Norfolk Businesses Help Shape National Trade and Growth Policy
Businesses across Norfolk are helping to influence national policy on trade, productivity and investment through the work of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the wider Chamber network.
In its latest Policy Brief, the BCC highlighted several examples where feedback from businesses has directly informed discussions with the Government and contributed to policy changes.
On international trade, concerns raised by Chamber members about proposed changes to UK steel import quotas and tariffs have led the BCC to seek urgent discussions with Government ministers. The organisation is also celebrating success in securing the continued use of Chambers’ origin documentation within new trade arrangements agreed between the UK and Gulf Co-operation Council countries.
The BCC has also successfully advocated for reductions in UK Global Tariffs on selected products, helping to reduce costs for businesses operating in challenging global trading conditions.
Beyond trade, member feedback has influenced work on health and employment policy, with calls for reform of the fit note system featuring prominently in the BCC’s report Growth Through People: Making Health Work. The Government has since launched pilot schemes to explore new approaches.
Energy costs remain a major concern for businesses, and Chamber-led lobbying contributed to the extension of the Government’s British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, with support now available to a wider range of firms and backdated payments confirmed for 2026.
Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers, said: “One of the strengths of being part of the Chamber network is that the experiences and concerns of businesses in Norfolk help shape conversations at the highest levels of Government. Whether it’s international trade, skills, energy costs or workforce challenges, our members’ voices are being heard and helping to influence national policy.”
Norfolk Chambers continues to encourage businesses to engage with its policy and international trade activity by sharing experiences, responding to surveys, and contributing case studies that help strengthen the evidence presented to policymakers.
Businesses interested in exporting, importing, or expanding into international markets can find out more about the support available through Norfolk Chambers’ International Trade team: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/expert-support-and-exclusive-perks/international-trade-support/