Commenting on the latest delay to a government decision on a new runway in the South East, John Longworth, BCC Director General, said:
“Businesses will see this as a gutless move by a government that promised a clear decision on a new runway by the end of the year.
“Business will question whether ministers are delaying critical upgrades to our national infrastructure for legitimate reasons, or to satisfy short-term political interests.
“Businesses across Britain will be asking whether there is any point in setting up an Airports Commission – or the recently-announced National Infrastructure Commission – if political considerations are always going to trump big decisions in the national interest.
“The Commission has said that a new runway should be built at Heathrow, and quickly. Expansion at other airports is needed too.Ministers need to stop prevaricating and get on with doing what the country sorely needs.”
Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Nationally
The Government’s borrowing figure in December 2015 was £4.3bn lower than the year before ONS figures highlighted that UK firms cur their foreign investment by the largest amount in a decade Businesses race more than £1bn in costs from the introduction of the Government-set national living wage UK new car sales hit an all-time record in 2015.
East of England
53% of manufacturers in the East of England have invested in automation and robotics according to a Barclays survey Confidence in this region’s commercial property market remains strong and rents are expected to rise across all sectors Our region’s reputation as one of the country’s most entrepreneurial regions has been bolstered by a recent report by Barclays and BGF Entrepreneurs Index.
Norwich
Shoppers and businesses were handed a major digital boost after free wi-fi was rolled out across Norwich city centre Aviva started 2016 by employing 65 new employees at it claims handling operation at Broadland Business Park Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral joined forces with Visit Norwich to promote the city as a tourism destination Norwich International Airport launched new routes from Norwich to Exeter and Newcastle.
On Thursday 21st January, 70 Norfolk Chamber members joined us for a Business Breakfast at the Great Yarmouth racecourse. The Victory Suite provided a spacious setting where delegates could network over coffee and breakfast upon arrival.
Following a slightly different format to our usual business breakfasts, delegates were led through ‘How to Network Successfully’ by Ian Hacon, Yellowbrick Road Solutions.
After a brief introduction, Ian asked delegates to create their ‘Twit Pitch’. Restricted to a maximum of 140 characters, a ‘Twit Pitch’ creates a concise and straight to the point pitch which was then put into practice during a twist on the popular activity; Safari Networking.
Trialed for the first time at this breakfast, delegates participated in ‘Speed’ Safari Networking. With everyone on their feet in an open space, delegates had 4 safari moves with 6 minutes at each station allowing them the opportunity to network with up to 24 different people. The activity was a great success with many saying they’d run out of business cards!
Another trial run at New Year Networking, was the addition of a Networking App; Presdo Match. Accessible only by event delegates, Presdo Match creates an interactive networking experience. Attendees can view a visual delegate list complete with images and bios pulled directly from Linkedin, send messages to others via a secure messaging system and schedule appointments, making following up after the event quick and easy. Following great feedback of the app, we will continue to implement it’s use at future events.
A European Commission initiative to promote greater transparency in shipping line prices has been welcomed by the UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA).
The Commission has invited comments from interested parties on commitments offered by 15 container liner shipping companies.
The move is intended to address EU concerns that the practice of container liner shipping companies of publishing their future price increase intentions may harm competition and breach the Union’s antitrust rules.
Container shipping accounts for the vast majority of non-bulk freight carried by sea and 15 carriers have regularly announced their intended future increases for freight prices in various ways, including by notices on their websites and in the press.
Those carriers are: China Shipping (China), CMA CGM (France), COSCO (China), Evergreen (Taiwan), Hamburg Süd (Germany), Hanjin (South Korea), Hapag Lloyd (Germany), HMM (South Korea), Maersk (Denmark), MOL (Japan), MSC (Switzerland), NYK (Japan), OOCL (Hong Kong), UASC (UAE), and ZIM (Israel).
Known as General Rate Increase (GRI) announcements, the notices do not indicate the fixed final price for the service concerned, but only the amount of the increase in US-Dollars per transported container unit (TEU), the affected trade route, and the planned date of implementation.
The Commission is concerned that GRI announcements do not provide customers with the full details of new prices, but simply allow carriers to explore each other’s pricing intentions and then coordinate their behaviour.
If that were the case, carriers would be in breach of EU competition rules, which ban concerted practices between companies.
In response to the Commission’s concerns, the carriers have offered a number of commitments which would change the way price increases are announced and applied.
Welcoming the move, the FTA said the Commission’s action will introduce a degree of transparency into maritime transport pricing for the first time.
Norfolk MP George Freeman has advised that he is seeking support to upgrade the Norwich to Cambridge rail line into what he terms as the ‘Innovation Express’. The Innovation Express should include wi-fi; smart trains; e-ticketing; bike racks at the stations; and a half hourly service. He outlined that a better service between the two cities could potentially bring further investment into our region and that he will be discussing the idea with Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary when he meets him later this year.
Mr Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, said: “Norwich and Cambridge are two world class centres in technology and innovation and in any other advanced economy the rail service between these centres should be frequent, fast and high quality, with modern and well equipped stations.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “Norwich has a thriving digital creative sector and is a Tech-City. We are also the base for the world-renowned Norwich Research Park. Therefore, it is important that Norwich and Norfolk are well connected to allow our businesses to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK. Having good infrastructure links is vital and Norfolk Chamber wholeheartedly supports Mr Freeman’s calls for an ‘Innovation Express’ for our rail links between Norwich and Cambridge.”
Mr Freeman outlined the improvements that he wanted to see be:
Faster delivery of the doubling of the Ely North Junction – work that would be crucial to any line enhancements.
Faster delivery on the upgrades at Ely station to Ely North Junctions
The doubling of the Trowse Swing Bridge
An increase in line speeds between Norwich and Ely to 90mph or 100mph
The delivery of the Felixstowe to Nuneaton and Norwich to Ely electrification
An improvement to the day-to-day infrastructure performance to improve punctuality
A half hourly services between Norwich to Cambridge
He also called for further improvements such as train refurbishments to include wi-fi and plug points and improvements to stations along the line.
Two significant road closures in Great and Little Plumstead are planned to allow work to continue on Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR).
Middle Road will be closed from Monday 1 February to Monday 8 February, but will reopen as soon as the site clearance and tree felling works allow. This reopening is to ensure there is no clash with the proposed closure of Plumstead Road, which is the diversion route.
The closure of Middle Road, from Green Lane North to the junction of C258 Hare Road, is needed to allow safe completion of site clearance, in particular tree felling, on the line of the new dual carriageway. It will reopen as soon as safe to do so, but a longer term closure of Middle Road (details to follow) will be necessary to allow more substantial work on the NDR, and for the construction of the bridge that will carry Middle Road over the new road. Once the bridge is complete, expected to be in late 2017, Middle Road will be able to reopen.
Norfolk County Council is currently consulting on the closure of Plumstead Road for up to 18 days to allow utility service diversions across Plumstead Road. A closure is required by Network Rail because of the risk of the works causing traffic to queue across the level crossing on the Norwich to Sheringham railway line.
The current proposal is for the closure of a150m stretch of Plumstead Road, between the railway crossing and the junction of Broad Lane,to begin on Monday 22 February, but this is subject to no overriding issues being raised during the current local consultation. Middle Road will remain open while Plumstead Road is closed.
Norfolk County Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused by these and other closures and traffic management measures during construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road. Forregularupdates, anyone can sign up to receive the Transport Matters and Transport Matters NDR Extra newsletters by emailing[email protected].
Q3 UK GDP growth revised downwards with slower than expected service sector growth
The Q4 2015 QES signals slower near-term growth for the UK economy
US raises interest rates as monetary policy loosens further in the Eurozone
The latest review (based on December 2015 data releases) shows that UK economic growth has been revised downwards from 0.5% to 0.4%. This downward revision was driven partly by the service sector growing more slowly than expected.
The UK labour market remains a key area of strength, with unemployment falling. Despite wages rising faster than prices, total pay growth slowed.
The UK trade deficit widened to £14.1 billion from £9.7 billion. The widening deficit was driven by a fall in exports and a rise in imports. This deterioration is mirrored in the latest QES resultsfor Q4 2015,where Norfolk’s manufacturers export sales balances fell to its lowest level since Q3 2009.
Interest rates in the US, the world’s largest economy were increased for the first time since 2006. The rates move reflected the improving outlook for the US economy. In contrast the European Central Bank further loosened monetary policy within the Eurozone and extended its monthly €60 billion stimulus programme. Whilst the Bank of England kept UK interest rates on hold at 0.5%.
Overall, last month’s data releases provides evidence that although the economic outlook for the UK remains broadly positive, there are mounting headwinds facing the UK economy. To read the full report click here.
Motorists are warned of overnight restrictions and closures as the major works at the A47 Postwick junction near completion. These restrictions will mainly affect eastbound traffic.
For the next three nights, Wednesday 9 December to Friday 11 December (8pm to no later than 6am) there will be eastbound lane closures on the A47 and the full closure of the new slip road, with traffic diverted around the A47 Cucumber Lane roundabout and back to the Postwick junction via the westbound A47.
These restrictions are to allow surfacing, white lining and the installation of new signs to complete the tie-in of the new slip road with the main eastbound carriageway.
A47 eastbound overnight closure
Next week, the A47 eastbound will be closed overnight (8pm to no later than 6am) on Monday 14 December for completion of the new slip road and removal of traffic management from the main A47. (Tuesday 15th and/or Wednesday 16th may be used if completion that night is not possible).
The signed diversion route will be via the A146 from Trowse, the A143 and A12, re-joining the A47 at Vauxhall roundabout, Great Yarmouth. The closures are taking place overnight to avoid peak daytime traffic.
From next Monday, 9 May, drivers using the A1067 Fakenham Road through the Norwich Northern Distributor Road site may encounter temporary traffic lights from as early as 7.15am. The purpose of this trial is to extend the working day, accelerating progress on this section of the NDR.
Currently, temporary traffic lights on the A1067 are only used (when required) from 9.30am, after the morning peak. However, observation of morning traffic flows suggests that it may be possible to use manually controlled traffic lights without seriously holding up the flow of city-bound traffic.
If the trial is a success, this will add more than two hours to working days when these temporary lights are needed. A similar trial will then be carried out on the A1151 Wroxham Road. As now, the temporary lights will not be used every day, only when neededfor safe working close to the road.
If the early start trial causes significant delays, it will be halted, reverting to the current 9.30am start for temporary signals.
At the Plumstead end of the NDR, informal passing places are to be provided on Smee Lane and Low Road. These are both narrow lanes that will carry extra traffic when Middle Road closes on Monday for construction of the Middle Road Bridge over the NDR.
Close to Horsford, the long-term closure of Drayton Lane has put pressure on Holly Lane, and in particular the junction with Reepham Road. Drivers are advised to avoid this route at peak hours if possible. Signs to this effect will be going up on the approaches, and a temporary 30mph speed limit is being considered as a safety measure while the junction is under strain.
In addition, traffic in this area may be affected by non-NDR works. Surface dressing is expected to be carried out on the B1149 Holt Road through Horsford over the next few days (exact timing depends up the weather and progress on other sites), and UK Power Networks will require temporary traffic lights on the B1149 near the Brickmakers pub for ducting works in the verge and pavement.
By this weekend, Marriott’s Way through the site of the bridge over the NDR will be closed, with all users directed on to the short diversion that will remain in place until the bridge opens.
From local standout to national champion: BCC Chamber Awards will put best of Norfolk business on the map.
This year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) are inviting businesses from across the country to take part and showcase their talents and achievements through a series of regional heats, culminating in the national final, which takes place in London on 27 November 2016.
Companies can enter seven categories,covering people development; customer care; business/education; export; and technology.
The Awards will be demonstrating the very best business, highlighting the positive contribution that businesses make to the UK economy and to society as a whole. The categories are:
Small Business of the Year
Excellence in Customer Service *NEW*
Commitment to People Development
High Growth Business of the Year
Business and Education Partnership
Export Business of the Year
Best use of Technology
The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 24 June 2016, the regional winners will be announced on 19 September 2016, with the national winners being announced on 27 November 2016 at a glittering awards ceremony in London. To enter online click here
The British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco is hosting a webinar about vocational training in the Moroccan market. The webinar will take place on Wednesday 24 February 11.30am – 12.30pm (UK Time).
Vocational training is a top priority in Morocco. This webinar will help UK companies/organisations enter the vocational training market in Morocco by raising awareness of existing new opportunities in a discussion with key local players.
Demand for vocational trianing is high in Morocco and keeps increasing as Morocco become aware of the necessity to improve its compeititveness and positioning worldwide.
There is an important need for training at all levels (initial, continuous and qualifying). Training of trainers is also a key issue in Morocco.
The webinar will cover the following points:
Overview of the Moroccan market
Moroccan government’s strategy for vocational training
Opportunities for UK organisations in vocational training in Morocco
UK companies will be able to ask questions of the invited specialists about Vocational Training in Morocco and the services offerd by the British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco to UK Companies.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.5% in the year to March 2016. Rises in air fares and clothing prices were the main contributors to the increase.
Retail sales volumes dropped 1.3%. However the ONS reported that volumes were 2.7% higher than the same period a year ago. This represents the 35th consecutive month of annual growth.
Almost 770,000 new cars were registered in the first 3 months of 2016. The most popular cars were Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Focus
Locally
Demand on East of England commercial property from overseas has slowed , as international investment has ground to a halt ahead of the EU Referendum
Spending on tourism in our region has continued to rise. Tourism is worth £2.9 billion in Norfolk.
Norwich International Airport will launch a new route to Rhodes next summer.
Persimmon Homes are relocating their head office to Broadland Business Park, Norwich