Chamber News

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce commented: “Norfolk businesses will welcome the limited package of legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech and Ministers are right to focus on measures that can help boost growth, and seem to have gotten the message that when it comes to new legislation, less is more.

Although there was no new Bill for education, the Government’s focus is on improving the quality of education for young people. However, we would like to see more emphasis placed on preparing young people for employment, through comprehensive careers education. A lot of energy is being invested in promoting vocational training. Businesses would be even happier if the Departments for Business and Education could present a joined-up, single system in relation to this type of training.

As part of the Chamber’s theme for ‘unlocking potential of Norfolk’s young people’ we are keen to see the business community and schools interact to ensure tomorrow’s workforce is not only educated, but is aware of the potential career opportunities in this region, such as offshore renewables, advanced technologies and life sciences.”

Also commenting on the Queen’s Speech, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The key for business is delivering on the government’s existing commitments, whether on infrastructure, energy, or education and training. Businesses are impatient to see real progress and real benefit emerging on the ground, not just the completion of Westminster and Whitehall processes.”

John Longworth’s comments on other issues arising in the Queen’s Speech can be found below:

On a consumer bill of rights (Draft Consumer Rights Bill): “Consolidating the vast amount of legislation on Trading Standards’ powers into one piece of legislation may benefit consumers. However, any simplification of consumer law must not add new burdens for businesses.”

On deregulation (Deregulation Bill): “Business welcomes the government’s efforts to deregulate, and remove needless red tape that prevents companies of all sizes from growing, innovating, and creating employment. Proposals around employment and health and safety law must be implemented without delay to increase business confidence, and allow firms to focus on growth.”

On pensions (Pensions Bill): “The introduction of a single tier state pension brings much greater clarity for pension savers, as well as parity for the self-employed. The government must ensure there is as much flexibility as possible for firms required to end contracting out, particularly given the decision to implement this reform as early as 2016.”

On high speed rail (High Speed Rail Preparation Bill; Hybrid Bill): “The inclusion of these Bills is a welcome reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to radically transform the capacity of the UK’s congested rail network. Business wants the Preparation Bill to receive cross-party support and a smooth passage through Parliament, leading to a Hybrid Bill in the near future.”

On utilities (Energy and Water Bills): “The government must ensure that the Energy Bill is not subject to any further delays that would hinder the future security of the UK’s energy supply or discourage private sector investment. The lack of competition in the English water market has meant that English businesses have received a poorer service than customers in Scotland. Ensuring genuine competition between water suppliers is good news for businesses in England.”

Abellio train operator Greater Anglia has reported a further improvement in train punctuality for the most recent four-week period ended 27 April 2013, with a public performance measure (PPM) result of 94.1%.

This continued and improving performance (in the previous period for March 2013 punctuality was 93.6%) means that the moving annual average (MAA) punctuality result – which measures performance over a 12 month period – has again improved to a new high of 92.4%, the best MAA figure recorded so far for the Greater Anglia franchise area (which was established in 2004).

Greater Anglia has consistently delivered improvements in train punctuality since taking over the franchise in February last year, and in this most recent four-week performance period for April, punctuality for the route sectors of the Greater Anglia network was: Metro & Southend 96.7%, West Anglia 93.9%, Mainline 93.8%, Rural 92.6% and Stansted Express at 90.4%. The 12 month MAA punctuality level for Mainline services continued to improve and to a new all-time high of 91.3%.

Individually, 6 of Greater Anglia’s rail lines now have a 12 month MAA punctuality figure either at or in excess of 95%. In Essex, the Romford to Upminster line has current punctuality of 99.3% and Braintree to Witham is 95.7%. In Suffolk, the Lowestoft to Norwich service is at 95.4% and Sudbury to Marks Tey is 95.1%. And in Norfolk, the Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Sheringham lines are both recording 95% punctuality. Meanwhile, the punctuality for Greater Anglia’s Norwich to London Intercity services in April of 93.2% was amongst the best performance achieved for these services since 2000.

Ruud Haket, Managing Director Greater Anglia said: “I am very pleased that train punctuality once again improved in April, reflecting our continued and relentless efforts, working in partnership with Network Rail to provide improving and consistent train service performance at Greater Anglia.

“We recognise there is more work to do in achieving greater consistency and will continue to focus on delivering further improvements in train punctuality for our customers across the region.”

In February, a Chamber led, joint Norfolk/Suffolk delegation went to see the Energy Minister in Westminster. Among the topics raised with him, was the alignment of the six UK COREs (Centre of Renewable Engineering), of which Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is one. At present four of the six COREs have Assisted Area status – Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is not one of these. It would benefit our region’s CORE if it was also awarded Assisted Area status, as this would level the playing field when promoting Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, both nationally and internationally.

Following the delegation’s visit to Westminster, Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth and Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney wrote a joint letter to the Treasury raising the issue of Assisted Area status and the Enterprise Zones. A reply has now been received from the Treasury.

Danny Alexander, on behalf of the Treasury, has outlined that the Assisted Area status is being reviewed, as a new Assisted Area Map is due to come into force in 2014. The rules of eligibility for Assisted Area status are determined by EU Regional Aid guidelines, which are also currently being revised by the EU Commission. Their review is due to be finalised in May or June of this year. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) has advised that it is due to undertake a public consultation on the designation of Assisted Areas later this year.

John Morse, President of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said: “There are many potential opportunities in both the offshore renewables and the oil and gas industries that Great Yarmouth could benefit from. A level playing field, in terms of Assisted Area status, would help ensure the Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone has the best chance of securing future economic growth and attracting further inward investment.

Once details of the consultation are known, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, along with other organisations, will be calling for the support of the business community in and around Great Yarmouth to input into the consultation and help highlight the case for awarding this region’s CORE Assisted Area status.”

• Exports index rises 0.95% in Q1 2013 – but falls 1.5% on Q1 2012
• Confidence among exporters remains high, but is slightly down on the previous quarter
• SMEs experience uplift in their export orders, compared to businesses of other sizes
• Businesses more likely to take on new staff than in Q4 2012

The latest DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index report – which measures UK exporting activity (Export Index) and business confidence (Confidence Index) – shows that confidence levels in future turnover and profitability remain high, but there was a slight fall from Q4 2012.

Overall, the index number used to calculate the volume of trade documents required of all businesses exporting outside the EU, now stands at 114.84; this represents an increase of 0.95% on Q4 2012 and is now the second highest since records began three years ago, although if compared to the same quarter in 2012 the figure is 1.49% down.

Responses from more than 1,800 firms reveal that export orders and sales fell when compared to Q4 2012, however when broken down the services sector fall was marginal compared to the manufacturing sector. There was also a small increase in the number of businesses planning to take on new staff, particularly within medium and larger firms.

The key findings from the report are:

• Over one-third of exporters (41%) said their export sales increased in Q1 2013, compared to 14% of respondents, who said that they decreased;
• In the services sector, export sales increased for 44% of firms, down from 46% in Q4 2012. In manufacturing, export sales increased for only 36% of firms, down from 45% in the previous quarter;
• Small firms’ order balances increased by 2% and medium firms’ order balances increased by 11%. Larger firms however reported a fall of 10% and micro firms a fall of 3%;
• 59% of exporters feel that their turnover will increase throughout 2013. 50% believe that their profitability will improve in 2013;
• More than a quarter of firms (28%) said that they expected to increase staff this year, up from 27% in Q4 2012.

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: Norfolk exporters are demonstrating a high level of confidence and Norfolk Chamber has seen increased numbers attending export training courses, as local exporters try to ensure that their staff a fully conversant with the latest rules and regulations.

Our recent ‘Global Market Place’ series of events highlighted that Norfolk exporters continue to look for ever expanding new markets in a bid to increase their export capacity. The success of Norfolk exporters has been shown when it was announced that two Norfolk-based companies: Omex Agrifluid Ltd, based in King’s Lynn; and Structure-Flex Ltd in Melton Constable; had both won a Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Although the manufacturing sector recorded a sharp fall in exports, the UK’s larger services sector continues to drive overseas trade. Optimism remains high amongst the UK businesses I visit week in, week out, who are determined to grow, create wealth, and break into new and fast-growing markets abroad, in spite of the continued risks facing UK exporters.

“These results are a mixed bag, and reflect the challenges still being faced by those trading internationally. We need more companies to take the plunge and start exporting and to do this they need support from government, particularly through investment in trade promotion. If we are to win the ‘economic war’ that the Prime Minister has described on numerous occasions, we need both a more enterprise-friendly environment and a large-scale increase in the resources and attention dedicated to supporting international trade.”

Commenting on the report’s results, Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland, said: “It’s really encouraging to see SMEs forging the way for British businesses overseas, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty.

“The Export Index shows there are clearly still opportunities for British businesses to expand into overseas markets, as it remains at historically high standards, a fundamentally positive indicator.

“As the eurozone crisis continues to erode both business and consumer confidence, those businesses that are looking to trade internationally should be taking advantage of the potential of Asia and emerging territories. The government has estimated that by 2030, Asian consumers’ spending is expected to be around 32 trillion dollars annually or about 43% of worldwide consumption – a major opportunity for businesses of any size.”

• GDP growth in Q1 2013: +0.3% on the quarter, +0.7% year on year
• Services growth: +0.6% on the quarter, +1.5% on the year
• Manufacturing growth: -0.3% on the quarter, -2.1% on the year

Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for Q1 2013, published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams, CEO, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The fact that the UK economy avoided negative growth is encouraging and will boost confidence here in Norfolk. As the BCC latest economic survey shows, it is the services sector that is the main component of recent growth. More must be done to support the construction sector and housing growth in general, these areas would benefit from clear guidelines in terms of planning regulations.

Improved infrastructure is also needed and Norfolk businesses need to continue lobby for improvements to the NDR, the A47 and also rail improvements from both Norwich and King’s Lynn to London, as well as continued pressure to ensure broadband improvements are delivered on time. Despite Norfolk businesses ‘holding their nerve’ and continuing to strive for growth, the Norfolk economy is still unacceptably weak, and will remain so without radical measures to get the economy moving.”

Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for Q1 2013, published today by the ONS, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“While we still believe that the government should stick to its current fiscal reduction plan, there is a need for a more promising growth strategy. We know that businesses are determined and ambitious, and want to drive growth in the face of significant economic headwinds, but they can’t do this alone. The government must consider a significant shift in priorities to boost growth within the existing spending envelope, by allocating more current spending towards capital investment over the next few years.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added:

“The economy returning to positive growth is not surprising, but welcome nonetheless. We have repeatedly said that talk of a new recession is unwarranted, and our recent quarterly survey also signalled that the economy was in positive territory in the first quarter of this year. The figures also highlight the disparity between growth in the service sector and continued falls in manufacturing and construction in particular, which remain under pressure. While services output is now above its pre-recession levels from 2008, both construction and manufacturing are still lower.

“Economic growth however remains too weak and the economy as a whole is still below its pre-recession levels. But the avoidance of recession will underpin confidence and will make it easier for the government, and for the MPC, to consider future policy moves in a calmer atmosphere. The main priority remains combining a realistic deficit cutting programme with policies that make it possible for the economy to achieve sustainable growth.”

Take on an 18 to 24 year-old who has been claiming benefits for at least six months through Jobcentre Plus and employers can get financial help of up to £2,275, which covers the cost of a year’s national insurance contributions.

How does the wage incentive scheme work?

The wage incentive is available if you employ someone for 16 hours or more each week in a job lasting more than 26 weeks. There are two rates:

• for part-time work between 16 and 29 hours a week – £1,137.50
• for full-time work of 30 hours or more a week – £2,275.

This will be paid 26 weeks after the employee starts work. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees can claim a part payment eight weeks after the employee starts work.

Who can claim a wage incentive?

Wage incentives are primarily available to private, voluntary and community sectors and social enterprise employers. Central government departments, their executive agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) will be excluded from claiming them, however the wider public sector such as NHS trusts, will not.

I’m interested in employing a young person using the wage incentive, what do I do next?

Contact Jobcentre Plus or one of your local Work Programme providers, they will give you further information, advice on the eligibility conditions and support to identify the right person.

Employing a young person using a wage incentive through the Work ProgrammeLocal Work Programme providers contact details

Employing a young person using a wage incentive through Jobcentre Plus

• Phone: 0845 601 2001 (option 2)
• Text phone: 0845 601 2002 for people with speech or hearing impairments

How can I claim the wage incentive?

When the young person starts with you, the Work Programme provider or Jobcentre Plus, will issue a wage incentive claim form and give you more details on how and when to make the claim. You will claim the payment from Jobcentre Plus who will validate the claim and make the payment directly into the employer’s bank account.

This guide explains how employers can make a claim for a wage incentive, once they have been issued with a claim form.

• How to claim: Youth Contract wage incentives

For full details go to the Department for Work & Pentions website: https://www.dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract/key-initiatives/wage-incentives/

We have today received a CV (see attached) from Norwich City Council, for a candidate from our french twin city of Rouen, who is looking for a short-term work placement.

He is looking for a technician internship in the computing field, within the engineering sector.

If you have a possible gap and can offer him a role within your company, please contact:

Norwich City Council Andy Emms Democratic Services Manager Tel. 01603 212459 Email: [email protected]

The UK is one of Europe’s largest investors in China, and among the largest destinations in Europe for China’s outward investment. As of 2014, China is the world’s second-largest economy. Between 2007 and 2011, China’s economic growth rate was equivalent to all of the G7 countries’ growth combined. China’s success has been primarily due to manufacturing as a low-cost producer. This is attributed to a combination of cheap labour, good infrastructure, relatively high productivity, favourable government policy, and a possibly undervalued exchange rate.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK China’s annual growth rate fell for seven straight quarters through to the third quarter of 2012; however a pick up is forecasted in October-December. With the euro area still in recession and US demand sluggish, the economy faces considerable headwinds. Furthermore, the new leader Xi Jinping and other policy makers are likely to unveil aggressive stimulus this year when they hope to revive an economy seen growing at its weakest pace since 1999.

TRADE OUTLOOK Growth in Chinese exports is expected to be most rapid to other economies in Asia (excluding Japan) over the medium term. Chinese exporters will begin to target new markets for their products in other emerging economies. Export prospects amongst the developed economies appear far more restrained, with the share of exports to Europe expected to decline. The US economy continues to represent the most important market for Chinese exporters in terms of its absolute size. In terms of imports, rest of Asia (excluding Japan) remains the largest with a quarter of total Chinese imports.

OPPORTUNITIES The Chinese Government’s 5-Year Plan, vows to continue reforming the economy. The governmenthas recently focused on financial-sector reform. The modest economic growth will help economicrestructuring as Chinese firms are increasingly under pressure to move up the value chain, creatingdemand for imported manufactured goods in the long term. China will remain an important andviable market for a wide range of products and services. As a result China offers huge opportunitiesfor British companies, particularly in sectors such as food and drink, renewable energy andfinancial services.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Funding awards of over £50,000 are available for projects lasting up to two years. The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) will encourage the economic development of UK coastal communities by giving them funding to create sustainable economic growth and jobs.

The government has committed £27.8 million to support the CCF in 2013/14 with money generated by the Crown Estate’s marine assets. The Big Lottery Fund is delivering the CCF on behalf of Government, operating under the name Big Fund. CCF is a UK-wide programme but there are some country specific requirements and priorities. Information about these is contained in the help notes to accompany the application form.

The following types of organisation can apply:

• charities
• voluntary and community sector organisations
• social enterprises, including cooperatives and community ownership initiatives
• local authorities
• development agencies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• local enterprise partnerships in England
• private sector companies.

Opening and closing dates for 2013/14The Coastal Communities Fund isopen for applications from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales from12 March 2013. The programme opens for applications from projects in England on 3 April 2013.You can downloadhelp notesand astage one application formthis section of the BIG website as well asquestions & answersand information on State Aid.

Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the country priorities- each country has its own unique requirements and in order to have the best possible chance of getting funding you must demonstrate how you meet these.

Applicants will be required to submit a stage one application by:

13 May 2013 for projects in England.

The strongest applications will then be invited to submit a full application in Summer 2013. More informationhttps://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/northernireland/global-content/programm…

The British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium is preparing for this years Golden Bridge Export Awards and are looking for new applicants.

This is the second edition of the annual awards presented to the most successful UK companies exporting to or doing business in Belgium.

The Awards encourage export from the UK to Belgium and give British products and services a higher profile at the heart of the EU.

The BCC in Belgium work closely with their partners at the British Embassy in Belgium, UK Trade & Investment and the Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain on this initiative.

It is free to participate in the competition and the deadline for applications is 15 September 2013.

For further information on the awards process and who to contact, please click here.

Please also take a look at the BCC in Belgium flyer relating to their services.

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Your company has a website to generate interest and connect to potential customers. How many leads do you get from it? Are they up to expectations and up to original predictions or estimates?

The superior communications present in our video will open up the funnel to gather qualified leads to your website.

Is this expensive? Like any good business service the potential benefit to your company far outweighs our costs.

Study our website kdmvideo.com where all is explained and call me; Robert Walster on 07787604933 to take it further.

We are delighted to announce that Norse has become a Patron the Norfolk Chamber. One of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing Facilities Management services providers, Norse has the financial strength so vital in times of economic pressure.

With a strong balance sheet, industry-leading business retention and staff turnover, and 96% customer satisfaction, Norse delivers first-class services that its customers value and trust. Geoff Tucker, Sales Director of Norse said, “As a major contractor of local businesses, and an employer of a wide range of staff skills, Norse is fully committed to supporting the local economy. As part of this support, in the past the company has regularly sponsored and taken part in events and publicity organised by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

We firmly believe that by becoming a Patron of the Norfolk Chamber, Norse will be in an even better position to help encourage and facilitate use of the Chamber’s valuable services to enterprises across the county. We are looking forward to playing an increasingly active role with the Chamber in working with Norfolk’s business community.”