Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Locally
Castle Mall Shopping Centre are looking to welcome PureGym and a bowling alley in the next few months
Profit warnings from stock-exchange quoted companies from the East of England rose in the last year
Norwich is now in the top 10 least affordable cities for housing according to a Lloyds Banking Group Report
Norwich Market was named the best large outdoor market in the country in the Great British Market Awards 2019
Nationally
The Bank of England expects growth this year to be the slowest since 2009
Business growth activity in the tech sector declined towards the end of 2018, with Brexit and global trade frictions being cited
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported sales increases in January for their members – helped by higher spending on food and New Year price cutting.
Manufacturing had lacklustre output and new orders slowed at the start of 2019
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Norfolk’s leading provider of international trade training are delighted to announce the launch of their new training programme.
Responding to the demand for training, the International Department has created a programme of virtual training courses accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. The “core 10” courses can either be attended as standalone training or as a longer training course. For those who complete six or more training courses, they will achieve a nationally recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.
The training is ideal for those looking for further education or training for their team and those preparing for Brexit.
Due to the pandemic, the chambers have pivoted their courses to be delivered virtually. This comes with huge benefits, including no travel time to the training centre, and available to those based across the UK (not just Norfolk).
The courses range from half-day to full-day courses and have been designed to be engaging whilst providing all the practical knowledge you need for the chosen course topic.
The courses are suitable for anyone involved in the export or import process such as; accounts, purchasing/buyers, freight forwarders, shipping, marketing, customer services, goods inward staff and many more.
A previous guest from the Understanding Exporting training said, “The course is very informative and I am walking away with a lot more knowledge. A great understanding of exporting.”
The training starts on 09 September and continues throughout 2020. New dates for 2021 will be released later on this year.
The following dates for 2020 have now been released;
Chambers have launched a new and useful tool which has been developed by the experts at ChamberCustoms and Exabler.
The UK import tax calculator is quick, easy and free to use and can work out the different rates of duty available to businesses when importing goods. Businesses can use our calculator to work out what needs to be paid to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
As we start the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 we’ll be sharing four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics.
Infrastructure and Transport
The Norfolk-based road safety technology firm Westcotec is advising local authorities of the importance of understanding and using good data before committing to potentially significant road safety investments. Effective collection and expert analysis of data helps to ensure that resources can be targeted where they are most needed, and avoids the risk of paying large sums on interventions that may not be appropriate, Westcotec says. Read the full article here https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/addressing-road-safety-issues-westcotec/
There is no one right solution to tackling the threats of climate change – start small and you could still make a difference. 10 steps you can take now to be a greener business
Many businesses have been fighting for their survival for months, and rising energy costs have fast become the tipping point. Alongside an energy support package, we need an energy support strategy to get businesses on the right track to longer-term efficiency.
Local businesses joined Norfolk Chamber Great Yarmouth Borough Council and New Anglia LEP to consider the potential impact of Brexit and discuss what our region could look like post-Brexit.
Mike Spicer, the Policy Director for the British Chambers of Commerce provided an update on Brexit and also took part in a panel discussion on the potential impacts of Brexit, together with Paul Briddon, a Partner at Lovewell Blake and Nigel Best, the Growth Hub Manager from New Anglia LEP.
The discussions highlighted that many businesses have yet to prepare for Brexit. Businesses should be aware of the potential risks to their business and have some idea of how they will mitigate them.
It also became clear that businesses needed to have a good look at their supply chain – whilst their Tier 1 suppliers may be UK based; consideration needed to be given to Tier 2 and beyond. An easy way to consider their preparation for Brexit would be to use the free Chamber’s Business Brexit Checklist.
The Businesses were also asked to consider their future plans and what support they might need access to. Plans included recruitment and upskilling of staff; access to funding and grants to innovate their businesses; and the need to positively promote the region.
If you are an SME with a logistics function and feel that your data could be working better for you there are free to access grants available to strengthen your position.
TALE (Transport and Logistical Efficiencies) targets SMEs with a logistics function – this includes freight transport, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and a wide range of commercial services – TO MAKE YOUR DATA WORK FOR YOU. TALE can help your company to manage its data systems to improve profit margins and reduce costs. We offer a free 1:1 diagnostic session where one of our Business Support Facilitators would come and visit you and get to know everything about your business (your position in the market, future ambitions etc.) and suggest opportunities for support as well as help you shape a project you may already have in mind to improve how you use your data or your use of technology.
TALE offers: (1) Workshops delivering practical advice on ways to improve your performance, topics include Customer Insights, Cyber Security, Operations, Business Intelligence and Digital Strategy. (2) Grants to contribute towards your individual company’s data project – for example updating software or launching a new product. TALE grants offers up to £60,000 towards an individual company’s data project – for example hiring a consultant, updating/purchasing software and/or employing someone to do a logistics or data-based role associated with the project you are implementing. Grants aim to assist your company’s growth plans and can contribute 40% of total project cost and are non-repayable. For more information please visit www.tale.org.uk
Commenting on the latest update to existing trade agreements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The lack of progress revealed today is an incredibly disappointing, though not unexpected admission. This is unfortunately yet another example where politicians have overpromised and underdelivered – and it is businesses and consumers both at home and abroad that will pay the price.
“The British Chambers of Commerce has warned government for over two years that the replication of EU trade agreements would not be easy. We have also warned politicians that some trading businesses don’t even know they are benefiting from the provisions of these agreements, and will be surprised to see their costs going up or their products treated differently overseas in the unwanted event of ‘no deal’ on 29 March.
“There are firms now who have shipped their products to important overseas markets like South Korea whose customers may now face higher costs and new administrative burdens and purchases languishing at the dock after 29 March. UK firms and their partners have spent time building strong business relationships and will not appreciate sudden and expensive changes in trading arrangements.
“It’s time for government to work far more closely with business communities to ensure that more existing agreements are rolled over and their benefits to businesses and consumers preserved. The best way to do this in the first instance is to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on 29 March – which would see the terms of trade for some businesses worsen overnight.”
Most Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) exporters report no improvement to exports, with 27% reporting decreased export sales in the quarter and 47% reporting no change.
Only 26% of SME exporters saw increased export sales
The picture for future orders is even weaker with 28% reporting a decrease against 24% an increase
Three biggest cost pressures for SME exporters are energy (72%), labour (67%) and raw materials (61%).
A survey of more than 2,300 UK SME exporters has revealed UK overseas trade continues to languish as the global economy heads into another difficult year.
More SME exporters are continuing to report falling export sales (27%) than are reporting an increase (26%)
Just over a third of SME exporters (36%) expect to see increased profitability in the next 12 months, while an almost equal number (35%) expect a decrease.
The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook for Q4 2022 also showed the squeeze on SMEs exporters operating margins remains, with 64% expecting to raise their prices.
Three main cost pressures continue to dominate as utilities, labour costs and raw materials are again the biggest concerns cited by exporters.
Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said:
“Last autumn the World Trade Organisation forecast global trade growth of just 1% in 2023, down from 3% in 2022. This is creating huge headwinds for smaller UK firms battered by the pandemic, Brexit and energy price shocks.
“China’s sudden full reopening may also create additional supply chain turbulence this year, should the Covid pandemic continue to impact health and economic output.
“Against this background it could be sometime before the global shipping and trading systems returns to anything approaching normality.
“The UK government cannot afford to sit idly by as we head into such uncertain trading conditions.
“It must throw a lifeline to our struggling exporters who are desperately trying to keep their heads above water.
“Despite recent very welcome progress on data sharing, the unresolved Northern Ireland protocol situation is still influencing the UK’s relationship with the EU and the US.
“Resolving the remaining protocol issues unlocks the potential for benefits for UK businesses in both east and west directions, as well as for Northern Ireland.
“Outside of the EU, the US is our biggest trading partner, and the one that BCC members are most interested in, yet progress on free trade talks are stalled.
“As the Good Friday Agreement anniversary looms the UK has a golden opportunity to transform our trading relationship with our two biggest export markets in one fell swoop.
“Other measures Government should consider include providing effective end-to-end trade finance and setting up a trade accelerator – by working alongside our global network to help firms enter new markets and maximise sales.”
Since the 1st of January 2022, traders have been asked to pre-notify all plants and plant products arriving to the UK either on IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animal, Food and Feed System) or on PEACH (Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate).
The PEACH system is due to be phased out at the end of the year – this is due to be confirmed by DEFRA – and all pre-notification will need to be done in IPAFFS. To register to use the IPAFFS system, you will need to set-up a DEFRA account on your Government Gateway.
The pre-notification must be made at least four hours before it arrives into the UK.
When bringing the shipment into the UK, the number provided will need to be declared on your Customs Declarations for the goods to be able to clear the border. The codes to be used on the Customs Declarations will vary depending on which system you are using but your customs broker/agent should be able to advise and do it on your behalf and you should always provide it as part of your instructions to them.
We will provide more information as and when we receive it.
Norfolk Chambers can do import and export customs clearance on your behalf and we work with traders to ensure they are compliant with all customs requirements. For more information, please contact [email protected]
As we continue the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 here are four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics.
Infrastructure and transport
Passengers are being advised to avoid travelling with Greater Anglia, and to check before they do travel, if they do need to make a rail journey on 1 and 3 February, when strike action will affect train services.
Members of the train drivers’ union ASLEF and train drivers who are members of the RMT union, who work for Greater Anglia are striking on Wednesday 1 and Friday 3 February.
Do you want to bring the best energy to your workplace, enhance creativity, fuel purpose and develop communication skills? With colleague turnover at an all-time high isn’t it imperative that you attract the best, and retain all those brilliant people?
I feel lucky because my job is helping businesses become more sustainable and encouraging everyone to live more sustainably – and it’s also my passion.
Times are tough at the moment for many businesses, to say the least. The current UK inflation rate is sitting at 11.1%, so employers are under a lot of pressure to increase salaries and keep up with the rising cost of materials and products they require.
Our newly launched Focus Groups are enabling us to have groups in many cities, towns, market towns, and villages across Norfolk, to connect, support, and give voice to every business in Norfolk.
This week saw our first ‘towns’ Focus Group on Tuesday at the beautiful, but chilly Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Aylsham with Andrea Wilson, AKA The Connector.
With thanks to Upp, for being event sponsors and for their valuable contributions to the mornings discussions. To Redwings for hosting our attendees, and to our Vice President, Lizzy Dring from Huxley Events for representing the Norfolk Chambers board.
Ageing infrastructure
The first topic discussed was on ageing infrastructure and the current needs for technology in the workplace. Key points raised were on the impact of data management, and the importance of data transfer. From slow working connections impacting productivity to tech not keeping up with larger file sizes.
The pandemic highlighted the success of zoom and the potential of being able to utilise elements of this tech into in-person events.
There was a discussion around GDPR and security and that perhaps businesses and individuals working from home were not considering the impact of this.
Recruitment
Key points on recruitment were on the difficulty of employing people particularly in the visitor and tourism industry, and that many candidates lost confidence during the pandemic. With hybrid working patterns. Employees within the visitor attraction sector can’t be offered working from home options.
Our next topic covered LSIP – a new initiative from the Department for Education (DfE) that will set out the key priorities needed to make technical education and skills provision more responsive to the changing needs of employers and the local economy
One particular member described an issue with only having training facilities in Chelmsford for his profession meaning the added cost of getting a student to and from the training facility was both expensive and not helping with carbon footprint.
There was an overall feeling that there was a real need for practical skills training and the real need for investing time into employees to see the benefits for retention.
It was felt communication skills were lacking and needed to be part of the curriculum in schools and colleges, and bringing back work experience for students was needed.
Training is needed to combat the shortage of plumbers, builders and trades people.
A feeling that students were very driven by YouTube influencers – could we create some influencers who are in the trades to make this look more appealing?
A lot of conversations came back to the effects of the pandemic which are affecting many areas of business particularly with skills, wellbeing and recruitment. It was felt that if we can encourage a workforce back into offices and places of work, this would help with seclusion and anxiety.
If you would like to join us at another Focus Group in the future, the next upcoming event is Thursday 26th January in Fleggburgh – you can register via the link below:
More Norfolk businesses will be able to benefit from ultrafast broadband after Norfolk County Council secured £8m from the UK Government Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Department’s Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) fund.
The £8m funding is part of an £11m programme to upgrade more than 370 of Norfolk’s public sector buildings to the latest ultrafast connection speeds. It will enable 230 schools, 108 Norfolk County Council Corporate buildings (including 38 libraries) and 34 fire stations to be upgraded to gigabit (1,000 mbps) fibre internet connections within two years.
As a result of the scheme, thousands of Norfolk businesses will be able to benefit from lower fibre connection costs by using private funding to access the upgraded fibre network. They can also apply to a voucher scheme that will provide up to £2,500 per business to fund their connection and pay the first-year running costs.
Commenting on the funding, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“Norfolk Chambers actively supported the County Council’s ambitions to bring more funding for better broadband connections for our region, so we are delighted that their funding bid was successful.
Ultimately, we want every business in Norfolk to be able to access ultrafast broadband to ensure that our business communities can compete with the rest of the UK and beyond. This funding another step in the right direction.”
Cllr. Tom FitzPatrick, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Digital Innovation & Efficiency Committee, said:
“This funding will deliver significant digital infrastructure across the county, in addition to what the County Council has already delivered. Ensuring that Norfolk has the digital connectivity it needs to build a thriving economy is a priority for us.
“I would like to thank officers at the County Council for their hard work in ensuring that we were awarded this funding and the businesses who supported this bid. I am pleased this scheme will benefit them as well as provide vastly improved services.”