The October edition of the Norwich Economic Barometer is here! Below are highlighted a few of the key points from this edition:
The ‘jobs gap’ since the start of the recession has finally closed as Britain’s recovery reaches an important milestone.
The ONS has revised UK economic growth in the second quarter from 0.8 per cent to 0.9 per cent, as both the dominant services sector and construction enjoyed growth.
Regional accountancy practice Larking Gowen will employ more than 300 staff and 22 partners across nine offices.
Norwich-based chocolate maker Gnaw has formed a partnership with a distributer, Blakemore Fine Foods, to enable both firms to boost business with UK retailers.
Commercial development activity picked up in September although developers have become more cautious.
Business activity in the region’s private sector grew in September at the fastest rate since 1997, according to a survey of purchasing managers.
East Anglia’s fastest growing medium-sized businesses have mounted combined sales of £3.9bn, according to new report underscoring their value to the local economy.
To read the full report on the Norwich Economic Barometer, click here.
Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Locally
Norwich food processing equipment manufacturer Fabcon Food Systems has won a six-figure contract to supply and install bespoke machinery for a seasoning and distribution line in Belgium.
An online platform to help engineering and manufacturing companies in Norfolk and Suffolk share employees by enabling them to move to another business during quieter periods is being set up.
The East of England benefitted from an 11% rise in the number of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects year on year. The FDIs created nearly 3,000 jobs across the East.
Nationally
UK construction companies indicated a sustained downturn in business activity during May. Furloughed workers across their supply chains contributed to reduced activity
More than a quarter of the UK workforce is now being supported by the government’s furlough scheme and the cost so far has reached £19.6bn
Total UK sales fell by 5.9 per cent compared with the previous year, dragged down by temporary shop closures
People can have their say on temporary changes to some Norwich streets, to support safe shopping and travel around the city.
Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council have proposed a series of measures to ensure social distancing when walking, with any surplus space then available for street café activity to help businesses recover.
The councils have already deployed stencilled and temporary signs to encourage people to walk on the left hand side of the street. Crossing times have also been lengthened for pedestrians at traffic signal-controlled crossings around the inner ring road, to reduce the number of people having to wait on pedestrian islands in the middle. Businesses are also being advised not to put “A boards” on pavements.
Other proposals involve:
Temporary changes to Exchange Street and St Benedicts Street, which includes restricted access for general traffic and loading activity happening outside core business hours to create more space for walking, queuing and the potential for pavement cafes. It is also proposed that redundant signs, railings and other street furniture are removed, to declutter the streets.
Consideration is also being given to further measures that could be applied in other areas, such as Magdalen Street, St Giles Street, Upper St Giles, Surrey Street and All Saints Green and the public will be consulted on proposals.
The two councils want to hear people’s views before deciding whether to implement the changes. The proposals can be viewed on the consultation page of the county council’s website at www.norfolk.gov.uk
Comments and questions can be emailed to [email protected] by Tuesday 23 June, saying which street plan you are commenting on in the subject line.
Based on feedback received from the public, all plans will be reviewed before being implemented under emergency traffic regulation powers. Any measures taken will be temporary in nature and continually monitored.
Her Majesty The Queen has offered support to businesses as they reopen, and praised the contribution Chambers of Commerce across the UK and around the world are making to help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities, in a letter released today.
Norfolk Chambers are one of fifty three Chambers of Commerce across the UK, accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce. The letter from Her Majesty, Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, comes as businesses across the UK are reopening and adjusting to a new normal.
The letter reads:
“At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities.”
Her Majesty also recognised the contribution Chambers of Commerce and their members have made during the pandemic:
“As Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, it gives me great pride to see the contribution you and your members are making to help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities.”
Welcoming the letter, BCC President Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith said:
“The Queen’s personal message of support will be a huge morale boost to our business communities at this complex and sensitive time.
“We are grateful that Her Majesty has recognised the crucial role Chambers of Commerce play supporting businesses and communities through the pandemic, and as we restart, rebuild and renew the economy.”
Leaders and businesses owners from across the tourism industry met online yesterday to talk about the role of digital technology in attracting visitors to our region.
The Tourism + Tech Virtual Conference was originally planned as a face-to-face event but the coronavirus saw a move to an online webinar, hosted by Tim Robinson from Tech East.
Over 150 representatives from across the region joined together to hear about online success stories during the lockdown and how digital platforms can help the industry recover.
The speakers included the executive director of Visit East of England, Pete Waters and Cllr Graham Plant, deputy leader of Norfolk County Council. Opening the conference Cllr Graham Plant said:
“The coronavirus has had a huge impact for many over the last few months and we express our deepest sympathy to all those who have been affected. The tourism sector has been particularly hard hit and supporting it to recover is a key priority for the Council.”
“As the use of digital technology to do business grows, there has never been a more pressing need to inspire businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk to embrace it to innovate, cooperate, work more efficiently and be more creative. It is my belief that digital technology can drive positive change and help your tourism business to not only recover but to be stronger and more resilient in the future.”
The online event was put on by Tech East and Norfolk County Council, in partnership with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.
The conference covered a range of topics including digital marketing, adapting to the lockdown, adopting online booking and payment methods, the support available to businesses and the wider plans for tourism in the region.
One of the key talking points was the need to attract visitors during traditionally quiet periods, with a recent survey finding that 57% of people are planning to take a break this autumn.
The issue of off-peak season tourism will be addressed by the EXPERIENCE project, which is led by Norfolk County Council and co funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The project involves 6 regions in England and France, with the aim of boosting the number of visitors between October and March by creating ‘experiences’ that are unique to each area.
The panel also discussed the ways businesses can help young people into the workforce and the importance of providing accessible accommodation in Norfolk.
Following the success of the conference the organisers hope to put on future events that will cover the more popular subjects in more detail.
Commenting on the government’s plans to improve mobile phone coverage across the UK, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“Norfolk Chamber welcomes the proposed Government consultation on mobile coverage. At present Norfolk suffers from either a poor mobile service or no mobile service. This can seriously affect the ability of SME businesses in our county, especially those based in more rural or isolated areas, to compete on a national level with other businesses who currently benefit from decent mobile coverage.
Even when the ‘not-spots’ are reduced, it will still mean that good quality coverage will not be available across the whole of Norfolk. Further investment is needed and the Norfolk Chamber, together with the local business community, will continue to lobby the Government and the mobile phone operators to achieve this.”
Also commenting on the Governments plans, Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Erasing mobile phone ‘not-spots’ is a priority for frustrated rural and urban businesses. Increasing mobile coverage throughout the UK is in the interest of businesses, residents and the nation as a whole. We are baffled that any government department would attempt to stop others from seeking solutions to this persistent problem.”
Proposed planning freedoms will mean that outdoor markets, pop-up car-boot sales or summer fairs will not need a planning application.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas, using their existing seating licenses.
Temporary changes to licensing laws will allow many more licensed premises, such as pubs and restaurants, to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. Customers will be able to buy their drinks from a pub and consume them elsewhere, making social distancing easier.
These measures will give an immediate and much needed boost to many businesses, whilst supporting them to successfully reopen over the summer. Find more here.
“These steps will enable more Norfolk companies to reopen and will be cautiously welcomed by our business community.
“While the relaxation of the two-metre rule will help more firms increase capacity, we are still a long way from business as usual. Broader efforts to boost business and consumer confidence will still be needed to help firms trade their way out of this crisis.
“A comprehensive test and trace system, including a mass testing regime, must be in place to realise the benefits that the easing of restrictions could bring to firms across the UK, many of whom are relying on the swift return of consumer confidence.
“Our businesses also need to see a clear roadmap to recovery from the government, including fresh support for the worst-affected sectors and geographic
On 23 June 2020, the Prime Minister announced further easements of the Coronavirus restrictions as part of Step Three of the government’s plan to return life to as near normal as we can. This guidance applies in England – people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK.
Indoor fitness and dance studios, and indoor gyms and sports venues/facilities
Swimming pools including water parks
Exhibition or conference centres must remain closed for events such as exhibitions or conferences, other than for those who work for the business or organisation who run the venue.
Cafes, restaurants and shops that are self-contained and can be accessed from the outside, will still be permitted to open.
The UK government will continue to phase reopening and hope to reopen other close-contact businesses as soon as possible.
All other businesses and venues can reopen from 4 July. Examples are available here including links to guidance to ensure their safe-reopening.
Reopen your business safely during Coronavirus
Employers that want to reopen their business have a legal responsibility to protect their employees and other people on site. Use this UK government guidance to help you carry out a risk assessment and make sensible adjustments to the site and workforce.
If you do not carry out a risk assessment, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local council can issue an enforcement notice.
Employees can use this guidance to check what their workplace needs to do to keep people safe.
This guidance is only for businesses that are allowed to reopen in England.
Working safely during Coronavirus
People and employers should stay safe in public spaces and workplaces by following the government’s “Working safely during Coronavirus” guidelines. This should enable more people to go back to work, where they cannot work from home, and encourage more vulnerable children and the children of critical workers to go to school or childcare as already permitted.
Shops in England selling non-essential goods can now re-open provided they follow government guidelines to keep staff and customers as safe as possible. The government issued detailed COVID-19 secure guidance for retailers and other sectors. Businesses should display a downloadable notice to inform customers and staff they have followed COVID-secure guidance.
The October edition of the Norfolk Infrastructure Update has arrived! Below are highlighted some of the key points from this edition.
Rail Improvements – Continue the high profile campaign to improve the Norwich-London route – working with Network Rail and the franchise holder, Greater Anglia – and push for improvements on Norwich-Cambridge and Cambridge-King’s Lynn services.
Broadband – By autumn 2015, the ‘Better Broadband for Norfolk’ project seeks to achieve: a minimum speed of 2 megabits per second (Mbps) for all premises and ‘Superfast’ broadband (24Mbps+) for as many premises as possible.
Abellio Greater Anglia has had its franchise extended to 2016. The process for the new, longer term franchise post-2016 is likely to be put underway soon by government.
A47– Promote the status of the A47 and secure funding for key junctions, a new river crossing in Great Yarmouth and other targeted improvements.
Fiveways to Thetford improvement – Ongoing speed restriction of 40mph, 24 hrs per day between Fiveways roundabout at Barton Mills and London roundabout in Thetford.
To read the full report on the Norfolk Infrastructure Update, click here.
On the back of the news that Norfolk is to receive funding to start improvements to the A47, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber hosted a Chamber business leaders gathering with the Prime Minister, David Cameron.
The meeting gave Norfolk Chamber members the opportunity to explain the importance, not just on this being the first stage to the development of the A47 and the need for the dualling of the Acle Straight, but also the importance of improved mobile and broadband speeds. Other topics discussed were the A140, NDR, improved rail, membership of Europe and how infrastructure investment in Norfolk will support our young people.
The Prime Minister was left in no doubt that the business community were the ‘power house’ of the region and were willing to develop their businesses and create new jobs, provided they were given the tools to do so, which included improved infrastructure.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said “It was great to have a robust and lively debate directly with the Prime Minister about the needs and wants of the Norfolk business community. The news today on the A47 is very welcome and a cause the Chamber network had been lobbying for over many years. This is just the beginning though, as we need a start date and discussions as to when other parts of the A47 will be dualled, especially the Acle Straight. We are now looking for good news relating to our lobbying with partners for a better rail service from the Chancellor later this week.”
Commenting on the government’s policy proposals for a points-based immigration system, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“The speed and scale of these changes will require significant adjustment by businesses.
“Companies are already investing heavily in home-grown talent across the county, but critical labour shortages mean firms will still need access to overseas workers at all skill levels.
“The new points system must be able to respond quickly to changing market needs, and the application process must be radically simplified.”