Chamber News

Proposals are being discussed in the EU which, if adopted, would improve access for Ukrainian exporters to European markets.

EU ambassadors have reached agreement on the Council of Minister’s position on temporary autonomous trade measures in favour of Ukraine and have agreed that they should be adopted swiftly.

The new measures would apply for three years and comprise additional import quotas at zero tariff for certain agricultural products (tariff rate quotas at 0%), plus the partial or full removal of import duties on several industrial products.

By way of safeguard measures, Ukraine will be obliged to respect the same principles as under its existing association agreement with the EU, including respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principle of the rule of law.

For their part, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted to ensure that tomatoes, wheat and urea do not enjoy further quota preferences than those outlined in the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) already in place with Ukraine.

MEPs also want to see the fight against corruption made a condition for granting Ukraine preferential exports, and have called for industry representatives, not just Member States, to be able to request a study on possible measures protecting EU producers.

The EU is Ukraine’s largest trading partner, with Ukrainian exports to the Member States totalling €12.7 billion in 2015. EU exports to Ukraine that year were valued at €13.9 billion.

MEP Jaroslaw Walesa said that, by granting additional temporary trade preferences, the European Parliament wants to support the ongoing reforms, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide the necessary impetus for increased trade flows.

“I hope that these measures will boost our relationship and effectively help Ukraine,” he added.

A summit between the two trading partners is scheduled on 12 July 2017.

How can businesses and education providers work together to help young people succeed in their careers?

Join British Chambers of Commerce on Thursday 6 July to hear fromLabour party leader Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP and other influential names in the worlds of business and education including, among others, Neil Carmichael (Former chair, Education Select Committee), Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP (Former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills) and Judith Doyle (Principal/CEO, Gateshead College, 2016 TES FE leader of the year).

Network with businesses and educators across the country, as well as taking part in interactive breakout sessions run by ‘F1 in Schools’ and ‘KMF’.

Tickets are selling fast so book now  to attend and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to hear the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, speak on skills and education.

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.

See photos from the event

The next Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast is Norwich breakfast is Thursday 7th September, book your place

Last year, the Government announced the expansion of Heathrow Airport.   An expanded Heathrow will double the airport’s cargo capacity and increase the number of domestic connections, boosting Britain’s exporters and ensuring every region and nation of the UK can get to global markets. With up to 40 more long haul destinations, the project will make Britain the best-connected country in the world. 

Heathrow has committed to maximising opportunities for British businesses, including those in Norfolk, of all sizes who could benefit from being involved in the building one of the largest privately-funded infrastructure projects in Europe.  

In April 2017, Heathrow invited local business communities to showcase why their area is suitable to host one of four new logistics hubs.  Suitable locations will have good connectivity, access to a relevant supply chain and strong local skills. Heathrow has produced a document explaining what they want to achieve and how businesses can get involved.

Interested parties should visit https://procurement.heathrow.com to register their interest and complete an Expression of Interest questionnaire before 31st July 2017. All applications will be considered by Heathrow and a list of potential sites is expected to be announced later this year.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Whilst Brexit isn’t the top immediate priority for many Norfolk businesses, firms of every size and shape want to avoid turbulence and confusion during the Brexit transition. The government’s proposed bills on trade, customs and immigration must minimise adjustment costs and maximise opportunities. Achieving this will require continuous and constructive engagement with business community in Norfolk and across the rest of the UK.

“Importantly, many of the real, practical priorities for businesses across Norfolk can be delivered without new primary legislation. Ministers must inject real momentum and pace into the major infrastructure schemes that have already been agreed and announced, such as the A47 improvement measures.

“They must cut back on the stifling up-front costs that deter investment and risk-taking, and press ahead with an Industrial Strategy that helps places across Norfolk to achieve their potential. This is an important moment for ministers to show that they are doing their day job, and delivering a stronger environment for growth here at home.

“Businesses across Norfolk want to see a workable government going about its day job, and clear signals that the economy is once again front and centre in political life. Consensus and a strong partnership between government and business will be critical at a time of significant change.”

On the Customs Bill:

“Norfolk Chamber of Commerce facilitate millions of pounds worth of UK trade across borders every year. We stand ready to work with the government to develop a UK customs system that supports free-flowing trade between UK firms and their customers and suppliers around the world. It is crucial that business and government work together, as well, to ensure that a new UK customs code underpins seamless trade between the UK and the continent in the years to come.”

On Immigration Bill:

“We want to see the needs of the Norfolk economy at the heart of this once-in-a-generation overhaul of the UK’s immigration system. While local businesses accept the need for controls over migration flows, they want clear assurances that they will be able to recruit from overseas to fill vacancies when they are unable to find or train suitable candidates here at home.

“After Brexit, they will also want to see a flexible system for the movement of labour and skills between the UK and the EU that enjoys clear public support. This is also a major opportunity to simplify the Home Office’s bureaucratic processes, which impose heavy costs and great uncertainty on businesses and individuals alike.”

On the Trade Bill:

“Safeguarding and retaining the favourable terms of trade that Norfolk businesses have enjoyed under EU free trade agreements negotiated by the EU over the past four decades must be a top priority for ministers as the UK develops its own trade policy. The firms we represent say that confirming existing levels of market access is a bigger immediate priority than launching new free trade negotiations with new countries and markets around the world. They also need ground-level trade promotion and support to take advantage of the opportunities that new trade agreements may create in future.”

On the Great Repeal Bill:

“At a time of change, Norfolk businesses want as much short-term certainty and stability as possible on their regulatory obligations. This bill must deliver continuity and the day-one equivalence that is necessary for businesses to continue to trade seamlessly with customers and suppliers, both in Europe and across the world.”

Norfolk Chamber has recently been talking to businesses about their future plans to better understand what factors are holding back their potential business growth.  The Roundtables were free to attend and held in Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn. Businesses will have a final chance to have their say at the last Roundtable which will be held in Norwich on Tuesday 11 July 2017.

So far over 40 businesses, of differing sizes and from a diverse range of sectors have attended the Roundtables to help pull together evidence for the updated New Anglia LEP Economic Strategy.  Among the common themes in both areas were calls for better road and rail links, such as a fully dualled A47, and faster broadband.  They also identified the need for parallel investment to be made in public transport to ensure sustainability of improved infrastructure.

Commenting on the need for improved infrastructure and a strong business input, Norfolk Chamber President, Jonathan Cage said:

“Previous infrastructure campaigns, such as the dualling of the A11 in Norfolk, were won by making clear the benefits to business.  We can do a lot with joined-up marketing – that is in our power – however it is harder for us to say we are going to dual the A47.  That’s where we need businesses to explain the difference it would make to them.”

Also highlighted as key priorities were improved skills and raising the aspirations of young people; the forging of stronger links between schools and employers; and engagement with students of a younger age.

The new Economic Strategy, will lay out the direction for the Norfolk and Suffolk economies through to 2036, highlighting where key strengths can be supported and where improvements are necessary.  The finalised document is due for publication by New Anglia LEP in Autumn 2017.

Another business consideration that came from both Roundtables, was the need for a communication/PR strategy to ‘tell the story’ of Norfolk – to not only say, what a great place to live and work the county is, but to promote our strengths and show what opportunities are available.

The last Norfolk Roundtable will be held in Norwich on 11 July 2017.  Ensure your business voice is heard by booking your free place now at the Norwich Roundtable.

Yesterday, the Sunday Times published an open letter from the UK’s leading business organisations, including the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), on behalf of the Chamber network.

The leaders of the BCC, CBI, EEF, Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Business all joined together to call on the Government to ensure that the Brexit negotiations take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, and that they engage continuously with UK business interests on the many crucial and complex aspects of our future economic relationship with the European Union.

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“As the Government prepares to move forward with Brexit, the aim must be to protect and strengthen our Norfolk economy and the wider UK economy. How to do this, means working in real partnership with all businesses, local and national to draw upon on expertise.

The challenge for such a partnership is for key influencers to agree and work towards a common goal.  The proactive behaviour from the leaders of the British Chambers of Commerce, alongside the four UK-wide business organisations, who collectively have a great many people across the region has resulted in the formulating, agreeing and submitting of a joint statement to Government on the UK’s future relationship with the European and expressing clearly the principles for our economic success and prosperity.”

To read the joint statement in full, click here.

Transport for Norwich is looking for feedback on plans to improve the area and the consultation for the All Saints Green and Brazengate proposals for are now open.   Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council are looking to provide better infrastructure for cyclists along the yellow pedalway, and to make it easier for pedestrians to move freely, thereby enhancing this part of the city centre for everyone.   It builds on the recently completed changes around Westlegate, which have significantly reduced traffic levels in All Saints Green and now mean the next proposed design changes can be put forward. Features of the scheme include a continuous footway on Surrey Street across its junction with All Saints Green; removal of traffic signals on all arms of the same junction and conversion of existing advisory cycle lanes on Brazengate to wider, mandatory lanes.   Councillor Mike Stonard, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for transport and vice-chair of Norwich Highways Agency Committee, says: “Changes around Westlegate have already transformed the way people are using this part of the city so we’re looking to extend these benefits further. We’d like to hear from anyone who uses the area regularly to help shape the final details of the project.”   Funding for the project is from the Department for Transport’s Cycle City Ambition Grant.   For more information on the details of the scheme, along with plans and how to respond to the consultation, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/brazengate.

There are a number of ways to submit your feedback:

Email:         [email protected]

Tel:             0344 800 8020

In writing:

Brazengate/Grove Road and All Saints Green Area Consultation Transport for Norwich – Floor 2 Norfolk County Council County Hall Martineau Lane Norwich, NR1 2DH

The deadline for comment is Friday 7 July 2017. 

Feedback on the project is due to be reported to the Norwich Highways Agency Committee in September. If approved for construction, work is expected to start early next year.

Across all districts of Norfolk levels of unemployment fell.  Overall, the claimant count for Norfolk stood at 8,475, which was a drop of 195 claimants from the previous month. 

Broadland recorded the largest fall in claimant numbers with a drop of 5.9%.  However King’s Lynn and West Norfolk only saw a small decrease of 0.6%.  From a Great Yarmouth perspective, it continued a worrying trend from the previous month with a lack of a strong downward trend in claimant numbers.  Their claimant count stands at 3,000.

Ordinarily it is expected that the Great Yarmouth claimant count falls drastically in the summer months, given the local job market’s seasonal pattern.  Some on this anomaly can probably be assigned to the shift to full implementation of the Universal Credit, however a continuing trend would be a greater concern.

Commenting on the UK labour market statistics for June, released this week by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“With employment continuing to rise and unemployment falling, the UK jobs market remains on a firm footing.

“However, the strong headline figures mask some significant concerns. The gap between pay and price growth is now significant, and if inflation continues to rise as we expect, this could push UK growth materially lower by slowing household spending – a driver of UK economic growth. Employment levels may also moderate over the near term as the escalating burden of upfront business taxes and costs, and political uncertainty, dampen firms’ hiring intentions.

“The high number of vacancies is further evidence of the growing skills shortage. While employment levels are high by historic standards, businesses report that they are increasingly struggling to find staff with the right skills, which is constraining investment and productivity.

“The new government must make it a priority to tackle the UK’s chronic skills shortage, including easing the burden of upfront business costs to help firms recruit and train staff, and deliver a future immigration regime based on the needs of the UK economy.”

Virgin Media are expanding their Ultrafast digital network in Great Yarmouth. They are aiming to connect approximately 5,400 properties both residential and business from Fullers Hill, down to the sea front and South Denes.  This will bring broadband speeds of up to 350Mbps for small/medium businesses and up to 300Mbps for residential customers along with their digital TV service.

Attending a recent meeting with Virgin Media, Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said:

“The Great Yarmouth Chamber business community will welcome the opportunity to access superfast broadband, as this will help local businesses compete morecompetitvely at a global level.”

Virgin Media plan to start the works early July 2017 and complete in April 2018. Careful planning has been discussed with Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council to ensure they do not disrupt the busy summer season and the majority of the work will be completed during the quieter Autumn and Winter months.

The Board of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is seeking to recruit new Directors.

Norfolk Chamber, in addition to providing services for its membership, also has a key influencing role for the wider business community.  To ensure our Board of Directors remains representative of the Norfolk business community as a whole, we need to recruit at least 3 new Board Directors

Commenting on the type of candidates being sought, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“We have a diverse and innovative business community in Norfolk and it is imperative that the make-up of our Board reflects the huge amount of talent that can be found within the Chamber membership.  We are particularly interested in recruiting from the following sectors: Tourism, Logistics, Construction, Manufacturing and Health & Social Care. Although we would not exclude other sectors from being considered.”

The deadline for applications to be received is Friday 18 August 2017 and interviews will be held on Wednesday 14 September 2017.  Successful candidates will be notified of interview by the end of August.  For more information on the role and to apply please click here.

The closing date for the British Chamber of Commerce Chamber Awards is Friday 30 June. 

From local standout to national champion: BCC Chamber Awards will put best of British business on the map.

Businesses from across the country are invited 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 30 November 2017.

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk companies can boast many areas of business excellence.  The Chamber Awards allow us the opportunity to highlight some of our county’s many business achievements and I would encourage any business to showcase their achievements by entering these awards.”

Companies can enter nine categories, covering people development; customer care; business/education; export; health and wellbeing; and technology.

The Awards will be demonstrating the very best of 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
• Export Business of the Year
• Best Use of Technology
• High Growth Business of the Year
• Commitment to People Development
• Education and Business Partnership
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Health and Wellbeing
• Best Use of Social media

The deadline for entries is Friday 30 June 2017, the regional winners will be announced on 25 September 2017, with the national winners being announced on 30 November 2017 at a glittering awards ceremony in London.  To enter online click here