Chamber News

The Brazilian economy has been predicted to become one of the five largest in the world in thedecades to come. In the last 15 years, the country has pursued a strategy of export-led growth and regional integration. The economy is relatively well diversified with a strong manufacturing and agricultural base. But economic activity is still concentrated in the southeast, particularly in the state of Sao Paulo.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Brazil’s economy slowed unexpectedly, growing by 0.6% in the three months to September versus the previous quarter. Growth for 2012 now looks set to be closer to 1%, compared with 2. 7% last year and 7.5% in 2010. President Dilma Rousseff launched the first in a series of measures aimed at injecting up to $50bn (£32bn) into the economy over the next five years, and increasing the private sector’s role in the economy. The plan included privatising about 14,000km of railways and roads, followed by selling ports and lowering energy costs.

TRADE OUTLOOK Latin America, China and Europe are expected to be Brazil’s top exporters over the medium term. Trade with Asia (excluding Japan) already accounts for more than a quarter of Brazil’s merchandise exports. The continued rapid industrialisation of these Asian economies is expected to drive further demand for raw materials from Brazil in coming years. China and Vietnam will be the fastest-growing export destinations over this period, ensuring that China retains its position as the most important destination for Brazilian export s. 40% of Brazil’s imports arrive from Europe, followed by 16% from the US and China. The UK falls behind Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria and Chile, with only 1.7% of imports.

OPPORTUNITIES The fifth-largest country in the world, it has one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies and a GDP per head greater than either India or China. Certain sectors of the Brazilian market have experienced higher than average growth, such as air transportation, telecoms, oil and gas, and mining. Under the second phase of the Growth Acceleration Program the Government of Brazil will spend around US$470 billion in development of the country’s energy generation and infrastructure as well as stadiums as it prepares for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Other promising areas include construction, aerospace and aviation, electrical power, safety and security devices, environmental technologies, retail and transportation. SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS World’s sixth largest economy High population

WEAKNESSES Corruption Political risk

OPPORTUNITIES 2014 World Cup, 2016 Olympics Growing middle class Manufacturing

THREATS Export driven economy Real currency Very high interest rates

Abellio train operator Greater Anglia has launched ‘Job Track’ a free rail ticket scheme for job seekers in the region. The scheme will help the unemployed by offering free train tickets to travel to job interviews and when successful in gaining employment, further help is available with a free season ticket for their first two months in work.

The ‘Job Track’ scheme is a new initiative by Greater Anglia, aimed at helping the unemployed find work and to broaden the horizons of job seekers to consider employment opportunities outside of their immediate local area, within reasonable commuting distances.

Greater Anglia will offer those joining the scheme a maximum of six day return tickets to attend job interviews at locations within the train operator’s network, and on securing work eligible applicants can apply for an initial two-month season ticket free-of-charge. This will provide those successful in securing employment with a month to establish themselves in their new job, followed by a second month of free travel to assist them in putting their finances on a firm footing.

The scheme is being promoted and publicised at Job Centres and applicants meeting the required criteria to qualify for the scheme, will be able to apply for tickets through the Greater Anglia website at: www.greateranglia.co.uk/jobtrack

Ruud Haket, Managing Director, Greater Anglia said: “We’re very keen to play a positive role in the communities we serve across London and the East of England. This scheme will assist those looking for work and when finding employment, offers a great help to people at a time when money is tight. We hope it will prove attractive to job seekers across our region in their efforts to get back to work.”

Train operator, Greater Anglia is working with tourism organisation, Visit East Anglia, to boost visitor numbers to the region and attract couples looking for a romantic short break over Valentine’s weekend.

The partnership has created a package of special offers which create the perfect romantic escape to East Anglia’s vibrant cities, historic market towns, picturesque countryside and stunning coastal retreats and are exclusive to visitors arriving by train.

The production of two brochures – ‘Shop East Anglia’ and ‘Stay East Anglia’ – which are free and available from rail stations or www.greateranglia.co.uk offer a whole range of vouchers and special offers valid in shops, restaurants, hotels, accommodation and attractions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex which can only be used in conjunction with a valid train ticket.

Couples looking for the perfect luxury escape can choose from 50 money saving offers such as a special rate of £99 per night at the luxurious De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel near Norwich, which includes a two course dinner, B&B for two guests and a bottle of wine, 10% off luxury self catering cottages in Cambridge plus two for one entry into Duxford Air Museum and two for one on College Backs tours with the Scudamores Punting Company, £45 per person per night B&B at the Stoke-By-Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, near Colchester (when spending £25pp on Dinner or a spa treatment for two), or three nights for the price of two at the Sandcastle Guest House, Lowestoft.

Further savings can be made with Greater Anglia’s range of Advance tickets available from as little as £6 one way or the GroupSave ticket which means that three or four people can travel off peak for the price of two (terms and conditions apply).

Lucy Downing of Visit East Anglia, said, “Our ‘Shop’ and ‘Stay’ brochures aim to promote the region as a fantastic place for a short break or holiday and boost visitor numbers in the early part of the year. With the fast, easy rail links and Advance fares from Greater Anglia, teamed with money saving offers on shopping and accommodation, we hope that couples looking for that luxury break for less will choose East Anglia this Valentine’s Day.”

The British Chambers of Commerce are pleased to announce that their Trade Mission to Moscow on 18th-19th March 2013 is now confirmed. The mission will participate in the inaugural flight by easyJet of their new Gatwick to Moscow route.

Participation is free of charge and open to Members of Norfolk Chamber.

The programme includes:

• Return flights from Gatwick to Moscow for eligible applicants
• Connecting flights from UK airports served by easyJet
• One night’s accommodation in central Moscow
• Transfers between airport, hotels and venues
• Dinner on both nights
• Option to change date of return flight
• Full programme of business events on 19th March
• Business and political briefings
• Practical sessions on trading with Russia
• Networking opportunities with local businesses
• Opportunity to arrange one to one meetings
• Hosted by British Embassy in Moscow

Full details of the mission can be found here.

Anyone interested in taking part should complete the application form and return it to [email protected]. We will then pass all the applications to the British Chambers of Commerce who will process them all together.

An East Anglia Rail Summit has been organized by Chloe Smith MP on 31 January in Westminster to be attended by MP, Local Enterprise Partnerships and business leaders from across Norfolk Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

The session will be in a workshop style allowing two hours to discuss the latest updates to the key issues facing the rail network in East Anglia in particular the next steps on franchising, Network rail strategic business plan and the next steps on line speeds, rolling stock and other infrastructure possibilities.

Hear what Norfolk business leaders have to say in advance of the summit:

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Norfolk businesses needs improved rail infrastructure in order to create the economy and the resulting jobs which we are all striving for. An independent economic study showed that improvements called for would contribute £3.7bn to the region’s economy. We now have a window of opportunity and I, together with Norfolk Chamber members Aviva, Create Consulting, HJ Boswell and Blackwell Print, will be joining Greater Anglia, our MPs and LEPs across the region in Westminster at the East Anglian Rail Summit to ensure that the business voice is heard loud and clear”

Andrew Dernie, Head of Business Management Aviva said: “Aviva is a global business and an effective transport infrastructure is critical to our operations particularly in Norwich where we employ over 6,000 people. We are increasingly using technology to support collaboration across our businesses and reduce our need to travel but a degree of direct contact and team-work will always be vital. Efficient rail links between London, our international transport hub and Norwich is increasingly important for the Eastern region to remain competitive and be attractive to organisations serving a world-wide market.

We appreciate parliamentarians support in ensuring the region works together to improve the rail network. In 2012 Aviva spent over £1m with 20,000 staff rail journeys between Norwich and London. It is key for our staff who need to travel to have a fast and reliable journey. Equally important is using this travelling time to best effect so an improved Wi-Fi signal and electric sockets is imperative. We appreciate the provision of faster services at 7.40 and 17.00 but would welcome additional services with similar journey times.”

Davina Tanner President Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and General Manager Chapelfield Shopping Centre “In distance of miles we are close to the capital, we need high speed trains to maximise the opportunity of been so close to capital for continuing growth for Norfolk and Suffolk economy”

Paul Clarke Regional Office Partner Bidwells ” We need an improved rail link to London to attract investment into Norfolk. Far too many times private investors are put off the journey time to get here because of the poor service we have. It’s a perception of investors unfortunately but without a regular uprated service (even something akin to what we had a few years ago would help) my firm finds it very difficult to come north from Ipswich. I think even Government believes that we are out of the main stream in a cul-de-sac called Norfolk. We do have a lot to offer but unless we get better connected to our financial capital we will continue to be marginalised”.

Phil Harris,Managing DirectorNorcom Technology Limited Whilst it is important the main line to London is well maintained it is also very important to consider the rural lines (Cromer, Sheringham, North Walsham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft etc) as without this infastructure people will not be able to get to Norwich for the mainline trains and will make other arrangements instead.

Jeanette Wheeler, Partner, Birketts LLP “As a successful legal practice with 4 offices and more than 400 staff in the Eastern region, faster and better rail links to London and the rest of the country are vital to our future as a business and of the businesses we serve. We need rail improvements to improve the potential for us to access clients and customers outside of the region and compete more more effectively. We must not be viewed as an outpost any longer. We must be allowed to benefit fully from the energy sector, biosciences and other opportunities which this region has the potential to grow”

Richard Marks,MD John Lewis. Norwich ‘ Opening up communication links to the region is key to the success of business – we invested £ 7 million in John Lewis Norwich in 2011 and are supportive of initiatives to improve accessibility to the region and help the local enconomy to thrive ‘

Robert Todd Partner Feilden+Mawson Architects LLP “The East does not need High Speed rail at massive investment. A modest improvement in speed can be achieved at a modest investment, resulting in massive benefits to all businesses in the East.

Businesses will have the chance to engage with seven of Norfolk’s nine MPs on the key issue of young people, at Norfolk Chamber’s ‘MPs Event 2013’ on Friday 8 February.

Entitled ‘Unlocking the Potential of Norfolk’s Young People’, the high profile event will be held at Dunston Hall and is sponsored by Greater Anglia, Norse and Dunston Hall. The event will be split into three key discussion areas: ‘Bridging the gap between education and business’, ‘Opportunities for young people in the Norfolk supply chain’, and ‘What our young start-up businesses need’.

Each discussion area will feature an MP, who will provide their update on the Government’s role, followed by a local organization which will give an example of good practice that works well in Norfolk. These will include Michael Rose, Head of Wayland Academy; Norse, which will be bringing five apprentices to the event; and Jack Passant, Norfolk’s first recipient of the Government’s Start-up Loan Scheme.

A roundtable Q&A discussion will follow each of the presentations to enable delegates to give their thoughts and feedback directly to the MPs.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, said:

“This event poses a unique opportunity for businesses to get their voice heard by the people who can make a real difference and influence policy. Bringing on our young people and preparing them for the challenging world of work is essential for a healthy future economy and this event is the place where businesses can have their say and get involved. We had 120 people at last year’s MP’s event and it was phenomenally successful in bringing together key decision makers and business leaders in the region.”

George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk stated:

“I’m delighted to be supporting this important conference because the debt crisis makes this a particularly challenging time school leavers and graduates to start their careers. The Government is creating a framework to support vocational training and apprenticeships around the country; now the challenge is for us in Norfolk to help our youngsters access the opportunities that are available”

Tom McGarry Communcations Manager covering the supply chain element said:

“Sizewell C could create thousands of jobs and opportunities for Suffolk and Norfolk businesses and young people We are delighted to support Norfolk Chamber’s event and speak to businesses and local representatives on the potential benefits and future opportunties open to young people “

John Wastage Policy Advisr British Chambers of Commerce said:

“Chambers of Commerce and their members work with schools and young people across the country to broaden career choices, promote enterprise and improve work-preparedness. Improving the skills of the UK workforce, and supporting young people to become work-ready are important priorities for the Chamber Network. Norfolk Chamber has created an excellent opportunity to inform the work of local MPs and draw attention to lessons from the good work already being done.

Michael Rose Head Wayland Academy highlighting education/business opportunities said:

“I am delighted to be able to contribute to the debate surrounding the importance of integrating business and education in such a way as to give our young people world class opportunities” . To book your place at the event go to the event booking site

• Business lending fell by £2.1bn in December 2012
• Net lending to business contracted by £18.7bn for the year 2012

Commenting on the latest lending data published today by the Bank of England, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“These figures clearly demonstrate that the difficult credit environment remains a significant drag on economic growth in Norfolk. Some of our youngest and fastest growing firms who stand ready to pull the economy out of stagnation are being left out in the cold, because they can’t get access to the finance they need to expand.”

“There are funding pots becoming available to Norfolk businesses through Government initiatives but it is at present far from clear how businesses can access them. As a Chamber we will be working with partners to ensure that this information is made available in a clear and simple way”

“A fully functioning UK Business Bank is desperately needed to plug this gap and help viable SMEs drive the recovery. We hope that both ministers and the Business Bank’s new advisory panel take heed of the success stories seen in countries such as Canada and Brazil, so that the new institution is developed into a major source of capital for those firms that really need it.”

The East Regional Growth Loan Scheme, supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, is available to established incorporated businesses based within the East of England (please see map) that have a minimum annual turnover of £500k, show strong growth potential and have a medium to long-term funding requirements to deliver that growth.

Eligibility

SMEs applying to the East Regional Growth Loan Scheme must have the following:

• a clear business strategy that credibly delivers significant growth
• a proposition that addresses product markets which are likely to grow strongly in the medium term
• a business plan demonstrating:
• a viable product or service
• a ready market
• competitive advantage
• a management team with relevant background
• the right to exploit intellectual property rights where necessary

Key Features

Loan Amount: £50,000 – £200,000

Business Location: East of England – Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire

Loan Term: Min 2 yrs; Max 5 yrs

Turnover: Typically minimum £500,000 per annum

Interest Rate: 5 – 9% above base rate, depending on risk assessment

Security: All Assets Debenture. Limited, un-supported personal guarantees may be required, depending on risk assessment

Fees and Charges:

• arrangement fee 2% of loan value
• annual monitoring fee 1% of loan value
• legal costs – £500 fixed fee
• turnover levy of 0.25% – 1% of annual turnover

Exclusions

The following sectors are excluded:

• land and property development, dealing and investment
• financial services
• accountancy and legal services
• hotels
• nursing and residential care homes
• international motor transport
• agriculture
• forestry and timber production
• horticulture

To apply to the Regional Growth Loan Scheme, please complete the Application Form and return to [email protected]

For more information, and to discuss your requirements, please contact the team at Finance East.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has enlisted the support of Cambridge Airport to offer this Export Insight Visit for just £99 + VAT, departing directly from the East of England’s flagship business city of Cambridge, to Brussels, home to NATO and the European Union.

The three day trip from Cambridge to Brussels, departing on 4 February 2013, will give UK businesses the chance to develop their knowledge of market opportunities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg which together make up Benelux, the original single market. European Export Insight Visits are being organised by UKTI in 2013 to help facilitate understanding of export opportunities and the range of help available to companies to support their international trade ambitions.

Designed for new and novice exporters, Export Insight Visits costs just £99 + VAT per delegate. This nominal price includes return flights and accommodation for delegates, informative export-oriented presentations, plus valuable opportunities to network with leading Belgian trade representatives, legal experts, advisors and potential business partners.

With a population of 27.5 million, Benelux is one of Europe’s most important economies, accounting for almost €48 billion in imports from UK businesses last year. This makes Benelux Britain’s second largest export market. Just like Cambridge, one of the UK’s most successful business economies and home to numerous cutting-edge international companies and organisations, Brussels itself is more than just an architectural delight for tourists, being the seat of the European parliament and a leading export trade destination for the UK.

Liz Basing, Regional Director for UKTI in the East of England, comments, “This is the first such trip we’ve put together from Cambridge and the city’s very much up-and coming regional – now international – airport. Brussels is just an hour’s flight and our Export Insight delegates will have rapid access to the excellent business development opportunity that awaits them in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.”

“Cambridge is one of the UK’s best known and truly innovative economies”, said David Surley, head of business development at Cambridge Airport. “It’s really fitting that UKTI have opted to arrange this valuable trade mission from Cambridge Airport as we are so easy to reach from across the East and further afield. Brussels is un-serviced from our region and just one of several key European cities that are we working with airlines to secure regular service for”.

Ideally located only three miles from the centre of Cambridge, Cambridge Airport offers direct access from London by rail in just 45 minutes and provides a gateway for the East of England and beyond, just off the A14 and only minutes from the national motorway infrastructure.

To register for this Export Insight Visit, businesses should click on www.embltd.co.uk/ukti/ for more information, e-mail [email protected] or call the UKTI East of England team on 0845 641 9955

Greater Anglia is proactively seeking stakeholder support to help secure rail upgrades for the East Anglian rail network by 2019. Ruud Haket, the Managing Director of the Abellio-owned train operator has written to over 200 regional stakeholders asking them to write to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), Department for Transport (DfT) and Network Rail requesting that the following key improvements are made to the Great Eastern Main Line (or GEML – between Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford and London) and the West Anglia route (Cambridge/Stansted Airport – Bishops Stortford – Harlow – Tottenham Hale – London) by 2019:

I. Real improvements to journey times and line speeds on both the GEML and West Anglia routes II. Additional track capacity just north of Chelmsford – ideally long loops parallel to the existing lines in the vicinity of the proposed Beaulieu Park station III. Extension of the third track from Stratford to at least Angel Road and ideally Brimsdown on the West Anglia route

Norfolk businesses needs improved rail infrastructure in order to create the economy and the resulting jobs which we are all striving for

The company is encouraging all those who are keen to see further enhancements to the region’s train services (including MPs, local authorities, business organisations and rail user groups) to take advantage of a key window of opportunity to influence the final investment plans and upgrades in Network Rail’s Strategic Business Plan for 2014 to 2019. The ORR is currently consulting on Network Rail’s plans – with submissions due in by 19 February – before the plans are finalised and approved by the ORR in the autumn.

Greater Anglia, which is working closely with Network Rail on improving rail services in the region, welcomes the investment plans already proposed by the infrastructure operator, but is keen to see additional, tangible progress made on the crucial Great Eastern and West Anglia main lines by 2019, so that passengers can enjoy the benefits of faster journey times, more seats and further increases in service reliability, before the end of the decade. The company has played a major role in developing the East Anglian Rail Prospectus (which was published last year) and helping to create a broad alliance of stakeholders to support the aspirations it outlines. Wide stakeholder support and the economic benefits that rail upgrades will bring are crucial factors in securing the political support and, most importantly, the investment that is needed to upgrade the rail infrastructure.

Ruud Haket, Managing Director, Greater Anglia said:

“At Greater Anglia we are passionate about delivering a better and continuously improving rail service for East Anglia. We are already doing what we can in the short term to upgrade services (and already making real progress in terms of punctuality and reducing the amount of disruptive weekend engineering work), but this is a vital chance for us all to try and secure the additional infrastructure enhancements on the GEML and West Anglia routes we all wish to see, sooner rather than later – to the benefit of customers, communities and the economy across our region. We will be responding to the ORR’s consultation and proposing that a commitment to the delivery of these key improvements by 2019 is included in the final approved Strategic Business Plan agreed by the ORR later in 2013. We encourage stakeholders across East Anglia to do the same, so collectively we can fulfil the aims set out in the East Anglian Rail Prospectus.”

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “Norfolk businesses needs improved rail infrastructure in order to create the economy and the resulting jobs which we are all striving for. We now have a window of opportunity and I, together with Norfolk Chamber members Aviva, Create Consulting, HJ Boswell and Blackwell Print, will be joining Greater Anglia, our MPs and LEPs across the region on the 31st January in Westminster at the East Anglian Rail Summit to ensure that the business voice is heard loud and clear”

Train operator, Greater Anglia, has upgraded ticket office windows at 35 rail stations across its network to provide a better service to customers.

The new ‘Speakeasy’ windows, supplied by Sonic Windows, will improve audio and visual communication at the ticket office with the aid of an improved built-in intercom system.

The new ticket office windows have been installed at the following stations:

Great Yarmouth, Alresford, Dovercourt, Colchester, Rochford, Hockley, Rayleigh, Chadwell Heath, Seven Kings, Maryland, March, Audley End, Elsenham, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow Mill, Harlow Town, Roydon, Broxbourne, St Margarets, Enfield Lock, Brimsdown, Ponders End, Northumberland Park, Hackney Downs, Walthamstow Central, Highams Park, Chingford, Rectory Road, Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, Bruce Grove, White Hart Lane, Edmonton Green, Southbury, and Theobalds Grove.

The Speakeasy windows offer simultaneous two-way voice communication by means of an intercom system which comprises public microphone, public loudspeaker, staff microphone, staff loudspeaker and induction loop.

The windows benefit customers by providing clear unobstructed vision and amplified sound to improve communication even in areas where there are levels of background noise. Volume levels can be adjusted by staff to suit the individual needs of the customer and the Induction loop transmits a signal for hearing aid users.

Customer Services Director, Andrew Goodrum, said, “It’s important that ticket office staff can communicate clearly and easily with customers at the ticket office window. Whether finding the best ticket to suit the customer’s needs or providing assistance and information, being able to communicate well will enable them to provide the best possible customer service.”

The Manufacturing Advisory Service has a company considering subcontracting out some/all of their food manufacturing as they grow.

They are looking for an ethical manufacturer with a ‘quality’ led approach to work with them to take their tried and tested, award-winning range to the big supermarkets.

Quality, organic ready meals 250-300g / Organic pasta sauces 320g Pasta, rice and potato topped all-in-one meals – CPET trays with film seal.

FROZEN 17 SKUs across food service and retail. Volumes range from 3000 units pa up to 105,000 units pa

CHILLED Currently 4 SKUs (pasta sauces) all for retail (25k units pa currently online). Proposing 3-5 SKUs (ready meals) for retail (multiple) volume 2500-15000 per week.

If interested contact Andrew Phillips MAS 07866 927 175 or Helpdesk 0845 658 9600