ITV is looking for a business that feels strongly about the growing debate over companies such as Google paying little tax. This is for a News at 10 feature on Wednesday 10 February, ahead of Google and HMRC appearing before the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Thursday 11 February.
If you are comfortable speaking about this issue please get in touch with Allan Williams, Senior Press & Communications Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce. 020 7654 5812[email protected]
Much has changed since the Great Eastern Mainline Campaign business case was published in 2014: the new franchise is well underway with the imminent arrival of our new trains providing additional capacity; Greater Anglia is developing a new timetable; Local Authorities have updated their local plans; and Local Enterprise Partnerships have published revised economic growth strategies. There has also been changes in the way rail investment is allocated by Government.
To determine how this delivers against the ambitions of the Taskforce, New Anglia LEP are undertaking a refresh of the evidence base to identify what the investment priorities are for the Great Eastern Mainline and when these need to be delivered to fully realise the full potential of our region.
This free to attend rail conference provides an ideal opportunity to bring you up to speed with this work and how you can help support their renewed case for investment.
With key speakers, including MPs, businesses and the franchise operator Greater Anglia – this really is an opportunity to help shape our future direction and ensure that our campaign continues to achieve the outcomes that passengers and our economy need and deserve.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we work together to continue the transformation of our railway.
More UK exporters are reporting a decrease in orders in the opening quarter of the year, with cashflow and confidence dipping too according to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL.
The report based on the responses of over 3,400 exporters, including those from Norfolk shows that one in five manufacturers (23%) and service firms (20%) saw their export order books decline in the first three months of the year – the highest for both since Q2 2017 when records began.
Two-thirds of exporting manufacturers said exchange rates were of greater concern to them than in the previous three months, reflecting sterling volatility ahead of the original Brexit deadline. Exporters continue to report considerable price pressures, which for manufacturers is mainly driven by the cost of raw materials.
According to the findings, exporters are reporting muted confidence in turnover in the coming year. Nearly a quarter of exporters reported a decrease in cashflow, a key indicator of the financial health of a business – also at its highest level since Q2 2017.
The BCC/DHL Trade Confidence Index, which measures the volume of trade documents issued by Accredited Chambers of Commerce for goods shipments outside the EU stood at 124.04, representing a fall of 1% on the quarter and 2.3% lower than the same quarter in 2018.
The results of the report paint a picture of tough trading conditions, and while the prospect of immediate changes to conditions due to Brexit have been postponed, fundamental questions about the future business environment remain unanswered. Clarity is also needed about the terms of trade exporters will face in many key markets around the world after the UK leaves the EU.
Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“It’s been a trying time for many Norfolk exporters with uncertainty in the run up to the Brexit deadlines and continued trade tensions combining to flatten orders and confidence.
“The future relationship with Europe remains unresolved, but so too do the future terms of trade with many other important trading partners. Until the status of free trade agreements with third countries are clarified, Norfolk firms don’t know how their operations in all corners of the world will be affected when the UK leaves the EU in any transition period and beyond.
“Norfolk businesses are resilient, but they urgently need Parliament to overcome the current impasse and end the uncertainty. Leaving firms in limbo and allowing the political dramas to play out again at the last minute in October will only serve to diminish sales and confidence further.”
Shannon Diett, VP of Marketing at DHL Express, said:
“This quarter’s report shows a small decline in the Trade Confidence Index of 1.02% on the previous quarter and 2.03% on Q1 2018, alongside a decline in export orders, cash flow and a fall in confidence regarding future exports. This paints a fairly bleak picture when the results are taken in isolation, however we’re all aware that uncertainty surrounding the Brexit negotiations was at its peak in Q1 2019.
“These results highlight how critical it is for businesses trading internationally to have information and clarity in advance of the 31 October deadline.
“Every day we witness the drive and creativity of UK businesses who prevail whatever the circumstances, and more than this, seize every opportunity for growth and global expansion. Exporting internationally can be challenging, but the rewards are clear, with those businesses exporting to a high number of countries outperforming the market. The UK has so many strong and inspirational companies that are succeeding and we must ensure that their growth is supported.”
Key findings from the report:
23% of exporting manufacturers and 20% of exporting service firms saw a decrease in exports orders in the first three months of the year, up from 18% and 16% respectively in the previous quarter
Nearly a quarter of exporters reported a decrease in cashflow, 24% in manufacturing and 23% in services say it had decreased in the previous three months
Confidence in turnover also dipped, with 22% of exporting manufacturers expecting it to worsen in the coming year (up from 14% in the previous quarter) and 18% in services (up from 13%)
Two-thirds of exporting manufacturers (66%) and nearly a half (47%) of exporting service firms are more concerned about exchange rates than in the previous quarter
Half (49%) of exporting manufacturers expect to increase prices, unchanged from the previous quarter, and 42% of service firms (up from 39%). The cost of raw materials remains the primary cause of cost pressure (79%) for manufacturing firms
The percentage of exporters attempting to recruit fell in both sectors, from 68% to 63% in manufacturing and from 57% to 51% in services. The percentage reporting recruitment difficulties remained very high: 79% in manufacturing and 72% in services
The BCC/DHL Trade Confidence Index, a measure of the volume of trade documentation issued nationally, fell by 1.02% on the quarter and 2.03% compared to Q1 2018.
We don’t know about you but we at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce are certainly big fans of the chocolate that Gnaw creates, so were absolutely delighted to have Matt Legon, Managing Director, with us for the morning.
Matt gave a very relaxed and engaging presentation (used in the loosest sense of the word) to eighty delegates at our Norwich Business Breakfast last Thursday. He and his wife started the business in Norwich in 2011 after realising there was a very real gap in the market for lovingly crafted chocolate with a fun side! The room certainly enjoyed hearing all about the ups and downs, one of the ups being winning the British Chambers of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2018. Matt attributes much of their success to having a great product and facing the fear that many small business shy away from… exporting.
An anticipated 80% of Gnaw’s turnover for this year will come from export markets, which really highlighted to the room that doing the scary and sometimes more difficult thing is absolutely worth it. Plus, it means that Matt gets to travel around, something he loves to do! It was genuinely lovely to hear how Matt speaks about his team and the fact that he appreciates the company would be a very different place without them.
We certainly left feeling as though we were ready to tackle the world and take those scary steps others are too afraid to take. We’re sure you’ll agree that Gnaw has struck the right balance of keeping its Gnaw-folk identity while not being afraid to take on big markets, something to really be proud of.
Our featured charity for the morning was Nansa, an absolutely fantastic local charity that focuses on providing “there for life” support to people with a range of disabilities across Norfolk. The charity has been going for over 60 years and their new Chief Executive, Tom Garrod, really welcomes all types of support so if you’d like to know more definitely get in touch at [email protected].
The College of West Anglia has secured ESF funding of £2.8m to develop a bold package of measures to encourage people, who are already in employment, to improve their skills.
The college is working in partnership with 5 other colleges across Norfolk and Suffolk to deliver a wide range of innovative training and support which will help employers in the New Anglia LEP area, in a bid to boost the economy. Employees working for companies that employ less than 250 staff will be the main beneficiaries, and the training will be targeted particularly at young adults, aged 19 and over.
As Susie Massen, Head of Work Based learning and Project Manager at the College, explains:
‘The concern is that currently too many workers lack skills at the right level to respond to anticipated labour market changes. This funding offers an exciting opportunity for the College and its partners to address this problem and it will benefit workers in Norfolk and Suffolk. Our focus is predominantly on younger members of the workforce and our aim is to develop their skills so that they can contribute more to the economy, and advance their career prospects. The consortium’s emphasis will be on improving skills in areas that will ensure the best future business growth. We will be developing new, innovative training and support solutions so that as many people as possible can benefit.’
The consortium consists of 5 other partners from across the Norfolk and Suffolk who will be involved in delivering the training and support.
Older workers over 50, especially those with no formal qualifications, will also benefit and be offered the opportunity to retrain and update their skills. In addition local employers that are eligible for funding will receive assistance through a full skills health check. Workers will also have increased access to information, advice and guidance, to allow them to make informed decisions about their career goals and next steps.
Full information on the funding can be found on this factsheet
The Norwich Society celebrates Norwich’s unique character and beauty, helps preserve its heritage and contributes to shaping its future. We are seeking to develop closer links with businesses in Norwich in order to better inform our strategic thinking on the city’s future. Business and commerce has given the city its heritage and unique character – together we can work to leave a richer inheritance for future generations. We are seeking views on our Business Membership Scheme and how we can better engage with local businesses. Our questionnaire should only take a few minutes and we would really value your participation. https://forms.gle/asfXqU8DAjcCD73g6 For more information about our activities check out our website www.thenorwichsociety.org.uk
Congratulations to the Norfolk based companies that have been revealed in the Co-operative of the Year Awards 2019 shortlist; Norwich Mustard, AF Group and Norwich City Council.
Now it is over to the members of the public to decide the Co-operative of the Year Awards winners across each of the six categories.
Norwich Mustard is shortlisted for Breakthrough Co-operative of the Year. This award is for co‑ops with a turnover of up to £1 million who are breaking new ground and already achieving great things.
The AF Group has been shortisted for Leading Co-operative of the Year. The AF Group is one of the largest agricultural co-operatives in the UK, with a turnover of over £270 million and a growing 3,500 membership.
Norwich City Council has been shortlisted for the Co-operative Council of the Year. Sponsored by the Co-operative Councils’ Innnovation Network (CCIN) this award recognises best practice as demonstrated by co-operative local authorities, celebrating great work delivered at a local level.
The window for voting is open NOW. The winners will be crowned on Friday 21 June at the Co-op Congress in Manchester.
The Virgin Money Norwich Lounge is delighted to open its doors for the day to offer you somewhere different to work. Thursday 6 June is National Coworking Day – a day designed to encourage like-minded entrepreneurs and SMEs to get together.
We’ll also give you a 6 day pass to come back another time so you can experience our Lounges again.
Coworking is proven to facilitate connection, collaboration, and innovation. National Coworking Day is a collaborative doors open day of coworking spaces across the UK, allowing companies and individuals to experience this for free across the country.
You can find out more and book your space in our Norwich Lounge by popping in or calling us on 01603-610538 – we look forward to seeing you then!
Norwich: National Coworking Day 2019 6 June @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Free
Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for the month of May.
Visit their business to explore what they have to offer. Click on a business name below to view the full listing in our Member Directory.
Birdie Fortescue The Birdie Fortescue brand is based on a rich heritage of global inspiration interpreted into a range of textiles and interior accessories designed to suit classic contemporary living.
Clapham & Collinge LLP Clapham & Collinge is a local, leading firm of expert solicitors based in Norfolk. With offices in Norwich, North Walsham and Sheringham we provide a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals.
Motiv8 At Motiv8 Exercise and Fitness our philosophy is to give you a core set of disciplines and values to integrate into your lifestyle so that you can enjoy living stronger and living longer.
Parker Planning Services We are specialist Planning Consultants and Multi-Disciplinary Specialists providing a wide range of planning and specialist services required for planning applications and developments.
REAGIT The Revamped East Anglian Group for Industrial Training
Soul Church “We’re passionate about our city and we want to make a real difference to the people of Norwich. One of our aims is to build a warm, welcoming community where anyone can feel right at home and can access the support they need, whatever it may be.”
Tombland Bookshop Our shop is a fine, 15th century building opposite the Cathedral in the centre of Norwich. We are the largest bookshop of its type in East Anglia with a constantly changing stock of secondhand and antiquarian books on most subjects displayed on two floors, whose price ranges from £1 to over £10,000. We also carry a significant stock of specialist and academic books.
The Norfolk Farmhouse The Norfolk Farmhouse is a large detached Georgian Farmhouse which dates back to the 1800’s and was originally part of The Gunton Estate.
The Tree Academy The Tree Academy are dedicated to the learning, growth and development of people. As a team of specialists with broad industry backgrounds we are catalysts for excellence.
Following on from the success of last year’s celebrations, Norfolk Day is back! This year Norfolk Day will be held on Saturday 27th July. With this in mind, and supporting our great county, it is a great opportunity to showcase our brilliant businesses. Several organisations will be celebrating with events being held on Friday, which is an ideal chance to involve your staff, and fit around the working week too.
Last year over sixty of you; our members shared your #15SecBiz, these films were a fantastic insight, and inspiration into the great work being achieved in our county, on a daily basis. So, this year, whatever you are planning, we want to hear about how you and your staff members will be celebrating Norfolk Day this year. Maybe you are planning something big or small to mark this day. Keep us posted so we can support you with the promotion of this and potentially link up other members with you too.
Do get in touch with us at the Chambers [email protected] and the EDP are really keen to hear about what you have got planned too [email protected] so we can all spread the word!
Remember you can always use #NorfolkDay share your stories and spread the word too.
Commenting on the announcement that a new nuclear power plant will be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“After months of uncertainty, British business will be pleased that negotiations for the UK’s first new nuclear power plant in decades have been successfully concluded. Nuclear power is a critical part of the UK’s future energy infrastructure mix, and will help ensure our businesses have access to secure sources of energy in the years ahead. Businesses in Somerset and beyond will be a vital part of the supply chain opportunities on offer.
“This is a major step towards ensuring nuclear power continues to play a vital role in the UK’s future energy security, but it is only one step. Dithering by successive governments has meant that this vital project, like so many before it, will end up costing the Exchequer and consumers far more than needed.
“Britain must adopt a comprehensive, long-term strategy to guarantee the security of our energy supplies. Only then will we see both certainty for investors and affordable energy for consumers. More politicking will only run the risk of the lights going out. We await such good news about Sizewell C in the future”
We are back at Norfolk’s largest two-day county show, which takes place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th June at the Norfolk Showground. Organised by Chamber members the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), The Royal Norfolk Show offers visitors an unmatched range of activities, displays and experiences. Following a successful return to the show in 2018, we are back and we want you to come and get involved. We’ll be on stand 82 on Third Drive, same location is in 2018 so you can find us easily! We’ll also be bringing back our colourful deckchairs (if the weather is nice!) and some new, pink flags to welcome you to our marquee – you won’t miss us! We have a jam-packed schedule of activities throughout the two days, all of which we encourage visitors to the show to come and take part in. We’re bringing back our networking breakfasts both mornings of the show, as well as extending our popular gin hour to both days at 2pm. We’ve also added some networking games, a Netwalking route around the show to visit our Members and an evening celebration event on the Wednesday night. On top of all of this, we’ll also be working on something really exciting in our marquee that we want you to get involved in – Norfolk’s Voice! Our new digital platform is coming soon and we want you to come create exciting content with us at the show ready for its launch. Tickets for the show must be purchased to attend the show, but once inside you can visit us anytime! If you’re a Chamber member, you can also get 10% off two day and one day adult tickets! Just email us or give us a call on 01603 625977 to get the code. To see our full schedule of activities and what we’ll be up to on stand 82, click here.