Chamber News

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) interest rate decision, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“The MPC made the right decision to keep interest rates and quantitative easing on hold. Norfolk’s economic recovery remains on track but is still facing challenges and this is not the time to put it at risk with premature rate increases. The current calls for higher rates, particularly while wage pressures are still weak, are unjustified. Official figures show that a large number of people are working part time because they are unable to find a full time job – refuting the view that there is no spare capacity in the economy.

“The rise in sterling over the past year has put pressure on UK and Norfolk exporters, and is equivalent to a tightening in monetary policy. This strengthens the case against premature on interest rate rises. To sustain business confidence, the MPC must deliver a clear and consistent message on the future path of interest rates.”

Norfolk Chamber members are part of the fantastic response to pledge support for the Great Eastern Rail campaign. Over 500 pledges have been received since its launch on 25th July, representing an important milestone.

Norfolk business have joined with rail passengers and businesses across the region, calling on Government for greater investment in the Norwich to London rail line. In addition to pledging their support Norfolk Chamber members have also been making their reasons heard loud and clear

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: ” Improved rail infrastructure is key to enable Norfolk’s businesses to continue to drive the local economy forward. Norfolk Chamber members are passionate about their businesses and are joining the campaign to show how much they care. We would encourage all Norfolk businesses and their staff to click on the link and pledge their support. We are calling for a faster more reliable train service Norwich to London in 90 minutes, more seats and carriages and significant investment to upgrade the track.”

Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP and co-chairman of the Great Eastern Main Line Rail Taskforce, said: “500 pledges of support is a significant milestone in the campaign. This figure continues to rise and we’re delighted that so many people have signed up for the campaign in such a short space of time. However, we urge as many people as possible – rail users, business people and all those who want a better rail service across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk to join the campaign now, by signing up on through the New Anglia website. The Great Eastern Main Line is fundamental to the region’s future growth. Let’s make our voice heard loud and clear to influence Government and get the rail service the three counties need and deserve.

It will take only a few seconds, so the Norfolk Chamber encourages all its members and the wider business community to click on the link and pledge their support. It is all about timing and the time is NOW for this final push to show Government our passion and get the service we need and deserve. www.newanglia.co.uk/gerailcampaign

Penny Mordaunt – Parliamentary Under Secretary for Communities and Local Government today visited Great Yarmouth’s Town Centre and was accompanied by a delegation from local businesses including the Chairman of Palmers David Howard, Jonathon Newman, the Great Yarmouth Town Centre and Bid Manager, Brandon Lewis – Great Yarmouth MP and Andy Penman representing the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council.

The tour of the inner town involved a walk through the main thoroughfares; a trip around the busy market place; through Market Gates Shopping Centre; onto Queens street and finished at the Mercury Newspaper headquarters. The discussions focussed on the hard work of each of the local stakeholders – work that is desperately needed to regenerate Great Yarmouth Town Centre and to bring economic growth to the town.

Norfolk Chamber staff have all signed up to the Great Eastern Rail Campaign. The campaign is calling for a faster, more reliable service on the London to Norwich line including:

• Significant investment in track infrastructure
• Better trains and a higher quality travelling experience
• Greater capacity with more seats and more carriages

The overall goal is to achieve London to Norwich in 90, Ipswich in 60, Colchester in 40 and Chelmsford in 25 minutes.

Add your support by signing up now via the website: www.newanglia.co.uk/gerailcampaign

A Technical Consultation on Planning has been issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The consultation document presents a number of proposals for how Government wants to improve the planning system, to make it more responsive, more straight forward and less confusing.

Changes proposed include:

• Neighbourhood Planning – to make it easier for residents and businesses to come together to produce Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders – by limiting the time a Local Planning Authority has to respond to an application for a Neighbourhood Plan and changing requirements for consultation;
• Reducing red tape and regulations – to support housing, high streets and growth – by expanding permitted development rights to enable new homes to be created from light industrial, warehouse and office buildings and buildings in other uses; to allow more dwelling extensions without the need to apply for planning permission; to allow greater flexibility to change shops to finance and professional service premises and vice versa; to allow retail units to expand without planning permission; and to provide more flexibility for leisure uses in the high street etc;
• Improving the use of planning conditions – to enable development to start more quickly – by deeming the discharge of certain conditions where a LPA does not make a timely decision on applications to discharge; and for LPAs to justify the use of pre-commencement conditions;
• Planning Application processes – to improve speed and responsiveness – by changing thresholds whereby statutory consultees are notified; and a change to ensure that rail infrastructure managers are consulted where development is proposed close to operational railway land;
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Thresholds – to reduce the number of projects ‘caught’ by EIA – by raising the thresholds whereby EIA screening requests are required; and
• Nationally Significant Infrastructure Planning Regime – to enable the system to work more effectively – by increasing the flexibility within Development Consent Orders.

Comments on the proposed changes must be made to the DCLG before 26 September 2014.

Add your comments online now

Great Yarmouth Borough Council are running a 12-week public consultation from Monday 28 July 2014 to Monday, October 20, 2014, covering the vision for the borough, how the borough council will work in the future, and proposed income and savings options for 2015/16.

During the 12 weeks, you will be able to complete and submit the consultation online. The consultation allows everyone in the borough to give feedback on the proposals and to share their own priorities, aspirations, views and ideas to help councillors make informed decisions on future plans and council budgets.

At a recent meeting of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough (GCGP) LEP and business organisations, including Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, the discussions centred around the Growth Deal announcement. The GCGP had secured £21.4 million of funding for infrastructure projects such as the improvements of Junction 20 on the A47, to the north east of Peterborough, and various schemes that will bring forward business and enterprise in the regions covered by the GCGP LEP. Funding was also allocated for an extension to the Agri-tech funding scheme and the Growth Hub.

Graeme Nix, the Chair of GCGP LEP also took the opportunity to confirm that Neil Darwin from Opportunity Peterborough has been seconded to the GCGP LEP for one year with a remit to promote enterprise and skills, via the Growth Hub.

Nova Fairbank, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “It is really good to be able to join with the other business organisations, working in partnership with the GCGP LEP to improve economic growth in our region. However we were disappointed that no West Norfolk schemes were succesful in the first round of the Growth Deal and we look forward to continued involvement with the GCGP LEP to try to ensure that funding for West Norfolk projects are successful in the next round.”

The latest GDP figures for Quarter 2 (2014) are released today, Friday 25 July and have highlighted the following key findings:

• GDP growth in Q2 2014 was 0.8%, the same increase as in Q1
• The level of GDP in Q2 2014 was 0.2% higher than its previous peak in Q1 2008
• Year-on-year increase in Q2 2014 was 3.1%, marginally higher than in Q1
• The service sector led the recovery with quarterly growth of 1.0%
• Manufacturing output rose by 0.2% in Q2 2014, while construction recorded a fall of 0.5%

Commenting on the preliminary GDP estimate for Q2 2014, published today by the ONS, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The fact that Britain’s economy is now bigger than it was in 2008 is great news, and will provide a shot in the arm for businesses and consumers alike. Yet even though we’re one of the fastest-growing developed economies, there’s no room for complacency. Without sustained action, these growth figures could be ‘as good as it gets’ for the UK. The government and the Bank of England must pull out all the stops to encourage business investment, help exporters and get finance flowing to growing firms who still aren’t seen as a safe bet by the banks. Above all, interest rates need to stay low for as long as possible, and rise slowly and predictably when they do go up – to avoid undermining the solid business confidence that’s driving the growth we’re seeing in businesses across Britain.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) also recently highlighted that business confidence in Norfolk and across the East of England continues to grow. Many businesses reported strengthening order books for both UK and overseas sales. With increased certainty surrounding the local economy, businesses feel able to invest in staff, plant and machinery. However there is still room to grow, as the number of organisations operating at full capacity remains low. Inflation remains a concern for all sectors, as is does the difficulties in recruiting staff.

The vitality of the Norwich retail sector continues and unemployment figures across the region fell, with Great Yarmouth reporting JSA Claimants at their lowest levels since 2005. With an upward trending local economy and continued business confidence, the future looks positive for Norfolk and the East of England.”

Norfolk Key findings in the BCC Q2 2014 QES:

• Manufacturing figures for domestic and export sales and orders improved
• Service sector figures from domestic and export sales and order also increased
• Both sectors reported improved confidence in profitability and cashflow balances strengthened
• Both sectors indicated their intention to recruit in the next 3 months
• Manufacturers operating at full capacity dipped considerably from 31% to 17%. Similarly the service sector reported a reduction in those operating at full capacity from 43% to 39%.
• Concern regarding interest rates was noted by both the Norfolk service sector and manufacturers. This was also reflected at a regional and national level.

Rail passengers and businesses across Norfolk Suffolk and Essex, are today being urged to join the campaign calling on Government for greater investment in the Great Eastern Main Line.

New Anglia LEP, the region’s MPs, Chambers of Commerce, business and rail leaders are heading a Taskforce calling for a faster, more reliable service on the London to Norwich line including:

• Significant investment in track infrastructure
• Better trains and a higher quality travelling experience
• Greater capacity with more seats and more carriages

The overall goal is to achieve London to Norwich in 90, Ipswich in 60, Colchester in 40 and Chelmsford in 25 minutes.

The Taskforce will report to Government in November, making the strong economic case for investment in the line. With support for the campaign gaining momentum across the region, today the Great Eastern Rail Campaign is launched, calling on commuters, businesses and all rail users to get behind the cause and sign up to register their support via the new websiteand follow the campaign on twitter with #gerailcampaign.

Click here to register your support for the Great Eastern Rail Campaign

The campaign is already ‘backed by business’ with Norfolk Chamber members already signed up in support. These include leading businesses such as Aviva; John Lewis, Norwich; Caterham Technology; First Bus Eastern Counties; Broadland Wineries; Thermaglow and many others, as well as local authorities and businesses from Suffolk and Essex.

Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP and co-chairman of the Great Eastern Main Line Rail Taskforce, said: “Today is a rallying call for all those who want a better rail service across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. For too long East Anglia has suffered from under investment in our rail network. Let’s make our voice heard loud and clear to influence Government and get the rail service the three counties need and deserve.”

“The Great Eastern Main Line is fundamental to the region’s future growth. A better, faster service will provide vital employment opportunities for commuters, attract further inward investment, making this a much more accessible and mobile economy where it’s easier for us to do business, and boost tourism by ensuring more tourists can visit and spend their money in the local economy.”

“The Government is committed to improving train links across the UK. We need to show them how vital rail investment is for our region. The people of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex can help us do that by signing up to our campaign today.”

Independent research suggests that significant enhancements to capacity, line speed and service quality on the GEML would bring an economic benefit of around £3.4 billion to the region.*

Jonathan Cage, Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers and Vice President of Norfolk Chamber said: “I am fully in support of the Great Eastern Rail Campaign, investment is well overdue in the Eastern region in both rail infrastructure and rolling stock. The franchise operators do their best with aged trains, carriages and infrastructure giving them a clean and a paint every few years. However what they can’t do with paint is to increase the speed, frequency and general reliability. This needs significant investment both by the DfT and Railtrack.

Many businesses operating in today’s economic climate aim to be sustainable. They need to maximise the use of trains for long distance business journeys. It is therefore essential that trains compete with the car on price, speed and reliability. To achieve this it is imperative that we achieve the goals being set by the Great Eastern Rail Campaign.”

Today (Friday July 25th) the Taskforce is meeting in Ipswich to update stakeholders on their progress. This is the second of three wider stakeholder meetings to be held in each county prior to the November deadline. Following the meeting the Taskforce will then go to Ipswich station to hear from Abellio Greater Anglia on the progress they are making on updating and refurbishing trains with a viewing of a pilot up-graded commuter train used on the line between London, Chelmsford, Colchester and Clacton.

Key Facts

• East Anglia’s trains are some of the oldest on the network – the average age is 25.5 years
• By 2026 there will be an estimated additional 4,000 rail trips in the morning peak period on the GEML
• 30 million passenger journeys are made annually on the Great Eastern Main Line and over 11,000 services operate every 4 weeks (excluding Metro services south of Shenfield)
• Investment in the GEML will generate £3.4 billion in transport-related economic impacts and a further £280 million in wider impacts within the East of England*

*Figures from Atkins – design, engineering and project management consultancy – Great Eastern Main Line Study; The Economic Case for Investment on the Great Eastern Main Line 2010

The latest Bank of England Agent’s summary of business conditions for July 2014 has been released.

Key highlights include:

• Retail sales and consumer services values continued to grow at a steady rate
• Growth in manufacturing output for the domestic market and export markets increased
• Construction output grew strongly with growth expanding beyond house building
• Employment intentions rose and indicate further growth in the next 6 months.
• Consumer price inflation has remained subdued.

To read the full report click here.

Taking Part in Cromer Academy’s three day event “Broadening Horizons’, Chris Perry from the Norfolk Chamber spoke to a hundred your 10 students to explain what Apprenticeships really are and why they are a real alternative to traditional pathways.

With speakers from colleges, local training providers and Universities, the three day event has been organised with Careers advisor Melinda O’Connor to inspire the year 10’s to think out of the box and be proactive in planning for their future. The day was aimed at giving them all the current options available in the Norfolk region as well as the alternatives to the traditional progression pathways of university.

Chris Perry comments “It’s fantastic that Melinda and Cromer Academy are being really proactive in giving their young people all the options and encouraging thinking differently when it comes to planning their futures. This approach is vastly needed in the region and i hope that many other schools take up the challenge to invest in promoting a level playing field when it comes to giving carers advice.

With lots of young people in Norfolk there is still the perception that becoming a graduate is the only route to getting a good career and being successful. Apprenticeships for the vast majority are a 2nd choice , a fallback plan, which means that they are somehow the lesser option or worse still, that they are not even thought of as an option at all. Many still feel that apprenticeships are an option if you want to be in a physical trade such as plumbing or motor mechanics but that could not be farther from the truth. Last year, out of the 7000+ apprenticeship positions available, less than 15% where in hands on trade sectors but a whopping 75% where in the professional sectors such a Law, marketing, business admin and even enterprise. This shows that the options are endless and now more than ever businesses are prefereing to use apprenticeships to recruit young people ages 16-24.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the Norfolk Constabulary’s ‘Norfolk Safer Community Awards 2014’

Now entering its seventh year, the Norfolk Safer Community Awards offer people the opportunity to support the continuing efforts of the community and the Constabulary in helping to keep Norfolk a safer county to live, work and visit.

The awards combine internal recognition with local communities voting for officers they feel deserve an award for their contributions to their local community. Additionally, if people know of an exceptional individual or group who need to be thanked they are encouraged to nominate them for an award.

The Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award is an opportunity for the Chief Constable to recognise the work of an individual or team where their contribution to delivering the Constabulary’s performance has been significant, yet under-recognised.

Nova Fairbank of the Norfolk Chamber said “We have been honoured to support the NOSCA awards for many years and we are extremely proud to continue to support the Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award, as part of our partnership working with the Norfolk Constabulary”

“It goes without saying that the Norfolk Constabulary plays a vital part in maintaining the growth of the Norfolk economy by supporting part of what makes Norfolk such a fantastic place to live and grow a business.”

“When speaking to business Leaders that have relocated to Norfolk, many have remarked that the quality of life in Norfolk is a significant factor in their decision to settle here. This inward investment into the county is vital and through the hard work and dedication of our local police force, Norfolk is a safe and attractive community to do business in.”

Chief Constable Simon Bailey believes the Norfolk Safer Community Awards help recognise excellence from police officers and members of the community.

“In these times of financial challenge where we are having to deliver a high level of service with less funding it is pleasing to see so many people going above and beyond what is expected of them. I would urge you all to nominate and vote for those people from local communities through to police officers and police staff, who with their actions and words have made a difference to the area, we all live and work in.”

Two new categories have been added in 2014. The recipient of the Bravery Award will be chosen by the Chief Constable to recognise outstanding bravery in any walk of life. Members of the public will also be able to vote for the Norfolk ‘Police Dog of the Year’ category. Voting for this award will be carried out via Norfolk Constabulary’s Facebook page.

As before, readers of the Eastern Daily Press can choose their Community Officer of the Year, who are nominated by district commanders across Norfolk. Voting forms will be available in the paper and online shortly.

The three other categories that members of the public can nominate someone for are; The John (Cecil) Mason Volunteer of the Year, Young Citizen(s) of the Year and Community Citizen(s) of the Year.

Norfolk Safer Community Awards are funded by sponsorship from commercial and community partners.

Sponsors for 2014 include:

• Eastern Daily Press – Community Police Officers of the Year • Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk • Norfolk Chamber of Commerce • Shell UK Ltd • Dardan Security • Reed Specialist Recruitment • East of England Co-operative • Holiday Inn

Nominations can be received between 14 July and 15 August 2014. The winners and runners-up will be invited to a special awards evening taking place at Holiday Inn, Cromer Road, Norwich on Thursday 23 October 2014.

Full information about the awards and entry criteria is available on the new NOSCAs website along with online nomination forms for all categories www.noscas.co.uk

2014 Categories are:

1 Student Officer of the Year

2 Investigator of the Year

3 The John (Cecil) Mason Volunteer of the Year Award

4 The Reach Out Award

5 The Excellence Award

6 Young Citizen(s) of the Year

7 Problem Solver of the Year

8 Community Citizen(s) of the Year

9 The Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award

10 The Bravery Award

11 Community Officer of the Year

• Police Officer (Jim Wilson Plate)

• Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

• Special Constabulary Officer of the Year

12 Outstanding Team of the Year

13 Police Dog of the Year

14 Safer Neighbourhood Team of the Year