BCC has announced new speakers for their Global Annual Conference including the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Lewis Iwu, CEO and Co-founder of Purpose Union and Katherine Bennett, Current Senior Vice President, Airbus.
This year’s event will be held virtually over two days on 16 and 17 June and is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the business calendar. In the days leading up to it, and during the event, there will also be the opportunity to network with other delegates through our new virtual platform, allowing you and your guests to browse the delegate list, form connections, start conversations and make contacts.
To book your place on this prestigous event and for more information click here
Commenting on GDP figures for February 2021 published today by the ONS, BCC Head of Economics, SurenThiru, said:
“The latest data confirms a modest return to growth in February. However, coming after a contraction in January, it does little to alter the prospect of a downbeat first quarter for the UK economy.
“The pick-up in output in February reflected a broad-based improvement in activity with all the main sectors recording an increase in growth. The clarity provided by February’s announcement of a roadmap for reopening also helped support output in the month.
“The release of pent-up demand following the easing of restrictions and the strong vaccine rollout will boost activity. However, hope of a sustained consumer-led revival may prove too optimistic as the economic scarring caused by Covid may trigger a renewed reluctance to spend as government support winds down.”
On the ONS UK-EU trade figures for February 2021, Thiruadded:
“Although there was a rebound in UK goods exports with the EU, this may reflect an unwinding of a number of temporary factors that weighed on the January outturn, including the running down of pre-Brexit stockpiling, rather than evidence of an underlying improvement in UK-EU trade flows.
“Businesses continue to encounter significant disruption and difficulty with many firms reporting serious structural issues which, if not addressed, will weigh on UK economic prospects for some time to come.
“The UK and the EU must get back around the table to thrash out the remaining structural problems in the UK-EU trade deal and focus on long-term improvements to the flow of trade between them.”
Three new virtual events that aim to help businesses recover from the challenges of Covid-19 have just been announced for April.
Thanks to funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has run a series of virtual recovery events since last September. The events, which range from helping businesses with business growth, marketing and promotion, to ensuring wellbeing in the workplace, aim to support businesses through the lockdown. Now there are three more events added to the BEIS programme: Blogging for More Business with Little Piggy and 24 Fingers, How to Win Public Sector Contracts with TenderHelp and Create and Broadcast Your Business Podcast with Social B. Kalene Herrington, Events Manager for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “From discovering the power of sharing your expertise by blogging and podcasts has on your reputation and sales, to how you can start winning public sector contracts; each of the three events can help support businesses to recover from what has been a turbulent year.” The addition of these three events means that Norfolk Chambers of Commerce will have delivered 23 events in this business recovery series.
To book your free place and to find out more click here
Commenting on ONS Labour Market statistics for April 2021 published today, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:
“The latest data confirms that the UK labour market remains subdued. While there was a marginal fall in the unemployment rate, the squeeze on activity from ongoing restrictions helped drive a decline in payroll employment in March.
“Unemployment remains on course to peak towards the end of 2021, once the furlough scheme expires and those who stopped job hunting during the pandemic look to return to the workforce as restrictions ease.
“Although the furlough scheme will limit the peak in job losses, the longer-term structural unemployment caused by Covid-19, particularly among young people, may mean that the road back to pre-pandemic levels lags behind the wider economic recovery.
“Further action will be needed to support the labour market when the furlough scheme ends, including supporting businesses to recruit and retain staff through a temporary cut in employer national insurance contributions.”
On Thursday 22th June, our members joined us at The Royal Assembly Rooms, Great Yarmouth for a morning of networking over breakfast and a presentation from Michael Timewell, Director at Blue Sky Leisure.
The Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, Nova Fairbank hosted the event, which began with members taking part in an ice breaker game of ‘Finish the sentence’. This allowed guests to find out a little more about those on their tables, such as their childhood dream jobs and the favourite parts of the industry they work in. A delicious breakfast was then served and members got a chance to speak more to the other people on their tables
To facilitate more networking opportunities, guests participated in a chamber favourite – the Safari move! Once at their new tables and having introduced themselves, in the spirit of the theme of Michael’s talk, we had a tourism quiz where members were asked to guess the name of 9 famous Norfolk hotspots.
Michael Timewell then took to the floor to discuss the impact Tourism has on Norfolk and why we should all love a tourist. Drawing upon his experience having worked in the tourism sector for a huge part of his career, he emphasized the importance of the industry for the economy of Norfolk. He spoke about how it had changed in recent times and that people are more inclined to holiday in Britain and spend money on days out rather than travelling abroad. He finished with talking about how we should all do our part in ensuring Norfolk continues its reputation as a popular tourist destination.
Following Michael’s presentation, there was time for a Q&A session. The morning concluded with a final round of networking with their existing contacts and also the new ones they had made that day.
Responding to the details of the Government’s legislative plan set out in today’s Queen’s Speech, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer for Norfolk Chambers, said:
“Norfolk businesses will welcome the clear direction in the Queen’s Speech, as the Government looks to boost the economy and place all parts of the UK on an equal footing.
“As local companies begin the slow process of rebuilding following the pandemic it is vital that they are given the support they need to kick start their recovery.
“A strong focus on improving digital and technical skills that match the needs of local business will be a key driver in making that happen.
“Improving rail and bus services, maximising the national coverage of 5G mobile services and superfast broadband, while simplifying the planning system are important enablers to ensuring companies can rebuild and grow.
“These are all challenges that have existed for a long time, and we are now at a critical juncture where they must be addressed. This opportunity cannot be wasted, and the Chamber network will have a laser focus to ensure the Government delivers on its promises.
“It is disappointing that new employment legislation that could address the flexibility of working practices did not feature. The pandemic has changed the way we work forever, and employers need clear guidance on how to provide long-term flexible working arrangements that will make jobs more accessible for everyone.”
Commenting on GDP figures for Q1 2021, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“While the UK economy contracted in the first quarter, the downbeat headline figure masks a renewed momentum through the quarter from January’s drop in output to an exceptionally strong March outturn as lockdown measures started to ease.
“The decline in economic output in the first quarter largely reflected the squeeze on activity from coronavirus restrictions, which was partly offset by growing business resilience to those restrictions and a monthly boost from the reopening of schools in March.
“The first quarter decline should be followed by a robust rebound in the second quarter as the effects of the release of pent-up demand, as restrictions ease and the strong vaccine rollout, are fully felt.
“However, with the longer-term economic damage caused by coronavirus likely to increasingly weigh on activity as government support winds down, the recovery maybe slower than many, including the Bank of England, currently predict.”
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance will be the sponsors of the Outdoor hub at B2B this October.
Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14 October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* and Norfolk Chambers are delighted to confirm that Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance will be the official sponsors of the Outdoor hub at the show.
The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar.
The Outdoor hub will give exhibitors and visitors the chance to connect and network with a range of businesses throughout the day.
Fran Brown, marketing manager for Credo Asset Finance said: “After years of attending this prestigious event, we know the benefits of what this will bring, including meeting new potential clients and catching up with existing ones! This event is always on the calendar and gives Credo more opportunities to show how we can help other businesses. We have a fantastic stand to showcase this year and we are very excited for you all to see it!”
For exhibitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and have a presence at this prestigious event.
Alongside exhibitors in the Outdoor hub, you can also meet a plethora of businesses in the exhibition, take part in speed networking sessions throughout the day, go to a free workshop or seminar, relax in the Proudly Norfolk food hub and join us for the B2B after party (ticketed event).
If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor at B2B you can find out how to book your stand here
*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.
It is nearly 6 months since the UK left the EU on 31 December 2020. And as importers and exporters you need to be aware of some looming deadlines. The deadline for making a full declaration for EU imports that arrived after 31 December 2020 is nearly upon us. For those businesses who imported from the EU and made a Simplified Declaration or have yet to make any declaration at all, you need to be ready to make your full declaration at the 175 days later point. To help you prepare, you need to:
Consider what records you should have kept
Know what you steps you need to take now
Ensure that you are following the rules
Know what penalties may be imposed if you get it wrong
Norfolk Chambers is ready to help and is able to support you to get it right first time. We are supporting a ChamberCustoms online webinar on Thursday 03 June from 2pm – 3pm that will help you get the answers you need. If you have imported from the EU since January, the webinar will help you understand your responsibilities and help you stay on track with your declarations from 01 July 2021. Book your place now
There are now 3 more trading cards to co.nnect with, as our International Team joins our mission to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk.
Have you connected with all 7 of our membership team yet? Team Norfolk Chambers is here and ready to help support you and your business with a range of skills such as making business connections, promoting what you do and how you do it, giving you access to exclusive discounts, helping you make change, and crafting bespoke business support specifically for you.
Now there are 3 more members of the Team to get to know. Introducing our International Team who can help you and your business with the documentation you need to import and export. Julie, David, Adrian and Sam each have their own trading card with a secret superhero name which highlights the key skills that they can offer Norfolk businesses:
Julie Austin (AKA ‘The Oracle’) has the knowledge you need to succeed when it comes to cutting through the red tape of importing and exporting. David Cowan (AKA ‘The Advocator) can bring everything you need to do business overseas together – and what the team cannot do, he will know someone who can, and Sam Martin (AKA ‘The Prodigy’) provides vital support to process, handle and offer advice on documentation needed for importing and exporting.
The International Team joins the Membership Team and together we can help make things happen for businesses like yours. If you need bespoke support for your business – we can provide membership that can be as individual as you are. If you need to increase your customer base – we can connect you to like-minded businesses. If you need to shout about a project/product you have launched – we can amplify your message. If you need exporting advice – we can help you trade globally. If you know what you want to do but don’t know where to start – we can support you through making collaborations.
Each of us have difference skills, but when we co.llaborate we are a unique force for your business. Therefore, we can say with confidence:
Would you like to find out how your business can play a part in the delivery of Sizewell C?
Businesses from across Norfolk and the East of England will play a vital role in delivering Sizewell C, a multi-billion-pound new nuclear power station planned for the Suffolk Coast.
Companies from across the region are being sought to join the supply chain to deliver the project.
Sizewell C have a host of opportunities for local and regional businesses, across a huge breadth of capabilities, to win contracts.
The Sizewell C Supply Chain Team can help you understand these opportunities and introduce you to companies needing support in delivering a specific work package, or suggest compatible companies with whom you could form Joint Ventures to win specific contracts.
If you feel your company could have a role to play, register your business on the Sizewell C Supply Chain website. You will also find the latest news on the project and why it is crucial to helping achieve Net Zero 2050, help with training and funding, case studies and business support.
Building on the last six year’s success, Norfolk Chamber bring you an unmissable opportunity to experience first-hand how digital technology is impacting on your business today – and tomorrow.
The digital revolution has changed the way we do business forever. It’s a 24/7 world. We’re always online. Always connected.
In this fully interactive experience you’ll be brought up to speed on how digital technology is shaping the future of business, and how you can maximize its potential.
Without the knowledge to embrace technology, many businesses are at risk of being left behind. Talking Technology aims to equip all businesses with the knowledge and digital skills to take advantage of upcoming tech advances.
Hear from local and national brands including Microsoft, Prison Voicemail, Ubisend and more who will guide you through key issues including –
· The rise of Artificial Intelligence
· Everything on Demand
· Gap in the Market
PLUS! Develop practical skills and take away top tips from four 30 minute invaluable workshops delivered by leaders in their field from Immersive VR, the User Story, Innershed and Integro.
To celebrate local success stories, we are bringing businesses from Norfolk who will share their experiences and expertise on a wealth of digital and technological issues in a series of lightening talks. Business getting involved include Tech East, Blue Sky Drones, Step into Tech and Foolproof.
All this, as well as a networking lunch, Q&A Panel and an exhibition featuring some of the region’s best businesses. Talking Technology is inspiring growth for your business through digital innovation and it’s unmissable!