Commenting on the announcement of the fund, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer for Norfolk Chamberssaid:
“This is a welcome first step in dealing with some of the major issues that small businesses trading with the EU are facing. With their finances already under a significant squeeze firms, particularly those which export, are inevitably encountering difficulties in adapting to the complexities of the new arrangements.
“It is now crucial that the grants provide sufficient funds to make a real difference and the government should stand ready to increase their size if needed. We will continue working closely with government to make sure this scheme is delivered as quickly and smoothly as possible for firms still adapting to the new EU trading arrangements and the impact of the pandemic.
“The Norfolk Chamber will also continue to offer as much direct support as we can to SMEs especially through ChamberCustoms and our other International Trade Services.
Having lived, worked and raised my family in Norfolk for well over 25 years now, it’s kind of easy for me to articulate the many great things our region has on offer. Simply put, it is just a fantastic, supportive place to be. I’m guessing though if you’re reading this, then you probably already know. Sure, there’s a shopping list of things we need to make the region better: roads, connectivity, and 5G for example, but compared to many other locations the positives truly outweigh the negatives. Not everyone, in Norfolk, is aware of this fact, (well some are), but not many …. yet! Brand Norwich and Norfolk In the years before I took this role of Chamber CEO, hearing people refer to the place I lived and worked inaccurately would make me smile. I would think to myself. “Pfffft, whatever. Go ahead and believe the outdated stereotype, I know the truth.” Now I see things very differently. Our region (Norwich, Norfolk, the East, my road etc.) has some of the most creative, innovative and world-leading businesses to boast about. Changing the inaccurate perception of ‘place’, rather than being a niggle is now one of my biggest goals. If the understanding of our region remains in the past, then students in our schools, or to put it a better way: ‘your future workforce’ will not consider that their future is on their doorstep. You are on are on their doorstep! Perception comes before investment! Consider this, our creative, innovative, and future world-leading businesses need the best connectivity. The agricultural community needs the best connectivity to make the most of new technology designed to save time, money, fuel and more. If the perception of place by decision makers outside the region, who are responsible for making these decisions, is outdated then it makes the job of getting what we need (not want, NEED) much harder. We need to update the perception of our region as ‘perception is our reality.’ If the perception remains outdated it will hold us back from the many things we need. JFK Former American President, John F Kennedy’s inaugural speech of 1961 was a ground-breaking speech of the time. Kennedy gave a clear message of hope, and a new approach of peace with the focus on, the relationship with the international stage. He asked for his fellow Americans to join him on the journey and make an oath, to no longer look inwards, but outwards and beyond, and for all his citizens to be responsible for their country’s journey and its future. “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” Norfolk businesses, need to go on a similar metaphoric journey. We can change our voice and therefore the true perception of our region and to do so we must work as a collective and not as an individual. Our narrative of the region – let’s be clear The way we tell our story, about what we do and who we are is key to everything. How we speak, the stories we tell and the words we write. We are all ambassadors responsible for our futures and the new generations of worker’s futures too. Remember if we don’t tell anyone about what we do, how will they know? How will they understand the correct use of ‘place,’ how and why they should ‘invest’. There are three things to collectively doThing 1: We need to be seen. Online consumption has changed the game for every business. You must now master the art of storytelling and create digital content. Show the world what you do, share the environment you work in, live in and play in. Now! The Chamber will help and if you create it, we will broadcast it. ‘Norfolk’s Voice’ is a soon to be launched as a digital channel, it’s all part of our transformation program to allow a greater voice for business. It will need your content, your stories, your voice. The narrative of the ‘now.’ Why? Because in Norfolk the now is the ‘WOW’! Thing 2: “you can’t sell on a negative!” No one I’m sure will have a tin of Yeoman’s pie filling in their cupboard, if you have, throw it away as I think they stopped production in the 1980s, so it will probably make you poorly, anyway back in the 1980’s Yeoman’s ran an unusual marketing with the slogan ‘guaranteed, no lumps of fat or gristle.’ Doesn’t sound very appealing does it… lumps of fat or gristle! Leaves you feeling a little queasy, but I can see what they were trying to do. However, the approach runs the danger of associating you with the thing you’re trying so hard, not to be associated with. 100% pure beef would have worked better! We ‘Norfolk folk’ have a bit of a habit of referencing the misperception of the region first, before highlighting the positives, “People say Norfolk is the end of the line. But it really isn’t!” Why is being the end of a line a negative? Surely, the end of your journey is where everything starts, a beginning, not an end? Don’t highlight negatives, particularly ones that no longer exist. “Norwich used to have the black death in the 1600s, but it’s been eradicated now, well several centuries ago!” How far back do you want to go? Close the book on the negatives, place the book on a high shelf and let it collect dust. Thing 3: Like JFK make an oath! Do something every day or every week for Norfolk. Something that you do, see, find or hear that accentuates a positive. There are loads to choose from. See it, share it, and put a Norfolk wrapper around it that talks about the place my favourite is #brilliantnorwich, #brilliantnorfolk. Think of the power of the collective, If we all did this, imagine the effect. If we don’t do these three things the negatives will prevail. They are easy to find, they get lots of coverage sadly. So, make the oath, and restore the balance. It’s all about the Now.
Commenting on the latest GDP figures published today by the ONS, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:
“The UK economy recorded stronger than expected growth in the final quarter of 2020 as the squeeze on output from the November lockdown was more than offset by a temporary boost from the release of pent-up demand from the subsequent easing in restrictions, increased activity from the coronavirus testing schemes and Brexit stockpiling.
“Despite avoiding a double-dip recession, with output still well below pre-pandemic levels amid confirmation that 2020 was a historically bleak year for the UK economy, there is little to cheer in the latest data.
“Modest growth at the end of 2020 is set to be followed by a substantial fall in output in the first quarter of this year as the current lockdown, the unwinding of Brexit inventories and disruption to UK-EU trade flows combine to suffocate activity.
“While the vaccine rollout offers optimism, with the scarring caused by the pandemic likely to crystallise as government support winds down and the prospect of persistent post-Brexit disruption, any recovery may be slower than the Bank of England currently predicts.
“The current drip-feed approach to support measures means firms cannot plan for more than a few weeks ahead. It is critical that the government swiftly implements a package of measures that support businesses and the economy for the whole of 2021, including removing the cliff-edges for business rate reliefs, VAT deferrals and furlough.”
The Kickstart Scheme has been underway since September 2020 and has now seen 120,000 16-24-year olds find employment.
The Kickstart Scheme, which is fully Government funded, is aimed at 16-24-year olds who are on universal credit and who may find it more challenging to access the world of work, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.
The scheme offers six-month work placements of which the Government will pay 100 per cent of the young persons’ age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they chose to in both salary and hours. In addition, the Government will also pay the employer £1500 for each young person they take on, to support any training or associated costs like uniforms that they might incur when setting up the scheme.
Recently it was granted that companies with less than 30 vacancies can now apply directly via DWP without using a Gateway, however, the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is a recommended Gateway and without cost to you, will help you with your application and liaise with the DWP in ensuring your application is successful. We can also assist with any training needs you require from recommending and putting you in touch with training providers, as well as saving you time in the application process while making the whole process as smooth as possible.
For more information and to be part of this amazing youth employment programme, please get in touch via [email protected]
The Norfolk Chamber Board has appointed successful Norfolk entrepreneur Chris Sargisson as the new Chief Executive to succeed Caroline Williams, who is stepping down after 17 years in the role.
Commenting on the changeover of Chief Executive, Jonathan Cage, Norfolk Chamber President said: “We wish our current Chief Executive Caroline all the best in her new career. She has played a key role in the success of the Norfolk Chamber since 2000 so it’s been an extremely important exercise to select the right candidate both to build on Caroline’s many achievements and take this important organisation forward.”
Chris Sargisson will head Norfolk’s premier biggest business membership organisation starting in June. “He strikes the right balance of proven business experience and successful entrepreneurial behaviour” said Jonathan Cage.
Chris was educated and lives in Norwich with his wife and two children. He worked in the 1990s shaping Norwich Union Direct before leaving to set up and launch its4me plc, one of the UK’s most successful online car insurance brokers and major Norwich employer. Chris also created House Revolution, one of the UK’s first online estate agencies, alongside running his own business consultancy practice which has helped organisations of all sizes across the UK.
The Greater South East Energy Hub installer Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Energy Efficiency Measures is now live.
This is an opportunity for PAS2030:2019 and MCS accredited trades to access £69 million energy efficiency measures to be delivered by local authorities across the Greater South East region in 2021. The Dynamic Purchasing System will be running until March 2026 and will be available for all local authorities and social housing providers in the Greater South East region to use to procure contractors for energy efficiency measures.
A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is public sector procurement tool for buying works, services and goods. The Greater South East Energy Hub Trades DPS is a two-stage process, the first stage is setup, all suppliers who meet the selection criteria are admitted to the DPS. Suppliers can join each month when the opportunity opens. Individual contracts for works are awarded in the second stage. In this second stage the authority invites all suppliers on the DPS (or the relevant category within the DPS) to bid for the specific contract. This is suitable for small to medium sized companies.
The Greater South East Energy Hub are holding a free supply chain event on the 23 March 2021 in association with the Built Environment Network to explain how it works, what the jargon means, pitfalls to avoid and how to get on board. Don’t worry if you are not ready to join the DPS this month as the portal for new suppliers will open every month.
Not accredited to PAS2030 or MCS? – Free or subsidised training is now available for tradespeople or businesses who install energy efficiency measures or low carbon heating and want to carry out work under the Green Homes Grant schemes:
Yesterday, the Sunday Times published an open letter from the UK’s leading business organisations, including the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), on behalf of the Chamber network.
The leaders of the BCC, CBI, EEF, Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Business all joined together to call on the Government to ensure that the Brexit negotiations take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, and that they engage continuously with UK business interests on the many crucial and complex aspects of our future economic relationship with the European Union.
Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“As the Government prepares to move forward with Brexit, the aim must be to protect and strengthen our Norfolk economy and the wider UK economy. How to do this, means working in real partnership with all businesses, local and national to draw upon on expertise.
The challenge for such a partnership is for key influencers to agree and work towards a common goal. The proactive behaviour from the leaders of the British Chambers of Commerce, alongside the four UK-wide business organisations, who collectively have a great many people across the region has resulted in the formulating, agreeing and submitting of a joint statement to Government on the UK’s future relationship with the European and expressing clearly the principles for our economic success and prosperity.”
The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with an economic growth of 6.8% in 2016, and a remarkably positive GDP growth trajectory over the past decade projected at 7% by 2018. It is the second largest market in ASEAN with 103 million people, the 36th largest economy in the world (by nominal GDP) and is forecasted to become the 19th largest economy by 2030. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently predicted the sustained growth momentum in the country. Key drivers of growth are services sectors (i.e. real estate, manufacturing and tourism), strong domestic consumption, high remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) amounting to $26 billion annually and recently, the increased public spending of the government.
Opportunities
Strategically located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an ideal market for doing business particularly for companies that are looking to set up a regional operation. Seeing infrastructure as the bedrock of economic development, a huge opportunity lies within the infrastructure and construction sector. The government recently launched its ‘build, build, build’ campaign as it paves way towards the next six years’ “golden age of infrastructure”. British companies are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Other strong sectors include information and communication technology, food and beverage (F&B), agribusiness, real estate, energy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and healthcare.
Strengths
The Philippines takes pride in its competitive wages and highly trainable, educated and English-proficient workforce, which heightens the ease of doing business. It has strong domestic consumption and a growing middle class with high appetite for imported brands/ products. The government has a positive attitude on foreign investment/ importation, with 2016 FDI inflows amounting to $8 billion. Services sector remains the main engine of economic growth catering to international companies through its young and dynamic human capital.
For more information about opportunities in the Philippines, please contact Rona Diaz.
Commenting on the ONS labour market statistics for February 2021, published today, BCC Head of Economics Suren Thiru said:
“While the furlough scheme is limiting job losses, the rise in unemployment and decline in employment levels are further evidence that coronavirus continues to weaken the UK labour market.
“With firms facing a renewed cash crisis amid the current lockdown and the prospect of several more months of diminished demand and revenue before many can fully reopen, substantial job losses maybe inevitable if the support schemes wind down as planned.
“Although the government’s roadmap provides a way forward, the lack of clarity over the future path of fiscal support has left a damaging cliff edge for jobs and livelihoods.
“It is vital that the government support schemes, including furlough and business rates relief, are extended through the summer and wherever possible throughout 2021 to help protect jobs and power the recovery.”
My name is Vicky and I am involved in a wellbeing project at the Chambers of Commerce. It has been two weeks into the project and already I can feel my confidence grow, I am aware I am developing new skills and strengthening abilities I already had. I wanted to write about my experience, partly to share it and partly because in the writing of it I can reflect and more fully realise the process of growth. Briefly, the project is around the Chambers’ investment in staff wellbeing. There is a scheme in which the staff each have ten pounds a month to spend on wellbeing activities. My job is to promote the idea of wellbeing within the organisation and inspire the take-up of activities that support this aim that is either free or makes use of the budget. I am doing this by giving short presentations on a range of topics, that include “growth mindset”, and the neurochemical reward of moving or doing things together in order to show the science of why it is worth investing time into wellbeing. At this point I feel I ought to introduce myself, to say how I got this wonderful opportunity and what lead me to my passion for wellbeing. I am a student of psychology, currently studying for my Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience, and as part of that, I was asked to find an unpaid work placement, something that would challenge and stretch me. I sent out emails, and Philippa invited me in for a chat, to see what I could offer. When Philippa started talking about the wellbeing project, I felt myself light up! I have a passion for the idea of human potential, I have studied the behavioural and biological evidence as to why simply looking after yourself is a good long-term investment (this will be part of my wellbeing presentations and can be an entire entry in itself!). I found myself enthusiastically setting out how I could support the aims of the Chamber and went away to start preparing! I can remember when it suddenly dawned on me that this was rather a new challenge, it did rather fit the criteria of stretching me and putting me somewhat out of my comfort zone! I sat down and wrote, I’m lucky enough to have some amazing friends who are experienced in the field of wellbeing, including a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist. I read, I wrote and my kind friends checked through my ideas, so I knew I was going in the right direction. Then came the day of presenting my first set of slides! Recently someone explained to me the theory behind walking (I have nine-year-old disabled twins who are currently going through this process). They said that each time you move your leg forward you are unbalancing yourself, putting yourself in the precarious position of nearly falling over. However, generally the other leg moves forward quickly and brings back balance, but to move forward takes the risk, you have to unbalance yourself. That is how starting this project felt, but I didn’t fall over, and I have been met with such kindness and support that taking each subsequent step has become more and more natural until actually, I feel safe. What is it like to work with the team at the Chambers? It is apparent that they are a close-knit team, who enjoy each other’s company and support each other in times of stress. However, even though I am only in on a Monday morning, to give my presentation during the team meeting, I do not feel like an outsider, I feel welcome and I feel included. I have been able to observe the investment they have already made to wellbeing, and been able to highlight their strengths and provide some evidence as to why they are doing well already, for example, the research behind why having dogs in the office (as they do on a Friday) can be such a positive. In group discussions, they have spoken about their passion and skills in wellbeing, so I am really happy that a crafting group has emerged as a wellbeing plan! I think I want to end this by talking about the step they took in giving a mature student, who had never taken on a challenge like this before time and opportunity. I want to reflect on how for both sides this maybe was a risk, in the same way, that as that first leg moves the body risks being vulnerable to gravity! However, in their kindness and inclusivity, they have embraced new ideas, they have given a rather nervous student a real chance and fed me too (I rather love the wellbeing fruit bowl!). I know for me, this has been a journey of moving forward with skills, knowledge and confidence, one that will set me in a good direction for after graduation!
Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground*
The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar.
For sponsors, the event gives the opportunity to get your brand in front of new potential clients, existing contacts and the Norfolk business community leading up to and including te event. You will also have a presence at this prestigious event.
This year we have developed some special sponsorship opportunities for business like yours – and we can also work with you to create a bespoke sponsorship package that really works for you.
Discover more about our sponsorship opportunities here
Here’s what some businesses have said about the B2B Exhibition:
“Every year the B2B just gets better and better. It’s the place to truly engage with people. The go to business event of the year.” – Business Growth Club
“We have exhibited at the Norfolk B2B every year for as long as I can remember. It is always a good event and provides an excellent opportunity to catch up with local customers and contacts.” – 101 Smart Ltd “(B2B) is a fantastic event and a greatplatform to meet new people and businesses. The shell schemes were great and weloved the venue. We look forward to exhibiting again!” – Archive-Vault Ltd “The event was superbly organised and promoted – we loved the venue and will definitely be back next year!” – University of East Anglia
*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control.
By Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce
Soon now Norfolk Chamber will start a comprehensive program of transition and evolution, significantly changing to build on our firm foundations to become a stronger, louder, more helpful, more diverse more connected and modern business support group. Phew! We are on a mission to ‘Connecting, supporting and giving voice to every business in Norfolk’- we are reaching beyond our previous boundaries, striving forward, to ensure that we connect and give voice to all businesses, in Norfolk and beyond.
The change of name is important. We are a Chambers that engage the whole of Norfolk: from West Norfolk to North Norfolk; from Breckland to Broadland; from Great Yarmouth to South Norfolk; and the whole of Greater Norwich. We want to include everyone.
We’ll be introducing new ways of interacting with, and informing, you. Our digital platforms will be enhanced, and our new Customer Experience Team will be here to support you and your business.
You will see our new brand rolling out over our various media channels, with our big launch happening at The Royal Norfolk Show, this June.
And here, in this column, you will see a change that absolutely characterises the new Chambers. Because it will not be my voice. It will be yours.
Every member of Norfolk Chambers can contribute to this column. We want to use it to celebrate Norfolk’s success. Our wow factor.
You can be an individual, a big company, or a small business. You can be anywhere in Norfolk. You’ll be operating in one of these key sectors – Agricultural, Food and Drink; Charity & Social Enterprise; Construction & Development; Digital Creative & IT; Education & Training; Energy; Health & Wellbeing; Manufacturing & Engineering; Ports and Logistics; Professional Services; Public Sector; Visitor Economy, tourism & Retail.
Now, more than ever before, Chambers is about you – the members. Because it’s you who defines Norfolk, who fuels its growth and deliver its goods and services. It’s you who creates and innovates to make the county the success it is. Now, in a reinvigorated and even more communicative relationship let’s work together to share positive news about Norfolk.
So, if you’re a Chambers member, working in any of those areas, and you want to help celebrate the success of Norfolk this is your chance. Be part of this column.
We’ll collate your stories and input, and we’ll use this column to share them. From here on it will be your voices. Do it.