Chamber News

We’re delighted to welcome Plain Speaking Agency as a new member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. Plain Speaking is a straight talking, results focused PR, communications and marketing agency based in Norwich. Founded in 2006, the team is made up of three senior comms professionals – managing director Pippa Lain-Smith, plus Amber Davis and Kayla Dunne – collectively with over fifty years’ PR experience: from global organisations to start-ups, consumer goods to business services, national brands to social enterprises. They are friendly and tenacious, all involved in every element of clients’ work, from developing campaign plans and implementing activity, to measuring success.

The Plain Speaking team believes public relations is about communicating and building relationships with people who are important to your brand; engaging their interest, inspiring their loyalty and encouraging them to do business with you. They help to build, maintain and protect reputations; and take pride in using language that clients understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon. The will only recommend communications tactics that they honestly believe will add value to a business.

Pippa Lain-Smith, managing director of Plain Speaking Agency, said: “Our team has such broad experience that we are able to represent a very diverse range of clients; from retail to telecoms, healthcare to property, and everything in between. We have one simple aim: to help our clients achieve their business objectives. Most of the clients that we work with have been with us for a number of years, which is testament to our commitment to exceeding their expectations.

“We offer more than just media relations: from award submissions, event planning and internal communications; to issues management, copywriting and social media engagement. There is also our Brand Vitals© process which helps clients to develop their brand identity and hone core values. Depending on the brief, our work can cover consumer, business-to-business and trade audiences; on a local, regional, national or international level.

“We joined the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to engage more with the regional business community. The training, networking and events programme has been highly recommended so we’re looking forward to meeting new people and enhancing our skills base.”

To find out more about Plain Speaking visit www.plainspeakingagency.co.uk , call 01603 487 291 or email [email protected]

Commenting on the final report of the Airports Commission, which has backed anewrunway at Heathrow, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“After three years of deliberation, businesses across the UK will be pleased that the Airports Commission has finally come to a clear recommendation.

“Now that all the evidence is on the table, firms in every corner of the UK want to see an irreversible government commitment to a new runway at Heathrow by the end of 2015, with planning complete and diggers on the ground by the end of this parliament in 2020.

“The ball is now firmly in the government’s court. If ministers duck this decision, and delay airport expansion for yet another generation, British businesses and our overall competitiveness will pay the price.

“Business long ago ran out of patience. The government cannot afford to delay airport expansion any further if it is serious about Britain punching above its weight on the global stage. That means delivering a new runway at Heathrow now, and leaving the door open to subsequent expansion at Gatwick, Stansted and key regional airports as well.”

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget announcement on Wednesday 8 July, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to commit to rebuilding Britain’s infrastructure, bringing to an end our ‘make-do and mend’ culture.

The BCC’s submission highlights that a lack of investment in infrastructure capacity and maintenance – across transport, energy and digital – is hampering business growth and costing jobs.

Public infrastructure investment has fallen noticeably since the 1970s, despite the UK National Infrastructure Plan identifying around 650 projects required in the next 15 years. Britain also lags behind other developed countries for quality of infrastructure, ranking only 27th in the World Economic Forums’ Quality of Overall Infrastructure table. The UK needs to be in the top 15 by 2020 if it is to achieve the government’s aspiration to become the richest country in the G7, per capita, by 2030.

Businesspeople across the UK are concerned that government spending remains too focused on areas of short-term economic benefit and political convenience, instead of on assets that have a lasting economic impact. The BCC calls for the government to sharpen its focus on growth and put infrastructure measures, capable of boosting productivity, at the heart of the economy.

The BCC submission proposes five key measures* to address this:

• Complete the review and reform of the compulsory purchase process by 2017/18 – the BCC urges the government to speed up the delivery of important projects by increasing compensation for people subject to compulsory purchase orders to 150% of the open market value of the property.
• Rapid action to green-light new aviation capacity following publication of the Airports Commission’s final report and recommendation.
• Deliver promised investments in road and rail schemes of national importance.
• Create a new independent body to decide the UK’s infrastructure needs.
• Remove investment relating to the delivery of the national infrastructure plan from the national debt target.

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

“It is the business community that will deliver jobs and economic prosperity in Norfolk and delays in delivering the vital infrastructure improvements will be to the detriment of Norfolk’s economic wellbeing.

Norfolk has historically lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of road and rail infrastructure. Greater accessibility is key to ensuring that the Norfolk business community can compete on a national level and infrastructure improvements in Norfolk will open up opportunities for local businesses to deliver more economic growth, housing and jobs for our County.

We would call on the Chancellor to re-confirm the commitments that he made to improve Norfolk’s infrastructure, prior to the General Election, with solid timescales.”

Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“The UK must get to grips with a huge investment challenge over the next decade – ageing road, rail and energy networks need upgrading and replacing and more houses need to be built to meet demand.

“Businesses rely on transport networks to move people and goods, digital and wireless connectivity for selling and buying online and energy infrastructure to keep production lines and technology running. Failure to invest in capacity and maintenance is hampering business growth and costing jobs.

“Britain has relied on a ‘make-do and mend’ approach for far too long, but this is simply not acceptable. While our competitors across the world are making serious, sustained investment towards infrastructure, in many cases we rely on patched up systems built in the ’70s. It’s for this reason that we languish so far down the international league table for quality of infrastructure, as well as investment. Unless the UK overhauls its lacklustre approach to managing infrastructure and gets serious about investment, we risk falling behind in the global race.

“We need the government to make irreversible commitments to new airport capacity and nationally significant road and rail improvements. As well as establishing a national board to oversee the delivery of projects, the government should increase compensation for people subject to compulsory purchase orders to make the system fairer and speed up the delivery of projects that help strengthen the economy.

“Businesses support the government’s goal of deficit reduction, but it must be achieved without detriment to growth. We want this Parliament to be defined by growth and to enable that we need to invest in our infrastructure.

“A world class economy needs world class infrastructure – and if delivered, it will be a triple win for business, jobs and government.”

The Government has updated its advice on doing business with Greece.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said “Although each case must be taken individually the following information may be useful for those already doing business with Greek companies or considering doing so in the near future. Greece has announced that they are introducing capital controls on the movement of currency. If you trade with Greece, or you rely on suppliers there, you may find that you are directly affected by the situation.”

A news story has been published on gov.uk as a central point of information and advice for people and businesses on the latest developments in Greece. This will be updated on a rolling basis and can be accessed at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/greece-updates-advice-for-uk-citizens…

Other useful links include:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/greece-has-introduced-temporary-capit…

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-greece

Exhibitions showing the latest proposals for the Golden Ball Street, All Saints Green and Westlegate area of Norwich city centre open tomorrow (Wednesday 1 July) at City Hall and as a window display in Westlegate Tower.

At City Hall staff will be on hand on Wednesday 1 July and Thursday 2 July from 10am to 6.30pm to answer queries and help people comment upon the plans, which can also be viewed online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/citychanges .

Under the proposals, drawn up by Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council,anareaaround FarmersAvenue, Golden Ball Street, All Saints Street and All Saints Green, Westlegate, St Stephens Plain and Red Lion Street isin line for major changes to traffic flows, the creation of more pedestrian areas, and the removal of traffic lights and kerbside barriers at a number of junctions.

The aim is to build upon other ‘Transport for Norwich’ projects, especially the recent changes in St Stephens Street, Chapel Field North, and Rampant Horse Street. Together the changes to the city centre are designed to support the vitality of the main commercial area by reducing conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while maintaining access for all modes of travel – car, bus and taxi, motorcycle, bicycle and walking.

The exhibitions will remain in place until the consultation ends on 27 July.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: ” We would encourage all businesses using the city centre routes to review these proposals and to feedback any issues they would like to be taken into consideration”

Commentscan be made in the following ways: Online, via www.norfolk.gov.uk/citychanges. Email to [email protected]. By post to Golden Ball Street/Westlegate Consultation, Transport for Norwich – floor 6, Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH.

The results of the consultation will be reported to Norwich Highways Agency Committee in September.

A new Taskforce is being established by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to support businesses and employees who are being affected by the current downturn in the oil and gas sector.

The drop in the global oil price has caused a reduction in exploration activity and investment by major oil companies, especially in the North Sea. This has caused a number of businesses in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft to experience difficulties – with a number of staff being made redundant.

The new Taskforce will bring together key stakeholders from central and local government and MPs together with representatives from the industry to co-ordinate support for businesses and individuals affected. This will include advice on grants and other funding, support to help businesses export and find new markets as well as assistance for those made redundant. The group will also develop a long-term strategy for the sector.

Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia LEP said: “The oil and gas industry in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is vitally important to our economy. I have asked Mark Goodall, with his industry knowledge and expertise, to chair this Taskforce looking at how we can best support businesses and retain their talented and highly skilled workforce.”

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: ” Both Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers will be involved in this taskforce to bring the knowledge of the network to the table. 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.”

The Taskforce has already gained the support of Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom MP, who offered her support and to meet the group in response to a question in the House of Commons from Peter Aldous MP.

Peter Aldous MP for Waveney said: “The oil and gas industry in the North Sea faces very challenging times and it is very important to the East Anglian economy. It is therefore great news that the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership is creating an Oil and Gas Taskforce to support the industry during these difficult times. I welcome the Minister’s assurances that the Department for Energy is Climate Change is happy to play a role in Taskforce alongside Brandon Lewis and myself, and I look forward to meeting up with him to discuss this further.”

Brandon Lewis MP for Great Yarmouth said: “I fully support the working group, and will work with them to ensure we continue to do all we can locally to deliver on the growth opportunities for our area and to make sure we do all we can to support those who have seen their employment at risk by the company failures we have seen over the last couple of weeks.”

The group is due to meet in the coming days and will report back to the LEP board meeting in July.

Norfolk Chamber was pleased to learn that contractors have been appointed by Highways England to deliver the design and planning phase of the A14 upgrade. Although not based in the county this is an important route for many Norfolk businesses.

The target date for the main construction work to start is late 2016. The new bypass and widened A14 would open to traffic in 2020.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: “We welcome the commitment of up to £50 million from the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP to the upgrade of the A14 and the news that this project is moving forward”.

Work will now start to design and plan construction of the up to £1.5 billion A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon project. The contracts have been awarded under Highways England’s Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF).

Due to the size of the project, it has been broken down into development (detailed design and pre-construction) and delivery phases, with construction of the proposed scheme split into four packages of work.

The detailed design contract has been awarded to Atkins CH2M joint venture at a total cost of £35.3m. The initial award is for the development phase at a value of £19.6m.Once the scheme is given the go ahead the joint venture will provide design support and site assurance services throughout the scheme to a value of £15.7m.

Costain Skanska joint venture have been awarded construction package one, covering A1 at Alconbury to the East Coast Mainline; and package two, covering east of the East Coast Mainline to Swavesey. The value of the pre-construction phase is £1m. Once the scheme is given the go ahead, the joint venture will deliver £598m of construction work.

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th construction contracts are still waiting to be awarded and tendered.

To find out more about the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme, visit the Highways England website:www.highways.gov.uk/a14cambridgetohuntingdon

A public consultation is underway to gather the opinions of both the public and businesses regarding proposed changes to Golden Ball Street and Westlegate. These proposals include changes to traffic flows, the creation of more pedestrian areas, and the removal of traffic lights and kerbside barriers at a number of junctions.

Norfolk County Council’s overall strategy is to promote sustainable transport so that growth can be managed in a way that avoids damaging the city’s special character. It includes a series of city centre measures aimed at reducing through traffic, while maintaining and improving access to Norwich’s business and retail centre for all modes of travel, including private cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians. The intention is to support the economic vitality of Norwich’s business and retail centre, reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists and improve the environment for all.

The proposals for the area around Golden Ball Street, All Saints Green and Westlegate build upon other projects, in particular the recent changes in St Stephens Street and on Chapel Field North, Theatre Street and Rampant Horse Street. The attached PDF shows how the proposed changes would work.

Project Summary:

• All Saints Street and part of All Saints Green pedestrianised*, linking the main city centre to John Lewis and Ber Street via Westlegate
• Westlegate pedestrianised* for its entire length.
• Golden Ball Street open to two-way traffic (currently one-way).
• Farmers Avenue two-way as far as Castle Mall car park, allowing direct access from Ber Street via Cattle Market Street/Golden Ball Street. Western end of Farmers pedestrianised*.
• Traffic lights removed from junctions at: Red Lion Street/Castle Meadow, St Stephens Street/Rampant Horse Street, St Stephens Street/Surrey Street, and Cattle Market Street/Rouen Road.
• Informal pedestrian crossing points at Castle Meadow/Red Lion Street, St Stephens Street/Rampant Horse Street, Rouen Road/Cattle Market Street, and Farmers Avenue /Golden Ball Street.
• New signal controlled pedestrian crossing on St Stephens Street by Surrey Street. Existing signal controlled crossing on Red Lion Street by Orford Hill retained.
• Red Lion Street available for use by buses, taxis, cyclists and for access only.
• Extra pay and display parking on Rouen Road.
• New disabled parking and coach bay on Ber Street, replacing some in pay and display parking.
• John Lewis car park access available from both directions on Ber Street (currently only left turn in and out).
• Entire area within the new 20mph City Centre Zone.

*In most pedestrian areas, access for cycling, deliveries and servicing will be maintained.

Displays will be available to view from 01 July at Westgate Tower and in Norwich City Hall, where staff will be present from 10am – 6.30pm on 01 – 02 July.

Businesses have until Sunday 26 July 2015 to comment either in writing or via an online survey. The results will be discussed by the Norwich Highways Agency Committee on 17 September 2015.

For full details of the proposed changes, informaiton on how to respond and to access the online survey click here.

The government says it will delay or cut back a number of modernisation projects planned for Network Rail. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin says rising costs and missed targets make the £38.5bn plan untenable. He blamed Network Rail, saying it should have foreseen the improvements would cost more and take longer.

Network Rail said the plan, which was launched last year as the “largest modernisation of the railways since Victorian times”, was too ambitious.

Network Rail controls 2,500 stations as well as tracks, tunnels and level crossings across the UK.

Commenting on the decision to pause the rail upgrade programme, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber ,said:

“Although it was becoming obvious that Network Rail’s programme to upgrade the UK railways the decision to pause the upgrades this is bad news. It is not clear yet how the East of England will be affected but we will need to continue to make our economic case to get investment in our railway.

“There is no escaping that our railway network is in desperate need of major investment. If we are to see the economic growth we aspire to, we need the infrastructure to support it. That means, amongst other things, Norfolk needs a world class railway but what we currently have is nothing of the sort. Sadly, businesses and commuters will have to continue to get by with rail services which cannot be relied upon.

“Network Rail and the Government must develop a robust plan to put the investment project back on track in short order. And it is a matter of economic importance that they then keep to it.”

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is looking for exactly the right person to fill the vital new role of Head of Business Services. Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber has explained the job and why they’re looking.

She said, “Head of Business Services is a new role and will report directly to me, as the Chief Executive. It has been created because the Chamber recognises the increasing opportunities available to Norfolk businesses both locally and abroad. Opportunities we’ve identified for development include business networking, reaching new markets, business promotion, saving money and influencing change.”

The Head of Business Services will take the Norfolk Chamber to the next stage of its development by providing leadership and support to the current team and reaching out to the Norfolk business community, including members and non members of the Chamber.

“We’re looking for someone who can really connect with the business community’, said Caroline Williams. ‘The right candidate will have a firm grasp of business issues, and be an outstanding communicator.”

This significant new appointment comes at an important moment in the Norfolk Chamber’s history. 2016 sees the Chamber celebrating its 120th anniversary.

“We’re planning a year long celebration. It’s going to provide a catalyst for heightened activity to increase the profile and understanding of what the Norfolk Chamber can offer its membership, and to reaffirm its lineage as part of Norfolk’s success for 120 years.”

Committed to Business since 1896, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is part of the British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Network, and is responsible for supporting the growth of its 900 members and the wider business community through the delivery of a wide range of services.

Details of the role are available here.

The Independent Cole Commission was set up in September 2014 to review what changes were needed to improve Britain’s export performance. The final report of this Commission has just been released.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“Norfolk Chamber was able to input a number to times into the recently released Independent Cole Commission report, led by Graham Cole of AgustaWestland. We felt that exports needed a higher priority within Government and more support was required for small and medium businesses looking as trading internationally. It is pleasing to see that many of our comments have been taken into account within the final report.

We will be working closely with the British Chambers of Commerce and our local MPS to ensure that these recommendations are taken seriously. However the Norfolk Chamber is already delivering solutions to exporters every day through training, advice, documentation, translations and carnets.”

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“With the UK set to miss the Prime Minister’s 2020 export target by over £300bn, it’s clear that the current approach to export isn’t working.

“The Cole Commission is right to call for a radical shake-up that places trade at the very heart of government activity. The Commission’s Action Plan sets out a number of realistic and positive steps that would make a demonstrable difference – from Cabinet-level backing for exports to the re-focusing of UKTI on larger, more complex trade deals.

“While the government decides what it will do next, we won’t wait. The British Chambers of Commerce will continue to grow our global business network and deliver real, practical and sustainable support to UK exporters around the world, with or without government support. As the Cole Commission report states, no other organisation has the same local and international footprint, infrastructure, or the entrepreneurial flexibility needed to help small and medium-sized companies meet their export and trade ambitions.

“The onus is now on the government to demonstrate that it is ready to radically change its approach, and set a credible plan to meet its own export targets.”

It is important that the Prime Minister, David Cameron speaks for the whole of UK business, as he travels through Europe discussing potential EU reforms. The Chamber network is clear – the majority of businesses want to remain within the EU, but not at any cost.

Norfolk Chamber feel that it is very important that the Norfolk business community is a strong influence in this significant debate, so we are asking for your input at this early stage. We will be holding a roundtable workshop here in Norfolk, with the British Chambers of Commerce to debate this issue.

There are two key questions that we would like to discuss and the Chamber would like to hear from any business in Norfolk on the following:

• What are the key benefits to your business of the UK being part of the EU?
• What reforms you would like to see the UK negotiate?

Please send any comments to Nova Fairbank. Email: [email protected]

In advance of the EU Leaders summit on 25 and 26 June, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce has issued an open letter to the Prime Minister, setting out some high-level objectives for reform and renegotiation that promote the UK’s national economic interest. This letter takes no position on the referendum issue, but instead focuses onthe sort of reform deal that would benefit business in Norfolk and the rest of the UK. The full text of the letter is below.

DearPrime Minister,

As you prepare for the first EU leaders’ summit since being re-elected as Prime Minister, there are, I know, a number of hugely significant matters for you and your counterparts to address – including the situation in Greece and events in Ukraine.

In addition, you will be seeking to address the UK’s future relationship with the European Union. There is now broad agreement across the political spectrum that our relationship with the EU needs to change and, as the Eurozone moves away from us, that the status quo is not an option. Ahead of the talks, I wanted to write on behalf of the tens of thousands of businesses who will back your efforts to secure meaningful changes to our relationship with the EU.

As you set about that task, there are five key elements businesses will want you to focus on. First, in a Europe in which the decisions will be made by and for the Eurozone – a club of which we will never be a member – Britain must have absolute guarantees to protect our economic and other interests within the EU.

Second, it is necessary to sort out the “common market” so that it works for British business. The UK is by and large a service sector economy and yet there is no meaningful internal market in services within the EU and, at the same time, the market in goods is imperfect and unravelling.

Third, we need a cast iron opt-out to make sure we do not sleepwalk into an ‘ever closer union’.

Fourth, we need to protect our businesses from the regulatory burdens imposed by the EU, particularly those that do not relate directly to trade, again with an opt-out if necessary. The vast majority of the UK’s economic activity is not directly derived from trade with the rest of the European Union – and yet all of that activity is hit by the cost of European regulation.

Finally, we need a clear and balanced approach to immigration taking into account the need for stability and social cohesion and driven by the skills requirements of our economy, meaning businesses can access the talent they need.

This is a defining moment for our country, and for our future prosperity. Businesses understand that you will want to guarantee the sovereignty of the UK and to secure a settlement which takes into account the UK’s economic welfare. If you do that, the tens of thousands of the businesses the BCC represents will be four-square behind you. However, they will be deeply concerned if issues central to the country’s prosperity are overlooked or compromised at the negotiating table.

As you tackle these negotiations over the coming months, the BCC stands ready to work with you. At the same time, we will continue to talk to thousands of businesses of all shapes and sizes, across the whole of the UK, meaning we are able to represent the authentic voice of business.

Yours sincerely,

John Longworth

Director General, British Chambers of Commerce