Chamber News

Turkey is one of the most dynamic and attractive markets for UK companies. Already sizeable, the Turkish economy will be the second fastest growing economy in the world by 2018 and will out-strip those of Italy and Spain in the next decade.

This visit is open to experienced exporters from all sectors who are interested in doing business in Turkey, partnering with companies in Turkey or looking to expand operations in Turkey.

While these are priority sectors companies from other sectors are welcome to join the mission

• Infrastructure
• Construction
• Marine
• Ports
• Rail/ Airports
• ICT
• Automotive and High Performance Engineering

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please click here to see the flyer.

• BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2012 shows progress, with almost all major balances across the UK improving since Q3.
• Norfolk businesses are ambitious, and confident the economic outlook will improve in 2013
• Although they are stronger, many key balances are still low by historical standards, indicating that growth remains weak.
• “It is a new year and time for a new chapter in our economy”, says John Longworth, BCC’s Director General.

The latest Quarterly Economic Survey released today (Tuesday) by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that the economy improved in the fourth quarter of 2012, with stronger balances seen in both the manufacturing and service sectors. The new survey, made up of nearly 8,000 business responses, shows that UK firms are confident and ambitious, but also indicates that growth remains weak and there are still economic challenges ahead.

Commenting on the results, John Longworth, BCC’s Director General, urged the government to take bold and imaginative measures to boost growth that will help businesses of all sizes to deliver a lasting recovery throughout 2013 and beyond.

The Norfolk results show the following:

• Balances for the manufacturing sector improved in Q4 compared with Q3.
• Balances for the service sector also showed improvements, although the service sector results were not as strong.
• Norfolk Manufacturing export sales and orders improved, with deliveries increasing from 27% to 33% and orders from 30% to 42%. These results were reflected in the East of England results, both of which were stronger than the national results.
• Service sector export deliveries and orders showed a decline from the previous quarter. Deliveries contracted by 10 points and the orders by 3 points.
• Both sectors reported a lack of recruitment, with the manufacturing sector balance reducing from 62% to 52% and the service sector falling from 59% to 44%.
• Manufacturers’ confidence in their profitability rose by 17 points to 35%, but service sector confidence dropped slightly from 37% to 33%.
• Service sector investment strengthened by two points to 5% in plant and machinery, and by four points to 14% in training in Q4. Despite these gains the results are still relatively weak.
• In contrast, manufacturing investment in plant and machinery decreased by 9 points to 6% and similarly training was also down by 12 points at 11%.
• Cashflow balances, though higher, are weak overall, despite the service sector’s improvement of from a negative -11% to a positive 4%. Manufacturing’s cashflow balance remained the same at 5%.
• Plans to raise prices have increased in both sectors. The manufacturing sector showed an increase of 4 points to 32% and the service sector a considerable increase from 19% to 33%.
• Both the manufacturing and the service sectors highlighted continued concerns about raw material prices, pay settlements and business rates.

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

Norfolk businesses are working in an increasingly difficult market place with raw material costs being identified as one of the key challenges to many businesses. Businesses in both the manufacturing and the service sectors are showing reluctance to invest in their businesses and to create new jobs when their customers are demonstrating real caution in their buying patterns. Overall there is a quiet determination within the Norfolk business community to develop their businesses, which will in turn help the Norfolk economy to grow in 2013.

Commenting on the results, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said:

“Our survey results show that the economy is making progress, despite the numerous challenges it has faced. Although the improvements we have seen are slight, it is progress nonetheless, and highlights the determination and ability of the businesses we have here in the UK. Despite rising business confidence that the outlook will improve, it is clear that economic growth remains weak and that nurturing it must be a top priority.

“The UK economy will continue to face major obstacles as we head into 2013, and every effort must be made to kick-start growth. Politicians can make a difference to our economic success, as they have the power to deliver bold and imaginative measures that will drive growth. The question is whether they have the guts to do it.

“It is a new year and the time for a new chapter in our economy. The government must build on measures announced in the Autumn Statement and deliver a strategy that combines deficit reduction with a realistic long-term growth plan, including immediate measures to support business confidence.

“Recent steps to improve access to finance, such as the commitment to create a business bank, must be implemented at scale and with clear timetables. More forceful measures are also needed to unlock massive private funding to renew Britain’s infrastructure that will create confidence in the short-term, jobs in the medium-term and growth in the long-term. But this will only work once we free up the planning system at national and local levels, and defeat the culture of NIMBYism that prevents many business projects getting off the ground.”

Greater Anglia has completed work at North Walsham rail station to install environmentally friendly lighting.

The existing lighting at North Walsham has been replaced by more energy efficient LED lights which will provide the same level of light but consume far less energy in the process, as part of a carbon reduction scheme.

The work, which represents an investment of £8,000, is the second phase of a £50,000 investment by Norfolk County Council which has already seen voltage regulators installed at nine stations along the Norwich – Cromer / Sheringham Bittern Line railway line, which has reduced energy consumption at stations by between 8% and 20% (depending on the station) along the route.

New Customer Information Screens have also been installed at North Walsham for more energy efficient ones as the final phase of the scheme.

Both the lighting and enhanced Customer Information Screens emerged as priorities from the North Walsham Station Travel Plan which was drawn up in consultation with passengers and stakeholders.

Chris Wood, of Community Rail Norfolk, said, “The railway is already the most energy efficient form of motorised transport and the work at North Walsham station helps to extend this advantage. Taking the train instead of the car is a sure way of reducing your carbon footprint.”

A delegation of Members of Parliament, Council Members and others met Roads Minister, Stephen Hammond MP recently. The meeting, organised by Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, was held at the Department for Transport to discuss the future of the A47.

Mr Hammond was presented with a copy of the Gateway to Growth report, put together by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and Norfolk County Council. The delegates at the meeting presented a firm, fact based business case to show the economic benefits that government investment in the A47 can encourage.

Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said: “I recognise the importance of the A47 route and the economic benefits the improvements could bring. The Alliance has done an excellent job at pulling together the case for future investment which will be of great help in shaping and influencing our decisions on future investment in the strategic road network.”

Brandon Lewis said: “I was delighted by the positive attitude from all sides during the meeting. The A47 is an excellent example of how the private and public sectors can work together to deliver jobs and economic growth to the UK. Investment in improvements to the A47 would be great news for the people of Great Yarmouth and Norfolk as a whole.”

Andy Wood, Chairman of New Anglia Enterprise Partnership: “We are delighted that the Minister acknowledges the work undertaken to date and the strategic importance of the A47. The level of impact investment will have should not be underestimated. It will be a catalyst for business growth and jobs in key sectors including energy, life sciences, engineering and tourism and will boost the economy across the region. The aim is to drive this forward in the new year to ensure we secure the investment needed to make it happen.”

Jonathan Cage, Norfolk Chamber Board Member, A47 Alliance & New Anglia LEP Transport Forum: “The Norfolk Chamber and businesses in general are fully behind the A47 Alliance initiative in bringing forward the business case for the improvement of the route. Whilst the dualling of the A11 will be a major boost to the County, the east/west links to the Midlands and the opening up of Gt Yarmouth as a gateway to Europe are equally important to business. Given the opportunity the business community of Norfolk will more than payback any investment that could be released to fund these improvements and will provide an excellent rate of return. The Ministers comments yesterday were extremely positive and we will continue to work with the County and the A47 Alliance to continue to build the business case including identifying any alternative funding.”

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, said: “We have been greatly heartened by our meeting with Stephen Hammond. He clearly recognises the A47 as a route of strategic importance. We know that money is extremely tight, which is why Norfolk County Council and New Anglia LEP produced a carefully considered and realistic business case for targeted improvements on the A47. It is clear that this businesslike approach impressed the Minister. The Minister says there is a strong case for the A47 to be the focus of one of the national Route Based Strategies next year. This would be a huge step forward and would have the full support of all those who want to see improvements on the A47. We will do everything we can to secure the A47’s place in the Route Based Strategy process.”

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, commented: “The A47 is vital to businesses and households in Norwich. Getting it upgraded will help our economy and bring more jobs to the city. We are campaigning hard for this as part of the better transport infrastructure we need in Norfolk.”

MP for Mid-Norfolk, George Freeman, said: “For too long Norfolk’s infrastructure has been neglected. The A47 has been a key artery but it’s clogged, very dangerous and too many of my constituents suffer injury and death from avoidable accidents. I greatly welcome the campaign to improve the A47 and the profound benefit it will have for my constituents.” Norwich South MP, Simon Wright: “Improving the A47 would deliver economic growth and jobs to Norwich. It’s an important route, but one which is poor quality in parts. I was pleased to hear the Minister recognise that in his comments. There is strong cross-party political support for the A47 Alliance proposals.”

Keith Simpson, MP for Broadland commented: “We had a very positive meeting and the minister was impressed by our business plan. The A47 is now nearer being a priority for development and I look forward to working with colleagues in Norfolk and here in London to start work on this vital transport link”. South West Norfolk MP, Elizabeth Truss: “It is good that MPs, councillors and business are working together to secure improvements to the A47. I am keen to see the Wisbech to Kings Lynn and Lynn to Swaffham sections improved. Of particular concern is Broadend Road junction which needs to be made safer and I have written to the minister on this issue. Businesses, local residents and tourism all rely on this route. The Brecks are showcasing all that there is to offer in the area and the Fens are home to some fabulous agricultural producers, plus we have superb engineering and hi tech companies that all use the A47. Earlier in the year in the House of Commons Chamber I asked the roads minister about it being upgraded to a national strategic route. I was told then that DFT is seriously examining the possibilities for the road and I will continue to press the Department for Transport on this very important issue so that we have the infrastructure in place to support future economic growth.”

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Community and Infrastructure, said: “I urged the Minister to back the campaign to improve this highly used and congested road. Improving the A47 would help boost business and future trade and therefore create jobs and prosperity for the area. Our continued efforts to lobby Government for an improved A47 shows our commitment to Fenland and runs alongside groundbreaking work on the Wisbech 2020 Vision with our local partners. The County Council has been a member of the A47 Alliance for many years. We will continue to push for these improvements although we recognise the difficulties of finding funding for major schemes in a tough financial climate. I would also like to praise the delegation which went to London and the work of Norfolk County Council on leading the A47 Alliance.”

The New Anglia Green Economy Business Conference will celebrate innovative businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk that lead many fields in low carbon, energy and environmental businesses, products and services. Businesses attending will have the opportunity to hear key note speakers, to do business with other businesses in a “Carbon Dating” fair, to exhibit their businesses and to take part in focus groups that develop further collaboration, branding and innovation.

This exciting event will take place on Thursday March 7th at Wherstead Park, just outside Ipswich in Suffolk. Please save the date, booking information will be sent to you early in the New Year.

The nationally recognised work being undertaken by businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk to develop the green economy has been profiled in a national pathfinder backed by government, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, the Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils and the Environment Agency.

The Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto was launched in 2012 in the Houses of Parliament. It shows that effective transition to a sustainable economy can boost economic recovery, create jobs, increase resource security and help to make the UK more globally competitive.

The Sustainability 2013 conference on 8 May 2013 at John Innes Centre Norwich will highlight many of the achievements of the Green Pathfinder. The key note speaker at this conference will be Energy Minister John Hayes MP.

The Bank of England Agents’ Summary for December 2012 has now been published. The key headlines were:

• Subdued demand and intense competition, which restricted prices, ensured that business services growth remained modest
• Annual manufacturing output remained marginally negative, although production for export outperformed the domestic markets
• Construction output continued to decline through 2012
• Positive investment intentions can be seen within the manufacturing and service sectors
• Manufacturing and service sectors are operating below normal levels of capacity utilisation
• Labour costs per employee increased in both manufacturing and service sectors

• Share of £70m boost to help reinforce regional export growth

Latest figures released by HM Revenue & Customs show that the East of England leads the way nationally in the growth of exports to countries outside the European Union, with a 19.4 per cent rise in the year to September 2012 at £11.5 billion – accounting for an increasing 42 per cent of the region’s overall exports.

The figures show that the region’s trade with countries such as the USA, China, Hong Kong, Australia, the Middle East and other parts of Asia is growing strongly. Exports to many of these markets are enjoying double digit growth e.g. exports to USA up 18.1%, Hong Kong up 38% as companies seek new business in high growth markets.

The region is also set to share in the benefits of an extra £70 million funding for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) announced in the Autumn Statement to help deliver a package of support to get more companies exporting.

UKTI in the East of England has urged the region’s firms to take up the export for growth challenge and follow in the footsteps of others such as Ipswich-based engineering firm Siderise (Special Products) Ltd.

Launched in 1972, the company, which produces innovative acoustic and thermal insulation products, has seen its exports double last year thanks the help of UKTI programmes including Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth (G3).

This success prompted Sales Director Philip Mohan to request a market research report outlining potential business in the US sports boat industry. Philip said:

“Working with UKTI has given us additional confidence in approaching overseas markets. UKTI has been very supportive and we have come to realise that there is nothing quite like having somebody on the ground.

“Looking forward, UKTI intelligence has shown us there is good potential business to be pursued in the US market for marine leisure. We are also planning on hiring additional staff to help us build double digit growth every year in our export business over the next five years and UKTI is sure to have a role to play!”

According to the latest quarterly figures, overall exports from the East of England are up 3 per cent in the year to September 2012. This is due to a 6.3 per cent dip in exports to European countries when compared to the same period last year.

Another East of England company taking steps to maximise exports is Norwich-based educational consultancy Boosted Education. Founded by Dr George Forster, a former health authority Chief Executive, the company repositioned themselves and are now doing all their work internationally. Having developed a number of science centres around the UK the company contacted UKTI to help them develop their business overseas.

George Forster comments,

“I knew of UKTI and was adamant that that must be our first approach, as we wanted people who knew the patch and could help us market ourselves.We joined the Gateway programme, and very quickly, things took off and we found ourselves contracted by the Science Centre in Singapore to develop an exhibition about the human body.”

They are now working to develop content for another major project”We found out very recently that we now have a £2.5 million contract in Hong Kong to redevelop the province’s Space Centre,” George said. “It will give youngsters a great opportunity to interact on matters of the universe and space travel, and will open in 2015.”

Top export partner for the region is still Germany but regional exports to the country have dipped slightly year on year but are still valued at £3.5 billion. Trends show that the USA is set to overtake Germany as the East of England’s biggest export market in the near future. Third biggest market for the region is France and exports are up 5.7% at £2.82bn.

Elsewhere, exports to Asia and Oceania are up 16.6 per cent at £3.7 billion, while those to the Middle East are up 21 per cent at £1.1 billion. Exports to Southern Africa are up 92 per cent at £829 million. Commenting on the figures, Liz Basing, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Regional Director said:

“The East of England’s export performance remains strong with the annual total for exports of goods at £27.4 billion in the 12 months up to September 2012.

“We know we’re facing a tough time at the moment, especially when it comes to exports to Eurozone countries, so we need to continue our efforts to boost overseas business.

“That is why UKTI’s annual budget has been increased by £70 million a year for the next 2 years while £30 million has also been allocated to continue the GREAT campaign. This will enable us to deliver an ambitious package of support designed to get more SMEs exporting, help UK companies access the highest value trade opportunities and reinforce the UK as the location of choice for Europe-bound investors.

“We will be continuing to work with local companies and our many partners to encourage more East of England companies to follow in the footsteps of companies like Siderise.

“Our aim is to help meet the challenge set by Government who are looking to us to find 100,000 more exporters nationally by 2020 because by helping more companies export we help to create essential economic growth. Our Export Insight visits to European markets in the first part of 2013 will allow more companies considering exporting to learn about the support available from British Embassies in different markets to help them begin doing business overseas. For eligible companies, a nominal fee of £99 + VAT covers group travel and accommodation. See www.embltd.org.uk/ukti for more information.”

To find out more about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the UKTI East’s International Trade Team on 0845 641 9955 or visit www.UKTI.gov.uk/eastofengland

As part of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in November, Norfolk Chamber in conjunction with enterpriseGY ran the Pitching for Business event in Great Yarmouth.

The event was designed to enhance entrepreneurial activity across all sections of the Great Yarmouth business community. Delegates took advantage of the opportunity to learn with interactive workshops, make connections through networking and then finalised their learning by meeting and pitching to key local buyers over lunch.

The event was awarded a Global Entrepreneurship Week High Impact Event Award. Daniel Idowu, from the GEW Team said “I just wanted to thank the Norfolk Chamber and its partners for taking part in GEW this year. We encourage our partners to ensure their events are high impact and have awarded the High Impact Badge to the Norfolk Chamber and enterpriseGY in recognition of their Pitching for Business Event in Great Yarmouth.”

Monday 17th December – Normal Service Tuesday 18th December – Normal Service Wednesday 19th December – Normal Service Thursday 20th December – Normal Service Friday 21th December – Normal Service (Office closes at 4pm)

Monday 24th December – CLOSED Tuesday 25th December – CLOSED Wednesday 26th December – CLOSED Thursday 27th December – CLOSED Friday 28th December – CLOSED

Monday 31st December – CLOSED Tuesday 1st Janurary – CLOSED Wednesday 2nd Janurary – Normal Service Resumes

Norwich City Council has produced a draft Statement of community involvement and they are asking for your views on this Statement.

The Statement of community involvement (SCI) is the Norwich City Council’s code of practice on how people can expect to be involved in the planning process. It covers the production of different types of planning policy documents, and the different stages for each one. It is also concerned with how people should expect to be involved in the planning application process.

Norwich City Council’s current SCI was adopted in March 2010, however there have been significant changes to the overall planning system and the new SCI reflects the most up-to-date legislation and regulation changes. The new SCI also proposes a more streamlined approach to consultation and greater flexibility in terms of dealing with future legislation changes.

This is your opportunity to have your say. The draft document is available to view at the Planning Reception on the 2nd floor of City Hall and also in the Millennium Library at the Forum. You can also provide your feedback by completing the response form and emailing it to [email protected].

The consultation period will end at 5pm on 19 February 2013 and all responses must be received before this time.

Now is the opportunity to have your say on EDF Energy’s early plans to build a new nuclear power station, Sizewell C.

This Stage 1 Consultation is your first opportunity to look at EDF’s initial proposals and options and give them some feedback on the work so far.

EDF Energy have produced a special consultation edition newsletter which details about the development site, the construction phases and EDF Energy’s plans for housing and transporting the large numbers of people needed to build Sizewell C. It also provides an initial outline of their aims to reduce the volume of freight on the roads by using alternative forms of freight transport.

EDF Energy will be holding public exhibitions, for you to view their plans and also to speak to EDF Energy representatives. The dates of the Public Exhibitions are listed on the attached newsletter. You can also feed directly into the consultation by completing the online questionnaire. The consultation period will close on 6 February 2013.

Commenting on the appointment of current Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney as the future Governor of the Bank of England, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce , said:

“The new Governor of the Bank of England will take office at a crucial time for both the UK and global economies. As the Bank takes on greater supervision of Britain’s financial services sector, and in particular our major lending banks, we hope that the new Governor will focus relentlessly on supporting business growth across the UK – not just in the Square Mile.

“In particular, the new Governor must work closely with the Treasury to find ways to boost the supply of credit to new and growing businesses. We hope that Mark Carney will also play an instrumental role in bringing a British Business Bank to life – something that Canadian SMEs have benefited from for many decades.”