There are a variety of opportunities for members to speak at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce events and we are always interested to hear from experienced speakers with an interesting story.
From speaking at business breakfasts, delivering a one hour bitesize free training session in our office, to speaking at a large scale conference on a specialised conference – there are great opportunitites available.
Attendees at our events expect our speakers to share information and best practice without heavily promoting their business.
In order to maintain the high quality expected of speakers at Chamber of Commerce events, we have introduced a speaker application form. Please complete the form by clicking here if you would like to be considered.
Are you interested in increasing your revenue through exporting or are you already an established exporter looking to enter into new international markets?
Join the British Chamber network on 17th October 2019 at Hilton, London Bankside for the BCC International Trade Summit.
Whether you are a Norfolk or UK based company, or a company located anywhere in the world, join the Chambers to receive practical advice, contacts and resources you need to take your international trade journey to the next level.
Join in and participate in interactive breakout sessions that focus on the practical aspects of trade and commerce and hear from experienced business leaders, which in previous years has included Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion; Dr Linda Yueh, Fellow in Economics at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford; Wilson Del Socorro, Global Director for Trade, Tax and Regulatory Affairs, Diageo and Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover among many others.
The key themes of the day will discuss getting goods across borders, how changes in Britain’s Trade Policy relationships will impact your business and the changing nature of global supply chains, plus, hearing inspirational trade advice from key international business figures. You can find out more detail about the themes at www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/international-trade-summit.
Explore trade opportunities in new markets through exclusive insights and network with fellow businesses and grow your connection base at the British Chambers of Commerce biggest trade event of the year. Enquire now to secure your place.
This is a must attend, and we have some free tickets on offer for our members. Do get in contact with us at [email protected]
Bristol Airport are undertaking research to identify our region’s requirement for travel to the South West.
The aim of the route is to provide connectivity between the two regions and offer businesses an alternative to the current costly and lengthy journey by rail and road.
If this is something that your business would be interested in exploring and feel you can support this route please can we ask you to take a few moments to complete the below link to identify your potential requirement.
Please click HERE to enter the survey, thank you in advance.
Reacting to the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Today’s decision to hold the interest rate at 5.25% was widely expected. Businesses will be hopeful that tentative signals from the Bank translate into a rate cut later this year.
“However, for many SMEs borrowing costs remain very high – and today’s hold means another month of hesitation on investment and growth.
“Our research shows that business concern about interest rates is easing, in part due to the period of stability since last August. Our latest survey showed 35% of firms worried about the cost of borrowing, down from 39% at the end of last year. But these remain high levels of concern, compared to pre-pandemic.
“Tomorrow’s GDP figures could bring some welcome news, but economic conditions remain tough. Alongside high interest rates, firms are grappling with rising costs, skills shortages and further trade friction with the EU.
“Business confidence has been gently ticking up as they see a way out of the inflation and interest rate double whammy, but policymakers need to support this with a clear plan for growth and stability.”
Birketts is a full service, top 100 UK law firm, based in the East of England, with offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.
With a rich heritage spanning over 150 years they’ve built an enviable track record advising businesses, institutions and individuals in the UK and internationally.
While Birketts operate from four offices across East Anglia providing a wide range of services, the firm shares a common culture and approach to service delivery. Over 670 people are engaged in the business and their lawyers and support staff all have a shared commitment to deliver the best possible outcome for their clients.
They are large enough to provide specialist expertise in most areas of the law at a standard that is frequently compared with major City firms, but not at the expense of maintaining a personal and tailored service. Birketts are flexible about everything except their reputation for maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
Birketts LLP will be on stand 29b at The B2B Exhibition 2019, which takes place on Thursday 17 October, 10am – 4pm at it’s new venue; Norfolk Showground.
The B2B Exhibition is free to all businesses to attend and limited exhibition stands are available.
For more information on the event please click here.
Responding to the latest ONS Trade figures published this morning, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The first quarter of 2024 shows the challenges UK goods exporters face, with a further drop in sales to both EU and non-EU markets, despite a brighter global economic picture.
“Services remain the good news story on UK export performance, with travel and other transport provisions, providing the impetus for a decent 1.1% increase across the quarter.
“But we need further action from policymakers to reverse recent declines in trade in goods. This means a focus on digital trade and more efficient customs processes to cut costs.
“Other steps include removing some of the trade frictions with Europe, completing free trade agreements already underway, and working with business to get more value for exporters out of our existing deals.
“The ONS analysis of the lack of an impact from Red Sea disruption is interesting. It would appear, the effects upon shipping markets and supply chains have been effectively absorbed.
“But if re-routing via the Straits of Hormuz and the Cape of Good Hope becomes the new normal there still remain questions for the long-term effects, including upon consumer prices, on sea freight from Asia to Europe.”
The UK Trade Picture In Detail
Goods Imports
Overall goods imports volumes were down by 2.8% (£1.1bn) from February to March. Imports from the EU fell by 5.3% (£1.2bn). This was caused by lower transport and machinery imports (ships from Italy, aircraft from France). Non-EU imports volumes fell by 0.6% (£0.1bn) driven by lower fuel imports from the US and Kuwait, although car imports from China and aircraft imports from the US both rose.
Goods Exports
Export values to the EU fell by 3.5% (£1.6bn) during Q1 2024 after removing inflation – the main declines being in machinery and transport equipment (cars to Turkey and mechanical machinery to Germany), and material manufactures exports. Non-EU goods exports fell by a lower amount – 1.6% (£0.7bn) over the same period, driven by lower fuels (crude oil to China) and chemicals exports (medicines and pharmaceutical products exported to the US).
An overall fall of 0.3% (£0.1bn) was reported for UK goods exports volumes in March, with a 0.9% (£0.1bn) rise in sales to the EU being offset by a 1.4% (£0.2bn) fall in exports to the rest of the world.
Services
In Q1, UK services exports values, adjusted for inflation, increased by 1.1% (£1.3bn) led by increases in travel and transport, offset by declines in construction and other business services exports. Services import values by contrast fell by 0.4% over Q1 2024 – mainly due to falls in insurance, pensions and intellectual property services.
In the month of March, the volume of UK services exports increased by 0.7% (£0.2bn) – the same in percentage terms on values of services exported. Imports of services increased by 0.3% (£0.1bn) on the chained volumes measure, exactly the same as on the value of traded services measure.
Reacting to the latest GDP figures, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Today’s Q1 GDP first estimate of 0.6%, outstripping expectations, is a welcome sign that the UK has moved away from last year’s shallow recession. Businesses across the UK have been the driving force behind the recovery.
“Firms have shown resilience in the face of multiple headwinds and this estimate should give business and investor confidence a boost.
“However, significant challenges remain. The UK has seen waves of economic and political uncertainty in recent years, from inflation to skills shortages and trade barriers with the EU, which have weighed down on its growth potential. Our latest survey show that most SMEs are still not increasing investment.
“With signals from the Bank that their next move will be an interest rate cut, it is now essential that policymakers show businesses a clear plan for growth to unlock their economic potential.”
Reacting to this morning’s inflation data, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Today’s data showing CPI inflation is at 2.3% is positive news that should help settle nerves and increase the likelihood of an interest rate cut in the coming months.
“Other recent data would support a rate cut, with the economy growing by a larger than expected 0.6% in the first quarter and signs the labour market is cooling. However, this has been a four-year inflation crisis, and prices are not falling, only going up at a slower rate.
“Uncertainty will persist with global conflicts and trade wars threatening supply chains. Real wage costs also continue to grow – our most recent business survey https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/QES-infosheet-Q1-2024.pdf found almost half of firms expect their prices to rise over the next three months, with labour costs cited as the main driver.
“While the outlook may have brightened, the skies aren’t yet fully clear. UK firms need to see a long-term vision for the UK economy from politicians, including action on making trade easier, especially with the EU.”
Reacting to the UK’s ratification of the deal to join the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:
“There are few multi-national trade agreements like this one. The UK’s addition to this bloc will open up new opportunities for both inward and outward investment.
“Trade rules will be more favourable for manufacturers looking to sell products to other member countries and data transfers for firms in the services sector will also be more straightforward.
“Crucially, it will also give the UK a say in the bloc’s future development, making it a deal that will work for our traders both now and in the future.”
Chambers in the BCC’s international network also hailed this latest step forward.
British Chamber of Commerce Singapore Executive Director, David Kelly, said:
“We see today’s announced progress towards the UK joining CPTPP as a positive step in the right direction. Being ‘on the ground’, we see every day how vibrant and alive with opportunity the British business community is within Southeast Asia, and we look forward to championing the UK’s interests alongside our colleagues throughout the CPTPP trading bloc.”
British Chamber of Commerce in Japan Executive Director, Sarah Backley, said:
“The UK’s ratification of the CPTPP signifies an important achievement for the business world, presenting a valuable opportunity for the UK, Japan, and the other 11 member countries to come together in setting the benchmarks for global trade standards. We look forward to the avenues for fresh opportunities and collaborations this will unlock, paving the way for enhanced economic partnerships and growth opportunities for our members in the UK-Japan, and wider regional ecosystem.
Australian British Chamber of Commerce CEO, Ticky Fullerton, said:
“Our Chamber welcomes news of the UK’s ratification of the CPTPP. With its respected position in global affairs, the UK is a valuable addition to this very important partnership in our region. We look forward to the strengthening ties of CPTPP members in trade, investment and in regional security.”
British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jennifer Lopez, said:
“The ratification of the CPTPP is a pivotal milestone as it symbolises the first free trade agreement between the UK and Malaysia. This historic agreement not only fosters trade liberalisation but also offers expanded market access, boosts to GDP, and strategic influence, particularly benefiting sectors such as services and digital trade for both British and Malaysian enterprises. This also promises enhanced options and affordability for consumers and businesses alike, heralding a new era of economic dynamism and collaboration.”
British New Zealand Business Association President, Phil Wood, said:
“The Parliamentary ratification of the UK joining CPTPP is another major step towards deepening the UK’s access to a group of countries that represent one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing free trade areas in the world. We look forward to helping businesses take advantage of the Agreement’s entry into force later this year.”
A five-point plan for immediate action by the new government is at the heart of the British Chambers of Commerce Election Manifesto published today.
The BCC wants to see:
An Industrial Strategy with green innovation at its heart.
Better skills planning, bringing businesses and training providers together.
Business rates reform to encourage growth and investment.
Improved relations with the European Union to cut the costs for business.
A Government appointed AI champion for SMEs to spearhead uptake of new technology.
The five-point plan is part of the BCC’s ‘Future of the Economy’ manifesto. The manifesto includes the biggest ideas from a series of extensive policy documents published this year, focusing on the key economic challenges identified by the BCC. The challenges are: Green Innovation, People and Work, Local Economies of the Future, Global Britain and the Digital Revolution.
The manifesto has been brought together after extensive consultation with the Chamber network, the BCC’s Business Council, external stakeholders, and academics.
Baroness Martha Lane Fox, President of the BCC said:
“In the frenzy of the election campaign, it’s crucial that all politicians focus on the power of British business.
“As I travel across the UK meeting Chambers and their businesses, I hear amazing stories of people determined to grow their businesses and make a difference in our remarkable country. But time and again businesses tell me they want to see a long-term vision for the economy.”
“Our manifesto showcases practical ideas on how politicians can help companies successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities our economy faces. It’s a blueprint for boosting productivity and a pathway to higher growth.
“Whichever party is in power after July 4th the immediate focus must be on implementing our five-point-plan for business. The stakes for business from the next government could not be higher.”
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC said:
“A General Election is an important time for our country, our economy, and our businesses.
“The companies we represent are the drivers of economic growth and the employers of millions of people. They need to know that politicians have got their back. Once the votes are counted – we want government to know how to help business. Our five-point-plan is clear.
“As companies play their part in the UK’s net-zero journey, we desperately need an industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart.
“Firms are constantly telling us they can’t get the skills they need. We need better strategic planning on skills that helps business and training providers work together.
“In local communities, firms are crying out for a fairer business rates system. Over a quarter (26%) of companies told us earlier this year they’d changed plans to upgrade or open premises because of the system.
“The EU is the UK’s biggest market, so we urgently need to get a better trading relationship with our closet neighbour. It’s not about rewriting the referendum result, it’s about cutting red-tape and promoting trade.
“The world of AI has huge potential to boost economic productivity. But it’s important that SMEs aren’t left behind, or vulnerable, as new technology accelerates. A Government appointed AI champion will help spearhead a boost in AI uptake by SMEs.
“We believe our 5-point plan creates an immediate pathway for a new government, of whatever party, to help businesses succeed. When business succeeds, the country succeeds.”
Responding to the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This is an important first step in putting local economic prosperity at the heart of Government policy. This step though, must now rapidly become leaps and bounds. Business communities are keen to see the ambitions of this agenda turn into delivery in the very near future, improving prosperity around the country.
“We are pleased to see policies the Chamber Network has long campaigned for – such as UK-wide infrastructure reaching London standards, widespread 5G internet, local skills planning and devolution of funding decisions to the local level – take real significance and be enshrined in law.
“What must now follow is the detail on the role local business leaders will have in oversight and delivery of the missions laid out. Where necessary, additional funding must be made available in order to drive change. Government must not forget the role that local businesses play in creating opportunity and prosperity in their communities, and should continue to work with British Chambers of Commerce and others to identify further ways to improve the business environment and enable more firms to grow and thrive.”
On Devolution
“Chamber business communities across England support greater devolution. The centralisation of money and decision making in Whitehall continues to be a brake on cities, towns and counties that are keen to realise their potential. However, businesses only want to see devolution with purpose – not just devolution for its own sake.
“Devolution must be shaped by business knowledge of local and regional needs, and be accountable to local businesses and communities. It is vital that time and energy spent on structural changes results in the acceleration of genuine uplifts to prosperity in our regions and nations.
On Funding Allocation
“Government has heeded our calls to streamline the variety of funding pots and will be taking a more strategic approach to funding. Accredited Chambers would like to see local areas receive larger funds to use within a strategic framework and given greater autonomy to use it to address areas of greatest challenge or opportunity in their local communities over the long term.
Commenting on the White Paper, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers said:
Norfolk Chambers welcomes the ambitions and strategic timescales that underpin the 12 missions in the Levelling Up White Paper.
“We certainly appreciate the decade-long range of the proposals, as this gives our business community greater confidence that Levelling Up is a serious and strategic reset.
“We are also pleased to note that the East of England has not been lumped in with the largely affluent London and south east regions, as that allows Norfolk and neighbouring counties opportunities based on the realities we face, which are not always understood on a Whitehall spreadsheet.
“If Norfolk is given its fair share of these investments, then the county will truly be able to make a catalytic and enduring contribution to long-term national prosperity due to our incredible strengths in renewables, ports and logistics and the broader land-based economy.
“To do this, Norfolk needs proper investment in the required infrastructure and skills to unlock our full potential. The prospect of a County Deal, with more powers being exercised locally rather than from Whitehall could be a game-changer in accelerating Norfolk’s productivity drive and by releasing the full economic and social potential of our communities.
We very much look forward to working with the county’s public sector partners to support the design of a county deal, and to bring the business voice to the table to ensure that the needs and aspirations of companies are understood so together we can put the best case possible to government for these spending freedoms.”
Responding to the latest trade figures published by the ONS, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“June was a strong month for UK trade, with goods exports to the EU experiencing a double-digit rise. Services growth was steady for the month, and throughout the last quarter.
“The data reflects the strengths of the UK’s export portfolio in professional, travel, financial and business services as well as manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport goods.
“To keep up this momentum, we want to work with the Government on its forthcoming Trade Strategy. It must ensure the UK has the right framework in place to increase exports and improve the efficiency and security of its supply chains.
“This must include a focus on improving trading terms with the EU, to cut the costs of doing trade and sustain June’s welcome sales growth in our largest export market.”
The UK Trade Picture In Detail
UK trade data reveals a strong goods trading month in June, rounding off the second quarter of 2024 with growing exports and imports.
Goods Trade in June
The volume of goods exports (excluding inflation) rose by 11% in June, with substantial increases in both EU exports (up by 12.7%) and non-EU trade (up 9.4%).
Imports also saw a significant upswing in volumes for June with an overall increase of 7.8%. EU goods imports rose by 9.9% and non-EU goods by 9.4%.
Drivers for the rise in exports to the EU were machinery and transport equipment. This included aircraft and electrical machinery to Germany, mechanical machinery to France, and pharmaceutical and medicinal products to the Republic of Ireland.
For rest of the world, the main drivers were higher chemicals exports, particularly to the USA. Sales of medicinal products to the US were also up.
For imports, the rise in EU goods was led by machinery and transport equipment – including aircraft from France. There was also an increase in imports of various manufactured goods from Germany. With non-EU imports, machinery and transport equipment sales played a key role in the increase – particularly aircraft from the USA and cars from China.
Services
On services trade, imports were estimated to have fallen by 2.6% in volume terms (excluding inflation), while exports continued on a steady path with a rise of 0.5%.
Q2 2024 performance
Goods
Imports from the EU across Q2 rose by 3.6%, in seasonally adjusted value terms, principally through stronger trade in machinery and transport equipment (cars, ships and mechanical machinery). On non-EU goods imports, there was a larger rise of 10.4%, driven by higher fuel (refined oil from India), and machinery and transport equipment (aircraft from the US and ships from China).
Exports growth was smaller across the quarter than imports, with EU goods rising by 1.1% in seasonally adjusted value terms (driven by higher chemicals and manufactured materials). Non-EU goods rose by 1.5% (due to chemicals, machinery and transport equipment).
Services
Services imports rose by 3.3% compared with the first three months of the year, on the seasonally adjusted values basis, with strong performance from business, intellectual property and construction services.
Exports grew by 2.8%, with business services, travel, telecoms and IT services doing particularly well.