Chamber News

Commenting on the publication of the report, ‘Cut EU red tape’, which has been published by the Business Taskforce today (Tuesday), Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“Businesses want to see root-and-branch reform of European rules where these hold back our competitiveness. So we support many of the Business Taskforce’s recommendations for reform, particularly around employment law, procurement, and the urgent need for a more level playing field for services and e-commerce, where UK companies are strong. It is unacceptable that the single market in goods, which favours Germany, is largely complete, but a single market in services and digital commerce, which would play to UK strengths, is little more than a blueprint on a piece of paper.

“For too long, both Brussels bureaucrats and the European courts have created red tape and restrictions that hold Norfolk business back. The Prime Minister is right to commission a business perspective on EU reform, and must pursue the many sensible recommendations in the Taskforce report with vigour as he seeks to revise Britain’s relationship with the EU.”

The College of West Anglia has secured ESF funding of £2.8m to develop a bold package of measures to encourage people, who are already in employment, to improve their skills.

The college is working in partnership with 5 other colleges across Norfolk and Suffolk to deliver a wide range of innovative training and support which will help employers in the New Anglia LEP area, in a bid to boost the economy. Employees working for companies that employ less than 250 staff will be the main beneficiaries, and the training will be targeted particularly at young adults, aged 19 and over.

As Susie Massen, Head of Work Based learning and Project Manager at the College, explains:

‘The concern is that currently too many workers lack skills at the right level to respond to anticipated labour market changes. This funding offers an exciting opportunity for the College and its partners to address this problem and it will benefit workers in Norfolk and Suffolk. Our focus is predominantly on younger members of the workforce and our aim is to develop their skills so that they can contribute more to the economy, and advance their career prospects. The consortium’s emphasis will be on improving skills in areas that will ensure the best future business growth. We will be developing new, innovative training and support solutions so that as many people as possible can benefit.’

The consortium consists of 5 other partners from across the Norfolk and Suffolk who will be involved in delivering the training and support.

Older workers over 50, especially those with no formal qualifications, will also benefit and be offered the opportunity to retrain and update their skills. In addition local employers that are eligible for funding will receive assistance through a full skills health check. Workers will also have increased access to information, advice and guidance, to allow them to make informed decisions about their career goals and next steps.

Full information on the funding can be found on this factsheet

• Annual CPI inflation was 2.7% in September 2013, unchanged from August
• Annual RPI inflation was 3.2% in September 2013, marginally down from 3.3% in August
• The largest upward contribution to annual inflation came from air fares, but this was offset by a downward contribution from petrol and diesel prices

Commenting on the inflation figures for September, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“It is disappointing that there was no fall in inflation last month. We are forecasting inflation to fall gradually this year, but the pace appears to be slower than we anticipated. The UK seems to be more prone to price increases than other major economies, and with large increases in utility prices expected soon, we could see further setbacks that keep inflation above the 2% target.

“Above target inflation has been one of the main reasons why the UK economy has relatively underperformed in recent years, and while the UK is recovering, we need to see inflation fall to ease the squeeze on businesses and consumers. Growth remains fragile, so the government and the MPC must do everything possible to maintain economic stability.”

SEED Brand, Marketing, Events Ltd, providing strategic support for business growth in Norfolk…

New Norfolk Chamber member Claire Johnston, Director of SEED, Brand, Marketing, Events Ltd, has recently established her company, in Norfolk with the aim of providing consultancy support to SME’s and start ups nationally within brand identity and design, marketing & PR, brand management and events management.

Claire has a diverse background – originally from Norfolk, her work experience spans Global FMCG marketing, internal and external relations, Not-for-profit, fundraising, marketing and strategic business development and finally, the Foreign Commonwealth Office and UK Trade & Investment, managing the UKTI brand across Australia and delivering high profile events under the ‘GREAT’ Britain campaign, to help build the profile of the UK as a ‘GREAT’ place to do business.

Locally based, but with a global mindset, SEED Brand, Marketing, Events Ltd, aims to draw on this valuable experience, along with a wide network of business contacts to provide a strategic approach to deliver growth- identifying opportunity areas and providing guidance on marketing and events to raise the profile of your business.

You can contact Claire for an informal discussion on 07775 733444.

UK Exporters need to be prepared for possible delays in the legalisation process of their documents during the week of Eid Al-Adha.

The notice provided by the Arab-British Chamber, outlines the differences in the length of time that the Embassies will be closed during the course of next week.

At a recent meeting of the Norwich Chamber Council, members were given a briefing on the proposed Greater Norwich City Deal bid from Jason Middleton, Funding and Projects Manager with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP).

The City Deals bid encompasses both Ipswich and Norwich and aims to secure additional public and private sector funding to deliver increased GVA and jobs, as well as improvements to infrastructure within the Greater Norwich and Ipswich areas, over a thirteen year period to 2026.

City Deal will see the introduction of several new support and grant schemes to help business grow and innovate, as well as supporting the development of business sector clusters, such as the Norwich Research Park, Norwich city centre and Norwich International Airport.

Peter Foster, the incoming Chair of Norwich Chamber Council said “The City Deal bid is an exciting opportunity to drive further economic growth in the Greater Norwich area and will benefit key sectors such as agri-tech, life sciences, aviation engineering and digital creative. The Norwich Chamber Council is in full support of the bid and is keen to work with NALEP to ensure its success.”

Wellton Energy Limited is a newly formed sales and marketing outsourcing company that has over forty years combined experience within this sector. With experience and knowledge of a wide range of industries, the company has grown rapidly in the first 10 months of trading. The company currently employees 5 members of staff.

Director Andy McDowell said “We don’t concentrate on the big energy companies and brands. Our key objective is to offer our industry expertise to help small / medium sized businesses grow within the market, to enable them to develop and compete with larger companies. We also aim to help start up companies to enable them to get a good footing in the market.”

Mr McDowell continued “We have been trading successfully within Europe since our initiation, concentrating on the major energy generating regions. Initially our customer base was within the Middle East and South East Asia, however we are now working closely with several companies situated within the UK and Europe.”

As a growing business itself, Wellton Energy needs premises to accommodate the increasing size of the business. “We have moved premises a few times to meet the demands of the business and as our business grows, we will need a larger building, but currently, our building in Henderson Business Park is sufficient for our needs.”

One of the main challenges that companies face as identified in a recent Chamber survey is employing and managing their staff. Andy McDowell does not feel that they have a problem with the recruitment and management of staff. “When recruiting and training, we take into consideration the age and experience of our new staff and allocate our training and mentoring time around this,” says Andy. “Younger, less experienced staff receives more of our time to make sure that they are ready for independent work. It’s all about taking the right approach.”

Definitely a company to watch.

ESE Direct Ltd, a leading independent UK manufacturer/supplier of industrial storage equipment from Norwich is celebrating after being crowned one of the winners in the East of England heats of the Chamber Awards 2013. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Chamber Awards, now in their 10th anniversary year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business as a positive force for the UK recovery, and for local communities.

Having won the Online Business of the Year category, ESE Direct Ltd will now go forward to represent the East of England in the national finals, which take place in London on 28 November.

Simon Francis, Managing Director of ESE Direct Ltd said:

“It is a privilege to be chosen as the Online Business of the Year for the East of England, we have been very fortunate to have grown year on year even during the current economic climate. I believe this is largely due to the dedication of our wonderful team here at ESE Direct, who I would like to thank for all their hard work. We have invested a significant amount in developing the business and our processes this year to ensure the customer remains at the forefront of everything we do and we are really looking forward to the future. “

Established in 1975 ESE is a leading independent UK manufacturer / supplier of an ever increasing range of industrial storage equipment, materials handling / workshop equipment, facilities / maintenance equipment, health & safety products, changing room furniture, lockers and general business mail order products.

ESE Direct are an extremely ethical, customer focused, well financed and stable family business with zero borrowings. Many of their employees have worked for ESE for more than 20 years, enabling them to provide un-rivalled continuity of service, from the most technically capable, friendly and dedicated team in their industry.

HiBreeds International, an exporter of poultry hatching eggs from Norwich is celebrating after being crowned one of the winners in the East of England heats of the Chamber Awards 2013. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Chamber Awards, now in their 10th anniversary year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business as a positive force for the UK recovery, and for local communities.

Having won the Exporter of the Year category, HiBreeds International will now go forward to represent the East of England in the national finals, which take place in London on 28 November.

Laura Chandler, Director of HiBreeds International said

“Winning this prestigious award is a reflection of the hard work by the HiBreeds team, and we would like to thank them all for their support and efforts. The past year or so has been especially difficult with a doubling of export volume.”

Nick Chandler, Managing Director of HiBreeds International said

“Our industry faces constant difficulties, but also many fantastic opportunities for growth and expansion into new markets in Africa and the Middle East. We are delighted to be able to build on our previous success with the backing of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and the award sponsors, DHL.”

HiBreeds specialise in the export of broiler hatching eggs from the UK and continental Europe and brings together more than 30 years experience in the poultry industry with unique quality production.

Broiler breeding in the United Kingdom is recognised worldwide for its excellent quality and health status. The benefits of British hatching egg and chick production in a temperate climate secures the best source for your hatching egg requirements.

Hi Breeds uses only the leading strains of poultry breeding stock where extensive investment in genetic selection and ongoing Bio security are routine. Integrators can therefore expect high yielding broiler production on a regular, secure, long term basis.

At a recent meeting of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, the main topic of discussion was the current consultation on the Core Strategy for Great Yarmouth. Kim Balls from Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s strategic planning team attended the meeting to highlight the key issues. The Core Strategy will set out the vision for how the borough will develop over the next 15 years and is the overarching planning document for future development. It will replace the existing plan, which was adopted in 2001.

Key areas of the Core strategy are new housing and employment growth. The Core Strategy outlines plans for 5,000 new dwellings over the next 15 years, including an allocation of 1,000 new houses south of Bradwell and west of Beacon Park. These houses will be supported by the new link road, which received ‘Pinch Point’ funding and will also help unlock more economic potential at Beacon Park.

The Core Strategy has undergone previous rounds of public consultation and is now at the publication stage. The consultation will closes on 8 November 2013 and this is the final consultation before the Core Strategy is submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.

Great Yarmouth Chamber Council also welcomed Ian Hacon, CEO of Blue Sky Leisure and the incoming President of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerceto the meeting. Members of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council were able to highlight to him that there are signs of economic improvement in the town. Lovewell Blake reported that they are seeing more activity and advised that their Great Yarmouth office is their most successful office in the region at present. Great Yarmouth College advised that they had confirmed £6 million of funding for the refurbishment of their Campus and Great Yarmouth Borough Council advised that it was proposed to build speculative units in the Enterprise Zone, so that accommodation was immediately available when demanded.

John Morse, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said “Great Yarmouth Chamber Council welcomethe support of Ian Hacon, the incoming President of the Norfolk Chamberand itis wonderful to see improving economic activity in Great Yarmouth and the exciting aspirational vision outlined in the Core Strategy provides a basis for economic growth in the future.”

• BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey is the first economic indicator of the quarter, and is closely watched by the Bank of England and the Treasury
• Service sector export results at an all time high
• Employment rose in both sectors and is now at its highest level since 2007
• Business confidence in turnover and profitability are above pre-recession levels
• On the basis of these results, the BCC believes GDP growth in Q3 could be around 0.9-1.0%

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) released today (Tuesday) provides further evidence that the UK economy is healing. The Q3 survey, made up of responses from more than 7,400 businesses, shows improvements in many key areas for both manufacturing and services.

The Norfolk manufacturing sector, home sales and order strengthened, whilst their exports results showed a slight slow-down. The manufacturing export results are particularly surprising, as Norfolk Chamber’s level of export documentation hit an all time high last month, possibly indicating that the export drop relates mainly to European countries.

The service sector continued to go from strength to strength in both home sales and orders, as well as exports. Overall we are pleased that continued confidence of both sectors has helped fuel a temporary growth spurt, but it is too early to declare that the recovery is now secure – especially given risks both at home and abroad that still remain.

Norfolk’s key findings in the Q3 2013 Quarterly Economic Survey:

• Several key service sector balances are at all-time highs, but this could be due to a temporary spurt: home deliveries (+30%); export deliveries (+77%); employment (+17%); cashflow (+10%); turnover confidence (+51%) and operating at full capacity (+32%).
• Employment also rose in the manufacturing sector to +33%, and is at its best level since 2007.
• Business confidence in turnover and profitability remains positive . In both manufacturing (+48% and +24% respectively) and services (+51% and +36%) these figures are all above pre-recession levels.
• But there are some concerns. Investment in plant and machinery in the manufacturing sector fell, and is lower than in 2007, despite the full capacity balance being strong.
• Both export balances in the manufacturing sector (sales and orders) fell slightly but remain at historically high levels.
• Pressure to raise prices reduced in Q3. In manufacturing, this dropped 38 points to 0%, and in services, the balance dropped 9 points to +22%. Reduced raw material costs was given as one of the main factors in both sectors.
• Overall, the Q3 results support our view that the recovery is strengthening, but significant challenges remain.

Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“We have long-championed the idea that Norfolk businesses have remained confident about their abilities to grow. Even more firms now believe they can increase their turnover and sales, and hire more staff, which is a testament to their hard-work, creativity and ambition.

“It is fantastic to see the service sector doing so well, with the results suggesting a recent growth spurt. The Manufacturing sector, despite a dip in their export results, is also showing signs of continued improvement. “Investment is still a concern, and if we are to have a high productivity, high skill, high wage economy then this needs to improve.

John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said:

We have seen many false dawns in recent years and if we are to create the ‘land of opportunity for all’ that the Prime Minister spoke about only last week, we need swift delivery of promises made. This includes de-risking private investment in infrastructure to get diggers in the ground, which will help firms move their people and goods around the country in the long term. We still need more support for exporters through increased trade promotion, and better access to finance will also grease the wheels and enable high-growth businesses take the leap towards ‘going global’.

“The government mustn’t get distracted, and has to put growth first at all times. We will be looking ahead to the Autumn Statement in the hope that the Chancellor uses this opportunity to make a real difference and go all out in the name of growth. As we get closer to the General Election, political parties must not be drawn into politicking for cheap votes at the expense of clear, long-term policies that will help build a truly great economy.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, said:

“It’s clear that the UK upturn is gathering momentum, with most key balances in this quarter higher than their pre-recession levels in 2007. On the basis of these results, GDP growth in Q3 could well be around 0.9-1.0%, with our full-year forecasts for 2013 and 2014 likely to be revised up further. However these strong results must not lull us into a false sense of security.

“Growth will continue, but it is likely to slow slightly following this recent spurt. External shocks from the US shutdown, possible debt default and tapering, and continued risks elsewhere in the world could all impact on our fragile recovery. At home, the impact of reducing the deficit, fixing the banking system, and the relentless squeeze on living standards will inevitably act as a constraint on growth in the next few years.

“All this means that it is vital to sustain the recovery and avoid setbacks. The MPC must continue its forward guidance on interest rates, and must work to bring inflation down without increasing its QE programme. On its part, the government must switch policy priorities towards measures to boost growth such as infrastructure investment, cutting business rates and taxes, promoting exports, and boosting the flow of lending to growing businesses through a fully-funded Business Bank.”

Over 70 of the region’s most influential women from business and the public sector will be attending a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Working Lunch today at Sprowston Manor Hotel to review and debate what Economic Equality means to the Norfolk Economy and what more can be done to inspire Norfolk’s young people.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: “As women business leaders, it is important to review if we are as visible as we could be to help our young people understand what is achievable?

I believe that it is up to us individually and collectively to raise the profile of our achievements across our industries to inspire the next generation of our young people. There is already a lot of good work happening in Norfolk and surrounding counties but we need to do more.

This working lunch is an opportunity to bring together, the region’s influential women to discuss and debate what we can do differently to raise the profile of our achievements and to see how we can achieve Economic Equality.

We are delighted to have secured Wendy Bowers, a successful enterprise ambassador, from So Business Solutions as a keynote speaker. In addition to identifying key actions, we will also, through our discussions, add value to the research currently being undertaken by Dr Haya Al-Dajani of the UEA, on behalf of the NALEP Economic Equality Group who are reviewing how the full potential of women within the economy can be unlocked.”