Chamber News

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.”

• GDP growth in Q2 2015 was 0.7%, up from 0.4% in the first quarter
• Services output rose by 0.7%, total production was up by 1.0% but construction was flat
• GDP in Q2 2015 was 2.6% higher than a year ago and was 5.2% higher than in the pre-recession peak in Q1 2008
• GDP growth matches the forecast made by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last month

Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for Q2 2015, published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“These national figures show a welcome acceleration in growth, with the services sector once again being the driving force. But today’s figures also point to other sectors where life is more difficult.”

“The manufacturing sector saw output fall by 0.3% in the quarter, continuing to highlight the serious, systemic problems our manufacturers face. The construction sector also remains weak. The 1% growth in total production was mainly due to a surge in mining and quarrying – a highly volatile sector.”

“The last BCC Quarterly Economic Survey showed that the Norfolk results for Q2, whilst mixed, showed signs of cautious growth. 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.”

Therefore it is positive that the latest GDP figures highlight that the UK economy continues to grow, but there are still many hurdles to clear in the months ahead. This is not the time for complacency. Our economy remains unbalanced and international uncertainty adds to the challenges our economy faces. A premature move to increase interest rates could choke the recovery and the MPC must keep rates at existing levels for the time being.”

Building on the last four year’s success Norfolk Chamber bring you an unmissable opportunity to experience first hand how digital technology is impacting on your business today. And tomorrow.

The digital revolution has changed the way we do business forever. It’s a 24/7 world. We’re always online. Always connected.

In this fully interactive experience you’ll be brought up to speed on how digital technology is shaping the future of business, and how you can maximise its potential.

Hear from local and national brands including Amazon, Tech City UK, Naked Element, Proxama and Rainbird who will guide you through key issues including –

• The ‘Power of the Cloud’. Learn more about Cloud based technology and the office of the future
• Master Data Management. Get practical advice on gathering customer data as well as using social media and google analytics
• Mobile Ready. Hear how to get the most from location based marketing and making sure your website is responsive across all platforms.
• Connecting with the future. Explore the developments in technology and how they have already come into practice in the business community.

PLUS! Develop practical skills and take away top tips from four 30 minute invaluable ‘Be Better’ workshops delivered by leaders in their field-

-Be Better at Email Marketing -Be Better at Improving your Digital Marketing Strategy -Be Better at Google Adwords -Be Better at Video Marketing

All this, as well as a keynote address on The future of Norfolk’, a networking lunch, Q&A Panel and an exhibition featuring some of the region’s best businesses. The Future is here – and it’s unmissable!

Step in to the future of technology for business. Get real insight and practical advice to take your business forward.

The Future is Here Experience it at The Space, Norwich Wednesday 23 September 2015, 8.30am – 1pm

The latest Agent’s summary from the Bank of England highlighted that whilst growth in consumer services turnover had been steady, retail sales growth had eased. House prices had risen, as the housing market strengthened and construction output growth also continued at a steady pace.

Although there had been little change in the growth of total labour costs per employee, there were signs of wage pressures building. However employers were still advising that they intended to recruit new employees, even though recruitment difficulties remained.

Manufacturing output remained modest, although manufacturing exports had improved. Business services turnover growth remained firm overall.

To read the Agents’ summary in detail click here.

I am pleased to let you know that following a recent reviewComposite Legal Expenses have added a number of enhancements to the Chamber Legal benefits package.

The enhancements include:

• Removal of £1000 Excess – Chamber members will now benefit from an excess-free claims process
• Increase in the limit a member can claim to £100,000 per claim and an aggregate amount of £1,000,000 per member per year
• More accessible policy wording
• Change in the Telephone number from 0871 number to a new geographic number of 029 21 157571 (the old number is still valid ongoing)

Find full details on Chamber Legal here:

• Legal Advice Line
• Legal Expense Insurance

Norfolk Chamber was proud to have sponsored the recent National Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony at the St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich. The Chamber joined with parents, training providers and local employers in congratulating the graduating apprentices, who had successfully completed their apprenticeships.

Norfolk Chamber’s own Events Apprentice, Samantha Brown received her graduation scroll for completing her Level 2 Business Administration at the ceremony. Commenting on the ceremony andreceiving her scroll Sam Brown said:

“It was a great opportunity to share this evening with so many other graduating apprentices and to hear about their different qualifications. I love the fact that apprenticeships have now been recognised in this way and that we are able to graduate and be given a scroll, it gives me personally a great sense of achievement for my hard work.”

Nova Fairbank, Executive Assistant at Norfolk Chamber said:

“Over the last few years, Norfolk Chamber has recruited several apprentices, in fact those apprentices represented 25% of our workforce. Upon graduation, two have been employed permanently at the Chamber, one has gone on to undertake a Level 3 apprenticeship with us and another is half way though her Level 2 apprenticeship with us.

It is important to celebrate what a great achievement it is for those young people who are not only gaining a qualification, through lots of hard work, but from an employer’s perspective, they are also totally work ready, which is one of the key reasons why Norfolk Chamber has sponsored the National Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony in Norwich.”

According to recent Office of National Statistics figures, the UK’s unemployment total has risen for the first time in two years. The ONS said 1.85 million people in the UK were unemployed in the March to May period, an increase of 15,000 from the previous quarter, with a jobless rate at 5.6%.

However the local unemployment figures here in Norfolk told a different story, with the overall results bucking the national trend and showing that the unemployment figures were still falling.

All Norfolk districts saw the JSA claimant rates continue the trend of recent months and fell further. Broadland had the largest percentage fall of -10.1%, with Norwich showing a percentage drop of -6.5% and Great Yarmouth a drop of -4.1%. The smallest percentage change was in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, who saw a percentage change of -3.8%. Overall Norfolk’s JSA claimant rate fell from 1.4% in May, to 1.3% in June 2015.

Chamber member, RG Carter has been successful in securing the contract to build Dudgeon Offshore Wind’s new Operations and Maintenance base in Great Yarmouth. The base will be located at Berth 9, next to the River Yare within the Great Yarmouth Port. Work commenced in early July and is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2016.

RG Carter have been contracted to convert an existing warehouse into Dudgeon’s permanent office and logistics facility. The finished building will include a two storey facility, integrated into the existing framework of the warehouse. There will be sufficient spaces for Dudgeon’s onshore workforce, as well a dedicated 24 hour a day control centre to monitor and mange the windfarm’s production.

Commenting on the awarded contract, Rune Rønvik, the Dudgeon Operations Manager said:

“Commencing building work on Dudgeon’s new O&M base is a significant milestone for the project as we continue our preparations for the wind farm’s operational phase” comments. We are happy to have awarded this important contract to RG Carter and look forward to further establishing ourselves as an integral part of the local business community.”

Since the Great Eastern Mainline (GEML) Taskforce was created in 2013, at the request of the Chancellor, they have been making a compelling case for rail improvements in our region, which has resonated right across Whitehall and Westminster.

David Cameron, George Osborne, Transport ministers, MPs from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and beyond, together with many others have repeatedly praised the GEML campaign. More importantly Ministers have committed to the levels of investment that our region needs. Without doubt, the active support of leaders from across business, education and local authorities has helped make the difference.

The GEML Taskforce continue to have confidence in the progress made so far, and that the year-on-year transformation of the Great Eastern Mainline will continue. But success depends on us, the local business community, to keep up the momentum.

The Taskforce has advised that, despite the recent news of Network Rail’s performance and Government plans to ‘pause’ improvements in parts of the country, the Great Eastern Mainline was not affected. Transport Secretary Patrick Mcloughlin repeated his promise to the Taskforce to bring about ‘modern, faster trains to Ipswich and Norwich in the next franchise’. And in the recent Summer Budget, the Chancellor also re-affirmed his commitment for ‘Norwich in 90 and Ipswich in 60’ campaign. Keeping up the momentum, the Taskforce has written to the Transport Secretary and Network Rail asking for renewed assurances that the improvements will be delivered on time and as promised.

The GEML Taskforce has met twice, since the General Election in May, to review progress and agree the next steps. The most recent developments for the Great Eastern Mainline are:

• Department for Transport has announced the three train companies shortlisted to bid for the new franchise. They are Abellio East Anglia in a joint venture with Stagecoach; First East Anglia; and National Express. These train companies will now submit their bids to Government by August, with the expectation that they will be innovative in their approach to achieving the recommendations of the Great Eastern Rail Report – including all-important new rolling stock and changes to the timetable. The contract winner will be announced by Government in June 2016 with the new franchise starting in October 2016.

The Taskforce has invited each of the three bidders to meet with them, so that they can outline first hand the high expectations that our region has of the new service. All three train companies have confirmed their acceptance of the invitation.

• Network Rail is undertaking a feasibility study which will set out the engineering work required to increase the speed of the rail line. The final recommendations will be published in November 2015 with work starting soon after. At the same time, Network Rail’s Anglia Route Study will identify the work needed for the whole of the region between 2019-2024 and will be published in summer 2015.

• All the newly elected MPs across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been briefed on the GEML campaign and are supportive and fully involved.

The GEML Taskforce have recently written to business leaders across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex and invited them to attend an update meeting on 23 October 2015 in Ipswich. The meeting will bring together all the key supporters and provide a progress update on the campaign, as well as answer any questions. They also hope that all three of the shortlisted train companies for our region’s rail franchise will attend this meeting.

Commenting on the work that has been done so far by the GEML Taskforce,Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“It is vitally important the Norfolk’s business community continue to support the rail campaign and the work that the GEML Taskforce is doing. Already the results of delivering a consistent message to Westminster, from the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex’s business communities; the New Anglia LEP; theMPs from across the 3 counties;and the local authoritiesis paying off. With continued support and encouragement, we can work together to transform our railway.”

The Broads Authority is producing new guidance on the subjects of mooring and riverbank stabilisation design.

The Authority has an existing guide for Riverbank Protection Works which is over ten years old. As part of the Local Plan review process, Officers have reviewed the guide with the intention of making the content more up to date to reflect current practice and lessons learned.

The consultation responses are intended to give would-be designers/developers of riverbank stabilisation and moorings high level information to help inform the way forward with their design and highlight some of the common issues which such development needs to consider.

For more information and to have your say click here.

The consultation runs until 4 September 2015