Chamber News

Import duties on Sri Lankan products entering the EU could be removed, but only if the country implements reforms on human rights, the environment, the rule of law and governance.

Under proposals made by the European Commission, duties would be removed on 66% of tariff lines, covering a wide array of products including textiles and fisheries.

The removal of customs duties would, however, be conditional on Sri Lanka’s ongoing commitment to ratify and effectively implement 27 international conventions on a range of issues including labour conditions and environmental protection.

Accounting for nearly a third of Sri Lanka’s global exports, the EU is Sri Lanka’s largest export market with total bilateral trade amounting to €4.7 billion in 2015.

Goods exported from Sri Lanka to the EU were worth €2.6 billion, with the most significant being textiles, rubber products and machinery.

The Commission’s proposal would see the EU initiate a special version of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences. Known as GSP+, the arrangement is designed to support developing countries by fostering their economic development through increased trade with Europe and providing incentives to take tangible steps towards sustainable development.

Eight countries currently benefit from GSP+ agreements: Armenia, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay and the Philippines.

Announcing the latest initiative, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said that GSP+ preferences could make a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic development by increasing exports to the EU market.

Following the Commission’s proposal, the European Parliament and the Council have a maximum of four months to raise objections before the measures take effect.

Nigeria has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), making it the 107th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to do so and meaning that only three more ratifications are needed to bring the TFA into force.

The Agreement, which will apply to all 164 WTO members, is expected to change customs procedures in a way that will help small businesses access new export opportunities.

It has two significant sections, with section I containing provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It clarifies and improves the relevant articles (V, VIII and X) of the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and sets out provisions for customs co-operation.

Section II concerns special and differential treatment (SDT) provisions allowing developing and least developed countries (LDCs) to determine when they will implement individual provisions of the Agreement.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo welcomed Nigeria’s initiative but used the occasion of a speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos to warn of a potential rise in protectionism around the globe.

His speech came on the same day as Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the USA with an address in which he made plain his trade policy for the next four years.

He said: “Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.”

The Cities Outlook 2017 report has been published today. The report is an annual health-check on UK city economies, with a focus this year on where British cities sell exports across the globe in the context of the Brexit vote.

It highlights that every UK city is critically dependent on EU markets for exports, highlighting the vital importance of securing the best possible EU trade deal. Norwich sold 58% of its exports to the EU in 2014 – well above than the British national average (48%), and significantly higher than the city’s exports to the US (13%) and China (2%). Ipswich is among the least reliant cities on EU markets, but still sold 31% of its exports to EU countries – far exceeding its exports to the US (16%) or China (5%)

Commenting on the report, Julie Austin, International Trade Manager for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

The Cities Outlook2017 highlights that many Norfolk businesses are already exporting overseas, with 58% of Norwich businesses stating that they exported into Europe in 2014. Exports to the rest of the world is also strong. At present our International Department is processing an average of 400 export documents per month for goods going outside of the EU, with a goods value of over £7.6m.

The UK’s decision to leave the EU will impact on the rules and regulations of how to export into Europe. Norfolk businesses will be considering what emerging markets they can access as well as Europe. It is easier than you think to export on a worldwide basis and Norfolk Chamber should be your first point of call to get expert advice and support.”

180 delegates joined us on the evening of Thursday 26th January at Hollywood Bowl for our annual Super Bowl Challenge.

Taking up 25 of the lanes at Hollywood Bowl Norwich, our members came out in force ready to battle for the Super Bowl Trophy. The evening was filled with plenty of laughter and networking between the lanes and teams were made up from company staff or mixed company teams.

This year Hollywood Bowl ran the ‘Pink Pin Challenge’ following its huge popularity and winnings from 2016. This year proved to be no different as delegates bowled for strikes to knock down their pink pins, winning a bottle of bubbly per strike on the pink pins.

After all the bowling action our teams tucked into a buffet provided by the staff and Hollywood Bowl, and it was time to announce the awards and winners.

This year our ‘most stylish bowler’ award went to Shane Whiley of Mayday OES Ltd for being both quick and slick on the lanes. Our highest scorer of the night, James Allen from Leathes Prior who scored an impressive 206, helped by the fact he bowled 5 strikes in a row!

Finally our team winners for the evening, helped by the impressive bowling of James Allen, were Leathes Prior! With a small team of four they bowled big to take home the Super Bowl Challenge 2017 trophy. Unfortunately, it was team Chamber who came last out of all 25 teams.

We hope to see even more delegates at 2018’s Super Bowl, save the date of Thursday 25 January 2018 and get practising!

Our next After Hours event is our John Lewis Beauty Evening! Round up your colleagues on Thursday 2nd March and join us for a glass of fizz at our VIP Beauty event at John Lewis Norwich. For more information, please visit the event page.

Norfolk Chamber is urging businesses to submit letters of support, which will be sent to Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, for the proposed Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing.

The current lack of connectivity severely inhibits movement in Great Yarmouth resulting in congestion and ultimately limiting the economic potential of the Great Yarmouth. Particular areas that could be affected include: the Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone, the Energy Park, the South Denes Business Park and the deep water outer harbour.

Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said:

“The new crossing would provide much needed connections between the strategic road network and the fat growing energy related Enterprise Zone. It provides linkages across the River Yare to the economic growth hub on the South Denes peninsula. The additional crossing would also support tourism, which is worth £577m per annum to Great Yarmouth and create jobs for 30% of the local workforce.”

Norfolk County Council has recently held a series of public consultations to find out about transport issues in Great Yarmouth and how its proposal for a third river crossing might affect people living, working and visiting the area. They also provided an in depth update at a recent Chamber Great Yarmouth breakfast.

A previous public consultation on a third river crossing was held in 2009, in which 92% of people supported a new crossing. The government have now given Norfolk County Council the opportunity to bid for funding to move the bridge into the planning and detailed design phase. If successful they could be looking at construction in 2021.

Norfolk County Council will be submitting the business case to the Secretary of State for Transport for the Third River Crossing in March and need businesses to submit letters of support to:

Claire Sullivan – Infrastructure & Economic Growth Planner

Norfolk County Council

Martineau Lane

Norwich

NR1 2UA

Email: [email protected]

Click here to access a Support Letter template.

Please submit your letter of support by no later than Friday 17 February 2017.

Norfolk County Council has been awarded a £1.48 million grant by the Department of Transport to support its multi partnership Pushing Ahead Your Journey Your Way programme over the next three years.

Focussing specifically on the economic hubs of Greater Norwich and the enterprise zone of Great Yarmouth the funding will enable the partnership to help improve access to employment, education and training, by encouraging and facilitating cycling and walking activities in these two areas.

The Pushing Ahead, Your Journey Your Way programme builds on the successful and innovative AtoBetter travel planning programme and all the initiatives currently being delivered using the Sustainable Transport Transition Year (STTY) funding. The new funding will enable a whole range of activities to be supported including:

1) Cycle and walking activities

• Expansion of the existing cycle loan scheme to more than 200 bikes
• ‘Try before you buy’ on folding and electric bikes
• Fun and social ‘Parkride’ event
• Provide cycle maintenance and training to over 3,000 people

2) Personalised journey planning

• for job seekers,
• for people needing to attend hospital appointments or to access education.

3) Multi modal activities

• Further development and promotion of the holdall smartcard
• The delivery of additional station travel plans

The funding will also target those looking to get back into work because access to transport and the cost of travel often restricts where jobseekers can look for work and their ability to attend interviews.

Councillor Hilary Cox, member champion for walking and cycling said:

“It’s fantastic news that we’ve been awarded this grant and it’s a great opportunity to provide a firm focus on cycling and walking in Norwich and Great Yarmouth. The programme will help open up cycling to residents who haven’t yet considered this as a viable transport option and it will provide clear information about the new trails and pedalways opening up in these two areas. Encouraging more people to take up cycling and walking is not only great for the environment but is also a cost effective way of getting from A to B and that can only be a good thing”.

Tracy Jessop Assistant Director Highways and Transport said:

“We are very excited about the new opportunities that this fund will bring to the communities of Norwich and Great Yarmouth, our cycle loan scheme has been very popular so it’s fantastic we’ll be able to expand this offering. We’re also looking forward to working closely with community groups to run activity events, safety awareness sessions and to help make cycling and walking around their local areas a practical option. All our planned events, initiatives and details on the cycle loan scheme can be found on our Pushing Ahead website, we would encourage everyone in the target areas to take an active interest so they can benefit from the scheme.”

Commenting on the first estimate of GDP for the fourth quarter of 2016, released by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The first estimate of UK GDP growth for the final quarter of 2016 confirms that the UK economy enjoyed a strong end to the year – mirroring our own survey data. While there was a welcome pick-up in output from manufacturing and construction, the UK remains heavily reliant on services and consumer spending as the main drivers of growth. The yearly figure of 2.0% UK GDP growth is broadly in line with historic trends.

“However, outperforming last year’s performance in 2017 will be a challenge for the UK economy. Higher inflation and uncertainty over the implications of Brexit are expected to bear down on the UK’s near-term growth prospects. This is likely to squeeze consumer spending and dampen firm’s investment intentions, resulting in a prolonged period of materially below trend growth.

“A key priority for the UK government must be to support long-term business investment, including addressing the escalating burden of up-front taxes and costs, such as business rates, which are impeding the ability of firms to invest, recruit and grow their business.”

We feel that it is important that business individuals working in schools are supported, so we have developed a short training course to help businesses to feel more confident working with young people in a school environment.

The training is fully funded and we are pleased to announce that we can offer these training workshops forfree!

The sessions will be delivered at Norfolk Chamber’soffice by the Skills Service UK. The informative interactive workshop will cover:

• Information about schools, Key States, qualifications and terminology
• Safeguarding introduction and do’s and don’ts
• How to communicate effectively with young people
• Understanding perceptions of young people and how they think
• How employers can successfully engage with young people
• Listening skills and learning styles
• Examples of activities to do in schools

3 Free Training Workshops:

Thursday 02 March 2017, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, more information

Tuesday 28 March 2017,1:30pn – 3:00pm, more information

Thursday 20 April 2017, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, more information

UK companies remain committed to strong trading relationships with European customers and suppliers despite the UK’s vote to leave the EU, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) International Trade Survey, released today (Monday).

The results of the survey, based on the responses of nearly 1,500 business people, show that the UK companies surveyed continue to regard Europe as an important trading partner. Around three-quarters of respondents currently sell (76%) and source (73%) goods and services in the EU market.

The findings show that over a third (36%) UK businesses plan on putting more resources into exporting to the European market over the next five years. Europe also remains the market where the higher percentage of businesses (18%) is planning on allocating more resources to sourcing products and services from.

Responding to a question assessing whether the EU referendum has influenced their approach to exporting, nearly a third (31%) of businesses surveyed are looking to export more. The majority (65%) say the EU referendum hasn’t changed their strategy for importing, while 15% say that they are interested in sourcing more internationally. However, there are signs of caution, with 13% looking to source less internationally, which may be as a result of the falling value of the pound making imports more expensive.

Thinking about future trade arrangements with Europe, UK companies surveyed consider the issues of tariffs; non-tariff barriers; and product standards, certification and compliance as the three top priorities for resolution in talks on a Brexit deal.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“These results are an important reminder of the fact that it is businesses that trade, not governments. Although the likely outcome of the Brexit negotiations remains unclear, businesses still see Europe as a primary market for both selling and sourcing inputs – even after the UK leaves the EU.

“Looking ahead, businesses want the best possible terms of trade following the Brexit negotiations, whatever the ultimate model adopted. UK firms want tariffs, costly non-tariff barriers, and product standards to be at the top of the government’s agenda for a future EU trade deal.

“The best news from this survey is that the EU referendum outcome has sparked a greater interest in foreign markets for a significant number of firms. For that very reason, UK companies need sustained, tangible and practical export support that helps them get their goods and services out to the world.”

View a summary of the survey here

Holly Lane, a well-used route connecting the B1149 Holt Road and Reepham Road, will be closed for two nights next week for gas main diversion work on the route of Norwich Northern Distributor Road.

The closures will be from 8pm to 6am at the latest on the nights of Monday 30 January and Tuesday 31 January.

Over the next two weeks temporary signals – traffic lights or stop/go boards – will be in use as needed on a number of routes crossed by the NDR, including Fir Covert Road, Reepham Road, the B1149 Holt Road, A140 Cromer Road, B1150 North Walsham Road, A1151 Wroxham Road, Salhouse Road and Plumstead Road. Where possible they will only be used outside peak hours.

Early warning of Salhouse Road closure

Salhouse Road will be closed between the Blue Boar Lane/Woodside Road junction, Sprowston, and the Sole & Heel roundabout at Rackheath for three days from Monday 27 February to Wednesday 1 March.

The closure is to allow deep drainage trenches to be dug across the road as part of construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road. Salhouse Road is not wide enough to allow this work to be carried out under any other form of traffic management. Traffic will be diverted via Woodside Road, Plumstead Road and Broad Lane/Green Lane East.

Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty apologise for any inconvenience caused by road closures and other traffic management measures during the construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road.

This week, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a consultation on their Industrial Strategy Green Paper. BEIS wants to build an industrial strategy that addresses long-term challenges to the UK economy. Their aim is to improve living standards and economic growth by increasing productivity and driving growth across the whole country, including Norfolk.

Norfolk Chamber is working with the British Chambers of Commerce, who have been directly engaged on the development of the Industrial Strategy Green paper with Secretary of State Greg Clark, and continues to facilitate direct engagement between government and local Chamber business communities across the United Kingdom. Chamber leaders across the UK are committed to engaging on industrial strategy and ensuring that the growth opportunities in their areas are maximised.

Commenting on the Industrial Strategy Green Paper and the importance of a place-focused approach to it – helping each area achieve its business potential, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Norfolk has a diverse and innovative business community, who continue to help drive our growing economy. As well as our historic insurance, financial and professional services, Norfolk is increasingly strong in areas such as ICT and digital creative, with Norwich being a recognised Tech Cluster. It is important that the Industrial Strategy reflects and supports the dynamism in places such as Norfolk across the country.”

To see the Chamber network response to the Industrial Strategy click here.

The BEIS Green Paper sets out their approach and some early actions that they have committed to take. It is not intended to be the last word, but instead to start a consultation with the business community. BEIS wants to hear from Norfolk, from every sector of industry and businesses of every size – and from the people who work in them and use them.

Complete the online survey now

The response deadline for the Industrial Strategy consultation is Monday 17 April 2017 by 11.45pm

If you would prefer to not to respond online, you can respond by email to: [email protected], or to the following postal address:

Industrial Strategy Team Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET

Commenting on the publication of the Industrial Strategy Green paper, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The developing Industrial Strategy represents a crucial first milestone in a renewed partnership between business and government, working together to create the conditions for future growth.

“Business communities across the UK will be pleased to see that harnessing the potential of our cities, towns and counties lies at the heart of the government’s approach to Industrial Strategy. There are dynamic business communities in every corner of the UK – and it is their future success that will make our country more competitive and more prosperous.

“Given the significant skills gaps that so many firms continue to face, the Industrial Strategy’s strong emphasis on boosting technical and further education will be cheered by companies and business communities alike, whatever their location or sector.

“We look forward to engaging with government to develop these proposals further, and ensure that the specific needs and interests of the UK’s diverse business communities are at its heart. A deliberate and steady approach that leads to long-term change is the right way to go.”

The British Chambers of Commerce has been directly engaged on the development of the Industrial Strategy Green paper with Secretary of State Greg Clark, and continues to facilitate direct engagement between government and local Chamber business communities across the United Kingdom.

Chamber leaders across the UK are committed to engaging on industrial strategy and ensuring that the growth opportunities in their areas are maximised. The further comments below reflect the importance of a place-focused approach to Industrial Strategy – helping each area achieve its business potential:

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Norfolk has a diverse and innovative business community, who continue to help drive our growing economy. As well as our historic insurance, financial and professional services, Norfolk is increasingly strong in areas such as ICT and digital creative, with Norwich being a recognised Tech Cluster. It is important that the Industrial Strategy reflects and supports the dynamism in places such as Norfolk across the country.”

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Suffolk plays a central role in powering, feeding and keeping Britain moving. Our strengths in the nuclear and renewable energy, agriculture, food and drink and container port and logistics sectors are vital to the country’s current and future competitiveness and productivity.

“Being geographically close to London, other parts of the country and to the rest of Europe, Suffolk is also attracting talent and inward investment from other sectors as well, including high-tech, agri-tech and business innovation and research.”

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said:

“A robust and innovative Industrial Strategy will be an essential component for a successful post Brexit UK, but it will need to be built on the growth needs of the world class clusters of businesses at a regional level and deal with the eccentricities of local economies. The Black Country Chamber welcomes this Green Paper and looks forward to the collaborative approach ahead.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“We welcome the strategy and the focus on productivity and competitiveness – but this has to be followed by real action. This is even more important in light of Brexit.

“This is an opportunity to provide real support for businesses to make us the most competitive in the world so if we are faced with trade tariffs, we are equipped to offset that with lower taxes for businesses, less regulation and better infrastructure.

“With regards to ‘place’ this region does feel, at times, that it gets forgotten. It really is time for the Midlands to punch its weight in terms of investment and profile that is afforded to other parts of the UK.”

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of Devon Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Devon suffers as a low wage economy area despite high levels of employment. Businesses’ priorities for the Industrial Strategy are to improve productivity and connectivity.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said:

“Implemented correctly, the new Industrial Strategy has the potential to provide the strong foundation that will underline the development of a successful UK outside of the EU. With a plethora of OEMs, well-developed supply chains, world-leading academic institutions and a location in the centre of the country, our area is a key place for delivering this.

“Recognising the opportunities that Brexit will bring, our businesses are already on the front foot in terms of improving their competitiveness, developing new markets and investing in the new technologies and ways of working that will put them at the head of the pack for growth.

“Government backing for these businesses – that have time and again demonstrated their appetite for growth, regardless of events -will demonstrate to both wider UK plc and the rest of the world that the UK backs winners and continues to be a place for those wanting excellence in reliability and quality.”

Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“As devolution in our major cities gathers momentum, a place-based approach is pivotal to the future success of an Industrial Strategy. Sectors need a blend of nationaland local support and activity to deliver effective solutions.”

Stewart Dunn, Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“We campaign strongly for the government to play its part in supporting our business community. That means continual investment and action on the ground so that regional success can do its bit to bolster the economy nationally.

“We are right at the heart of innovation in aerospace, marine, life sciences, low carbon energy, digital services and the creative economy. Innovation is the driving force in Hampshire and start-ups, small firms, blue chip companies and multi-nationals are all critical to growth and future prosperity, both in our county and nationally.”

James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of North East England Chamber of Commerce, said:

“North East England is an under-utilised asset for the UK as a whole. We are ideally placed to support export growth, possess a wealth of natural resources and are home to world leading companies in sectors such as automotive and digital technology. An Industrial Strategy that recognises strengths and needs of the UK’s diverse places is vital if we are to achieve national aims. Government must now be true to its word and support regions such as ours to be the best they can be.”

Louise Punter, Chief Executive of Surrey Chamber of Commerce, said:

“In a global economy where 96% of customers are based outside of the UK it is crucial to enable businesses to compete on a global platform, and anything which improves the business environment internally can only enhance our productivity. As far as focusing on place, it is important that the Industrial Strategy considers investment and support for areas like Surrey that are already delivering world-leading technology and innovation to ensure that their success can benefit the rest of the country.”