There are only 9 days left for businesses to have their say on the Norfolk & Suffolk Devolution deal.
Devolution is about giving our region greater control over key areas of our economy such as spending on roads and transport links, housing, skills and social care.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The Norfolk Chamber Board is strongly in support of the concept of Devolution and what it can do for Norfolk and Suffolk’s economy. Historically, Norfolk has lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of investment but we are at last starting to be recognised as a growth area and need to build on this.
“Devolution offers Norfolk a prime opportunity to secure a funding to enable the business community to deliver greater economic growth, jobs and a better future for Norfolk as a whole, whilst have the ability to make decisions at a local level. What is on the table is not ideal, but it is what we have to work with right now. It is also only the starting point to help bring additional investment into our county. We need the business community to be heard on this issue loud and clear.”
Norfolk is undertaking consultation into the devolution ‘deal’ before it is finally taken to Government for approval. It is vitally important that the government is aware of the level of support from the business community and we would ask Norfolk businesses to take action in two ways:
2. Take few minutes to complete the online Devolution consultation – take part now
Our region is on the verge of securing from Government a transformational change in the way our economy operates, which includes the biggest devolution of decision-making for a generation and a significant package of new investment for the Norfolk and Suffolk economy.
This includes:
£25m a year for 30yrs to invest in new infrastructure and growth projects. (Total of £750m, of which 40% is revenue spending against which we can borrow further significant sums)
£130m for new homes
Local control over a £225m transport budget and £20m skills budget
Devolution will help to realise the ambition to boost the economy of the East to over £43billion.
The deadline for this first stage of business support is 23 August 2016 – add your voice to that of the Norfolk Chamber by taking action now.
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.
A change to the apprenticeship scheme in England was announced by the Government in the summer budget 2015. The purpose of the levy is to help the government reach its target of an additional 3 million apprenticeship starts in England by 2020. They say that employers who are committed to training will be able to get back more than they put in by training sufficient numbers of apprentices.
As we near the 6 April 2017, when the levy will come into effect, a new document about apprenticeship funding has been released.
New funding system comes into effect on 1 May 2017 for any apprenticeships started after that date(to declare liability for the levy on April’s payroll)
15 tiered funding bands range from £1,500 to £27,000 based on the type of apprenticeship framework, to manage the tendency of prices to creep up
Employers will co-invest 10% of training costs, with the government paying the remaining 90%, including those who have not contributed to the levy
How will this impact on Norfolk employers?
If you have less than 50 staff you will be able to access 100% funding for the cost of Apprenticeship Training from the Government for 16 to 18 year olds and 19 to 24 year olds who have previously been in care or have an Education, Health and Care Plan
You will pay 10% of the cost of Apprenticeship training if you have more than 50 employees and do not have a pay bill in excess of £3m per year
Regardless of your size, you will receive an additional £1000 funding for each apprentice you start aged 16 to 18. (£500 at 3 months and £500 at 12 months)
Regardless of your size, you will receive an additional £1000 funding for each apprentice you start aged 19 to 24 who has previously been in care or who has an Education, Health and Care Plan. (£500 at 3 months and £500 at 12 months)
If you have a pay-bill over £3m you will pay the levy at 0.5% of your pay bill monthly. The levy paid will be topped up by 10% and you can spend this money within 18 months on Apprenticeship training through the digital system.
You will be able to apply to become anEmployer-provider and deliver all or some of your training directly to your staff or others.
Commenting on the funding guidance for the Apprenticeship Levy, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“Norfolk businesses will welcome the news that the Government will fully-fund 16-18-year-old apprentices, and that the co-investment rate for non-levy payers will be set at 10%.
“It is disappointing however that businesses will have to wait until October, just six months before the proposed implementation date of the Levy, for details of the technical rules. Indeed, the timescale seems very compressed for a complex policy that relies on a major IT set-up.
“The Government’s apprenticeship target is laudable, and businesses see them as a vital way of narrowing the skills gap. But the focus must be on high-quality apprenticeships rather than purely as a numbers game. We look forward to inputting our member views in this complex area going forward.”
In summary, the balance of the key points in the new document are:
Small employers will not have to pay any training costs for younger apprentices (16-18)
In December 2016, there will be further employer guidance from HMRC on how to calculate and pay the apprenticeship levy
Graduates or others with Higher Level Qualifications can be funded to do an Apprenticeship so long as the learning is materially different to their existing qualifications
Final funding arrangements will be announced in October 2016
The national AGE grant will continue to be available till the end of the academic year 2016/17. As this is devolved in Norfolk and Suffolk, we assume, but it has not yet been confirmed that this will be the case for the local scheme as well. Click here for details
A new register will be set up and all training and assessment organisations will be required to register if they want to deliver Apprenticeship training or assessment. (RoAPT). The register will initially open in October and then 4 times a year
If you are a training provider, it is proposed that:
You will receive an additional payment to that agreed with the employer for delivery of £1000 for each 16 to 18 year old learner and each 19 to 24 year old if they have an Education, Health and Care plan or have been in care.
You will be responsible for administering payment of the £1000 employer incentives (above) in the initial period of the new system
You will be able to access additional funding of up to £150 per month to support learners with additional needs
20% of the total cost of the Apprenticeship Training will be held back until completion in the employer’s digital account to prevent overpayment in the event that the apprentice does not complete
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.