Chamber News

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday November 23, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to use its ‘reset’ of fiscal policy to pursue measures that incentivise business investment, improve infrastructure, and demonstrate the UK government’s continued support for business.

Pre-existing concerns over a slowing economy have been intensified by the political and economic uncertainty that followed the electorate’s historic vote to leave the European Union. The recent Quarterly Economic Survey showed that businesses have lowered their expectations for hiring, turnover, and investment in plant, machinery, and training in the coming year.

The Chamber network believes that the Autumn Statement can create the foundations for the UK to successfully navigate the coming transition period, and remain a great place to do business for firms of all sizes.

The BCC submission, which was handed to the Chancellor when the BCC took a delegation of businesses to meet him at Number 11 in September, proposes seven key measures:

• A pledge to introduce no new input taxes or other significant costs on businesses for the remainder of this Parliament – matching the pledge made to voters on income tax, NICs and VAT during the 2015 General Election campaign
• Further fundamental reform of business rates – exclusion of plant and machinery from valuations; and bringing forward the switch of the annual uprating from RPI to CPI to 2017, from 2020
• Temporary widening of the Annual Investment Allowance – to include business premises improvements for a period of five years, alongside investments in plant and machinery
• Improving the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy – levy-paying businesses should be able to support high-quality workplace and vocational training, in addition to apprenticeships
• Direct investment in ‘quick-start’ infrastructure projects such as housing and broadband – to ‘crowd-in’ private sector investment in infrastructure, regeneration and growth. The Chancellor has already responded in part to this with a new housebuilding programme
• Increased resources to directly support SME export plans – direct monetary support for firms to explore new markets or deepen sales abroad
• Creation of an indirect tax road map – to give businesses much needed clarity to invest with confidence

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

“The Autumn Statement gives the government a great chance to set the tone for its relationship with British business, by pulling out all the stops to support investment, infrastructure improvements, and business confidence.

“The Chancellor made the right move when he signaled his willingness to use historically-low interest rates to invest prudently to support growth, and he has a golden opportunity now to use this fiscal flexibility to ‘crowd in’ business investment.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Plans to lower business costs and support investment would help firms take risks and seize opportunities in spite of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process. Westminster must do everything in its gift to improve the business environment – and firms will repay that backing with investment, hiring, training and export growth.”

The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce B2B Exhibition is back for 2016, and it’s quite a year for the consistently successful business event.

This, the 18th B2B, coincides with The Norfolk Chamber’s 120th Anniversary. Philippa Bindley, Events Manager of the Chamber said today: “We’re thrilled to mark these two milestones in the same year. The Chamber has been committed to local business for 120 years, and although B2B is a little younger it now has a track record of eighteen years consistent growth and development, becoming an essential event for local companies to exhibit at, and visit, to see the latest ideas and products coming out of our region.”

B2B 2016 takes place on October 13, at Norwich City Football Club, delivered in partnership with Archant. Special guest, TV Presenter and local celebrity, Jake Humphrey will open the event and will be there to judge the best stand award.

He’ll have quite a task as there are more stands than ever in 2016, breaking even last year’s record. With over 100 exhibitors the 2016 B2B Exhibition is a sell-out, and visitor numbers are already set to exceed the 2015 total.

Speaking before the event Jake Humphrey said, “The B2B exhibition is the showcase of the year for Norfolk businesses to engage with new customers.”

In an exciting new development, demonstrating The Chamber’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and commerce, 11 students from Sprowston High School are volunteering on the day, as part of national work experience week.

And flying in for B2B 2016 is a trade delegation from the Exeter Chamber who are bringing a number of businesses to the event. They’re taking advantage of the Flybe direct flights now running daily to and from Norwich to Exeter, allowing companies from different sides of the country to do business.

B2B 2016 is bursting with new ideas. There’s a new Networking Lounge, and stands have been taken out of the previous ‘zones’ to add variety and scope for visitors. New digital signage is another innovation, enhancing the visitors’ experience. To mark the year’s two milestones the overall event has been spread across the Business Boulevard, on floor 1, and the Anniversary Avenue, on floor 2.

Bite size training sessions are on offer throughout the day. The ‘Chamber Sessions’ are five 20 minute, expert led, sessions designed to help visitors do better business.

This year sees the return of the hugely popular Loka app allowing visitors to access exclusive offers and discounts from their phone.

Speaking before the event Jake Humphrey said, “The B2B exhibition is the showcase of the year for Norfolk businesses to engage with new customers.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “Our founders, 120 years ago, had great foresight, but they could never have imagined what B2B 2016 would look like today. This is a truly cutting edge business event, brimming with technology and techniques to give exhibitors and visitors alike a really productive day. Most of all though it’s an opportunity for businesses to get face to face, to do business.”

B2B Exhibition is FREE to attend on Thursday 13 October, between 10am-5pm at Norwich City Football Club and no booking is required. For more information visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/b2b

Happy birthday to Norfolk Chamber! We are officiallycelebrating our 120 years anniversary today, since being incorporated on this date 7 October in 1896.

This morning over 100 members gathered to help celebrate with us at our annual Norwich Economic Business Breakfast at OPEN followed by our AGM. Celebrations were underway early with a special toast led by Caroline Williams, Chief Executive with guests enjoying bucks fizz at 8am!

At midday ourmembers of staff gathered in the boardroom of our offices to toast this amazing achievement, with balloons, blow up guitars and mustaches on sticks.

Over the last year we have received special messages of congratulations from Her Majesty, The Queen; Theresa May, Prime Minister; Adam Marshall, Acting Director General at British Chambers of Commerce and local MPs. Read the messages below.

Also don’t forget to find out about our rich history which spans over a century here

Her Majesty, The Queen “The Queen was pleased to receive your kind message sent on behalf of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of your One-Hundred and Twentieth Anniversary, which is being marked at your Annual General Meeting. As Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, Her Majesty much appreciated your thoughtfulness in writing as you did and, in return, sends her warm good wishes to all concerned as you mark this notable anniversary.”

Theresa May, Prime Minister “It is my pleasure to send congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 120th anniversary.The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is an excellent voice for the business community in Norfolk and the Chamber’s important work around bettering opportunities for young people is particularly commendable. The Chamber should celebrate these achievements as it looks forward to continuing its important work in the years to come.I am sure that this milestone will further encourage the young people and local businesses in the area to mark the Chamber’s incredible legacy.Please accept my best wishes on this special occasion.”

Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General, British Chambers of Commerce “For a business to survive for more than a century is no mean feat, but to have grown and expanded over a period spanning three centuries of unprecedented national change is an achievement worthy of special congratulations.In its 120 years, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has supported businesses across the county through world wars, economic booms and recessions, an ever-changing economy and the emergence of a global and digital marketplace.Norfolk Chamber’s longevity demonstrates its continued relevance to its members, as well as its team’s hard work and business acumen.

“Chambers of Commerce are now more important than ever as a key point of contact between local businesses in the UK and export markets overseas. As Chambers, we will at the forefront of providing our members with the information and contacts that they need to continue expanding into overseas markets.

“So on this landmark occasion, let me on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce, offer my congratulations to yourself and the whole Norfolk Chamber team, and express my appreciation and admiration for your team’s consistent and unfailing professionalism and dedication to the businesses they work hard to champion, and wish you all the very best of success for the years to come.”

Henry Bellingham, MP for North West Norfolk “This really is a very important anniversary for the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, who have been serving Norfolk’s businesses in such a professional and energetic way for the whole of the last century, the closing years of the 19th century, and of course, the opening years of this current century. I have had the chance to see for myself the really quite superb work carried out by the Chamber, because not only have they successfully supported numerous countywide campaigns, but they have also been unstinting in their support of individual businesses.”

Rt Hon Keith Simpson, MP Broadland “Congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on celebrating an anniversary of 120 years. I know from my experience as a Norfolk MP for nearly twenty years what an important role the Chamber performs at bringing together businesses, local government and education providers and in lobbying on behalf of Norfolk’s wider commercial interests.”

George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk “I am delighted to send my congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on your 120th Anniversary. Having spent fifteen years working as an entrepreneur before coming to Parliament, and having served in Government as a Business Minister, I know from my own experience how important the Chamber is for businesses to contribute to the debate on national and local issues, providing the opportunity for members to engage with Government policy and acting as a champion of enterprise and innovation in our region. Norfolk led the agricultural revolution, and our businesses and entrepreneurs are now leading the digital revolution. The future for Norfolk enterprise is brighter than ever. Thank you for all your work in our area, and congratulations again on celebrating your 120th anniversary!”

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Norfolk “Sincere congratulations to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for meeting this incredible milestone. It is really important for the economy of Norfolk that we have an effective membership organisation representing local businesses. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provides important advocacy for businesses and employment in our county. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the NCC.”

Elizabeth Truss MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice “Congratulations to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on the 120 year anniversary. Over many years of operation, the organisation has worked hard to represent business not only in the UK but also overseas. It continues to support our entrepreneurs, provide networking opportunities, celebrate Norfolk successes and act as the voice for business; I wish the chamber every success in the years ahead.”

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – Britain’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey, based on more than 7,000 responses from firms in Q3 2016 – shows a mixed picture, with an improved short-term performance in the manufacturing sector set against a further slowdown ingrowth in the services sector.

The survey – the first covering the period after the EU referendum – shows that Norfolk manufacturers enjoyed improved domestic and export sales compared with the previous quarter, with many benefitting from sterling’s recent fall. Meanwhile, the balance of Norfolk’s service sector firms reporting improved domestic and export sales was at a low level with export balances falling into negative territory.

The survey’s results suggest that the Norfolk and UK economy is still growing – albeit at a lower level than before the referendum – and supports the BCC’s forecast for growth of 1% in 2017.

The survey suggests that near-term uncertainty following the vote to leave the European Union has led Norfolk businesses to lower their expectations for hiring, turnover, and investment in plant, machinery, and training.

Given this mixed picture, and muted business investment intentions, the BCC is urging the government to use next month’s Autumn Statement to boost business confidence – by giving the green light to key infrastructure projects, and by introducingmeasures that ‘crowd in’ business investment and job creation.

Key Norfolk findings in the Q3 2016 survey:

• Overall, the figures for both the Norfolk manufacturing and services firms indicate growth, but at a slower pace than before the referendum
• In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting improved export sales rose to +13, from -11 in Q2 2016.
• The balance of Norfolk firms reporting an increase in advance export orders is +13, up from 0. One factor may be the fall in sterling, which has made some UK manufacturers more competitive.
• Domestically, the balance of Norfolk manufacturers reporting increased sales increased dramatically from to +7 from -15, although those reporting increased advance orders fell somewhat, to +0 from +19
• In the last three months, the balance of manufacturers hiring more staff rose thirty two points to +0 from +32, although in the services sector the number fell seven points to +9 from +16
• Fewer firms in both sectors expect to take on staff in the next quarter. For services the balance for firms (+18, down 5) is the lowest since Q2 2013
• In the services sector, many balances saw a decrease on the previous quarter
• The balance of Norfolk services firms reporting improved domestic sales fell sharply to +10 from +21, while the advance orders balance fell from +19 to +0 – indicating a significant slowing of growth. This was reflected in the results for the East of England and nationally
• On services exports, the balance offirms reporting improved sales remained in negative territory and fell from -9 in Q2 to -12 in Q3 2016, while the balance of firms reporting an increase in advance orders fell further, from -9 to -14
• Norfolk’s manufacturers gained considerable confidence in both their expected turnover and profitability. However those in the Norfolk service sector reported that their confidence in those areas was waining.
• Norfolk firms in both sectors have reported that the exchange rate is a greater concern to their business than three months ago, with 38% of services businesses (up from 12%) and 68% of manufacturers (up from 19%).

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

“While many Norfolk manufacturers have seen something of a bounce this summer, Norfolk’s services sector has slowed significantly, and our data suggests that slower growth is likely in the months ahead.

“Although it is important not to take one quarter’s figures in isolation, the BCC survey does show that growth in Norfolk has slowed further since the EU referendum. However I am confident that businesses in Norfolk are resilient and innovative. They will continue to strive towards delivering greater economic growth and jobs for our region.”

Also commencing on the results, Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Boosting business must be a key task forgovernment in the months ahead, particularly as forward confidence on turnover and profitability has flagged for firms across the UK.

“The Prime Minister has given businesses some clarity on the timetable for Article 50, and on short-term regulatory and legal issues. This is helpful, but needs to be followed up by a firm demonstration that the government has a clear and coherent strategyto defend the UK’s economic and business interests in the negotiations that lie ahead.

“Firms are concerned over investment, hiring, and profitability. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement is a crucial opportunity to incentivise business investment and overseas trade. Final and irrevocable decisions on infrastructure projects, both big and small, would also boost business confidence and support investment all across the UK.”

The B1149 Holt Road will reopen at3.29pm today (Thursday 6 October) after the early completion of service diversion and tree clearance work for construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road.

This first phase of Holt Road service diversion work involved the insertion of a sleeve for the diversion of a water main and irrigation pipe. The second phase (see below) will be to insert a sleeve for the diversion of a major gas main. Attempts to carry out the work in August under two-way traffic lights had to be abandoned because the depth of the gas main and position of the fragile asbestos cement water main required deeper excavations under full closures of the B1149 Holt Road.

This week’s phase one road closure was also used for tree felling and site clearance at the site of a new roundabout that will connect Holt Road to a realigned Drayton Lane. Once complete, the new Drayton Lane will provide the main route south from Horsford for all B1149 traffic.

Phase two of service diversions will begin on Monday 10 October, with Holt Road closing between Holly Lane and the Holt Road/Cromer Road roundabout at 9.30am, after the morning peak. The new point of closure will allow access in and out of Horsford via Holly Lane, as well as Church Street.

During this second phase, the traffic lights that have been in use at each end of Church Street will be withdrawn.

Although Holly Lane will provide an additional route in and out of Horsford, both Church Street and Holly Lane will be under pressure at morning and evening peak. Traffic from further afield should avoid using the B1149 through Horsford. There are number of points where congestion or queues could build up:

Morning peak. Norwich-bound traffic using Church Street will have a right turn across the busy A140. Traffic choosing Holly Lane will have an easy right turn from Holt Road (the closure stopping traffic from the south), and a left turn on to Reepham Road towards Norwich, or across the staggered junction into Hall Lane towards Drayton and the A1067.

Traffic heading east along Holly Lane to join the A140 Cromer Road will have to divert via Church Street.

Evening peak. Traffic returning to Horsford from Norwich on Reepham Road will have a right turn into Holly Lane, and will have to contend with traffic crossing from Hall Lane.

Access from Holly Lane to Horsford also means that the route from Norwich using the A140 and Church Street includes a live junction where it meets Holt Road (this is not the case under the phase 1 closure).

Bus services. First 36 will return to its normal route. Sanders services will continue as during the phase 1 closure of Holt Road.

Today we received a very special message from 10 Downing Street. Theresa May, Prime Minister sent a message of congratulations ahead of our 120th year anniversary. The official date of our anniversary is being marked on Friday 7 October, as we were incorporated as Norfolk Chamber of Commerceon this date in 1896.

Theresa May, Prime Minister

“It is my pleasure to send congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 120th anniversary.

“The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is an excellent voice for the business community in Norfolk and the Chamber’s important work around bettering opportunities for young people is particularly commendable. The Chamber should celebrate these achievements as it looks forward to continuing its important work in the years to come.

“I am sure that this milestone will further encourage the young people and local businesses in the area to mark the Chamber’s incredible legacy.

“Please accept my best wishes on this special occasion.”

With effect from 1 July 2016, amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export.

A three-month settling-in period was suggested by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to its Member States in which competent authorities were urged to adopt a “practical and pragmatic” approach to the enforcement of the SOLAS revision.

That grace period came to an end on 1 October and seems to have been effective as a recent declaration by the liner shipping association, the World Shipping Council (WSC), together with feedback from various container terminals, indicates that the compliance rate has risen steadily from 1 July and is now about 95%.

However, according to leading insurer of the international freight industry, TT Club, anecdotal evidence suggests that shippers are, in the main, simply adding the tare mass of the container to the previously declared weight of the cargo to arrive at a VGM.

TT Club’s Risk Management Director Peregrine Storrs-Fox said: “While it is positive that shippers recognise the difference between bill of lading or customs declaration weights and VGM, it is insufficient just to add the container mass.”

The industry needs the comfort of authenticated VGMs comparing the actual mass of packed containers obtained by check-weighing in order to have a true picture of compliance, he argued.

Industry guidelines issued by TT Club, in partnership with WSC, the cargo handler’s association ICHCA and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) can be found atwww.ttclub.com.

The EU is proposing stronger controls on exports of certain goods and technologies that – in addition to legitimate civilian applications – may also be misused for human rights violations, terrorist acts or the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström explained: “We are living in turbulent times. Preserving peace and protecting human rights are core objectives of the EU and our trade policy is essential to that aim. That’s why we are proposing a set of modern rules to make sure that exports are not misused to threaten international security or undermine human rights.”

A main element of the Commission’s proposal is a new “human security” dimension in export controls, to prevent human rights violations associated with certain cyber-surveillance technologies.

With the emergence of, for example, specifically designed surveillance technology such as monitoring centres and data retention systems, it is considered essential to ensure that regulations allow EU authorities to stop exports in cases where they could be misused for human rights violations, for repression or in armed conflict.

The proposal also aims to simplify and harmonise the existing export control rules in order to save time and money for EU exporters and national authorities.

As well as being a significant actor in the fight against proliferation of WMD, the EU is a major producer and exporter of dual-use items with a control regime in place since the late 1990s.

A common EU list of controlled dual-use items is included in the annex to EC Regulation 428/2009. The new proposal can be foundhere.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is passionate about supporting young people to help them to develop their talents and achieve their aspirations. To tie in with the Chamber’s ongoing campaign encouraging the growth and advancement of Norfolk’s young people, it has established a Fund to support young people locally, creating opportunities and helping them flourish. This is a key priority for the Chamberwith its120 year anniversary in 2016.

The aim of the Norfolk Chamber Community Fund is to provide grant awards to charitable organisations working within Norfolk with young people aged up to 25. The main goal of these grants will be to increase access to employment and training, and so improve the opportunities and career options open to young people across the county.

Grants of up to£2,000are available to support projects focused on championing young people by working with those who are facing particular challenges in accessing employment or training, or developing their skills. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Eligible projects may include:

• Providing training, leadership or volunteering opportunities for young people.
• Projects that support young people who are NEET or at risk of exclusion to access training and develop skills.
• Jobs clubs and careers support aimed at young people.

Deadline for applications 5pm, Friday 4 November 2016.

For more information about the grant and how to apply visit:https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/norfolk-chamber-anniversary-fund/

On Friday 30 September over 50 Norfolk Chamber Members from across the region joined us at BEST WESTERN PLUS: Knights Hill Hotel for an informative morning with Listers BMW King’s Lynn.

Delegates arrived early to get started on making new connections. Host Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council introduced our featured charity RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve and our first networking ice breaker of the morning. Delegates grouped together on their tables to name famous cars from cropped images, some even got full marks!

Following on from this delegates tucked into a delicious breakfast provided by Knights Hill Hotel, continuing to network on their tables. Once finished we proceeded to mix our delegates up with our Safari Move, changing their tables around to enable them to make even more contacts in the room.

James Martin, new Corporate Sales Manager for Listers King’s Lynn took the stage next, ready to give delegates an in-depth overview of their plans for the next 100 years of BMW. He highlighted how far BMW have come in the last 100 years and showed delegates the plans for the BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce, as well as the advanced technology behind them.

The event drew to a close with all delegates amazed by the prospects of the future of automotive technology, from the self-driving to the contact recognition all from a vehicle. Many stayed at the venue to visit our exhibition stands from RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve, WLP and DD Health & Safety Supplies, as well as continuing to network with even more delegates, and have a play in the cars brought along by Listers King’s Lynn.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published a survey of businesses, which shows that just over a third of companies (34%) have had to increase their wage bills since the introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2016.

The survey of more than 1,600 business leaders across the UK, undertaken in August 2016 and supported by Middlesex University, revealed that many companies affected by the introduction of the NLW have already changed their recruitment plans or planned to do so in the future. A quarter of affected firms (25%) have reduced recruitment in response, and 34% plan to do so if the NLW rises to £9 per hour by 2020. Others are looking at changes to staff hours, benefits or pay growth.

These changes reflect the rising cost burden on many companies. Although the majority (65%) of firms pay their staff above the NLW of £7.20 per hour and have not been affected, 25% of those that were affected have increased their wage bill slightly, and 9% have increased their wage bill significantly.

The businesses most exposed to the NLW have largely absorbed the increase in costs for now, but plan to pursue cost reduction measures if the NLW increases to £9 per hour. The BCC urges the government to use caution with future NLW increases.

Key findings in the survey:

• Most businesses pay their staff above the NLW, but more than a third have increased their wage bills since it was introduced in April 2016
• Of the firms whose wage bill increased because of the NLW, most have not yet made major changes, but more of these firms expect to do so if the NLW rises to £9 by 2020
• Only 34% of businesses affected by the NLW raised prices to offset the cost, but 63% would do so if it rose to £9 by 2020
• Of the businesses affected by the introduction of the NLW, 25% reduced recruitment in response, 18% reduced staff hours, 18% reduced pay growth, 24% reduced staff benefits, 25% reduced recruitment, and 37% made no changes
• If the NLW increases to £9 per hour by 2020, 25% would reduce staff hours, 29% would reduce pay growth, 33% would reduce staff benefits, 34% would reduce recruitment, and 13% would make no changes

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

“A decent wage can make a huge impact on employees’ lives and their performance at work, and many Norfolk businesses are able to pay above the NLW.

“However, a significant number of Norfolk firms have already had to re-balance their books to meet the cost of the NLW, which can have a knock-on effect on recruitment or growth plans. Many firms would have to change their business models, by increasing prices and reducing staff, if the NLW increases to £9 per hour by 2020.

“Norfolk Chamber believes that the government needs to take an evidence-based approach to setting the NLW. The rate should be set by the Low Pay Commission and be determined by the state of the economy, weighing up the various pressures businesses face. Further NLW increases need to be proportionate, reflecting business uncertainty, slowing growth and high input costs, to avoid having a negative effect on employment.”

David Williams, Director Corporate Engagement at Middlesex University, added:

“While our research has captured the current sentiments of business around the NLW, the potential rise to £9 per hour is still three years away. This means that businesses have an opportunity to adjust their strategies, as they are having to do with other initiatives such as the apprenticeships programme.

“It is important that Government supports business through these transitions so that employees in the UK can earn a fair wage for their work and businesses benefit from a satisfied and motivated workforce.”

We are inviting a select number of business owners to take part inroundtable event that Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is hosting in partnership with Heathrow Airport.

This event will be held on Friday 21 October 2016, 08:00-10:00 at Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich.

The objective of the roundtable is to gather local business representatives together to discuss the opportunities that exist within the Heathrow Airport supply chain and how you can be more involved in their future expansion plans. Heathrow are keen to engage with local business leaders to further understand the business capabilities in your region and hear your views.

By taking part in the roundtable, you will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss the challenges that businesses face in joining Heathrow Airport’s supply chain;
• Contribute to Heathrow Airport’s intelligence on business capabilities in your region;
• Ask your questions about the expansion of Heathrow Airport;
• Learn more about how you could become a supplier.

To confirm your FREE placeat this event please email [email protected], places are limited to four.