An emergency response centre is set to be built at Suffolk’s Sizewell B power plant, to be used in the event of a disaster.
As part of EDF Energy’s Japanese Earthquake Response (JER) Programme work, to further enhance safety margins, the purchasing of back-up equipment has begun to provide additional support to a station response, enhancing a station’s capability to recover during and after an extreme natural event.
At Sizewell B, EDF Energy is proposing to build an Emergency Response Centre (ERC) on the Railhead site to the east of Leiston to incorporate this back-up plant and equipment storage and to provide office space associated with EDF Energy’s enhanced emergency arrangements for Sizewell B.
The provisional timescale for the project is as follows:
Spring 2012: Design development
May 2012: Informal public consultation
Mid June2012: Planning application submitted
June/July 2012: Statutory public consultation
October 2012: Planning application decision
January 2013: Planned construction starts
Spring 2014: Fully operational
Martin Cubitt, Technical and Safety Manager at Sizewell B said: “Safety is, and always has been our overriding priority. However as a responsible operator, we recognise that we cannot be complacent. Although our record and the recent reviews all show how safe Sizewell B power station is, we feel it is prudent to invest in providing an additional layer of resilience to our emergency response capabilities.”
A public consultation was opened at Leiston last night, where visitors can see the plans and offer feedback on the proposed site. Find out more and have your say about theproposed emergency response centreat Sizewell B.
On 5 April Skills Minister John Hayes launched the National Careers Service, making accurate information and professional advice on learning and work available to everyone. The service has been developed with input from a large stakeholder community.
In a Parliamentary statement on 23 March, Mr Hayes described advice and guidance as a “vital part of building a sustainable economy and helping people become socially mobile”.
The service offers:
online, webchat and helpline services to young people and adults (schools are responsible for securing careers guidance for pupils aged 14-16)
face-to-face guidance to adults aged 19 and over (and jobseekers aged 18 and over), available in a wide and growing range of locations in the community, including colleges, Jobcentres and community centres.
Each year the service will be able to help 700,000 adults face-to-face and handle up to one million telephone and 20 million online sessions from young people and adults.
On 5 April BIS published The Right Advice at the Right Time – describing the Government’s plans for the new service – on the BIS web site.
Last night saw the first Chamber Chill Time! event kick off in style. The event was really well attended and everyone got into the mood with a drink and light bites on arrival. The Vodka Revolution bar in the heart of Norwich was the perfect setting for a relaxing evening of networking.
We heard from Kieran Miles of Ultimate impact media who gave an inspirational speech. Everyone was enthused by his story and he left everyone determined to follow their dreams.
Once people’s spirits were lifted, the spirits then started to flow as the cocktail master classes got underway. Everyone got into the stirring, shaking and in one case throwing the cocktails as well as being able to mix with each other, enjoy networking over a glass of something cool and do business.
For details on future events contact the Events Team on 01603 625977 or at [email protected]
George Padelopoulos, Sustainability Manager, Ethical Trade, B&Q, will be speaking at Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability 2012 Conference on 10 May at the John Innes Centre.
B&Q has recently won the UK’s most prestigious business award, The Queen’s Award, for its work in creating a sustainable business and helping people improve the sustainability of their homes,
At the Sustainability 2012 Conference Mr Padelopoulos will be delivering a presentation entitled: ‘Preparing for the Green Deal – a B&Q perspective’. He commented: “With more than 18 million homes likely to be eligible under the Government’s Green Deal programme, this presentation will take delegates through some of B&Q’s experiences in preparing for and providing an outline of what the Green Deal could mean for businesses.”
The UK’S largest home improvement retailer, which has already been named Retail Week’s Responsible Retailer of the Year this year, B&Q will be presented with their Sustainable Development Award later this year. It demonstrates that corporate social responsibility is intrinsically linked to business success, not at odds with it.
Whilst the retailer proved it has made significant progress by; reducing its own emissions; investing in green technologies; educating its employees; and helping people make their homes more sustainable – the award was, in no small part, made as a result of B&Q’s 20 year journey to become the first major UK retailer to only buy timber products from proven responsibly-managed sources.
As well as now stocking more than 15,000 Forest Friendly products, B&Q also provides a range of over 3,500 independently accredited One Planet Home eco products, designed to reduce levels of environmental impact or help people get greener homes. Currently 12 per cent of product sales are from the eco-brand. Already looking ahead to the launch of the Green Deal later this year, B&Q is researching and developing new products and advice to ensure it can offer people the help and advice they need to take advantage of the Government’s Green Deal offer to ecovate their homes.
Matt Sexton, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at B&Q said: “This award is a huge honour and confirms B&Q as one of the UK leaders in more sustainable retailing.
“Our sustainability journey started over twenty years ago when we were challenged about where the timber in our garden furniture came from. Today we monitor over 15,000 timber and paper lines specifying that they come only from proven responsible sources. This has meant making some hard commercial choices along the way but we believe it is the only way to operate.
“We have made good progress against other One Planet Home goals with substantial cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, solvent levels in paint and the amount of waste we send to landfill. This is thanks to teams throughout our business, who constantly work to support our One Planet Home goals. We always strive to do the right thing and if we don’t always get it right we work hard to put it right.
“We are delighted to have been recognised with this prestigious award which will spur us on in pursuit of our goal of becoming a truly sustainable business.”
Some of B&Q’s sustainability headline achievements:
VOC levels per litre of paint cut by 60% in the last ten years
26% cut in carbon emissions from transport versus 2006/7
24% cut in carbon emissions from store electricity versus 2006/7
87% of waste diverted from landfill in 2011/12
Overall reduction in absolute carbon emissions of more than 20% since 2006/7
Peat content in plants and growing media cut from 71% to 44% in ten years
Launched its Forest Friendly campaign to raise awareness of the importance of only buying products made from or containing wood that has come from sustainable, well-managed forests because individual buying choices can help prevent deforestationCampaigned in Europe to ban the import and possession of illegal timber
Launched an One Planet e-learning module for staff – completed by 12,000 staff
Purchased and ecovated a two-up-two-down end of terraced house, which now meets 2050 energy standards which has cut emissions by 69 per cent
Is a founding partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation dedicated to propagating developments in closed loop business models
Has appointed a Youth Board (mentored by B&Q’s board directors) to help shape the business’ sustainability strategy. The young people present their recommendations to B&Q Board and Dame Ellen MacArthur at the end of July.
Retail Week’s sustainable business of the year 2012; was listed in the top 20 of Sunday Times Best Green Companies 2011; was given The Observer’s Ethical Business Award 2010
Leading the way in sustainable innovations. Introduction of Clean Spirit, Powder Paint, recycled newlife paint, recycled plastic loft insulation, carpet underlay made from old clothing.
Continuing to champion leading employment policies. A quarter of the workforce is over 55 with a similar percentage under 25 and only UK business to be recognised as a world class employer for five years running by Gallop
Helping your people develop practical skills through our Job Done schools programme, our partnership with UK Youth and the DIY Scout badge
For more details of the work B&Q has been doing read our action plan
March 2012 retail sales volumes: up 1.8% on the month, up 3.3% on the year
Commenting on the retail sales figures for March 2012, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“An increase in retail sales in March was expected after the recent temporary fall, but this rise was well above analysts’ predictions. We shouldn’t over analyse one month’s figures, but this news reinforces hopes that GDP will show positive growth in the first quarter, and that the UK avoided a technical recession. Erratic construction and manufacturing figures may mean the ONS announces a negative figure for Q1 next week, but given the positive messages coming from business surveys, it is important to keep this in context.
“While a positive GDP figure will help maintain business confidence, we mustn’t be complacent. Economic growth in the UK is still too weak and businesses must be empowered to drive the recovery – especially at a time when the public sector is shrinking. Reallocating priorities from within the spending envelope of Plan A towards more policies to boost growth should be a key aim for the government.”
In the three months to February 2012, unemployment fell by 35,000 while employment rose by 53,000
The number of unemployed people aged 16-24 fell by 9,000 but remained above 1million
The number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job rose by 89,000 to the highest figure since records began
Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“With economic pressures facing the UK and ongoing problems in the eurozone, these figures were broadly positive, showing that unemployment fell and employment increased. But there are certain features which are causing concern. Youth unemployment, though slightly down, remains above one million, and the number of people working part-time because they can’t find a full-time job reached a new peak. Although the rise in employment is welcome, we can’t ignore the fact that part-time jobs have risen while the number of full-time jobs has fallen. The overall message from these figures is encouraging, however, as they show the ability and willingness of the private sector to drive recovery at a time when the public sector is likely to shrink further.
“But the challenges facing the labour market cannot be overlooked. As the deficit-cutting plan forces the government to reduce employment, it is likely that the unemployment total will increase over the next year. Every effort must be made to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and increase the flow of lending to credit worthy firms so the private sector can create new jobs.”
“An increase in QE is unnecessary…the MPC should look to purchase other private sector assets, such as securitised SME loans”
Commenting on the Monetary Policy Committee minutes for April, published today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“As expected, the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee to maintain interest rates at 0.5% was unanimous. This month there was a change in the committee’s vote on increasing the Quantitative Easing (QE) programme, with Adam Posen changing his vote in support of an increase to against a further rise. The decision to maintain the current level of QE was taken with a majority of eight members to one, rather than seven to two.
“The minutes acknowledge that the fall in inflation in recent months has been less than the committee originally envisaged. The MPC also raised questions over the accuracy of initial ONS reports of sharp falls in construction that may push the economy into technical recession in Q1.
“In spite of current uncertainties around next week’s GDP figure, and increase in QE is unnecessary, and any impact would be marginal. The MPC’s main priority should be ensuring that the large amount of assets already purchased is put to better use. The recent increase in QE should be used to help increase the flow of lending to businesses. The MPC should also look to purchase other private sector assets, such as securitised SME loans.”
New Chamber member Saxon Air is the fastest growing Private Air Charter company in the UK. Established in April 2007 by founders Christopher Mace and James Palmer having a combined experience of over 20 years in aviation, and with the financial backing of businessman Graeme Kalbraier
Since 2007 the business has gone from strength to strength, as today they own and operate a modern fleet of private jets and VIP helicopters. Early in 2010, they were awarded a 10 year contract as the preferred Handling Agent to supply ground handling services at Norwich International Airport for all non-scheduled business, private and general aviation aircraft.
With continued growth Saxon air built their £7.9m Business Aviation Centre and Hangar facility was completed in May 2011
I hope you will join me in welcoming them at the next Chamber event.
Annual CPI inflation up from 3.4% in February to 3.5% in March
Annual RPI inflation down from 3.7% in February to 3.6% in March
Commenting on the inflation figures for March, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The inflation figures for March were broadly as expected. However, it is disappointing that the steady fall in inflation seen since September 2011 has been reversed this month. We expect inflation to fall over the remainder of the year, but the decline will be less than the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has envisaged. This means that the pressures on businesses and consumers will ease, but not as rapidly as first hoped.
“With inflation falling more slowly than expected, we believe that any further increases to the Quantitative Easing (QE) programme are unnecessary. The main priority should be ensuring that the additional liquidity provided by the most recent QE increase is put to better use to improve the flow of lending to credit worthy businesses. The government’s credit easing programme should be made more substantial, but the MPC must also reconsider its reluctance to purchase private sector assets.”
Tidal Transit Limited provides access, transport and crew transfer services to the industries of the North Sea. Operating from the North Norfolk coast we specialise in safe, speedy and efficient travel for those working in the offshore wind energy sector. Our fleet of custom-built, high specification wind farm work boats offer unparalleled stability and are crewed by fully qualified personnel with a thorough local knowledge and maritime experience.
Tidal Transit Limited was incorporated in January 2011 having formerly traded at Norfolk Fishing Trips under the management of Adam Wright of Thornham. Norfolk Fishing Trips had been running since 2005 offering day charter fishing trips from Brancaster Staithe in the summer and Lowestoft in the winter. It evolved into Tidal Transit to make the most of the growing offshore energy sector around the UK and especially wind.
Since January 2011 Tidal Transit Limited has raised over £2m for funding the development of its fleet of new purpose built offshore wind support vessels. We took delivery of Ginny Louise in December 2011 and Eden Rose in April 2012. The Company plans to build a further 8 vessels upon the same design which we aim to be available during the next 2 years.
Adam Wright (Operations Director) and Leo Hambro (Commercial Director), are in the EDP Future 50 for 2012 and Tidal Transit’s vessels were finalists in EEEGR 2012 Innovation Awards.
Ginny Louise is working for SSE on the Greater Gabbard Wind Farm. Eden Rose will arrive in the UK on 18th April and is looking for work Katie Louise returned to Brancaster Staither for the summer season on 2nd April.
The London 2012 Olympics may well be a once in a lifetime opportunity (the last time the Olympics were held in London was 1948) for many of us to experience the Olympics first hand. This has the potential if not handled correctly to cause friction between employees (who wish to attend or volunteer at the Games) and employers (who have businesses to run and staffing levels to maintain.
ACAS have issued some guidance for both employers and employees, which include an informative Q & A section.
The AGE 16 to 24 year olds is aimed at helping eligible employers to offer young people employment through the Apprenticeship programme, by providing wage grants to assist employers in recruiting their first apprentice.
The National Apprenticeship Service will provide up to 40,000 Apprenticeship grants to small medium sized employers recruiting 16 to 24 year olds with a value of £1,500 to encourage new employers to take on new apprentices.
The £1,500 is in addition to the training costs of the Apprenticeship framework which are met in full for young people aged 16 to 18 and 50% for those aged 19 to 24.
Priority will be given to small-medium sized employers with less than 250 employees and we expect to support at least 40,000 of these employers to recruit an apprentice for the first time.
Large employers (more than 250 employees) are not eligible for support through this initiative. But we do want to encourage take up within their small-medium enterprises (SME) supply chain.
It is expected that most employers will want to access AGE 16 to 24 to support the recruitment of one apprentice. However subject to budget availability and the employer’s commitment to support the apprentice to the end of their programme, up to 3 grants can be made to any one employer. However, the employer must commit to the total number of apprentices they wish to take on through the grant at the upfront agreement stage.
To check if you are eligible and to apply for AGE 16 to 24 you can:
Complete the online web enquiry form
Call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600
An adviser from the National Apprenticeship Service will contact you to discuss the support available in more detail
Or contact your local Training Provider direct.
Further information View/download our fact sheet and presentation for further information on the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16 to 24 year olds.