Chamber News

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.

The UK has voted leave the European Union. Leave vote won with 52% of the vote, whilst the Remain vote was 48%. The Leave vote won by 1,269,501 votes.

The Electoral Commission advised that Britons turned out in huge numbers to vote on their future in the European Union, with 72.2% of registered voters casting their ballots in yesterday’s referendum.

In Norfolk, only the Norwich district voted to Remain, whilst all other areas voted to Leave. Overall in the East of England the Leave vote was 68.8%, with Remain at 31.2%.

Norfolk EU Referendum Results Area Leave Remain East of England 56.5% 43.5% Breckland 64.2% 35.8% Broadland 54.4% 45.6% Great Yarmouth 71.5% 28.5% King’s Lynn & West Norfolk 66.4% 33.6% North Norfolk 58.9% 41.1% Norwich 43.8% 56.2% South Norfolk 51.7% 48.3%

Following this historic result David Cameron has announced that he will be stepping down as Prime Minister. He advised that he will stay on whilst a new Tory leader is elected, but it is expected that he will be gone by the time of the Conservative Party Conference.

Mr Cameron said that it was “not right” for him to be “the captain that steers the country in a new direction”. He went on to say “We must now prepare for a renegotiation with the EU. Above all this will require strong determined and committed leadership.”

More importantly, Mr Cameron said he would not invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty that will start the process of Brexit – leaving that decision to his successor.

Following the UK’s EU decision, Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has released a statement. In it he said: “Market volatility can be expected, but we are well prepared for this. The Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning and the Chancellor and I have been in close contact, including through the night and this morning.

“To be clear, the Bank of England will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as markets adjust and as the UK economy moves forward. The bank has stress tested our banks against conditions much more severe than those we currently face.

“A few months ago, the Bank judged that the risks around the referendum were the most significant, near-term domestic risks to financial stability. To mitigate them, the Bank of England has put in place extensive contingency plans. These begin with ensuring that the core of our financial system is well-capitalised, liquid and strong.”

To read the full Bank of England statement click here

Dr Adam Marshall, British Chambers of Commerce Acting Director General, said

“In the wake of the electorate’s historic decision to leave the European Union, the immediate priorities for UK business are market stability and political clarity.

“Some business people will be pleased with the result, and others resigned to it. Yet all companies will expect swift, decisive, and coordinated action from the government and the Bank of England to stabilise markets if trading conditions or the availability of capital change dramatically.

“Firms across the UK want an immediate and unambiguous statement from the Prime Minister on next steps, along with a clear timeline for the UK’s exit from the European Union.

“Firms want help to get Britain back to business at a time of great uncertainty. The health of the economy must be the number one priority – not the Westminster political post-mortem.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk business will want to see a detailed plan to support the economy during the coming transition period – as confidence, investment, hiring and growth would all be deeply affected by a prolonged period of uncertainty. If ever there were a time to ditch the straight-jacket of fiscal rules for investment in a better business infrastructure, this is it.

“Businesses need action to maintain economic stability, a timeline for exit, and answers to their many practical, real-world questions about doing business during and after this historic transition.

“The Norfolk Chamber will be working with local MPs and leaders to ensure that Norfolk business interests are taken into account. We will support our members as we all work through the issues and opportunities which may arise over the coming weeks and months.”

Now that the EU referendum has concluded, the Norfolk Chamber business community would like to see fast-paced decisions to improve the business environment, give confidence and support growth. Norfolk Chamber will continue to support our members as they work through the issues and opportunities which may arise over the coming weeks and months.

The CEO of Norfolk Chamber, together withother Chamber CEOs and the British Chambers of Commerce have already held a virtual meeting to put in place plans to support the needs of the business community whilst the UK transitions out of the EU.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“The business community is facing uncharted waters as the UK now embarks on the process to leave the EU. For many businesses, change will not be immediate, however all firms will face a level of uncertainty in the medium term. Norfolk Chamber, together with the rest of the Chamber network, will be lobbying Government for clarity on infrastructure, funding, housing and skills to ensure that the business community has the economic stability to continue to deliver economic growth and jobs in our region.”

The latest Bank of England Agents’ Summary for Quarter 2 2016 has been published. Key highlights are:

• The annual activity growth rate has remained moderate
• Business services growth has slowed
• Housing market activity has fallen
• Growth in labour costs per employee has risen

Annual turnover growth has remained moderate, with turnover growth easing in the service sector, partly due to decision delays ahead of the EU referendum.

Construction output has remained stable with construction of new industrial property and education facilities remaining sold and more demand for refurbishment of existing commercial space. The housing market activity fell in April and May compared to the heightened activity that was seen in Quarter 1.

Asa result of the introduction of the National Living Wage in April, there has been growth in labour costs per employee. Recruitment difficulties have eased in recent months though they remain higher than normal.

To read the full report click here.

Norwich Chamber Council heard an update from Neil Garner of Whitespace this week on the TechEast initiative. Norfolk Chamber supports Techeast andNeil is the Norfolkmember of TechEast’s Leadership Team.

The Chamber Council’s meeting was held in Whitespace’s offices at St James Mill and members heard how between 2010 and 2014 digi-tech industries grew faster than the rest of the economy and in 2014 they had an overall turnover of £161m. The aim of TechEast is to create ‘one voice’ for technology firms in the East and will link Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge. It hopes that in succeeding with its manifesto they will create a further 5,000 jobs, generate an extra £650m GVA of economic growth in the East and be one of the UK’s Top 5 tech clusters by 2020.

The September meeting of Norwich Chamber Council will be held at NUA and will look at the incubation centre and what the building can offer and how it is supporting businesses in the digital sector.

Norfolk Chamber has joined politicians and business leaders in reiterating the call for improved journey times between Norwich and London. A joint letter was sent to the Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport reminding him of the delivery promises made by the Chancellor and the Prime Minister ahead of last year’s election.

The main signatures on the letter were Chloe Smith MP and Mark Pendlington, who head up the Great Eastern Mainline Taskforce. Both Norfolk Chamber and Suffolk Chamber were party to the letter and key Norfolk Chamber members who also signed the letter were Bernard Matthews, Aviva, Howes Percival and Anglia Farmers.

Commenting on the much needed rail improvements, Jonathan Cage, President of the Norfolk Chamber said:

“Our region has suffered for far too long with the adverse effect of an inadequate rail service and our priority is to make sure that passengers begin to see the improvements they need, as soon as possible. Norfolk Chamber wants to see the delivery of a comprehensive package of infrastructure improvements by Network Rail; improved rolling stock from the new rail franchisee; and overall journey time improvements, which would see Norwich to London in 90 minutes.”

We have been informed by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq that with immediate effect the new requirements and regulations for exporting Red Meats to Iraq in any form must comply with the following:

1. All processed fresh red meat should be exported from countries free of Cow Disease

2. All exported red meat should be accompanied with an authorised Health Certificate and legalised by the Iraqi Embassy (Consular Section)

3. Health Certificate of the products includes:

• Suitable for human consumption
• Consumed by domestic population
• Free of cow disease and any other pollution
• Non Genetically Modified (GM) and free of added hormones
• Free of any radiation effects
• Labels to show clearly the production date and validity with a reference

Before the county head to their polling stations, Norfolk Chamber tackled the question on everyone’s minds – whether to stay in the EU or to leave? Europe: The Business Debate saw over 70 delegates attend an interactive panel debate at the Norwich City Football Club on June 10.

Norfolk Chamber’s President Jonathan Cage, Create Engineering, welcomed guests and explained the Chamber’s neutral position on the referendum. The event was hosted by BBC Radio Norfolk’s Nick Conrad who conducted a smooth flowing debate and also brought an element of wit to an otherwise heavy subject.

The event kicked off with a live poll in order to gauge the audience’s initial voting preferences. In contrast to other regional polls, the event poll showed a clear preference with 65% of the audience voting for remaining in the EU. Attendees were then able to hear from both sides of the EU debate with each of the guest speakers providing an opening speech, sharing their views on the vote and how it could affect business.

The expert panel consisted of Stephen Booth co-director of Open Europe, Hussein Kassim Professor in Politics UEA, Chloe Smith Norwich North MP, Stuart Agnew MEP, Derek Wood former Lord Mayor of Norwich and Luke Morris deputy chair for Business for Britain East of England. With so much knowledge and insight present on one panel it enabled the audience to directly get valid opinions on the referendum.

Before the panel Q+A began, delegates were given a short break to allow discussion in order to ready them to face the panel with their all important questions. Panellists then tackled the topics which arose, these include; priorities for change and reform, business regulations, political instability, housing crisis, immigration, TTIP, the economy and the long term implications of the vote.

Numerous key messages came from the panel, Luke Morris campaigning for Britain to leave the EU advised that ‘voters are stepping into uncertainty in whichever box they cross, but unfortunately uncertainty is a fact of life’ whilst stressing the importance of Britain’s ability to make trade deals with countries outside of the EU, advising ‘Getting out of the EU is not going to be the silver bullet to all of our problems but I think it will be a big improvement to where we are.’

The remain panel highlighted the importance of access to a free market, and reminded delegates that the EU supports tackling climate change and provides common security intelligence. Chloe Smith advised ‘To leave the EU would make Britain poorer in GDP terms and poorer in terms of the jobs that are available and to the next generation’, ‘we face a sever shock if we leave which is not worth taking’.

Neutral experts were on hand to either support or deny any allegations made by either side of the debate, Hussein Kassim summarised that ultimately the vote is all about trade-offs, whilst Stephen Booth advised ‘there are challenges on both sides’ noting that the EU still needs reform if we vote to remain in.

After the fast paced Q+A with the panel, the event finished off with another live audience poll. The results showed a 7% increase in votes to the leave campaign, totalling at 42%, however the majority of the audience still voted to remain in the EU.

The closing date for the British Chamber of Commerce Chamber Awards is Friday 24 June.

From local standout to national champion: BCC Chamber Awards will put best of British business on the map.

Businesses from across the country are invited to take part and showcase their talents and achievements through a series of regional heats, culminating in the national final, which takes place in London on 24 November 2016.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk companies can boast many areas of business excellence. The Chamber Awards allow us the opportunity to highlight some of our county’s many business achievements and I would encourage any business to showcase their achievements by entering these awards.”

Companies can enter seven categories, covering people development; customer care; business/education; export; and technology.

The Awards will be demonstrating the very best business, highlighting the positive contribution that businesses make to the UK economy and to society as a whole. The categories are:

• Small Business of the Year
• Excellence in Customer Service *NEW*
• Commitment to People Development
• High Growth Business of the Year
• Business and Education Partnership
• Export Business of the Year
• Best use of Technology

The deadline for entries is Friday 24 June 2016, the regional winners will be announced on 19 September 2016, with the national winners being announced on 27 November 2016 at a glittering awards ceremony in London. To enter online click here