Chamber News

With over 100 exhibitors and plenty of opportunities to explore across two floors of NCFC, the B2B Exhibition 2017 attracted more visitors than ever before.

Despite a turbulent year, of economic uncertainty there was a positive feeling among exhibitors who were optimistic for the year ahead. The Chamber’s Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson said:

“There is an air of optimism and positivity in Norfolk….We have some exciting businesses forming in Norfolk and we will aim to support them even more in 2018.”

The day kicked off with Managing Director of Norwich City Football Club, Steve Stone welcoming exhibitors to Carrow Road and officially opening the exhibition. Once exhibitors were back on their stands they were visited by Chris and Steve who were tasked with choosing this year’s Best Stand.

Energy consultants, Indigo Swan were crowned this year’s winners for their innovative ‘Human Fruit Machine’ game.

As well as endless networking opportunities, there was a popular programme of 20 minute masterclasses covering core areas of interests to all businesses, including networking marketing, social media and increasing sales.

With a steady flow of visitors throughout the day keen to explore the best of what Norfolk businesses are offering, the regions premier business exhibition proved once again to be an unmissable event in Norfolk’s commercial calendar.

Tag yourself and your colleagues in our event photo album here.

See the video featuring the day’s activity here.

For any businesses looking to exhibit at B2B 2018 contact [email protected] or call 01603 625977.

“The widening of the UK’s trade deficit in August is disappointing, and signifies a much weaker trading position than the average for the year, with exports falling and imports rising sharply in the month. Taken together with the recent widening of the current account deficit, the figures paint a rather gloomy picture of the UK’s external position.

“The latest trade data is further evidence that the decline in sterling’s value over the past year is doing little to boost the UK’s overall trade position. Businesses continue to report that the post-EU referendum weakness in sterling is hurting as much as its helping, with firms continuing to face higher input costs due to the weakening currency, particularly those locked into global supply chains. For those companies that rely on overseas suppliers for their production equipment, a weak pound also makes investment in growth less viable.

“Businesses want to see comprehensive trade talks begin in the EU negotiations before the end of the year, and need answers to the practical questions about our trading relationship with Europe beyond March 2019. At the same time, it is vital that more is done help firms take advantage of new trading opportunities, including greater practical assistance for exporters and tackling some of the longstanding issues at home including the chronic skill shortages and the cost of doing business in the UK.”

Tuesday, 10 October 2017: O2 has increased its 4G coverage across Norfolk this year with the mobile network operator launching 4G in over 180 new towns, villages and hamlets across the county.  The region now has 98% outdoor 4G coverage, demonstrating O2’s commitment to bring 4G to its customers in more rural areas in the region.

Overall, outdoor 4G population coverage in Norfolk has increased by 9% this year to reach 98%.

Areas upgraded this year include North Walsham, Caister-on-Sea, Long Stratton, Sandringham, Eccles and Acle, and there are plans to add more locations in the coming months.

Customers in these locations can now enjoy high speed 4G mobile internet, enabling them to stream high definition TV, shop on the go and use video calling.  For business customers, using 4G means that they can be more effective and flexible by working remotely, accessing cloud services and collaborating using apps.

Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer O2, said: “We recognise that connectivity is essential to our customers which is why we’re investing in a range of innovative measures to ensure we give our customers reliable coverage wherever they go. 

“While it’s great that our 4G network now reaches 98% of Norfolk’s outdoor population, we’re committed to continue increasing this number.  In the next month, we’re starting work to bring 4G to East Harling, Cawston, Eccles-on-Sea and Upper Street and have ongoing plans to continue connecting our customers in rural areas across the county.”   

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is essential that Norfolk businesses can easily access digital communication and the ongoing focus to increase 4G connectivity across Norfolk is a real positive that will be a huge benefit to local communities, and businesses based in the region.  In particular, there is a real need to increase connectivity in our rural villages and it’s encouraging to see that O2 is working to bring 4G to these areas. We are determined to work in partnership with operators so that they can progress their 4G rollout without delay”  

Labour was a carnival, Conservative… wasn’t. Allan Williams is joined by Orla Hennessy, Ashley Shackleton and Fiona Krasniqi to discuss the fallout from the party conferences, Brexit, and the future leadership of both parties.

Listen now: https://audioboom.com/posts/6370005-bcc-talks-party-conferences

The European Commission has launched a package of proposals on trade and investment.

In its Communication A Balanced and Progressive Trade Policy to Harness Globalisation, the Commission focuses on four key issues: new trade deals, foreign direct investment (FDI), resolving investment disputes and the transparency of trade policy.

The EU does not currently have a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with either Australia or New Zealand and that, the Commission argues, leaves EU businesses with comparably less favourable conditions to access those two markets.

It therefore recommends that the EU Council should formally authorise the opening of negotiations aimed at securing trade deals with both antipodean countries. The FTAs should, it says, be modelled on recent agreements negotiated with Canada, Vietnam and Singapore.

With reference to FDI, the Commission proposes that a European framework to screen such investment should be established to ensure that it remains a major source of growth in the EU while simultaneously protecting the Union’s essential interests.

A multilateral court for the settlement of investment disputes should also be created, the Commission advises, in order to ensure a more transparent, coherent and fair approach to deal with company complaints under investment protection agreements.

Also on the theme of transparency, the Commission wants an advisory group on EU trade agreements to be set up to help when it comes to obtaining the views of bodies such as employers’ organisations and consumer groups.

In a spirit of openness and transparency, the Commission has said that it will, with immediate effect, publish all its recommendations on negotiating mandates for trade agreements.

Documents will be sent to all national Parliaments as well as being made available to the general public.

To see the Commission’s Communication and associated documentation, visit the EC Trade website.

UK importers and exporters can now ship to and from more than 100 ports in over 60 different countries, thanks to additional services being offered by DP World’s London Gateway facility.

DP World says that it has moved to improve trade line reliability between the UK and Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.

The Panama Direct Line service (PAD – also known as North Atlantic South Pacific) is jointly operated by CMA CGM and Marfret.

In addition to offering a direct link between the UK and New Zealand, PAD also gives additional options to shippers moving produce between Northern Europe, the US east coast, the west coast of South America and Australia, DP World explains.

The service started operating from London Gateway on 24 September.

Autumn 2017 will also see the operator Seatrade join the service – at which point, DP World claims, it will become the only direct link between the UK and New Zealand.

CMA CGM and Marfret operate the North Europe French Guiana service (NEFGUI – also known as the South America Service), which started operating from London Gateway on 16 September.

NEFGUI strengthens London Gateway’s links with Central and South America, including the Dominican Republic, Anguilla, French Guiana and North Brazil.

Breaking the news, James Leeson, Head of Port Commercial, DP World London Gateway said: “We’re delighted to facilitate increased reliability for UK shippers importing and exporting to and from these regions.”

A unique service linking Northern Europe with the east coast of the USA, Central America, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand is to add DP World London Gateway Port to its rota of calls.

The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in container shipping, and Seatrade Group, specialist in reefer transport, have announced the creation of a new vessel-sharing agreement incorporating the services known by CMA CGM as PAD and by Seatrade as Meridian.

This new service brings together CMA CGM, Seatrade and Marfret and improves their frequency and port coverage, adding Peru and the Caribbean to the above list.

The launch of the service, the only one on the market to offer such coverage on a weekly basis, is scheduled for October 2017, subject to validation by the competent authorities.

It will involve 13 modern geared ships with a nominal capacity between 2200 and 2500 TEUs (20-foot equivalent: the standard measurement of a shipping container). Each vessel will have minimum 600 reefers on board in order to transport refrigerated goods such as fruits or meat.

Among the ports included in the service are Brisbane, Sydney, New York, Rotterdam, Dunkerque, Philadelphia, Napier and Zeebrugge as well as London Gateway which is located 10 miles from the M25 and has a rail terminal providing direct services daily to all of the UK’s major rail freight hubs.

Stronger-than-expected growth in global trade is being driven by rising demand for imports in Asia and North America, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has revealed.

According to the latest estimates from WTO economists, world merchandise trade volume will grow by 3.6% in 2017 rather than by the 2.4% previously forecast. The WTO also sees a rise of 2.8% in global gross domestic product (GDP).

Those forecasts are more positive than earlier ones, thanks to a sharp increase in global trade growth in the first half of the year. Growth of 3.6% would represent a substantial improvement on the lacklustre 1.3% increase in 2016, the WTO points out.

For 2018, trade growth should moderate to 3.2% (within a range from 1.4% to 4.4%) as global GDP growth remains stable at 2.8%.

The WTO warns, however, that the anticipated recovery could be undermined by a number of risks, including trade policy measures (with the danger that protectionist rhetoric translates into trade-restrictive actions), monetary tightening, geopolitical tensions and financially costly natural disasters.

“The improved outlook for trade is welcome news, but substantial risks that threaten the world economy remain in place and could easily undermine any trade recovery,” WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo responded.

During the second quarter (Q2) of 2017, GDP growth accelerated in most major economies, notably China which saw growth from 1.3% in the first quarter (Q1) to 1.7% in Q2.

Chinese demand for imports in the first half of 2017 was driven by growth in industry (up 6.4% in real terms for the year to date) and in services (up 7.7% over the same period).

Growth was also recorded in the USA (up from 1.2% annualised in Q1 to 3.0% in Q3) and in the eurozone (up from 2.2% in Q1 to 2.6% in Q2).

On 04 October, Heather Garrod stepped down as President of West Norfolk Chamber Council and passed the baton to Michael Baldwin, the General Manager of the Bank House Hotel.

Ms Garrod served two terms of office as President and diligently represented the West Norfolk Chamber Council for eight years.  She is a well-known figure in local the business community and she has been the Chamber representative on the West Norfolk Tourism Forum Committee and the Hanseatic League.  She has tirelessly campaigned to improve the business environment in West Norfolk and and helped support many local business initiatives.

She will be succeeded by Michael Baldwin, the General Manager of the Bank House Hotel, situated on the King’s Lynn Quay.  He leads at team of 30 staff and has worked in the catering and hospitality industry for over 20 years.

Norfolk Chamber is fully supporting the efforts being made to retain both Britvic and Colman’s in Norwich.  The potential loss of a further 113 manufacturing jobs at Colman’s, on top of the 240 Britvic jobs could impact heavily on the local economy.  Both businesses have a long history in Norwich and Colman’s is one of the last original iconic Norfolk brands remaining in Norfolk.  

Colman’s ties with the Norfolk Chamber is equally historic, with Mr J.J. Colman being the first President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce back in 1896. 

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“Norfolk Chamber will work in conjunction with our partners, to strongly support the calls for both Colman’s and Britvic to remain in Norwich.  

In addition, we will be working in partnership with the local authorities, New Anglia LEP and other business organisations to raise the overall business profile of Norwich and Norfolk, as a great place to live, learn, and work – to attract the manufacturing jobs of the future and ensure the next great iconic brands, who will be synonymous of Norfolk thrive and remain in local.”

To add your support to the calls for Britvic and Colman’s to remain in Norwich sign the online petition

Norfolk’s Chamber’s Young Chamber initiative aims to bridge the gap between business and young people.  As part of this work we are looking to support City College Norwich students to engage with their local business community.

The third year Business Administration Degree students at CCN are currently working on a module call ‘Creative Enterprise’.  Their degree will be validated by the University of East Anglia and the ‘Creative Enterprise’ module is all about finding creative solutions to business problems.  The students are looking for Norfolk businesses to work with them and set them real-life, real-time challenges. 

Commenting on the call to find businesses to work with the students, Ernst Schute, Lecturer at the School of HE at City College Norwich said: “We would welcome the input from the Norfolk business community and it would be much more interesting for the students to work in a real life context.  Whether your problem is small or large the students want to hear from you.”

To find out how your business can get involved, please contact: Nova Fairbank on 01603 729 713 or email: [email protected].

Ten nights and nine days of intensive 24-hour working begins on the A1151 Wroxham Road tomorrow evening (8pm Fri 6 Oct) as Norwich Northern Distributor Road teams set out to make the most of the longest A-road closure during construction of the A1270 NDR dual carriageway.

Wroxham Road will be closed to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, from 8pm on Friday 6 October until 6am on Monday 16 October. Traffic will (from the Norwich direction) be diverted along Norwich Ring Road on to Salhouse Road, with separate light vehicle and HGV diversions* from Rackheath (see plan). The diversion routes are expected to become very congested, especially during peak hours, and traffic will also increase significantly on other routes in the area, including minor lanes.

The A1151 closure is to allow construction of a drainage culvert through Wroxham Road, and will also be used to complete as much work as possible on the NDR/Wroxham Road roundabout. Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty apologise for the unavoidable disruption and inconvenience that this A-road closure will cause.

Plumstead Road pavement work resumes

Work on extending the north-side pavement on Plumstead Road at Thorpe End will resume under temporary traffic lights on Monday 9 October. The scheme, which includes a mini-roundabout and drainage improvements at the junction with Broadland Drive, will take four weeks to complete.

A140 Cromer Road

After a short break following the re-routing of A140 Cromer Road traffic over the new bridge, temporary traffic lights will return on the A140 as needed. This is to allow as much work as possible to be carried out before a series of overnight closures (8pm to 6am) of the A140 to tie-in the existing road to the new junction, beginning on Monday 30 October. The number of nights needed will depend upon progress.

Marriott’s Way bridge in use

Marriott’s Way users are being allowed to cross the bridge during the final stages of construction and surfacing. However, further work is being carried out and diversion via the cycleway to Fir Covert Road may be necessary at times.

 * Wroxham Road diversions: Light traffic will (from Norwich direction) be diverted via Norwich Ring Road, Salhouse Road and Green Lane West. HGVs – including those serving Rackheath Industrial Estate – must continue on Salhouse Road to Salhouse and use to the B1140 to re-join the A1151 at Wroxham. The diversions will operate in reverse for traffic heading towards Norwich.