Chamber News

Commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s speech on flexible working and parental leave, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“We support the concept of flexible working, but the proposals to extend the right to request to all workers could make it more difficult for employers to offer flexibility to employees who are parents or have caring duties. Many employees already benefit from flexible working and in the rare cases where an employer feels they cannot support flexible working, a burdensome new consideration process is very unlikely to change that view.”

On flexible parental leave:

“Businesspeople understand and accept the logic of giving new parents more flexibility over which of them is best placed to take parental leave. Unfortunately, the government’s current proposals risk causing unnecessary friction between parents and employers, and raise unrealistic expectations about the level of flexibility most businesses will be able to accommodate. The government’s plans will also generate major uncertainty for employers, as they will represent the seventh change to parental leave in a decade, and the government is already talking about another change in 2018, hardly the sort of stability that ministers say they want to promise to businesses.

“It is right and desirable that a mother should be able to return to work when she feels ready, and transfer her remaining parental leave and pay to her partner if that is what works best for their family. However, we cannot support proposals encouraging parents to request patterns of shared leave alternating between them in chunks as small as a week and if the government is planning a review in 2018, it would make sense to delay this controversial element until that review. Few employers will be able to find adequate cover over an extended but non-continuous period. We believe that such requests will almost always be rejected as unworkable, causing unnecessary stress to the relationship between employer and employee.

“Requests to change leave arrangements will introduce further uncertainty for the employer, particularly because for the first time their relationship with their employee will become contingent on decisions by a third party – the employee’s partner’s employer. Such requests must allow sufficient time for the employer to alter their planned cover after the request has been agreed by both employers.

The Quarter 3 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) reported that despite a backdrop of national results showing weak economic growth and poor business confidence, some areas of business in Norfolk were doing better than their national counterparts. Both the Norfolk manufacturing and service sectors showed positive results around their future export orders, as well as their domestic orders.

Norfolk Chamber members are now starting to report a slight upward trend in comparison to previous months. Is your business following suit or are trading conditions still proving to be a challenge?

The British Chambers of Commerce QES is used by both the Bank of England and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to plan the future of the UK economy. The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete online, so please take the time to input into this important survey to ensure Norfolk businesses have a voice and are heard at a national level. The survey needs to be completed by Monday 3 December 2012. Click here to complete the survey.

Norfolk businesses attending the recent Chamber Bank of England lunch at Dunston Hall, Norwich highlighted that despite the tough economic climate, signs of improvement are showing in some sectors. Topics covered at the lunch included access to finance, for which a lively debate ensued on the best ways to access finance and what the UK banks were doing to support the SMEs. A discussion was also held on the merits of leasing business premises over buying them.

Blair Ainslie, MD for Seajacks, Great Yarmouth, said “both the oil and gas and the renewable offshore sectors were strong, but going forward, more definition was needed from the Government on subsidies for offshore wind, as the industry needed longevity and certainty for the next ten years, not just the next five, to maximise on growth potential.”

The engineering sector also appeared to be doing well and Paul Moughton, MD of Moughton Engineering said “despite the recession his sector of engineering was doing very well.” He put his success down to being flexible enough to react to his client’s needs at short notice. The retail sector highlighted that, whilst growth had been good last year, this year they were expecting to remain on a level, especially as the Olympics, the Jubilee celebrations and the weather all had an adverse effect on their growth.

The IT/Technology sector noted that whilst growth could still be seen in IT infrastructure, the bespoke software market was proving to be a fast growing market. Graham Duckworth, MD of Green Duck identified that he had seen a shift in where his company was aiming. He said “to accommodate work with some of my larger public sector clients has meant increasing staffing levels and the company is moving to new premises.”

All agreed that the successful businesses were those who had a ‘can-do’ attitude and had adapted to the new tougher economic conditions.

Over 40 start up businesses have joined the Norfolk Chamber network since April. They are using its contacts, online communication channels and events to help grow their businesses. Hear what they have to say:

“Chamber helped us to grow our business”

Many young businesses have benefited from Chamber membership. Norwich-based Sweetbriar Office Solutions, for instance, benefits from the networking opportunities.

Based on Frensham Road on the Sweetbriar Industrial Estate, the company comprises a team of local people who have more than 25 years’ experience in the stationery industry.

They officially opened on March 1 and supply a number of businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire, providing everything from office supplies and printing to office hygiene, interior design and refurbishment and paper recycling systems.

Jenny Blunt, the Office Manager, said: “Attending the variety of events, breakfasts and similar events arranged by the Chamber of Commerce has enabled our business to connect with people who make the real day-to-day decisions, which has helped us grow our business.”

“Chamber events help me to make great contacts”

Forage4it, which helps clients meet their legal obligations under security, environmental and WEEE regulations. The business reuses, recycles and disposes of used Electronic/Electrical equipment. PCs, laptops, phones appreciates the role played by the Chamber.

Pete Lloyd, who runs it, said: “I find the support offered by the Chamber to be very good. I am particularly keen on events such as the chill-out networking events. Not only do these give a good opportunity to meet and talk to others in business, they also enable you to make some great contacts.

“But what I find most helpful about these events is the chance to spend time with other positive people. Building a business can be a lonely affair so it’s good to meet and talk to others that are trying to achieve similar things to you, to swap advice and stories.”

Norfolk farmer Richard Wright has also drawn on the networking opportunities offered by the Chamber as he develops his business.

“The Chamber feeds into the wider business network”

The Chamber’s role in influencing decision-makers is important for Norfolk businessman and former solicitor Mark Oxley, who helps clients resolve a wide range of business and personal problems.

His recent work includes advising on company turnarounds, acting as trusted adviser on multi-jurisdictional business, probate and aggressive tax planning issues and advising small businesses across a wide range of strategic and operational issues.

He said: “For me, the key thing about the Chamber is the way it feeds into the wider business network, both nationally and internationally.

“It is important to have an organisation that can operate on the macro level, ensuring that Government appreciates the views of businesses in Norfolk. No other organisation does that and that makes the Chamber a useful forum.”

“Chamber events give me access to people I do not know”

Norwich-based Leavs Ltd produces bespoke organic packaging from botanicals and by-products of popular farming crops. The company’s innovative approach was recognised by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which mentioned Leavs in the Green Economy Pathfinder Manifesto presented to the Government in June.

Richard said: “The Chamber has helped me establish the business. The really useful thing has been the Chamber events. They are really important because they give me the opportunity to meet potential customers and gain access to people I do not know.”

“I’ve had a great experience of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce”

For Richard Shepherdson, setting up his own business was a major step, having spent his earlier career in the public sector.

When he decided to take that step, the result was Norfolk Workplace Mediation, which helps resolve disputes, and he has appreciated the support he has received from the Chamber.

Richard said: “I am always amazed when I read some of the research-based estimates regarding the cost to industry of poor relationships at work, bullying and the inevitable resulting anxiety. The facts are difficult to exaggerate.

“I have always had a professional interest in emotional literacy and believe with a passion that excessive conflict within the workplace is simply not necessary. I was struck by the extent of the misery which so many people feel obliged to endure at work and I realised that I want to do something about it.

“Becoming self-employed is a risk, however. From the start, I knew that there is a need among local employers which I am able to fulfil. It was obvious to me that the issue of poor workplace conflict is a serious problem which affects most businesses at some level and I set-up Norfolk Workplace Mediation because I realised that the principles of how to address these problems are actually simple ideas which most of us can easily understand.

“I’ve had a great experience of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce – it seems to offer a broad variety of opportunities from which members benefit according to our different needs. Currently for me, it’s mainly about networking opportunities and B-2-B. I am relatively new to the business world because my previous career was in the public sector and I’m really enjoying finding out about the many different ways in which people work.

“I loved the ‘Engaging Customers using Social Media’ event and was both surprised and fascinated to learn about just how commercially significant social media has become. I felt that I was being kept informed about an important aspect of my work and I have to say it immediately influenced my business plan. People at Chamber events are sociable and approachable; I’ve met some interesting people and made new friends.

“Publications including the Business Directory are useful and members are kept informed by email. I have a two-year business plan and the Chamber will remain central to that. The Chamber is particularly well-suited to the kind of service which I am able to provide.” 　

New businesses need all the help they can get when it comes to establishing themselves and in Norfolk there’s plenty of support available, ranging from support with marketing and social media, specialist advice to networking opportunities.

One of the organisations offering such help is Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, which sees membership as a good way for new businesses to get themselves noticed. Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organisation supporting members of all sizes and from all sectors; from start-ups to large corporate members such as Aviva and Bernard Matthews. As a member you can raise your profile using our free PR system incorporating: access to our website; social media exposure; and our bi-monthly magazine, Norfolk Voice. Reach new customers through networking at Chamber events and access free business services such as HR and legal help lines.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “We can help new businesses grow, save money, raise their profile and build their contacts throughout Norfolk.

“We are able to make the wider business network accessible to new enterprises by giving them a cost-effective chance to tap into our network, our marketing reach and really get their business seen.

“We can help new businesses grow, save money, raise their profile and build their contacts throughout Norfolk”

“The USP of the Chamber is that we have a 800 business membership with medium-to-large corporate businesses active within the network, thus giving the new enterprises an opportunity to meet and engage with influential business leaders from all sectors. The 40 new start up businesses who have joined us since April are already reaping the benefits

“Never has there been a more important time to look at a increasing brand awareness within the business community and using the Chamber network to communicate brand awareness is an extremely cost-effective way of marketing.

“As part of Enterprise Week we are launching a start-up part to our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/start-up dedicated to help new businesses to find their way around the support on offer. If you are a new business under 12 months old they have a special rate of £8.25+vat per month.”

Local businesses were given invaluable information on the young, vibrant, growing market of Turkey, during an International Trade Event organised by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Barclays and UK Trade & Investment.

Yuksel Akca, Chief Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy travelled up from London and gave delegates some valuable facts and figures about the Turkish economy, as well as details of the business sectors where opportunities can be found by UK exporters. Matthew Dabbs of Barclays delivered an informative workshop covering their suite of services under the brand ‘Business Abroad’. Matthew also provided useful guidance on a number of payment terms that exporters could consider when trading overseas, and advice on Foreign Exchange options. The seminar was held at the premises of local exporter Fluke, based at Hurricane Way, Norwich. Keith Betts and Gavin McQuillan explained how successful Fluke has become over the years, with overseas trading playing an important role. Tracey Howard, International Trade Director of Norfolk Chamber was very pleased with positive atmosphere at the event, “The delegates were delighted with the amount of information that Yuksel provided, which gave them a clear indication that Turkey is definitely a thriving market to consider. We hope that the success of this first seminar will lead to a growing following of the series, which will continue through to March 2013.” The next event in The Global Marketplace Series, will look at Libya which takes place in Great Yarmouth on 6th December. The UN expect Libya’s economy to bounce back strongly following the conflict, and are forecasting high growth rates. With business opportunities in Education, Oil and Gas, Healthcare, Security, Finance and much more, the potential growth for Norfolk businesses, is huge. Speakers will include Lesley Batchelor of the Institute of Export, John Parr of the Libya-Britain Business Council and Phil Turner of Midexco, a local firm with vast experience of trading with Libya. A workshop covering the AEO Scheme will be delivered by Steve James of HMRC. For more details on The Global Marketplace Series, take a look here.

Norfolk County Council has recently published an infrastructure update which gives the latest news and progress on key infrastructure projects like the dualling of the A11, improvements to broadband and rail, details of the ‘Transport for Norwich’ strategy, an update on what is happening with the A47 and Norwich Airport. The highlights are given below:

A11 – Fiveways to Thetford Improvement The contractor, Birse is expected to commence on the Fiveways Roundabout in mid-January 2013. For the duration of the main works a 40mph speed limited will be in place. There will be limited capacity through the junctions for an 8 week period with diversion routes to reduce traffic levels.

The B1112 was fully closed from 15 October to 5 November to allow for junction improvements, as this will be one of the diversion routes whilst Fiveways is being upgraded.

The improvement works will also require some tree felling and the routes highlighted below will be closed overnight from 8pm until 6am on the following dates:

• B1112 to Elveden Crossroads 13 – 14 November 2012
• Elveden Crossroads to Thetford Roundabout 20 – 21 November 2012

To see the full progress of the improvements to the A11, a public exhibition will be held in Elveden Village Hall from 22 to 24 November 2012.

The overall construction duration is expected to be 20 months with a planned completion date of 2014.

Transport for Norwich Government funding of £86.5m has been secured for the Northern Distributor Road (NDR). Norfolk County Council Cabinet has approved proposals for the NDR to be a dual carriageway from Postwick to the A1067. The Postwick Hub has been given planning permission and work is due to start later in 2013, subject to the completion of a Public Inquiry into the side roads and slip roads.

Work on a range of Transport for Norwich implementation measures has begun:

Dereham Road Bus Rapid Transport Corridor Construction works to improve the Old Palace Road junction will commence in January, following utility works.

Better Bus Area Programme The Grapes Hill Bus Lane Consultation has been completed and a report will now be considered by the Norwich Highways Agency Committee (NHAC) on 29 November. If the proposals are successful work will commence in April 2013.

Other improvements being considered as part of the Better Bus Area programme are new electronic signage at key transport interchanges; improved interchanges between bus and rail at Norwich railway station; and bus shelter enhancements along Dereham Road / Newmarket Road.

Consultations are underway (5 November to 3 December) on the removal of general traffic from St Stephens and Surrey Street and improvements to Chapelfield North, with the results going to the NHAC in January 2013.

A47 Corridor An A47 Prospectus is due to be published this month setting out the business case for improvements.It will be launched by Norfolk MP Keith Simpson driving the Norfolk stretch of the A47 in his Union Jack mini, from the west of the county, via the Showground, to Great Yarmouth. The journey will be filmed from within the car to compile a short film giving a driver’s eye perspective of the A47. The launch has been timed to coincide with the A47 Alliance sending a delegation to Westminster to present the business case to the new Roads Minister, Stephen Hammond MP on 26 November 2012.

Work is taking place in 2012/2013 to identify improvement schemes for the A47 Thickthorn and Longwater junctions to accommodate the growth that is projected by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership’s Joint core Strategy and work is also being done with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to identify which junctions/links will need to be improved to accommodate growth in and around King’s Lynn.

The Government’s Pinch-Point programme provides funding for schemes that are designed to relieve congestion and spur economic growth through small-scale schemes on the trunk road network. £1.3m has been approved for the Honningham expressway. The scheme will be constructed over the next 2/3 years, although no detailed programme is available at present.

£40m of the Pinch-Point funding is still to be allocated and Norfolk County Council has submitted bids for: the A12 Beacon Park; A12 James Padget and Bridge Road, Great Yarmouth; A149 ASDA junction right turn; and improvements at the B1108/A47 Norwich Research Park junction. A decision on these schemes is expected in the New Year.

Rail Improvements The Norfolk Rail Prospectus was launched on 4 October and the event was well attended by Norfolk MPs, local businesses and stakeholders from the rail industry and local authorities. At present a consultation is ongoing until 16 November.

In July this year the Government issued a High Level Output Statement, setting out high level objectives required from rail, together with announcements about larger schemes to be delivered between 2014 and 2019. The Ely junction was included in the announcement. Norfolk County Council continues to work with the Government and the rail industry, as the detailed spending programme is drawn up by Network Rail.

Atkins have now completed their consultation work to identify how to deliver more capacity and faster journeys from Norwich, via Ipswich and Colchester to London. Work is ongoing with Essex and Suffolk County Councils and New Anglia LEP to get their recommendations included in rail investment programmes.

Better Broadband for Norfolk BT was approved as the project partner for this scheme in September 2012. The BT bid met the County Council’s ambitions of providing broadband access (a minimum of 2 megabits per second) to every property in the county and superfast (24Mbps+) to most. 83% of Norfolk properties will be able to receive superfast broadband by June 2015 – this is double the number that would be able to receive it by this date without the BT deal. BT will install an ‘open’ infrastructure – this will allow any Internet Service Provider to offer services on it and customers will have the choice of who to purchase their Broadband from. The contract is due to be signed this Autumn, with installation work beginning in Spring.

Norwich International Airport Andrew Bell, the CEO of Norwich International Airport (NIA) is looking at ways that the local business community can work with NIA to promote and increase business travel. The airport needs help to get businesses to identify needs and opportunities, as it must present robust businesses cases to airlines when trying to attract them to open new routes. Norfolk County Council will shortly launch a survey to assess current and future potential travel needs.

• UKtrade deficit in goods and services was £2.7bn in September, compared with a deficit of £4.3bn in August

Commenting on the trade figures for September 2012 published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Although an improvement in the trade deficit in September was unsurprising after the setback we saw in August, the progress was better than expected. Underlying export volumes rose by 4.1% in the third quarter, while imports fell slightly over the same period. Longer term comparisons show that exports rose more than imports on an annual basis, reversing the disappointing trends seen at the beginning of the year. “It is encouraging that exports to non-EU countries were stronger than exports to the slow growing European Union in both the second and third quarters of this year. This welcome development must be supported as the UK is still experiencing a significant trade deficit. The government must do everything in its power to help UK exporters move to faster growing areas outside the EU. Exporting companies have huge untapped potential to expand, but they need the right backing to help them compete on equitable terms and break into new markets. “Firmer action from the government is needed in key areas such as trade finance, promotion and insurance, which we hope the Chancellor will address in his Autumn Statement next month. But this must be part of a general shift in priorities towards more policies to boost growth.”

“The news this week that Norfolk Chamber member joint venture ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) and Vattenfall, the developers of East Anglia Offshore Wind (EAOW), and the companies behind a major wind farm scheme planned off East Anglia’s coast have already invested £6.65million in the region through local contracts, is the news we all want to hear” says Norfolk Chamber CEO Caroline Williams “There will be considerable opportunities for Norfolk and Suffolk businesses in particular and the two Chambers will be working together to ensure that their members are well informed”

EAOW programme director Andy Paine said that where possible, they were trying to use local contractors to ensure the region benefits as much as possible from jobs and investment as a result of the scheme.

“With the help and support of local contractors, East Anglia Offshore Wind is making strong progress and we are on schedule to lodge our first application for consent this year,” he said.

We anticipate there will be further opportunities for businesses in the region as the East Anglia ONE windfarm progresses through its consenting, construction and operational phases.”

EAOW has already placed a number of contracts with companies in the region and that over the last two years, as part of plans to build one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world; it estimates it has helped support almost 170 jobs across East Anglia through its investments.

These include Chamber member Gardline marine services, marine researcher Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), fisheries consultants Brown and May, online consultation experts Consense, consultants Eastern Edge and land agents Freedom Group who are all working on East Anglia ONE, the first phase of the East Anglia Zone.

The developers say that as the development of future wind farms within the zone continues there will be further opportunities for businesses in the region to benefit from these types of contracts.

Development rights for the East Anglia Zone were awarded to SPR and Vattenfall by the Crown Estate in December 2009 and plans are already under way for wind farms that could power the equivalent of over five million homes.

At a recent meeting of the Chamber Planning and Development Group, members noted that whilst the planning and development market is still very challenging, improvements could be seen over the third quarter, in comparison to the previous quarters.

Members advised that a larger quantity of planning consultancy work is being undertaken at present but, of the projects that achieve planning, very few are actually progressing to ‘breaking ground’ The most active area of the market appears to be residential, with high quality sites selling well within the City and its suburbs.

Other public sector construction work such as education and health schemes are still ongoing and effectively providing much of the work for the contracting industry in the area. Development finance is still not readily available and there is little appetite for new strategic development sites (1,000+ units) over and above those already identified, but smaller sites (50-100 units) seem to be more viable. Clients are also being more realistic in their expectations of the work required and the fees involved.

“The market is still very challenging, however there does appear to be a glimmer of light, with some small sparks of interest in the commercial sector, clearly we need a focussed effort to ensure that the City makes the most of the limited opportunities to attract inward investment. A large number of the available sites in the City are either distressed or are tied down with financial restrictions. It is important that a real private and public sector partnership is developed to concentrate our efforts in finding ways to unlock these sites” said Jonathan Cage Chair of the Chamber Planning & Development Group and Managing Director of Create Consulting.

Also debated at the meeting was the proposed closure of St Stephens and what would happen to the surrounding area and re-routed traffic. The Group believed it was essential that before any decisions are made with respect to removing cars from St Stephens that a detailed appraisal had been undertaken on how this would impact on other routes. It was generally considered that removing cars on their own would not make that much of a difference and believed that the current level of bus usage of this area was causing a greater impact on pedestrians and businesses.

It was also noted the Inspector’s findings from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Examination, which was held on 16 October will be known within the next few weeks. The Chamber Planning Group made representations to the Inquiry, requesting that any CIL charge be set at a sensible level that would not prevent development coming forward. This will impact on any potential development proposal being undertaken within the County. Once the Inspector’s findings have been made public then we will update the chamber membership.

Elveden Village Hall, Elveden Village, Norfolk IP24 3TJ

Thursday 22 November, Friday 23 November and Saturday 24 November 2012

The Highways Agency invites you to attend an exhibition about the upgrade works to improve the A11 between Fiveways and Thetford roundabout.

The exhibition will be held at Elveden Village Hall and will be open to the public on Thursday 22 November 3pm to 8pm, Friday 23 November 10am to 8pm and Saturday 24 November 10am to 3pm.

Members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions and take into consideration any comments you may have.

If you would like to find out more about the improvement works please visit:https://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/a11-fiveways-to-thetford-…

It is 7 months since the launch of the Youth Contract, which means that the first cohort of employers will have earned their full 6-month subsidy of £2,275. The Norfolk Chamber would like to hear from businesses about their experiences of using the Youth Contract and barriers preventing greater participation. To submit your views, please contact [email protected]. We have also produced a brief, employer-friendly communication explaining the Youth Contract and how to find out more information, which can be found below:

Do you want to give a young person a chance to prove themselves in your business and claim a Government subsidy? With youth unemployment still unacceptably high, thousands of talented young people are available to help your company, but can’t get a first step on the ladder.The Youth Contract provides support to employers to create nearly half a million new jobs or work placements by 2015.

Three opportunities:

• Wage Incentives: Hire an unemployed young person for at least 6 months through the Youth generation of talent and test a potential new member of your team at a reduced cost.
• Work Experience: Offer voluntary unpaid work experience to an 18-24 year old for 2-8 weeks without the hassle of recruitment. Support a local young person to get a real taste of a private business and learn new skills. You may even decide you want to keep them on. Contract and receive a £2,275 wage incentive (£1,137.50 for p/t position). Help develop the next
• Hire an Apprentice aged 16-24 and receive £1,500 from Government (if you have fewer than 1000 employees and have not employed an Apprentice in the last 12 months). The Government will also pay 100% of training fees for 16-18 year olds and 50% for 19-24 year olds. Apprentices are an investment in the future skills and growth of your business, and offer a great way to increase staff loyalty.

Further information:

For the wage incentive or to offer work experience:

Jobcentre Plus on 0845 601 2001 (option 2) or textphone 0845 601 2002 for people with speech or hearing impairments.

For a £1,500 Apprenticeship Grant:

• Apprenticeships Norfolk Phoneline: 0344 800 8024 for further advice and how to proceed
• Apprenticeships Norfolk Website: www.norfolk.gov.uk/apprenticeships
• Call the National Apprenticeship Service: 08000 150 600