Chamber News

The Department for International Trade in Jordan is looking to support British companies working in:

• garments and textiles
• chemical (paints, fertilisers etc)
• manufacturing/engineering/electrical

As well as other sectors – please see here.Companies working in these sectors can benefit from relaxed rules of origin in Jordan, as well as low-cost setup opportunities.

In July 2016 the EU and Jordan agreed to simplify the rules of origin that Jordanian exporters use in their trade with the EU under the Association Agreement. This is intended to make it easier for Jordan to export to the EU, encourage investment and create jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees.

For exporters to be able to use these alternative rules of origin, production must:

• take place in one of 18 designated industrial areas and development zones in Jordan
• use a minimum proportion of Syrian refugee labour in the production facilities (initially 15% and increasing to 25% in year three)

If you are intersted in this opportunity and would like more details,please contact Jan Wimaladharma at DIT in Amman.

The B1149 Holt Road will be closed from 7pm on Monday 5 December, reopening no later than 6am on Tuesday 6 December, to allow Anglian Water to complete a water main diversion at the site of the new Drayton Lane roundabout.

Access in and out of Horsford at the southern end of the village will be via Church Street and the A140 Cromer Road.

• The overnight closure will allow Anglian Water to complete a water main diversion that was suspended on 18 November when excavations found the pipe to be too far under the road for the work to continue under temporary traffic lights.
• On Buxton Road full-time temporary traffic lights are likely to stay in place for the next two weeks to allow the diversion of a gas main.
• Temporary lights or stop/go boards are likely to be used as needed on a number of other roads crossing the NDR.
• Three roundabouts towards the western end are nearing completion. Once work has finished the speed limits on the A1067 Fakenham Road, Fir Covert Road and Reepham Road will be reviewed.

As President-elect Donald Trump announces that he plans to take the USA out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement as soon as he takes office, the EU is moving in the opposite direction – looking to widen its arrangements with trade partners.

It already has what is known as a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Tunisia, that has been in force since 1998, but now it is considering replacing this with a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

Before going any further down this road, however, the European Commission has invited traders and other businesses to submit comments on its plans.

Through aquestionnaire, it invites detailed views on the trade, investment and broader economic relationship between the EU and Tunisia.

“We are also specifically interested in practical experience in doing business with and in Tunisia,” the Commission explained, “so some questions are more technical.”

The existing Association Agreement already includes a Free Trade Area dismantling custom duties for industrial products and partially liberalising trade in agricultural and fisheries products.

The purpose of the DCFTA is to increase market access opportunities for both sides and to improve the business environment in Tunisia by supporting its economic reforms. Besides further liberalisation of trade in agricultural and fisheries products, it also aims to liberalise trade in services and investment.

The deadline for submitting comments is 22 February 2017.

The fieldwork for the International Trade Survey 2016 begins today (Monday 28 November 2016) and will run until Thursday 8 December 2016.

The survey will be managed by the British Chambers of Commerce through the new survey platform. You may be contacted to take part in this annual survey.

If you have not been contacted but want to take part in the survey you can complete it here.

Helping local businesses trade globally is a key mission for every accredited UK Chamber of Commerce – alongside their role in providing a voice for their local business community.

This survey is designed to understand Chamber members’ current priorities and concerns around international trade. It also seeks to assess what changes, if any, Chamber member businesses are making as a result of the June referendum vote to leave the European Union.

The results of the survey will be used to ensure that Chamber members’ concerns and priorities have a direct influence on emerging government policy. In order to ensure your business’s views have maximum impact, the British Chambers of Commerce has consulted with the Department for International Trade, HM Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in the preparation of this survey.

The survey should take around 7 minutes to complete. We will represent Chamber members’ diverse interests based on the results. This survey closes at midnight on 8 December.

Thank you in advance for your support.

The aim of Norfolk Chamber’s event, Tomorrow’s Talent was to inspire companies to shake up their recruitment strategies in order to attract their future workforce. With the aid of seven speakers and some thought provoking Q&A panels, the group addressed skills shortages; how to attract and retain young talent; and the best methods of reaching the ‘Millennial generation’. The breakfast event was held at the Mercure Hotel and was sponsored by Norse.

Hosted by Keiran Miles, serial entrepreneur and CEO of KakeCo, he highlighted how the Millennials were social minded, different thinkers, who instantly want to know how and what they can achieve.

Gill Banham from People Puzzle urged businesses to have a strong digital presence, as 62% of young people will visit the company’s website to find out about them. Eleanor Schader from Reed highlighted that ‘Millennials’ were looking for a strong company ethos, with training and a mentor, as well as clear progression paths. Both agreed that face to face communication was vital, but how the initial messages were delivered needed to be different.

Carlos Ramos, from EPOS Now, one of the fastest growing companies in our region, clearly demonstrated how companies need to be progressive and ‘sell themselves’ to the next generation workforce. He outlined how young people today want to be able to submit their job applications via social media channels and how rapidly advancing technology has levelled the playing field, allowing practically any business to compete against larger organisations.

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said: Our aim is to bridge the gap between business and young people. To fill the skills gap, Norfolk businesses have to be able to attract, communicate and ultimately recruit and retain young people and they need to understand the best methods to do this. As part of this communication, we would encourage businesses to get involved with Young Chamber to help us engage with schools and develop young people’s employability skills and identify their possible future workforce.”

Over twenty businesses specialising in engineering and construction went back to school for the day to give valuable careers advice to students at University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN).

The careers event at UTCN which took place on Tuesday 22 November, saw local businesses engage with over 300 students aged 14 -18, via an interactive exhibition and educational workshops.

Students were given the unique opportunity to learn more about a career in engineering and construction as they heard direct from the people working in these industries.

The specialist exhibition encouraged a high level of engagement from the students as they explored a range of interactive activities and displays. LSI showcased their initial designs of the UTCN building, Easton & Otley College provided a tractor simulator alongside a John Deer brought by Ben Burgess and students participated in a game of giant jenga with NPS Group and built lego houses with Anglian Water.

Feedback from exhibitors was extremely positive;

‘Well organised, good regular groups of students attending’ Liz Davis Smith, Opito UK ‘Very good atmosphere, the kids were great and asked lots of questions!’ Lucy Furniss & Chris Lappin, LSI Architects ‘Very enjoyable – high level of interest’ Sue Sewell, NPS Group ‘Very well organised and lots of interest made it worthwhile’ Danielle Cox, KLM Engineering

Alex Hayes, Principal of the University Technical College Norfolk said: “Today was a fantastic opportunity for 300 of our students to meet with local and national employers. Finding your future career is a far from straight forward task these days, so events like this are crucial for young people.”

Norfolk Chamber are working with local schools to help deliver careers events that motivate, inspire and educate students about the careers options and jobs available in different sectors.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive at Norfolk Chamber said: “These careers events are a great opportunity for businesses to work with schools across the region to help address the gap between business and education. Many businesses feel students don’t have the right skills, this is their chance to make a change by taking part in these vital careers event.”

If you’re a business looking to develop the future workforce, volunteer your time or interested in finding out more please contact Philippa Bindley, Events Manager on 01603 729703 or email [email protected]

Businesses who supported the event included;

• Apprenticeships Norfolk Network
• Army
• Balfour Beatty
• Ben Burgess
• British Sugar
• City College Norwich Apprenticeship Team
• Construction Training
• Cranswick Country Foods (Watton)
• Easton & Otley College
• EEEGR (East of England Energy Group)
• Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
• Folliard Hydraulics ltd
• Hi-Span Ltd
• KLM UK Engineering Ltd
• LSI Architects
• Morgan Sindall
• NPS Group
• RAF Honington
• SeaJacks
• Thurne-Middleby Ltd
• OPITO
• The National Grid

Attracting upcoming talent is essential for the growth of any business. Norfolk Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming event, Tomorrow’s Talent, looks why it is critical for businesses to begin employing young and talented workers and how to attract the top talent to your business.

In order to secure future growth, businesses need to ensure they remain relevant and attractive to their customers. Younger people have unique skills, new ideas and bags of enthusiasm, so businesses need to begin to harness this energy and make it their competitive edge!

Tomorrow’s Talent taking place this Friday 25th November 7:30 – 10am, Mercure Hotel, Norwich is an interactive breakfast event which looks at how businesses can attract young talented employees and retain them by creating an environment and culture for young people to thrive within the business.

Featuring eight quality speakers from a variety of backgrounds, Tomorrow’s Talent will equip businesses with the knowledge and facilities to start hiring top talent immediately, learn to develop the workplace to attract and retain them. Hear from Kieran Miles CEO at KakeCo, Gill Banham HR Director at People Puzzles, Eleanor Schader Recruitment manager at Reed and many more.

Commenting on the event, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “Many Chamber members advise that accessing a skilled workforce is one of their key challenges. One way to combat this, is to ‘grow your own’. Not only does this create a bespoke workforce, but you can harness the enthusiasm and talent of the millennial generation. The future of business is in the hands of tomorrow’s workforce, so this event will assist you to access and recruit the top talent needed to stay ahead of your competitors”

The event is open for all businesses to attend.

As we to come to terms with the news that Norfolk has declined significant funding through throwing out the Devolution deal on the table, we welcome much of what is in the Chancellor’s statement. However, at this point we have no idea how successful Norfolk will be in ensuring significant funding to be spent in our county.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk businesses will benefit from improved infrastructure, so the announced increased resources forlocal and regional transportinfrastructure, broadband, housing and innovation is welcome and will hopefully boost local business confidence. The Chancellor’s strong focus on the growth requirementsof cities and regions will mean that the business voice within a rural county like Norfolk will need to be heard loud and clear.”

Transport improvements have positive knock-on effects, as they open up supply chains, generate many new contracts for Norfolk businesses, as well as enhance access to labour and new markets. At present there is no detail as to where the Government is proposing to spend the increased resources. Norfolk Chamber are calling for the following infrastructure improvements to help Norfolk businesses deliver growth:

• Funding for further A47 Improvements including:

• King’s Lynn to Swaffam dualling
• Swaffham to Dereham dualling
• Improvements to King’s Lynn Hardwick junctions

• Funding for the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing
• Rail improvements at Ely (signaling, junctions, line speeds and bridge strengthening)
• Improved business broadband connections

The British Chambers of Commerce have assessed other areas of Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement and Adam Marshall, Director General of BCC commented as follows:

On business rates:

“For rural businesses and those benefitting from the lower cap on annual increases following this year’s revaluation, the measures announced are welcome. However, British businesses will continue to pay the highest local property taxes in the developed world. Addressing this upfront burden is essential if they are to invest more in training, recruitment and growth plans – all essential to closing the ‘productivity gap’. Bringing forward the planned switch to CPI for up-rating from 2020 to 2017 would have helped and an opportunity to do this was missed.”

On Insurance Premium Tax:

“Businesses across the UK will be disappointed by a further rise in the Insurance Premium Tax. This is yet another stealth tax on businesses, and increases the upfront cost of a critical safety net for firms.”

On broadband digital infrastructure:

“We’ve been calling for years for the necessary funding to improve business broadband connections.

“Fibre to the premises (FTTP) is the future – businesses need faster and more reliable broadband across Norfolk. We hope the 100% business rates relief for new full-fibre infrastructure will encourage better business connections, because the current reliance on old copper lines holds too many businesses back.

“The Norfolk is still a long way behind delivering access to a world-class digital infrastructure to businesses in all parts of the county.The government’s focus must now be on addressing the lack of superfast broadband to new and existing business parks. Rectifying this would go some way to boosting business confidence.”

On housebuilding:

“The chancellor has already committed investment to tackle the housing shortage in this country. Helping to meet the demand for housing is one of the ‘quick-start’ infrastructure projects the Chamber network has been calling for. But local business confidence will only be boosted as a result when firms start to see diggers in the ground.”

On export support:

“We welcome the announcement of additional finance and insurance support by UK Export Finance, which should provide valuable help to exporters. However, this is not sufficient to improve our ambition to get more businesses to export – and increased direct support such as enabling businesses to attend trade missions, trade fairs, commission market research or make themselves export ready would have been an important additional boost to companies.”

On the National Living Wage:

“Most businesses already pay above the National Living Wage but for the others the latest increase comes at a time when businesses are already facing a myriad of other upfront costs and uncertainty about investment and recruitment. It’s therefore right that the government has re-adjusted the trajectory of the planned National Living Wage increase in line with changes in economic circumstances.

“BCC research shows that sharp increases in the National Living Wage will cause many firms to implement cost reduction measures, such as reducing recruitment and staff hours or increasing prices. It’s important the government retains a similarly flexible approach going forward which will protect businesses and jobs.”

Listen to the latest British Chambers Podcast, discussing the Autumn Statement and what it could mean for business: www.britishchambers.org.uk/policy-maker/podcasts.html

EDF Energy has launched the second stage of public consultation for the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk

This follows the signing of contracts for EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset on 29 September.

The public consultation period runs from today (23 November 2016) until 3 February 2017 and will include 23 public exhibitions across east Suffolk where the public can meet the Sizewell C project team and discuss the proposals.

The first stage of public consultation for the Sizewell C Project ran from November 2012 to February 2013 engaging over 4,000 local people at over 100 events in Suffolk, including exhibitions, meetings and parish council presentations.

Following feedback from the Stage 1 consultation and ongoing technical and environmental studies, for Stage 2 they have developed a preferred position on some of the key elements of their proposals, whilst other parts of their plans remain as options.

Refined proposals include:-

• some changes to the main development site for the power station including options to cross the SSSI land adjacent to the operational power station site;

• reduction in number of construction workers housed in the temporary accommodation campus, with the main development site identified as the preferred option for its siting. It is now estimated that the temporary facility would house a maximum of 2,400 workers (down from 3,000 at Stage One);

• options for bringing in materials by sea, including a Beach Landing Facility and/or a temporary jetty (of which there are two design options);

• options for dealing with vehicle movements along the A12, including an option for a two village bypass of Farnham and Stratford St Andrew following discussions with Suffolk County Council.

Jim Crawford, Sizewell C Project Development Director said: “The local community plays an important role in the development of the Sizewell C proposals. During this stage of consultation we have introduced more public exhibitions because that’s what local communities asked for during stage 1.

“There will also be a further stage of consultation before EDF Energy submits its application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate who would consider the proposals before making a recommendation to Government. Sizewell C would make a major contribution to the nation’s future energy needs and provide significant business, training and job opportunities to the region.

“We encourage local people to engage in the consultation process and help shape the future development of plans for Sizewell C.”

Sizewell C would comprise of two UK EPR reactors which would make a major contribution to the nation’s future needs for low carbon energy, supplying enough electricity for around 6 million homes in Britain, meeting 7% of the nation’s future needs. The power station would provide 5,600 jobs on-site during the core construction period and employment for 900 people when operational.

The Sizewell C project team will be on hand to answer questions from local communities at the exhibitions. EDF Energy has also provided funding to Planning Aid England to provide bespoke, independent and free guidance and advice to local parish and town councils during this consultation.

People can share their views by:

• Completing a public questionnaire online at www.sizewellc.co.uk or in hardcopy to the address below
• Emailing comments to [email protected]
• Writing to FREEPOST SZC Consultation (no stamp or further address required)
• Calling freephone number 0800 197 6102 (during normal office hours)

Copies of the consultation documents are available to view during the consultation period at the Sizewell C Information Office (48-50 High Street, Leiston, IP16 4EW) which is open 9.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday; in the offices of Suffolk County, Suffolk Coastal District, Waveney District and Ipswich Borough Councils; and at the public exhibitions and events that will be held during the consultation period.

Exhibition schedule:

Thursday 24 Nov 3 – 7pm

Sizewell Visitor Centre, Sizewell B, Leiston IP16 4UR

Friday 25 Nov 2 – 8pm

Theberton & Eastbridge Jubilee Hall, School House, Church Road, Theberton IP16 4SB

Saturday 26 Nov 10 – 4pm

Leiston Community Centre, King George’s Avenue, Leiston IP16 4JX

Monday 28 Nov 11 – 3pm

Melton Ufford Park Hotel, Yarmouth Road, Melton IP12 1QW

Tuesday 29 Nov 11 – 3pm

Snape, The Concert Hall Café, Snape Maltings, Snape IP17 1SR

Tuesday 29 Nov 4 – 8pm

Westleton Village Hall, The Street, Westleton IP17 3AH

Wednesday 30 Nov 12 – 6pm

Aldeburgh Community Centre, Victoria Road, Kings Field, Aldeburgh IP15 5HY

Thursday 1 Dec 11 – 3pm

Wickham Market Village Hall, High Street, Wickham Market IP13 0HE

Friday 2 Dec 11 – 3pm

Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham IP17 1AF

Saturday 3 Dec 10 – 4pm

Stratford St Andrew Riverside Centre, Great Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew IP17 1LN

Monday 5 Dec 11 – 3pm

Rendlesham Community Centre, Walnut Tree Avenue, Rendlesham IP12 2GG

Monday 5 Dec 4 – 8pm

Lowestoft The Hotel Victoria, Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft NR33 0BZ

Wednesday 7 Dec 11 – 3pm

Blythburgh Village Hall, London Road, Blythburgh IP19 9LQ

Wednesday 7 Dec 4 – 8pm

Southwold St Edmund’s Hall, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP

Thursday 8 Dec 2 – 8pm

Darsham High Lodge, Haw Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham IP17 3QT

Friday 9 Dec 11 – 3pm

Ipswich Town Hall, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH

Monday 12 Dec 11 – 3pm

Marlesford Village Hall, Church Road, Marlesford IP13 0AT

Tuesday 13 Dec 11 – 3pm

Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU

Wednesday 14 Dec 11 – 3pm

Middleton Village Hall, Mill Street, Middleton IP17 3NG

Thursday 15 Dec 11 – 3pm

Halesworth, The Rifle Hall, London Road, Halesworth IP19 8LW

Friday 16 Dec 3 – 8pm

Hacheston, Hacheston Village Hall

Monday 12 December 4 – 8pm

Campsea Ashe, Victory Hall, Ash Road, Campsea Ashe IP13 0PX

Monday 19 December 2 – 8pm

Yoxford, Village Hall, Old High Road, Yoxford IP17 3EP

Giving her initial reaction to the Autumn Statement, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“As we to come to terms with the news that Norfolk has declined significant funding through throwing out the Devolution deal on the table, we welcome much of what is in the Chancellor’s statement. However, at this point we have no idea how successful Norfolk will be in ensuring significant funding to be spent in our county

“Norfolk businesses will benefit from improved infrastructure, so the announced increased resources forlocal and regional transportinfrastructure, broadband, housing and innovation is welcome and will hopefully boost local business confidence. The Chancellor’s strong focus on the growth requirementsof cities and regions will mean that the business voice within a rural county like Norfolk will need to be heard loud and clear. “

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“While businesscommunitieswould have liked Philip Hammond to go even further to support growth,they will recognise that his hands are somewhat tied by lower tax receipts and sharplyhigher borrowing forecasts.The fact that he chose to commitsignificantnewresources to support growth and productivity demonstrates welcome flexibility during a period of uncertainty and change.

“There was very littlesupport in our business communities for further cuts to Corporation Tax, so Philip Hammond was right to stick withexisting plans. However, we would have liked to see more action on the highup-front taxes and costs of doing business in the UK, particularly business rates.

“The government’s decision to move to a single annual set of tax and spending commitments will be welcomed by businesses weary of frequent and sometimes unclear changes of direction.”

Ecuador has signed a trade agreement with the EU which will, according to the European Commission, open up markets on both sides while increasing stability and predictability for trade and investment in both directions.

It will also promote inclusive and sustainable development.

In signing the deal, Ecuador becomes the third member of the group known as the Andean Community to accede to the agreement, alongside Colombia and Peru.

Bilateral trade in goods between the EU and Ecuador was €4.6 billion in 2015. The EU exported €2 billion worth of goods to the South American country and imported €2.6 billion.

The new agreement will eliminate tariffs for all industrial and fisheries products, increase market access for agricultural products, improve access to public procurement and services, and further reduce technical barriers to trade.

Commission estimates suggest that, once it is fully implemented, the agreement will see EU exporters save at least €106 million in tariffs each year. Exports from Ecuador to the EU should benefit from a reduction of some €248 million in duties.

For the EU, sectors expected to benefit from the deal include agriculture, cars and machinery. The agreement will allow Ecuador to benefit from improved access for its main exports to the EU, including cut flowers, coffee, cocoa, fruits and nuts.

Ecuador originally entered negotiations in January 2009, but suspended talks just a few months later. Negotiations for an EU-Colombia/Peru trade agreement were concluded in March 2010 and it was provisionally applied with Peru as of March 2013, and with Colombia from August 2013.

After Ecuador resumed negotiations in January 2014, a deal was concluded in July. Bolivia – the fourth member of the Andean Community – is also eligible to join the agreement should it wish to.

Before it can be implemented provisionally, the agreement with Ecuador must be approved by the European Parliament. For more details, see theEuropean Commission website.

Last November, in advance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK, the UKIBC launched its first annual survey on UK companies’ perceptions about the ease of doing business in India.

The survey collected opinions from over 100 UK businesses operating in India and our findings showed that the majority believed that India’s ease of doing business was already improving. The survey results are here.

This year, following on from Theresa May’s first bilateral international visit to India, we are relaunching this survey to assess how effective the recent reforms have been for UK companies engaging with India and whether Mr Modi’s government has made further progress in delivering his ‘red carpet’ commitment.

The survey responses will form part of a wider submission to the Government of India as it prepares for its 2017 budget. Your feedback will be valuable in encouraging a continued focus on ‘ease of doing business,’ so we would be extremely grateful if you could take the time to make your views heard.

If you would like to discuss the survey or ‘ease of doing business’ in India, please get in touch by emailing[email protected].

You can complete the survey here.