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
Construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR) haspassed the six-month milestone and is progressing well.
Since the start of the year the project has moved swiftly through preparatory phases, including environmental works, archaeology and site clearance, and on into the main excavations. Three quarters of a million cubic metres of material has already been excavated by Balfour Beatty, the main contractor for the 20km dual carriageway, which is currently the largest local authority-led road construction project in the country.
On Norwich NDR, the mainly mild winter and dry spring has seen the project move through site preparation into main construction. Good progress during these early months has been made, but recent wet weather has slowed things down slightly. Even so, progress and achievements to date have been considerable, including:
300 ha of site clearance, with archaeological investigations complete on 18 ha.
Significant environmental work completed, including 1,500 toads, frogs and newts (including 350 great crested newts) cleared from site using 7km of amphibian fence, bucket traps and Rocky the newt sniffer dog. Two bat roost houses built, plus 81 bat roost boxes put up on trees.
26 km of fencing
21 utility service diversions
A high pressure gas main diversion.
Construction of eight plant crossings and nine site access points.
Seven drainage lagoons excavated, 400 metres of drainage pipe installed, and a ditch to protect the Wensum Valley.
512,000 cubic metres of topsoil stripped.
240,000 cubic metres of bulk excavation, with 40,000 cubic metres of gravel stockpiled.
Concrete bases complete on Buxton Road bridge, piling complete at Plumstead Road bridge and underway at Middle Road bridge, service and route diversions complete to allow work to start on the Marriotts Way green bridge.
The Norwich NDR programmed contract completion date remains as February 2018, but the joint Balfour Beatty and Norfolk County Council team, with design and ecological support from Mott MacDonald, have set themselves a target of having the road open to traffic by Christmas 2017. The projects £178.95m total cost (including the Postwick junction) is being closely monitored and measures to reduce the risk of an overspend are in place, with a drive to contain and reduce costs through ongoing ‘value engineering’ wherever possible.
The target for the next six months includes the completion of roundabouts at Fakenham, Fir Covert and Reepham Roads, the start of works on other roundabouts and the realignment of Drayton Lane, the start of construction on more bridges, further utility service diversions, drainage and fencing, and the start of some of the projects significant landscaping.
Martin Wilby, Chairman of the EDT Committee, said: “The construction team have set themselves a very challenging target of having traffic using the NDR before the end of next year (2017), and have made tremendous progress so far, regardless of the recent unhelpful weather. I am confident that the joint Balfour Beatty, County Council and Mott MacDonald team are on track to deliver the project as planned.”
The NDR is the biggest single project in the overall ‘Transport for Norwich’ delivery plans, which are drawn from the Norwich Area Transport Strategy. The committee will also receive updates on other Transport for Norwich schemes, including the Golden Ball Street and Westlegate project in Norwich city centre. The report also recommends that an enhancement to one of the existing roundabouts on the Postwick junction to improve the flow of traffic and reduce short-lived peak-hour queues for traffic coming from the east (Acle and Gt Yarmouth direction).
In addition to hearing about work on the NDR councillors will also consider a report on a possible ‘Western Link Project’, which would consider the transport issues between the A1067 and A47 to the west of the city. The committee will consider some proposed first steps and whether to agree funding to allow further studies to be carried out over the next year to provide more information on traffic and environmental matters.
We have received notification from the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce that the Egyptian Consulate will be closed from Wednesday 6th July to Friday 8th July for Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan.
All documents received by the Consulate onthose dates will be processed as usual on Monday 11th July 2016.
Any documents that we receive between this time will be sent for legalisation, but there may be a slight delay with the return time of yourdocuments.
On Thursday 23 June, Chamber Members joined us at Oaklands Hotel for a first in our events calendar: The Networking Games. Held at Oaklands Hotel Norwich, the evening consisted of network team building activities, and a delicious BBQ.
Despite heavy rain, the event was a lively, enjoyable evening, with plenty of laughter. As delegates arrived, they enjoyed a drink from the bar, and proceeded to the BBQ. The rain held off long enough for us to get out on the terrace, but what’s a BBQ in Britain without a little rain?
Following on from this, delegates were handed a series of cards with table numbers to follow. Each delegate would move to a table, introduce themselves to one another and then proceed to the activity. With four activities across 4 tables, delegates networked around the room, with the process enabling them to meet every other delegate in the room.
Activities on the evening included Human Bingo and the very traditional Two Truths, One Lie: this time themed to summer holidays. We also introduced some new activities including anagrams of the company names on the delegate lists, and a quiz game called ‘Question Line’.
We’ll keep our fingers crossed for a bit of sunshine next year!
Our next After Hours Event will be Look the Business, fun, fashion and networking! More details.