A £6m grant fund has been launched to help more than 200 companies innovate in offshore renewable energy. The Score programme, which provides grants of up to £50,000 to support firms developing new technologies, is now accepting applications. The programme is open to SME’s in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Those SMEs in the oil and gas sector, keen to diversify, are particularly encouraged to apply.
The programme is being delivered by OrbisEnergy innovation and incubation centre in Lowestoft. Johnathan Reynolds of Orbis Energy said: “This is more than double the amount of money in the previous Score programme, which supported over 50 companies, invested in 40projects and created 70 new jobs. This time we are confident that we can help over 200 businesses to develop their bright ideas and create an additional 100 jobs.”
Applicants must have no more than 250 employees and a 50 million euro turnover. The programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. For more information on how to apply call: 01502 563 368 or email: [email protected].
Commenting on the new grant programme, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“Norfolk Chamber welcomes any support that will help Norfolk’s oil and gas sector, who are facing challenging times. This programme will ensure firms who want to innovate and diversify get the support and much needed investment to be able to drive forward and deliver growth in our region.”
After months of tough negotiation, Suffolk and Norfolk are very close to securing a Devolution Deal with government that could help further transform our economy and create even greater opportunities for jobs, investment and growth.
Public consultation on the proposal has just started, and will close on 23rd August.
As part of this process, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, together with Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce, are hosting three business engagement events, to give businesses in the East the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of devolution, and have their voices heard loud and clear in the decision-making process. Around 150 businesses have already signed up to attend.
The three events taking place are:
Tuesday 26th July, University College Suffolk: 8.00-10.00am, Waterfront Building, Ipswich IP4 1QJ. Speakers: Mark Pendlington, Chairman, New Anglia LEP; Andy Wood OBE, Independent Chair, East Anglian Devolution Leaders Group; Dr Peter Funnell, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday 28th July, Norwich University of the Arts: 8.00-10.00am, Ideas Factory, Norwich, NR2 4AE. Speakers: Mark Pendlington, Chairman, New Anglia LEP; Andy Wood OBE, Independent Chair, East Anglian Devolution Leaders Group; Caroline Williams and Jonathan Cage, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Friday 29th July, West Suffolk College: 8.00-10.00am, Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3RL. Speakers: Mark Pendlington, Chairman, New Anglia LEP and Matt Moss, Chair, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Bury St Edmunds
Businesses will also have the opportunity to co-sign a letter from Mark Pendlington and the Chambers of Commerce to Andy Wood, Independent Chair, East Anglian Devolution Leaders Group, giving their endorsement for the Devolution Agreement for Norfolk and Suffolk. The letter will then go into Government as part of the wider consultation process.
Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is a defining moment for our economy and everyone that lives and runs a business here. We have a massive opportunity to bring even greater prosperity, more funding and release even more potential from Suffolk and Norfolk. Devolution can bring decision making from Whitehall to our doorstep so we can focus on our priorities of making the East the best place to live, work and learn.
This is a rallying call that will leave the Government in absolutely no doubt that we are up for the challenge of building on our successes and achievements so far and driving forward our ambitions.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Norfolk needs continuedinvestment in skills and infrastructure to enable the local business community to retain and create new jobs and drive the economy forward. This Norfolk Devolution event is an ideal opportunity for the business community to ensure they are fully aware of the issues and for national and local Government clearly hear their opinions. It is essential in these discussion and those going forward that the business community are seem as an equal partner in driving forward the right agenda for Norfolk”
Dr Peter Funnell, immediate past president, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Suffolk Chamber of Commerce believes that devolution offers new and important opportunities for the businesses community in Suffolk and Norfolk.
In particular, the focus of devolution on infrastructure investment has the potential to offer long-term benefits for the competitiveness of the two counties within the UK and in international markets.
Critically, we also see devolution as creating new opportunities to work with the Mayor and Combined Authority to ensure that the voice of business informs decisions and priorities, and that the economic and social contribution of business is recognised, acknowledged and supported.”
The proposed Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution Deal was published on 17 June 2016. Since then, all of the councils in Suffolk, along with Norfolk County Council, Broadland District Council, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk,South Norfolk Council and the New Anglia LEP have endorsed the deal. The other councils in Norfolk have decided not to go ahead with a combined authority at this stage.
The deal involves having an Elected Mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk and a combined authority – where councils join together to make collective decisions on matters that affect the combined authority area.
Devolution would mean greater control locally over the decisions that impact on all our lives – decisions about Norfolk and Suffolk made in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Specifically, the proposed deal could mean control of more than £1bn of funding to improve Norfolk and Suffolk; enable us to create 95,000 jobs by 2026, deliver around 200,000homes over the lifetime of the dealand provide the skills that employees and businesses want.
As part of the Devolution process, local authorities in Norfolk and Suffolk have undertaken a Governance Review to look in depth at the pros and cons of joining together. They have published proposals for how a new combined authority could work, called a Scheme of Governance. They are now required to consult local people, businesses and organisations as to what they think of the Scheme of Governance.
The consultation responses will be sent to the Secretary of State who looks at these, alongside the Governance Review and the draft Scheme of Governance. They will then decidewhether a Mayoral Combined Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk shouldbe set up.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Norfolk needs continuedinvestment in skills and infrastructure to enable the local business community to retain and create new jobs and drive the economy forward. As the Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution deal progresses, it is essential that the business community are seen as an equal partner in driving forward the right agenda for Norfolk. I would therefore encourage as many businesses as possible to complete the online consultation to ensure that the Norfolk business community has a strong voice.”
The consultation period ends on Tuesday 23 August 2016.
If you are a Norfolk business and want to hear more about the Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution deal, you can attend a free breakfast which is being held in Norwich on Thursday 28 July 2016. For more details and to book your free place click here.
Commenting on the publication today of the connectivity report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Many business parks, both new and existing, still do not have superfast broadband, and we fully support the government prioritising the delivery of connections to these areas.
“However, the target of a 10Mbps Universal Service Obligation as a starting point is not ambitious enough. This must be higher for business broadband, in order to reflect the pace of developments in the digital world. Digital infrastructure investment needs to be a high priority for government, as a lack of investment now will undermine future growth and will put UK firms at risk of falling behind our international competitors.
“As the report rightly points out, the current over-reliance on the existing copper access network instead of driving fibre-to-the-premises could create a hard-to-solve digital divide for business in the future.
“It is important for the government’s Digital Strategy to be published as soon as possible so businesses can review if it is fit for purpose. We see mounting evidence that businesses are suffering from poor service standards, ‘not spots’, unreliable connections and a market structure that fails to offer competition and choice. Unless firms see improvements on reliability, speed and coverage, their performance, and the productivity of the UK as a whole, will continue to be severely affected.”
The British Business Awards is organised every two years by the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. This prestigious event convenes the rollers and shakers of the British business community in China, and is hosted at Ministerial level to highlight the work, success and innovation of British businesses in China.
This year UK Trade & Investment is sponsoring the ‘Best New Exporter to China Award’ to recognise and celebrate those British companies forging new, sustainable trails in China, and encourage more to follow in their footsteps.
It is open to companies who can demonstrate sustained exporting to the China market for at least 3 years and the positive impact this has had on the UK economy.
The judges will look for evidence of:
How the applicant identified their market in China
How the applicant adapted to the China market – either their product/service and/or their approach to exporting
Growth in export volume
How the applicant has realised a sustainable model for exporting its product/service to China
The strength of the applicant’s strategy for how to build on its achievement and sustain further growth
The greater significance/wider impact of the applicant’s exporting on industry and key influencers in China
If you would like to go for this fantastic promotional opportunity, please apply online here before 28 July 2016.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Francis Martin as its new President, succeeding Nora Senior who stands down after three years in post. Francis, who will be the business group’s first President from Northern Ireland, was officially appointed at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting after serving as Vice President since 2013.
Francis is a Partner in BDO Northern Ireland, and has over 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and business advisory locally and international. Formerly President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he was recently awarded Northern Ireland Dealmaker of the Year 2016.
Commenting on his appointment as BCC President, Francis Martin said:
“Drawing on the local and regional perspectives of the Chamber network, which represents businesses of all sizes and sectors, supporting over 5 million employees in the UK, the British Chambers of Commerce is a leading commentator on the UK economy. I will, during my term as President, be proud to champion the British Chambers of Commerce as an influencer of Government as it shapes policy and legislation at this critical time for the economy of the UK.
As the UK faces unprecedented change, Chambers of Commerce, and the views of the members they represent, are more important than ever before. I look forward to engaging positively with all Chambers in the Accredited Network, which do a wonderful job engaging and supporting their local communities. In my tenure as President I intend to work with my colleagues across the Network – not just to hold the government to account – but to work with them for the benefit of businesses around the country.”
Outgoing President, Nora Senior, said:
“During my tenure as President, I sought to focus on making it easier for companies to trade internationally; strengthen the links between business and education; and raise the profile of the Chambers of Commerce as a national and global business network. In the three years I have been President we have seen progress on each of these fronts.
“I leave proud of the progress made in expanding our overseas network, which now has over 20 countries in membership, and of the evolution of our skills agenda. It has been a privilege to chair a Board of such diverse and rich experience and to help steer the BCC through the challenges of a dynamic Chamber movement and uncertain economic environment.I am confident the Chamber movement will go from strength to strength under Francis’ stewardship.”
Acting Director General, Adam Marshall, added:
“Both myself and the entire BCC team look forward to working with Francis, as we look to tackle the big questions facing the UK economy and the Chamber Network.”
London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Val Shawcross, has welcomed the launch of the Thames Vision, a framework for developing greater use of the river for trade, transport and leisure over the next 20 years.
Available atwww.pla.co.uk,The vision for the tidal Thameshas been produced by the Port of London Authority (PLA) and covers 95 miles of the tidal Thames, running through London to the North Sea.
Currently, up to 5 million tonnes of freight is moved on the river every year, keeping more than 250,000 lorries off the roads. The UK’s busiest waterway for freight, it is home to the country’s second biggest port.
The vision report sets out a number of goals for increased river use including increasing business at the Port of London to its highest ever level (handling 60-80 million tonnes of cargo a year) and more goods being moved by river so that over 400,000 lorry trips will be taken off the region’s roads.
Ms Shawcross said: “This blueprint for the future of the Thames can make an important contribution to the Mayor’s aim of encouraging greater use of the river for the transport of passengers and freight.”
With 96% of UK imports/exports by volume coming in or leaving by sea, the port is seen as an essential part of the UK’s infrastructure, both now and in the future.
The port handled over 45 million tonnes of goods and materials in 2015 and provided employment for 43,000 people, of whom 27,000 were directly employed in port operations.
The report includes forecasts that total inter-port trade will increase to between 56 and 93 million tonnes in 2035, depending upon low or high assumptions. For comparison, the largest tonnage ever handled in the Port of London was 61.6 million tonnes in 1964.
This week we were honoured to receivean envelope stamped with 10 Downing, inside was a message of congraluations from David Cameron, Prime Minister on Norfolk Chamber celebrating our 120th year anniversary this year.
The official date of our anniversary is marked by our AGM on 7th October 2016, on this date in 1896 we were incorporated as Norwich Chamber of Commerce, before later changing to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Read the Prime Minister’s message of congratulationsbelow:
“I am delighted to offer my warm congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as you celebrate your 120th Anniversary.
The Chamber is an important forum for businesses to voice their opinions on local and national issues, as well as providing your members with the opportunity to engage with Government policy.
The Chamber has a strong record of campaigning for local infrastructure development, playing an important role in lobbying for improvements to the A11. You (Caroline Williams, Chief Executive)have also done impressive work on youth unemployment, particularly as a founder member of the Norwich4Jobs campaign, which secured the backing of 162 employers and helped over 1,700 young people into paid employment.
I hope you all take the opportunity to celebrate the Chamber’s many achievements, and that you can continue to support local businesses for many more years to come.”
To commemorate our 120 years we have a dedicatedwebpage to share the research undertaken.Take a tour of our President’s Board from 1896; read a brief history of Norfolk’s key industry sectors; find out more about the 120th celebrationevents; and find information on ourChamber Community Fund raising moneyto improve the opportunities and career options open to young people across the county.
On Wednesday 6th July, Norfolk Chamber Members gathered at The Library restaurant in Norwich, for our Business Breakfast – ‘Attract, Engage & Inspire’.
The high ceilings and modern décor at the venue, created the perfect environment for over 60 business professionals to network over coffee and breakfast.
The theme of the breakfast was based around employee engagement and how our region can attract and retain top talent. The event was opened with a presentation from Elinor Goodhead, Policy Coordinator at The Norfolk Chamber on our Young People Campaign, followed by a short presentation from our event sponsor; Kevin Bayes Great Yarmouth College. Kevin discussed the growing trend in apprenticeships and how businesses can get involved and gain support in implementing these.
It was then time for our networking activity ‘Speed Safari Networking’. Delegates are given a card with 4 table numbers on and 4 minutes at each table. Having received great feedback from previous events, we once again used this activity as an opportunity for delegates to network with up to 35 different people in as little as 16 minutes.
Once guests had been treated to a delicious Full English breakfast, it was time to hear from our guest speaker Lynn Walters, Pure Resourcing Solutions. Accompanied by undergraduate student Amy Andrews, Lynn provided a thought provoking presentation on how our region can engage employees as well as attract and retain top talent. Lynn highlighted some interesting research from Amy’s dissertation on employee engagement, whist exploring how businesses can adapt their environment and offerings to attract ‘Generation Z’.
The British Chambers of Commerce, have been working hard in Westminster following the recent exit vote in the EU Referendum. Following meetings with the Secretary of State for Business Innovation & Skills, Sajid Javid and the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Price, Mr Javid and Lord Price have written asking for business views on three trade policy issues:
What your priorities are for any negotiations on our trading relationship with the EU and the rest of the World?
What support you can offer to help us to deliver our shared goals on trade, including – for example – any ideas you may have such as the secondment of staff, which a number of businesses have mentioned to us?
What further work can best help you to find and capitalise on new export opportunities and attract inward investment, led by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI)?
Norfolk Chamber will be raising the views of Norfolk businesses at a meeting in London next week, so your earliest response would be appreciated. Please send your comments to Nova Fairbank on email: [email protected] by no later than lunchtime on Tuesday 12 July 2016.
EU exports to South Korea have increased by 55% since the trade deal between the two partners entered into force in 2011, and European companies have saved €2.8 billion in scrapped or discounted customs duties. Bilateral trade in goods between the EU and South Korea has been growing constantly since 2011, and reached a record level of over €90 billion in 2015.
These are some of the findings of a detailedEuropean Commission report released today to mark the five-year anniversary of the trade deal with South Korea, demonstrating a significant boost in trade thanks to the agreement.
In a comment, EU Commissioner for Trade CeciliaMalmströmsaid: “The numbers speak for themselves. The evidence of our agreement with Korea should help convince the unconvinced that Europe benefits greatly from more free trade. When our companies can export more easily, or when money saved from scrapped customs duties can be reinvested in company development, it spurs European growth. It safeguards and creates jobs. This anniversary gives us many reasons to roll up our sleeves and conclude all other pending EU trade deals that are on the table.”
South Korea is now one of the EU’s top ten export markets. In addition to more traditional exports of machinery, transport equipment, and chemical products, the agreement has opened new export opportunities for many small European businesses in such diverse sectors as food and drink, pottery, packaging, sports equipment and book binding technology. The previous EU trade deficit with South Korea has been turned into a trade surplus.
Exports of EU products that previously faced particularly high duty rates – such as certain agricultural products – now benefit from discounted tariffs, and their exports have increased by over 70%. Other sectors experienced an even more significant improvement. For instance, the EU’s car sales in South Korea tripled over the five-year period. In addition, EU companies managed to add 11% to the value of services provided in South Korea and expand bilateral investments by 35%. Worries expressed by European stakeholders ahead of the FTA’s approval have thus not materialised. Nonetheless, the European Commission continues to monitor the situation as regards potentially sensitive sectors (such as textiles, cars and electronic products) and – together with civil society – keeps a close eye on the impact of trade on sustainable development. In this context, the EU and Korea also cooperate on environmental issues and labour rights.
The agreement also allows EU authorities to continue improving trading conditions for European companies by raising potential problems in several implementing committees created under the FTA. The Commission has agreed with South Korea to explore possible amendments to the existing deal to make it correspond even better to expectations of stakeholders on both sides, for example to enable European companies to export through their logistical hubs in Asia and at the same time benefit from the FTA.
Unfortunately, more than 35% of European companies exporting to Korea fail to ask for the privileged treatment – in terms of lower customs duties and other benefits – to which they are entitled. This shows that EU Member States have a role to play in informing companies about the benefits of the EU trade deals already in force.
Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Locally
The latest figures from StartUp Britain showed that in Norwich 521 new firms were created in the first 5 months of the year. This compares to 1,149 for the whole of 2015.
Chamber member, Howes Percival moved into their new £3m home in the Cathedral Quarter in Norwich
Norwich-based Lintott Controls Systems is returning to profit under new leadership and with ambitious growth plans
BHS will close down, with the likely loss of 11,000 jobs. The group has stores in both Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Expressions of interest have already been made by other retailers keen to move into the Norwich store
Nationally
UK’s trade deficit narrowed sharply in April after a record monthly jump in exports
UK business confidence feel to a 3 month low in May. A second month consecutive fall
The UK construction sector experienced another difficult month in May, with output growth easing to its weakest in 3 years
ONS figures show that UK manufacturing output grew at the fastest pace for nearly 4 years in April
Retail sales volumes rose by 0.9% – must stronger than expected