Chamber News

It was recently announced that a further £5.3m is to be invested in Norfolk’s broadband rollout. This will further extend the reach of high speed fibre broadband across Norfolk and is part of the Better Broadband for Norfolk (BBfN) programme.

The additional amount is from funding that BT is making available to extend Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) projects across the UK as a result of the success of the projects in delivering higher than expected take-up levels. The money is being made available to Norfolk to reinvest in providing further superfast broadband coverage to even more homes and businesses and much earlier than originally planned.

The £5.3 million is being made available as a result of a ‘gain share’ clause in the phase 1 BDUK contract BT agreed with Norfolk that allows the funding BT has received to be reinvested over a number of years into further coverage if take-up is better than the 20 per cent* expected in BT’s original business case. This announcement is bringing forward that investment and making it available much earlier than planned. The higher take-up rate to date has resulted in BT making a new business case assumption of reaching 30 per cent take-up in these areas.

Better Broadband for Norfolk is currently working with BT to obtain the extra money and to decide how it could be used to extend coverage throughout the county, targeting many of those properties in hard to reach places. It is expected that by the end of 2015 it will be known what additional coverage the extra funding will have achieved.

Dr Marie Strong is Chair of the Broadband Working Group and member on the Better Broadband for Norfolk Steering Group said: “This extra money means we will be able to bring high-speed broadband to a significantly greater number of rural homes and businesses in Norfolk. With public money invested in the Better Broadband for Norfolk programme, it’s vital that we get the best value for money from the contract and recouping over £5 million that we can reinvest in the project is an excellent result.

BBfN continues with the overall rollout across Norfolk but there is still more work to be done. Many villages and market towns have already benefitted from high speed broadband. To date over 169,000 premises now have access to faster broadband. However some of the more remote parts of Norfolk will prove more of a challenge to deliver better broadband to them, due to the cost of rollout. The extra funding will help meet some of those challenges.

Another broadband provider trying to achieve better coverage in the more remote/rural areas of Norfolk is Chamber member, Wispire.They have just appointed a new Chief Executive, Steve Maine who has joined WiSpire after holding management roles at BT, Kingston Communications and mobile service provider Solaris Mobile.WiSpire was launched four years ago by the Diocese of Norwich.It is a local provider of high speed broadband across Norfolk who use a combination of exchanges and parish churches across the county as the platform to deliver high speed, reliable broadband and leased line internet access. Mr Maine said: Non-availability of broadband will become more and more important, especially in relation to rural counties such as Norfolk.”

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said: “To enable Norfolk businesses to communicate more effectively and be instrumental in creating jobs for Norfolk and moving the economy forward, we need access to high speed broadband. Improving broadband is as equally as important to the Norfolk business community as road and rail improvements. Extra funding will boost the BBfN programme and help deliver improved broadband to more homes and businesses.”Norfolk Chamber also welcomes the appointment of Mr Maine as Chief Executive of WiSpire and we look forward to a continuing to support WiSpire through their Chamber membership.”

* This 20 percent take-up rate was based on international comparisons and BT’s experience in its own commercial roll-out.

• UK Manufacturing output in June 2015 was up 0.2% on the month and up 0.5% on the year
• Total UK Industrial production in June 2015 was -0.4% on the month and up 1.5% on the year

Commenting on the index of production figures for June 2015, published yesterday by the ONS, Caroline Williams,CEO of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Although UK manufacturing output returned to modest growth in June, after declining in May, the sector’s overall performance remains mediocre. Year on year growth is below 1% and the level of manufacturing output is still almost 5% below its pre-recession peak in the first quarter of 2008.

However locally the last BCC Quarterly Economic Survey showed that the Norfolk results for Q2, whilst mixed, showed signs of cautious growth. Particularly, Norfolk’s manufacturing export sales and orders were stronger and higher than the national results and it was encouraging to see several of Norfolk QES balances positively ‘bucking the national trend. However concerns over the EU are still causing some uncertainty within the Norfolk business community and the impact of the reduced oil prices is being felt locally.”

Also commenting on the index of production figures for June 2015, David Kern, Chief Economist of the British Chambers of Commerce,said:

“The manufacturing sector is up against a number of headwinds, including difficult global circumstances. While there have been modest improvements in the Eurozone, which will help exporters in coming months, progress will be difficult because of the recent strength of the sterling against the euro. Any premature action on interest rates is likely to make these problems worse.

“The UK economy will remain dependent on its dynamic and competitive services sector but manufacturing remains a vital sector for exports, innovation and productivity. The government must reinforce its efforts to encourage manufacturing firms to explore international export markets, particularly beyond the European Union.

Mouchel has been appointed by Norfolk County Council and Broadland District Council to investigate the potential for new stations at Rackheath and Broadland Business Park and to consider whether there is a business case to improve the frequency of the train service along all or part of the line.

The support of stakeholders is a key part of developing a good business case and Mouchel will be contacting local stakeholders along the line with a view to obtaining their views on:-

• The existing line in general
• Whether new stations at Broadland Business Park and Rackheath can be justified
• Improving the level of train service frequency

Study Background

At present the Bittern Line provides an hourly service between Norwich and Sheringham. It offers travellers a good means of access to Norwich city centre and onward rail connections, to schools and colleges along the route, and to tourist destinations on the north Norfolk coast.

Over the last 10 years the total number of entries and exits at all stations on the line have increased by an average of 64% representing significant growth, and this growth is expected to continue. Partly in recognition of the growth and the existing service the Norfolk Rail Prospectus (2013) and Anglia Route Study (2014) both state a desire to increase the service between Norwich and Sheringham to two trains per hour.

Substantial housing growth is planned adjacent to the Bittern Line, in particular at Rackheath (near to Salhouse Station) where a total development of up to 4,000 dwellings in addition to 25 hectares of employment land is planned. As part of the outline masterplan the potential to include a new station was proposed.

Furthermore, on the eastern edge of Norwich city centre adjacent to the Bittern Line, the Broadland Business Park provides a range of employment units and a hotel. Adjacent to the Business Park is the Dussindale housing estate. Together these sites are a major generator of car trips and with more housing and employment planned for the area the demand for travel will increase. In the Broadland District Council Local Plan, land was reserved for a new station.

As part of a planning application for development north of Dussindale an alternative site was identified for a new station.

This Study

Given the increased patronage on the Bittern Line, and the opportunities to support more sustainable modes travel to and from areas of existing and planned development this study will:

• Assess the suggested locations for new stations at Broadland Business Park and Rackheath to establish if they are technically viable and identify the potential challenges and opportunities associated with each location;
• Investigate whether a new station or stations would be feasible in railway operational terms and what operational changes would need to be made to accommodate them;
• Identify options to optimise the existing station demand; and
• Establish the viability of increasing the service frequency from one to two trains per hour and identify any operational and technical changes that may be required to support this.

The outcome of this study will be a strategic outline business case to demonstrate whether a case for investment exists.

If you have any comments on the Bittern Line, please email them, by the closing date of 31 August 2015 to:

Adam Banham, Broadland District Council

| E: [email protected]

David Cumming, Norfolk County Council

| E: [email protected]

David Wildman, Mouchel Consulting

| E: [email protected]

Hear a quick policy update from Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy & External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Today he outlines the results of the Bank of England’s ‘Super Thursday’ and gives the business opinion of the Bank of England’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged.

Commentating on today’s interest rate decision announced by the Bank of England, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has shown composure and sound judgement in keeping rates unchanged.

“It would have been imprudent to push through a rate rise at this moment when our economic recovery remains in need of care and encouragement. Rates will eventually have to rise and when they do it should be done slowly and steadily. Until that moment, the Bank of England is right to keep interest rates at current levels.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Those who advocate higher interest rates, underestimate the fragility of the economic recovery, especially in the face of a highly uncertain international backdrop.

“The MPC will be watching increases in earnings closely. But any adverse inflationary pressures will be mitigated by the declines in oil and commodity prices and by the strength of sterling seen over recent months. Our view remains that inflation will remain below the 2% target until well into 2016. That being the case, the MPC should keep interest rates at current levels for the foreseeable future and, in doing so, it will not take any undue risks.”

The Government has launched a new toolkit which aims to help SMEs understand and present the value of the Intellectual Property (IP) to potential lenders.

Developed by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), it will support small businesses to use their intellectual property assets to secure the finance they need for company growth.

The toolkit has been developed to

• help lenders and businesses talk the same language when understanding the value ofIP
• encourage and guide businesses to document theirIPassets ahead of any application for finance
• help businesses to develop more effectiveIPmanagement and commercialisation strategies
• raise awareness of the wide variety of finance options available forIP-rich businesses

Minister for Intellectual Property, Baroness Neville-RolfeDBEsaid:

“The UK now invests more in ideas and brands than factories or machinery. Small businesses are the economic bedrock of the UK and it is vital that we help them exploit theirIPto secure appropriate finance and grow.”

“Too often businesses and lenders do not fully identify and value theIP they have. It’s essential that we continue to create the right environment for them to flourish, so we can benefit from their creative designs, inventions and ideas. TheIPFinance toolkitis an important step towards businesses making the most of theirIP.”

“TheIPFinance toolkitwill help businesses to present the security and financial worth of theirIPwhen seeking finance and help banks recognise the value ofIPin a business. It will assist businesses which are rich in intangibles, but lack traditional assets, to make a stronger case when they need to access the finance they need to grow.”

The 6 week legal challenge period, following the granting of the Development Consent order by the Secretary of State, Patrick Mcloughlin, has now passed without any challenges being received. This now means that work can start on the £148.5 million Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR). Norfolk County Council has revealed that initial work will start on the NDR in mid October. The route runs for 12.5 miles from the A1067 Fakenham Road at Attlebridge to Postwick on the A47.

A Norfolk county Council spokesperson said: “The courts have confirmed that there have been no legal challenges made, which is positive news. It means the next step is to secure full funding from the Department of Transport and final approval from councillors.”

“We anticipate that initial work will start on site around mid October. This will be in the form of utility diversions and some advance environmental and archaeology works. The main road and bridge construction work would start on site in February/March next year, with all construction expected to be completed in December 2017.”

Norfolk’s business leaders have welcomed the granting of the NDR Development Consent and are pleased that work will now start in October:

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“A confirmed start date for work on the NDR is another positive step toward getting the improvements to Norfolk’s infrastructure, which the business community has been calling for. The NDR is not just a piece of road, but the opportunity to unlock jobs and new homes for the city and surrounding area.”

Peter Foster, Chair of Norwich Chamber Council / Managing Director of Hugh J Boswell Ltd

“I am delighted with the positive outcome for the NDR. It is incredibly clear to me that some of the northern aspects of our city and indeed County will benefit enormously. I know that in recent years there are certain areas that we have traditionally transacted less business for pure logistical reasons. Intuitively I believe that the NDR will transform the northern part of the city and encourage growth in areas such as Holt, Sheringham, Aylsham and North Walsham. This bid certainly has the support of the Board at Hugh J Boswell Ltd.”

Richard Marks, Head of Branch – John Lewis Norwich

“John Lewis supports the Norwich Area Transport Strategy which is so dependent on the NDR coming to fruition – removing through traffic from Norwich City Centre and increasing pedestrianisation will be of huge commercial benefit to city centre retailers”

Mark Proctor, Partner – Lovewell Blake

“I am pleased to hear the positive news on the NDR. The benefits to the city and wider city area will be significant. It will greatly improve transport links for the north ofNorwich, which will assist businesses togrow and enhance inward investment opportunitiesfor Norwich and Norfolk. TheNDR will form an essential part of the overall growth in housing planned for Norwichand thereby willplay a key part in the growth of the local economy formany years ahead.”

The latest British Chambers Monthly UK Economic review was published today. The key headlines were:

• UK economy grew by 0.7% in Q2, driven by a strong output from services and oil and gas
• Labour market conditions in the UK weaken and inflation falls back to zero
• Outlook for global growth weakens amid continued concern over China and Greece

The UK service sector accounts for three quarter’s of the UK’s economic output and it rose to 0.7%. However the UK manufacturing sector output fell by 0.3%. This UK-wide data was reflected in the results of the last Quarterly Economic Survey for Quarter 2. Although many of the key Norfolk manufacturing QES balances rose in Q2 2015. Both export sales and orders balances rose (sales by eight points to +29% and orders by 2 points to +18%).

Despite the overall UK oil and gas output being strong, it should also be noted that many in the oil and gas sector in Norfolk and Suffolk are finding the current economic conditions challenging, as the impact of the reduced price of oil is being felt.

In the three months to May UK employment fell. Again, our region bucked this trend, with continued decreases in those claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA).

With the outlook for Greece still looking uncertain and the Chinese stock prices plummeting, the outlook for global growth weakens.

For more detail and to read the full report click here.

Hear a quick policy update from Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy & External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). He outlines what has been happening in Westminster last week and gives details of the webinar with Columbia, an emerging export market,and the expected results from the latest BCC International Trade survey being published this week.

The results of the BCC International Trade survey can now be found here.

It has recently been reported that the A47 improvements may not be completed until 2023. Mr Oluwole Odetola, the Highways England Manager, in charge of the A47 projects outlined that there are planning hurdles and environmental and design works that will take time and that actual construction will not commence until 2020, and will take approximately two to three years to complete.

He also advised that it has not yet been decided whether the single lane sections to be dualled, between North Tuddenham and Easton, and Blofield and North Burlingham, should be completely new road constructions, or whether an extra lane should be added to the existing carriageway.

Highways England possible timeline for the improvement works would look like:

2015

Feasibility studies to be carried out, including surveys and development options. These will be in conjunction with local authorities and ‘stakeholders’ along the route.

2016

By the end of 2016 Highways England is aiming to hold public consultations on the options for the proposed routes.

2017

Beginning of 2017 it is hoped that the routes will be announced.

2020

It is hoped that construction work will commence. This cannot happen until the design has been finalised and contractors appointed.

2023

If work commences in 2020, it is expected that construction will take no more than three years to complete.

Commenting on the time scales, Mr Odetola said:

“The five years is currently the timescale we have, I know it does seem long but there are reasons. Major plans, which impact on the surrounding community and environment, would have to go to the Planning Inspectorate. That is a major hurdle and it would take some time to prepare for it and examine it. These route questions require traffic modelling, route assessments and engineering assessments. Road building is a hugely complex task, so there is a certain amount of time you need to prepare for this assessment and design.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Dualling these sections of the A47 is vital to economic growth for Norfolk’s businesses and residents. Norfolk Chamber, together with the A47 Alliance, and the local business community will continue to lobby hard for the improvements to the A47 to be delivered as soon as possible.”

New Anglia LEP recently convened the inaugural meeting of the region’s Oil and Gas Taskforce at Beacon Park in Great Yarmouth. Working with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR); Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth and Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney; local authorities; Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce; members of the Government; and Job Centre Plus; the aim of the Taskforce is to help and advise businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk that are affected by the challenges facing the oil and gas sector.

The Taskforce commissioned energy exports Nautilus Associates to carry out market research to gain further insight into the problems local companies are facing. Nautilus will be speaking directly to local companies within the oil and gas sector, on a confidential basis, over the coming weeks.

The results of their research will be fed into the New Anglia Growth Hub, whose business advisers are ready to offer free and impartial face-to-face support. Businesses can contact the Growth Hub advisers by phone or online. The Growth Hub can be contacted by phone on 0300 333 6536 or by email: [email protected]

For any individuals affected by redundancy, Job Centre Plus is on standby to help identify alternative employment and make sure their valuable skills are not lost. Lynn Rolland, District Partnership Manager at Job Centre Plus can be contacted by phone on 01603 248667 or 07920 727154 or by email: [email protected]

The Taskforce’s goal is to make sure the long-standing oil and gas industry has a sustainable future as well as to help businesses and employees to take advantage of the opportunities available across the whole energy sector, building on our existing assets of offshore wind and decommissioning.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber, who attended the inaugural meeting of the Oil and Gas Taskforce said:

“The oil and gas sector is a large part of the Norfolk business community. It is important that businesses understand what support and opportunities are available to them and how they can access them. There are also decisions, which the industry needs the government to make, to help give confidence back to this sector.”

One of Norfolk Chamber’s key campaigns is ‘Developing the Talent of our Young People’ – we are working with our members, stakeholders and the British Chamber’s of Commerce (BCC) to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. We are also part of a BCC pilot project to develop the ‘Young Chamber’ offering to schools to enable them to better connect to their local business community.

Over the last 3 years, Norfolk Chamber has had a total of 4 apprentices, which at one point represented 25% of our workforce. 2 apprentices graduated last year and we were delighted to be able to employ them upon their graduation. Of the remaining apprentices, we now have 1 apprentice, Darcy Bayfield, who is nearing the completion of her Level 2 apprenticeship and another, Samantha Brown, who having completed her Level 2, is now close to completing her Level 3 apprenticeship. We are now starting to recruit for another new apprentice to work in the events department.

One of our apprentices, studying for a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Level 2, is Darcy Bayfield. Below she outlines why she chose the apprenticeship route.

Darcy Bayfield – Business Administration Apprentice said:

“During the last year of my A-Levels, I had a very big decision to make – what am I going to do after I have completed my A-Levels? I had my sights set on going to University to study Accountancy and Finance. My sixth form gave me a lot of opportunities to attend various workshops and meet with business men and women. A lot of them told me that they went to university, but a few said they undertook an apprenticeship. I hadn’t even considered an apprenticeship, but wanted to know all my options, so I did some research.”

“The more I learnt about them, the more I liked the idea of becoming an apprentice. Not only do you benefit from not having a university debt, you also gain a better understanding of the company that you are working for. I liked the idea of essentially starting at the bottom and working my way up. You also gain experience in the workplace and you are given many opportunities to develop your skills.”

“I decided to select an apprenticeship in Business Administration. I achieved an ‘A’ in my Business Studies A-Level and I really wanted to put my knowledge to good use. When reading the job description for the apprenticeship at the Norfolk Chamber, I was really interested in the day-to-day duties and the key responsibilities. I had no idea that I would end up working in other departments too!”

“What I enjoy most about being an apprentice are the opportunities that you are given. Norfolk Chamber has given me numerous opportunities to develop my skills and to be trained up in other departments. I have been trained to do work in the Accounts department and also in the International Trade department. For the International Trade work, I had to take additional exams to become qualified to stamp official documents. I also carry out day-to-day general office duties and have various responsibilities, such as being in charge of all the stationary orders for the Chamber. This has given me an insight as to how the Chamber works and what happens in each department. Every day has something different waiting for you, which is great.”

“Upon completion of my apprenticeship I hope to have achieved a qualification that I can add to my CV. Plus, I also hope to have developed my own skills and to have built good working relationships with my colleagues.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“At Norfolk Chamber our apprentices form an integral part of our work force and are valuable asset to our business. Historically apprenticeships have been perceived as the ‘poor relation’ in comparison to a university degree. However, more and more employers are seeing the advantages and benefits of apprenticeships, and our apprenticeshave brought new ideas and innovations to our organisation.”

“Apprenticeships will not only give Norfolk’s young people the skills they need, but the experience and ‘on the job’ training. Plus, they also offer local employers the chance to mould their new recruits and effectively grow their own future workforce. I would recommend all employers, both large and small, to find out more about apprenticeships.”