custom-made furniture
The awards were organised by North Norfolk District Council on Thursday 15 February and included a dinner at Gresham’s School.
After the event, NNDC Leader Cllr Tom FitzPatrick said: “One of the main purposes of the awards was to promote the quality and diversity of the district’s business scene.
“If you look at the list of winners it has done just that – businesses large and small; businesses which provide entertainment, specialist services, small scale environmental operations and manufacturing were all included. Many thanks to all those involved with supporting the event, entering the awards and, overall, showing that we have a great deal to celebrate here in North Norfolk in terms of business success and ambition.”
The evening also saw the unveiling of one of the Go Go Hares being supported by North Norfolk District Council for this summer’s Break Charity trails around Norwich and Norfolk. Break representatives attended the awards to speak about the charity, the trails and their gratitude for support from all around the county in setting up the event. The hare revealed, called Something for the Weekend and decorated by artist Anne Schwegmann-Fielding using white, silver and gold crockery, mirror circles and bus shelter glass, will be placed in North Walsham for the opening of the trail in June.
To view all the photos from the business award click here.
Norfolk Chamber today welcomed the decision by Vattenfall to opt for a cabling technology which will reduce the potential impact of the wind farm’s onshore connection between landfall and the National Grid.
Vattenfall, the energy group behind the Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm, made the significant design decision to deploy High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable technology to connect Norfolk Vanguard and its sister project Norfolk Boreas to the UK’s National Grid.
The wind farm developer said today that it has made a strategic decision to back HVDC for its Norfolk wind farms as it believes it will be cost competitive in the early 20’s with HVAC whilst being better for local people and the environment where onshore infrastructure is located.
After eight exhibitions in Norfolk and direct feedback from nearly 800 individuals and organisations, Vattenfall set out its local design decisions in an Interim Consultation Report, published today. This report shows how the views of local people and statutory consultees have influenced the latest design of the offshore wind farm and onshore electrical infrastructure.
The key design decisions include:
Adoption of HVDC transmission connections which will avoid the need for cable relay stations near Happisburgh for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas
Using HVDC transmission technology means a much narrower cable corridor throughout – offshore and onshore. The 45m wide onshore cable corridor running from landfall near Happisburgh to a substation near Necton, 60km away, allows Vattenfall to avoid sensitive sites including historical heritage, like buried archaeology near St Mary’s Chapel, Kerdiston and a medieval moat north of Necton. (Vattenfall originally used a 100metre corridor in line with HVAC requirements).
Long range horizontal direction drilling (HDD) at landfall near Happisburgh – where power transmission cables from the offshore wind farm come ashore – will avoid impact on the cliffs and mean no works are required on the beach
Due to additional long range HDD, Vattenfall will avoid impact on all county wildlife sites and a number of important local amenity and tourism sites by adding further sections of trenchless crossing. As a result, features like Paston Way, Knapton Cutting, the Marriott’s Way and Wendling Carr will be avoided
Near Necton, the HVDC Norfolk Vanguard substation will be quieter than the HVAC alternative as it will incorporate fewer low-frequency noise emitting components and acoustic insulation. Also, the footprint of the HVDC project substation will not change, but the structure will be enclosed in taller buildings than the HVAC alternative. Vattenfall will work with local residents and groups to minimise the substation’s impact.
Commenting on the decision, Nova Fairbank, Public affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Vattenfall’s decision to use HVDC shows that they have truly listened to the feedback they have received from both residents and businesses alike. The Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind projects have the potential to deliver skills and local jobs for the future generations both onshore and offshore; together with supply chain opportunities to a diverse range sectors – all of which will help increase economic growth in Norfolk.”
Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager of the Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm development, said: “We have listened very carefully to what local people told us about our plans for Norfolk Vanguard. In combination with our strategic review of transmission technology, the concerns raised by local people have influenced our decision to adopt pioneering HVDC infrastructure for Norfolk Vanguard. By backing HVDC technology, we will minimise the impact on people and the environment whilst keeping the cost of electricity down for the British consumer.”
Ruari added: “I would like to thank all of those people and organisations who have set out their hopes and concerns in evidence based feedback about our proposals for Norfolk Vanguard. It has been enormously helpful to us.”
Vattenfall will submit final plans for Norfolk Vanguard to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2018. Norfolk Boreas, also 1.8GW, is following Norfolk Vanguard in the planning process.
Commenting on the deal struck by eurozone leaders in Brussels overnight, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Norfolk businesses, and exporters in particular, say the eurozone crisis is one of the greatest source of uncertainty they currently face.
“As the political summits drag on, the sense of frustration, concern and exasperation continues to mount across the real economy. Companies across Britain and Europe are tired of false dawns. Though there is still more work to be done over the coming weeks, the deal done last night in Brussels needs to stick. Confidence is the lifeblood of the European economy, and decisive action is needed to stabilise it, and quickly.
“Meanwhile, the UK government must ensure that British companies get improved access to finance from the European Investment Bank in return for the contribution our Exchequer is making to the new all-EU growth package. Tough conditions are required to ensure that the UK, as a major shareholder in the Bank, sees a far greater share of its resulting investment. Otherwise we will have added needlessly to our national debt without any real benefit to our own recovery.”
Annual producer output inflation down from 2.9% in May to 2.3% in June; annual producer input inflation down from nil in May to -2.3% in June
Commenting on the producer price figures for June 2012, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“The decline in producer price inflation shows that both output and input measures are at their lowest levels since 2009. These figures indicate consumer price inflation is likely to continue falling over the next few months, which will ease pressures facing businesses and individuals and boost consumer spending.
“In the face of tough fiscal austerity at home and difficult problems in the eurozone, falling inflation is the most important single factor underpinning demand in the UK. Nothing should be done to limit the fall in inflation, and the MPC should not use quantitative easing to try and prevent inflation falling below its target. In recent years inflation has been consistently above target and this has dampened economic activity. It is not certain that inflation will fall below target, but if this happened for a short period it would be welcome.
“Meanwhile, the economic situation remains difficult for Norfolk businesses. While the government perseveres with its deficit reduction plan, it should act forcefully to reallocate priorities towards growth. This means more deregulation, supporting business lending and moving towards the creation of a business bank.”
On Thursday 22nd February over 100 Norfolk Chamber members joined us at Norwich City Football Club for a morning of networking with a delicious breakfast and a presentation from Mike Jones, Former General Manager of BT Business Specialist Sales on the Future of Work.
We also had Wrightway Health, Marketing Mavens, Bigfork, Select Office furniture, BT Local Business and our featured charity Musical Keys all had exhibition stands at the breakfast.
Our Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson hosted the event he started by highlighting key themes that members have identified as opportunities and challenges for 2018. Chris highlighted a big day in Norfolk’s calendar coming up on Friday 27th July called ‘Norfolk Day’ this is a day for businesses to go out and show what they love about Norfolk.
Members started off the morning with Business Bingo our networking activity for the morning. A full English breakfast was served and members got a chance to speak to the people they were sat with. To introduce more networking member were mixed up with a safari move swapping them to different tables to make more connections.
Mike Jones took the floor after breakfast to give guests an insight into the future of what work will be like with the new emerging technology and what the world would look like with driverless cars in the future.
Due to the severe weather conditions in Norfolk, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce office in Norwich is closed for today (Wednesday, 28 February 2018).
The phones will not be answered today, please leave a message and our team will return your call when the office reopens. For urgent enquiries please email [email protected]
Unfortunately we have had to cancel two training courses taking place Thursday and Friday at our office, all delegates have/will be notified.
We apologise any inconvenience caused and hope to reopen the office tomorrow, weather permitting.
Recognising and rewarding excellence in British business, the Chamber Business Awards is one of the UK’s most contested and prestigious business award programmes. Each year, from Aberdeen to Cornwall, organisations of all sizes and sectors compete for the coveted titles and the national recognition they bring.
NEW THIS YEAR – only members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce can apply, and it’s free to enter.
The 2018 Chamber Business Awards categories are:
Small Business of the Year
Export Business of the Year
Best Use of Technology
High Growth Business of the Year
Employer of the Year
Education and Business Partnership
Customer Commitment Award
Workplace Wellbeing Award
Digital Communication Campaign of the Year
Last year Norfolk based firm epos now were crowned regional winners in the East of England, receiving the ‘Commitment to People Development’ Award and were shortlisted as a finalist at the national awards ceremony.
We are delighted to announce that not only will this year’s Business of the Year winner get to open the London Stock Exchange when British Chambers of Commerce launch next year’s award programme in March 2019, they will also get the opportunity to work with Rada in Business and join a one day communication skills and impact course.
These awards are open for entry until 29th June 2018. For more information and to enter online visit: https://chamberawards.co.uk/
Rules on how customs officials confiscate, store and destroy imports of counterfeit or pirated goods that infringe intellectual property rights (IPRs) have been clarified by the European Parliament.
Imports that infringe IPRs are a growing problem in the EU, due in particular to the rising volume of goods bought by EU citizens online and shipped to them from countries outside the Union.
Customs confiscations of such goods almost doubled between 2009 and 2010, and they are costing European businesses about €250 billion in lost sales each year.
The draft regulation on customs enforcement of IPRs, which the MEPs were debating, aims to make customs procedures more effective by laying down clear rules on the storage of infringing goods, who should bear the burden of proving that they infringe IPRs, and who should pay the costs of destroying them.
It does not, however, change the rules defining an “IPR infringement”.
Preliminary figures for 2010 show a 200% increase in small postal consignments confiscated by customs. The draft regulation introduces a simplified procedure to allow small consignments of suspected counterfeit or pirated goods to be destroyed more quickly.
Parliament amended the proposal to ensure that the person who would have received the goods has five days in which to object to their destruction and that buyers who bought them in good faith do not have to pay the cost of destroying them.
The Commission proposal does not define “small consignment”.
MEPs agreed that it should mean three items or fewer, together weighing below 2kg and contained in one package. Goods of a non-commercial nature contained in a travellers’ personal luggage will be excluded from the scope of the regulation.
The regulation also aims to clarify and strengthen rules on generic medicines in transit through the EU.
The text stresses that customs authorities must abide by the EU’s international commitments to ensure that these medicines are not delayed or confiscated unless there is “clear and convincing evidence that they are intended for sale in the Union”.