Chamber News

Vattenfall launches campaign to register business interest in major offshore wind farm

Vattenfall, the developer of one of Norfolk’s largest wind farms, has called on local businesses to register their interest online with the company, advising “it’s important to start early”.

The Swedish company is at the early stages of developing the 1.8 gigawatt Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm. The project, if consented, is scheduled to start construction and operation in the 2020s.

Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Senior Project Development Manager for the Norfolk Vanguard scheme, said: “Our experience building wind farms in the UK tells us that if we want to maximise local business opportunities it’s important to start engagement early. Companies can benefit from early awareness of the opportunities, especially by understanding how and when to get involved in the procurement of a wide range of services.”

The energy firm, which is a member of the East of England Energy Group, recently joined the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber said it is keen to help the region secure business from projects like Norfolk Vanguard.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important to the UK and it is great that Norfolk is going to be at the forefront of this new technological solution. We will be working closely with Vattenfall to ensure that local businesses take advantage of the supply chain opportunities this project will bring to the local economy.

“We will also be working together to ensure that Norfolk’s young people understand the long term career opportunities this project will bring.”

Businesses in East Anglia are invited to register their interest in Norfolk Vanguard at norfolkvanguard.vattenfall.co.uk/contactus

In March this year, Vattenfall launched the Norfolk Vanguard project after agreeing a lease with The Crown Estate, the manager of the seabed. A second development area, Norfolk Boreas, was also agreed with The Crown Estate. Norfolk Boreas, with a target capacity of 1.8 gigawatts, is currently at the very earliest stages of development.

(Story also featured on EDP Business)

For further information, please contact: Jason Ormiston, Media Relations; [email protected]; 07794524801

You can get more information on Norfolk Vanguard here>>> https://norfolkvanguard.vattenfall.co.uk/

You can follow Vattenfall on twitter>>> @VattenfallUK

You can get more information on the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce here>>> https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/

Last week was a successful one for Norfolk businesses that took part in the Eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016.

In the same year that they celebrate their 50th anniversary, we were ecstatic to hear that MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting had been victorious in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ Eastern heat!

Loma Kanu, MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting, said: “Our Norwich Office entered the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards and we were delighted to have been awarded Regional winners of the ‘Best Use of Technology Award’. We found out there were over 500 entries for the awards and over 186 entries in this category alone, so were thrilled to have won.

Our application was based around our completed BIM Level 1 projects and what we are doing to implement what is required to achieve BIM Level 2, through the internal groups and training in place.

We also touched on our 50th Anniversary, our plans for growth, use of technology to support marketing and communication objectives and how our company implemented cyber strategy to protect our business, our customers and data.”

Formed in 1966, MLM is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy and corporate approved inspector, they provide professional services in all aspects of Environment Planning and Development, Buildings and Infrastructure, Compliance and Sustainability.

MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting will now be put forward for the national award that will be announced at the Chamber Business Awards 2016 ceremony in November.

Last week we were delighted to learn that Chamber member Finn Geotherm had won ‘Small Business of the Year’ in the Chamber Business Awards 2016 Eastern heat.

This accolade comes in Finn Geotherm’s 10th anniversary year and now qualifies them for the national award at the annual Chamber Business Awards 2016 ceremony in November.

Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. We have been proud members of Norfolk Chamber for many years and it was an honour to be crowned Small Business of the Year in the east, particularly as Finn Geotherm is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To win such a prestigious award is the icing on our birthday cake!”

David Alston, technical director at Finn Geotherm, added: “This award is testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the entire team at Finn Geotherm, who have enabled the company to grow and expand over the past ten years. We are pleased to accept this award from Norfolk Chamber and very much look forward to the next ten years of installing more, great heat pump systems across the region.”

Finn Geotherm are one of the UK’s longest established renewable heating companies and in the ten years since their incorporation, have developed an extremely high level of expertise in ground and air source heat pumps.

Their business is going from strength to strength and it is no wonder they have been victorious in the Eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016.

Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty are warning people living in and around Horsford, or who travel through Horsford on their way to Norwich, that travel will be disrupted by closures of the B1149 Holt Road from Monday 3 October to Friday 14 October 2016.

The closures, one either side of the Holly Lane junction with Holt Road, are needed to divert a gas main, water main and irrigation pipe. Attempts to carry out the work under traffic lights in August were unsuccessful because of the depth of the gas main – over 2 metres deep – and the presence of a fragile asbestos cement water main within the road. The scale of excavation needed can only be carried out under full road closures, which will take place as follows:

Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October

Holt Road closed between Horsford village and Holly Lane.

Long peak hour delays are possible on Church Street from its junction with the A140 Cromer Road. Traffic control will be in place at the Church Street/Cromer Road junction to help drivers make the right turn towards Norwich safely. However, A-road traffic will be given priority so delays on Church Street are unavoidable.

Temporary traffic lights will also be used at the Holt Road junction with Church Street. This is mainly to ensure that buses and other large vehicles can make the turn without causing a log-jam. Bus users are advised to check with bus companies for changes in timetables and routes.

Provided works are on schedule, the closure will be lifted for the weekend of 8/9 October.

Monday 10 October to Friday 14 October

Holt Road closed between Holly Lane and the Holt Road/A140 Cromer Road roundabout.

Holly Lane will be available as well as Church Street, but delays are likely on both routes. The right turn out of Church Street into Holt Road will be more difficult in the evenings because northbound traffic will be coming up Holt Road from Holly Lane.

John Birchall, NDR public liaison officer, said: “This road closure is the most difficult we’ve faced. Unfortunately, when we dug down, we found that the gas main was more than two metres deep and very close to a fragile water main. After looking at a number of options our engineers were forced to accept that much bigger excavations, under road closures, were unavoidable.

“It’s not possible to reopen the old Drayton Lane again. We delayed sewer diversion work in August to keep the lane open, but specialist contractors are scheduled to start sewer diversions in the next few days, and any further delay could cause access problems for Horsford later in the contract by holding up construction of the realigned Drayton Lane.

“This leaves Church Street as the only route available to the south of Horsford during the first week. We will have traffic control at the junction with the A140, but it’s bound to be under pressure, particularly during the morning peak.

“We would urge all users of the B1149 Holt Road to allow extra time for journeys, avoid peak hours and use alternative routes if possible.”

Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty apologise for the disruption these unavoidable closures will cause.

The latest Bank of England Agents’ Summary for Quarter 3, 2016 has been published. Key highlights are:

• The annual rate of activity growth had slowed overall as uncertainty rose following the EU referendum
• Consumer spending growth and confidence had been more resilient
• Companies’ investment and employment intentions had fallen

The annual rate of activity growth had slowed overall as uncertainty rose following the EU referendum, although it remained positive. However, business sentiment improved slightly in August following a marked dip in the immediate aftermath of the referendum.

Consumer spending growth and confidence had been more resilient. Although housing market activity had fallen markedly in London and in parts of the surrounding area, it had held up relatively well in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Companies’ investment and employment intentions had fallen, and were consistent with broadly flat levels of capital spending and employment over the coming six to twelve months.

To read the full report click here.

The Norfolk Chamber is delighted that two of its members Finn Geotherm&MLM have been crowned winners in the eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016. Now in their 13th year, the Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, and they pay tribute to the key role that local businesses play in driving the UK economy.

Winners of the Small Business of the Year Award,Finn Geotherm are a specialist heat pump and heat recovery company based in East Anglia, but with installations teams covering the whole of England and Wales.

Winners of the Best Used of TechnologyAward,MLM is an innovativeengineering and environmental consultancyand corporate approved inspector.

They will both now go forward to the national finals, which take place in London in November.

Jason Williams, Business Manager of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“It is great that we have two Norfolk regional winners at this years Chamber awards.

“We are always trying to ensure that Norfolk is seen as a great place to do business and that the companies here are great examples of innovation and success, I am just glad that this year the BCC judges were able to see what we have been seeing”

Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Businesses are the driving force of the UK economy. Their creativity, hard work and acumen are what makes us one of the world’s strongest and most resilient economies, and they deserve recognition for the crucial role that they play.

“Our judging teams across the country are consistently impressed by the number of high calibre entrants in the awards, and this year’s competitors are no different.

“The Chamber Business Awards are the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate our business community’s achievements, to take stock of the outstanding performances of UK businesses over the past year, and to encourage and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

At the Chamber’s Bank of England Lunch, held at the Norwich City Football Club, attendees highlighted that at present they were seeing very little impact from Brexit. Tim Pike, the East of England Agent for the Bank of England asked for feedback on whether the businesses had seen a change in demand following the EU Referendum; whether they had altered their investment and recruitment plans; and if those importing raw materials had seen an increase in costs?

Overall,the consensus of the businesses who attended the lunch was that it was ‘business as usual’. However they did express caution for the future, due to the lack of clarity on Brexit.

Peter Foster, Vice President of Norfolk Chamber, who hosted the lunch said: “It is always fascinating to hear from Tim Pike and the feedback from the businesses in the room was positive. It is clear from the discussions that more clarity is needed from the Government in relation to Brexit before businesses can make any major investment decisions. I am looking forward to seeing the next QESresults as to whether the wider business community has similar thoughts.”

The Quarterly Economic Survey results for Quarter 3are due to be published week commencing 10 October 2016.

The first tying-in of existing roads to new roundabouts on Norwich Northern Distributor Road is scheduled to take place under night-time road closures from tomorrow(Friday 16September). The aim isto cut down disruption and achieve a longer-lasting road surface.

Subject to final approval for night working*, Fir Covert Road will be closed for one night from 8pm on Friday 16 September until no later than 6am on Saturday 17th. To complete the tie-in, a further night closure is planned for Friday 30 September. Traffic will be diverted via Drayton High Road,Boundary Road (Norwich ring road) and Reepham Road.

The tie-in of A1067 Fakenham Road to the new roundabout and road realignment will be carried overnight from Tuesday 20 September to Friday 23rd. The road will close at 8pm each night, reopening no later than 6am the next morning. Light vehicles will be diverted (north to south) via the B1145 through Reepham, Reepham Road and Fir Covert Road. HGVs will be diverted (north to south) via the B1535 Weston Hall Road to the Wood Lane junction with the A47, then into Norwich, using Sweet Briar Road (Norwich ring road) to return to Drayton High Road (A1067).

Once complete, A1067 traffic will be moved on to the realigned section and the old road will be broken up, with the material re-used on the NDR.

If carried out under the NDR project’snormal 7am to 7pm working hours* without road closures, the work on these two roundabout tie-ins would take several weeks and have an extended impact upon traffic. Working alongside traffic under lane closures would also lead to multiple joints in the road surface, reducing durability, and would have safety implications for construction workers and road users.

*The working hours on Norwich Northern Distributor Road are set by the Development Consent Order. Any variation has to go through a formal assessment and approval process. This is expected to be concluded today (Thurs), allowing night working as set out above.

Brexit’s long term impact on Norfolk businesses and the rest of the UK is still far from clear. The Prime Minister, Teresa May says “Brexit means Brexit” but what does that really mean for Norfolk businesses?

At present there are no clear answers from the Government. Chamber members are – rightly – focused on the impact of this transition on their own business models and prospects. They also want the Government and Bank of England to deliver stability of markets, clarity on the political timetable for transition, and firm action on those matters that are entirely within Westminster’s gift.

The Chamber network is working hard on behalf of our members to influence the new Department of International trade, and other Ministers, to ensure that the voice of business is clearly heard in these negotiations.

We are calling for 5 key principles to guide the work of the Government in its negotiations on Brexit – as well as any future new trade arrangement – to ensure the best possible outcome for the Norfolk business community and the rest of the UK. These key areas are:

1. Trade – getting the best possible terms with the EU-27
2. Labour Market – certainty on the right of their EU workforce
3. EU Funding – maintain UK access to the European Investment Bank
4. Regulation – short term stability
5. Taxation & Customs – a clear transition period and a new UK origin model

Full details of the BCC Brexit Transition Principals can be viewed here.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“The majority of Norfolk businesses will be impacted by Brexit in some way. Even if your company does not do business with EU countries, there is a high chance that you have suppliers or partners who do, so there will be a knock-on effect to your business.

“Norfolk Chamber is calling for local businesses to provide case studies and feedback on how Brexit is impacting your organisation, and whether you are having to make changes as a result of Brexit.

“This is also your chance to have your opinion heard on Brexit where it matters – send us your questions and we will ensure, through the Chamber network, they are heard by the people in Westminster who can make a difference.”

On Thursday 8th September, over 70 members joined us for a Business Breakfast based on the tourism industry, at the Great Yarmouth Town Hall. The venue provided an impressive setting in the grand Assembly Room where delegates networked over coffee and breakfast, followed by a presentation from Rebecca Harris, Hoseasons.

We kicked off the morning with a brief talk from our event sponsors, Santander. They provided an overview of their services in the sector and explained that they are happy to sponsor Norfolk Chamber events and gain brand exposure. Following this we tested how awake our guests were with a bit of Speed Networking! Guests were split randomly into groups and were given 4 minutes to network with their group before being hurried onto their next group. Guests commented that the activity gave them lots of new contacts and made networking a lot swifter overall.

After a delicious breakfast was served we heard from our guest speaker, Rebecca Harris, Communications Manager, Hoseasons. Rebecca discussed how she has used a range of techniques and innovations to help make Hoseasons as successful as it is. Customer service was a key message throughout her presentation, along with the use of technology and keeping up to date with it. In the Q+A, guests questioned the use of Live Chat on websites and the benefits of it, to which Rebecca provided impressive usage figures since they installed the software, proving the Live Chat a success.

We finished the event with some time for free networking, in which many guests took this opportunity to talk further with the speakers and get in some final business card exchanges.

Does this sound like something you’d like to attend? Book now for our next Business Breakfast in Norwich on Friday 7th October. Click here for more details.

Notice is hereby given that the 120th Annual General Meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be held at OPEN, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich on Friday 07 October 2016. Registration will be at 10.00am, for meeting commencement at 10:15am. Please see attached for all papers relevant to the meeting.

All members are welcome to attend the Norfolk Chamber AGM. We would ask that members wishing to attendcomplete the attached RSVP and return it by email to:[email protected] to ensure that we can accommodate everyone.

The Chamber will be holding an eocnomic breakfast in advance of the Chamber AGM, click here to book your place.

The outcomes of the Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution consultation will be considered by council leaders tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 September) ahead of submission to the Secretary of State.

Throughout the consultation period, councils and the New Anglia LEP engaged with a wide range of people including town and parish councils, councillors, businesses, and members of the public and partner organisations, such as health and higher education.

More than 10,000 responses were received via a range of channels. The majority of responses, 6080, were received via a telephone survey carried out by Ipsos-Mori. The survey gained views from a cross section of people, reflecting the population of the two counties.

• 53% supported the principle of devolution
• There was strong support for more decisions to be taken locally across a range of issues with decisions relating toroad maintenance funding coming out on top
• There was 52% support for a Mayor and 58% support for councils to come together as a Combined Authority. 29% Oppose election of a Mayor 25% oppose establishing a Combined Authority
• Job creation and young people either earning or learning came out as top priorities for the Combined Authority to invest in

250 businesses of various sizes across the two counties were also surveyed by Mori:

• 54% supported the principle of devolution
• Strong support for more decisions to be taken locally across a range of issues with decisions relating to road maintenance funding coming out on top
• 59% supported councils joining together as a Combined Authority and 47% supportive of a mayor, with 27% opposed
• Young people earning or learning was businesses top priority for the Combined Authority to invest in

In addition, the New Anglia LEP, in conjunction with the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce held a series of breakfast briefings during July and the Chambers of Commerce also produced their own e-newsletters. This activity has resulted in a number of business leaders sending letters to Government supporting devolution.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“We would encourage all Norfolk local councillors to take notice of these results and the strong positive feedback for devolution from the business community when they vote later in the year. Norfolk needs to be seen as a dynamic community open for business, willing and able to make decisions on its own future whenever it is given that opportunity. We acknowledge that the devolution offer is not perfect but it is the deal on the table and Norfolk Chamber wants to see it happen for the overall benefit of Norfolk’s economy.”

Whilst there was less support for a mayor or combined authority through the self-service survey, more than 50% of people responding supported the principle of devolution. Strong support for more decisions to be taken locally, with road maintenance coming out top and investment by the Combined Authority in transport and broadband infrastructure ranked highest.

It is important to be clear that a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor would not be an ‘all powerful’ figure, making decisions without regard to the views of others. The Mayor would need support from other members of the Combined Authority for plans to progress.

Andy Wood, Independent Chair of the East Anglia Leaders Group said:

“Devolution is about improving people’s lives and the places they live. It’s great that those responding to the consultation recognise that and support more decisions being taken locally. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.

“Leaders are committed to building on all the success and positives of the two counties to make Norfolk and Suffolk as successful as possible for the future. Devolution will help to achieve this commitment by delivering some 95,000 new jobs, 200,000 new homes and 10,000 new businesses by 2036.”

A summary of all responses will be reported to the Secretary of State later this week once it has been considered signed off by Leaders on Wednesday. If the Secretary of State thinks that the necessary statutory tests have been met, he will lay a draft order before Parliament. However, only if all the local councils and the LEP that endorsed the proposed deal in June approve the order will plans progress.