Chamber News

Our CEO, Chris Sargisson was proud to be on the panel of Judges for the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards. They received an excellent number of nominations, and are delighted to announce the finalists for 2022. Congratulations to all finalists and thank you to everyone who put their business forward for an award, or nominated their favourite retailer. You can read more on the Business Awards and view the full list of finalists here

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 Chancellor’s announcement on the cost-of-living crisis, Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC, said: “While assistance for households is welcome, businesses will be dismayed at the lack of support for those firms also struggling with their energy bills.  Many have already been hit by steep rises, with further significant spikes expected as existing fixed tariff contracts come to an end in the coming months. “Smaller firms are particularly exposed as they have neither the protections or financial support provided to households, nor do they have the negotiating power of larger businesses. “Without action, soaring energy bills will force many firms to raise prices further which will, in turn, fuel the cost-of-living crisis for consumers and further drive surging inflationary pressure. “The Government should expand of the Chancellor’s rebate and clawback scheme for households to include small firms, as well as delay the impending National Insurance rise. These steps would give firms a better chance to weather the current storm without needing to pass costs through to consumers in the form of price rises.”

5 days of knowledge, learning, and development We’re launching a brand-new week-long event from 21st to 25th March 2022 sponsored by MAD-HR. Festival of Knowledge is a week packed full of events across Norfolk covering a range of topics including climate change, cyber security, upskilling, personal development, and HR. These topics, and more, will be delivered through interactive workshops. training, guest speakers, and networking. There’s something for everyone. Monday will be in West Norfolk. Tuesday we will be in Great Yarmouth. Wednesday we will be in South Norfolk Thursday we will be in Norwich Friday we will be at the UEA in Norwich More details will be announced soon. Let’s Co.llaborate You can be a part of this inaugural event series and have the chance to raise your profile across Norfolk with our sponsorship packages. Find out more details about the packages below.  sponsorship_booklet_-_festival_of_knowledge_2022.pdf

On the second anniversary of Brexit, and with huge lorry queues being reported at Dover last week, the British Chambers of Commerce is calling for urgent action to improve trade with Europe.

With well over half of UK exporters (60%) surveyed by the BCC in November 2021 reporting difficulties in trading with the EU, an increase from 49% in January 2021, it is clear urgent action is needed.

Pictures of lorries stacked up on the A20, waiting to get into the port of Dover, also offer a vivid illustration of the problems continuing to impact the operation of the trade deal between the UK and the EU.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The main issue at Dover currently appears to be linked to the export of food products across the Channel. Like many of the problems this looks to be down to a differing interpretation of how the trade arrangements work after leaving the EU.

“In this case we are hearing French customs require a wet signature on paperwork for exports of animal and plant products, but as much of the documentation is produced digitally this is creating hold-ups.

“It is the latest in a string of issues with the trade deal that speaks to the wider problems of interpretation, inconsistent application and glaring gaps in its coverage.

“No-one is expecting goods to flow as freely across the channel now as they did prior to Brexit. But the way the trade agreement is being interpreted in 27 different EU countries is a major headache for UK business – especially smaller firms without the cash reserves to set up new EU based arrangements.

“Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible for the UK Government and EU to take a pragmatic approach and work together to reach new understandings on a consistent interpretation of the rules and to build on them further.

“Accredited Chambers of Commerce support the UK Government’s ambition to massively increase the number of firms exporting. Freeing up the flow of goods and services into the EU, our largest and nearest overseas market, will go a long way to realising that goal.”

Liam Smyth, Managing Director of ChamberCustoms, added:

“At ChamberCustoms we work, day in and day out, with companies to help them navigate the complexities of international trade. We’ve seen a huge demand for our services in relation to trading with the EU since the implementation of the trade deal, and we know first-hand what difficulties firms on the ground are facing.

“If the UK Government and the EU are willing to takes action on these proposals from the Chamber Network it will serve to improve trading conditions and let businesses get on with growing our economy and generating prosperity.”

The BCC has set out five key issues, and the solutions needed, to improve EU trade.  They are:

ISSUE:             Export health certificates cost too much and take up too much time for SME food exporters.

SOLUTION:     We need a supplementary deal on this which either eliminates or greatly reduces the complexity of exporting food for SMEs.

ISSUE:             Some companies are being asked to register in multiple EU states for VAT in order to sell online to customers there.

SOLUTION:     We need a supplementary deal, similar to Norway’s with the EU. This exempts the smallest firms from the requirement to have a fiscal representative and incur these duplicate costs.

ISSUE:             As things stand CE marked industrial and electrical products will not be permitted for sale on the market in Great Britain from January 2023/4. The same is true for components and spares.

SOLUTION:     We need action from the Government to help businesses with these timelines. Many firms are far from convinced about a ban on CE marked goods in Great Britain.

ISSUE:             UK firms facing limitations on business travel and work activities in the EU.

SOLUTION:     Government needs to make side deals with the EU and member states to boost access in this area as a priority for 2022.

ISSUE:             Companies starting to be pursued in respect of import customs declarations deferred from last year.

SOLUTION:     We need a pragmatic approach to enforcement to ensure companies recovering from the pandemic do not face heavy-handed demands too quickly on import payments, or paperwork.

  Photo credit: Getty Images/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022

Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted: Locally

• Lotus, based at Hethel outside Norwich, has unveiled its best annual global retail sales performance since 2011.
• Ashtons Legal, one of the region’s largest law firms, is to acquire Norfolk-based Steeles Law in a merger which will increase its team to 400 people. The combination will add Steeles’ office in Diss, to Ashtons’ existing offices in Norwich, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich and Leeds.
• Business sentiment improved in December and employment levels rose at a faster pace as private firms in the East of England stayed confident about higher activity levels in 2022.
• Manufacturing exports from the region could rise significantly over the next decade if plans by firms to sell more goods overseas materialise according to a new study – The Export Dividend – from Barclays Corporate Banking.

Nationally

• The UK economy grew more slowly than previously thought in the third quarter, suggesting a shaky recovery even before the outbreak of the Omicron variant.
• December PMI data pointed to another solid increase in business activity across the UK construction sector, but the rate of expansion slipped to its lowest since September.
• UK households have suffered the sharpest fall in the amount of cash they have available to spend for almost eight years, amid a worsening cost of living crisis driven by high 5 inflation and rising energy bills.
• The number of insolvent businesses in England and Wales rose by 18.7 per cent last month to 1,674, up from 1,410 in October and an increase of 88 per cent on November last year

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here. Photo credit: Getty Images/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022

Norfolk businesses are the voice of this great county, and we all know how hard everyone works to push forward and carve out a successful business profile. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognises the innovation and services provided by British businesses to the local, national and international markets. The awards also highlight the hard work and focus of running a successful business too. With 200 national businesses receiving these awards- there are four categories;

• International trade
• Innovation
• Sustainable growth
• Promoting opportunity

There have been many Norfolk-based winners in previous years – could your business be this year’s winner?  Recent local winners included Liftshare in Norwich, Snap-on in King’s Lynn, and Panel Graphic in Loddon. Liftshare’s CEO, Ali Clabburn, said of the recognition: “Winning the award in 2008 was a huge honour, but to have won it again 11 years later is a testament to the incredible work my team has done to help companies and individuals to travel more sustainably. We are constantly innovating to provide our clients with cutting-edge technology, alongside proven behavioural change techniques to guarantee the schemes we implement are a success.  Working with our base of over 700 clients to help them change and improve the way their staff travel is so satisfying, and their success really is our success.  The bigger and better their schemes become, the larger our network grows.” If you think your business deserves a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, you can find out more information on how to enter and what winning an award could mean for you and your employees by attending a free business breakfast meeting at  St Walstan Hall, Norfolk Showground on Thursday 10 March 2022. The event will commence with an introduction from Jake Humphrey and speakers will include Andy Wood, Adnams and Jamie Thums, Lintott Control Systems – both previous winners, who will talk about the benefits of winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Breakfast will be served from 07.45 and the presentations will start at 08.00. Th event will conclude just before 09.00. Start your winning journey – book your free place now. The event is generously supported by Norfolk County Council, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Eye Film and Production Bureau.

• 54% of firms say the business support provided by the UK Government in response to Plan B measures is not sufficient in the short term
• 59% say Government did not adequately assess the impact of Plan B measures on businesses
• 38% of business to consumer (b2c) firms say their business suffered a loss of revenue due to Plan B – more than 1 in 5 (21%) say this was ‘significant’
• 68% of firms reported absences due to illness or self-isolation in the last month, and of those, 50% said they had to reduce output or activity as a result

New figures released today (27.1.22), as Plan B measures came to an end in England, by the British Chambers of Commerce have laid bare the impact of Plan B measures on businesses. Director General Shevaun Haviland is calling on Government to delay the forthcoming National Insurance increase to give firms more time to recover. The survey data, from over 700 firms, showed sizeable proportions felt Government had not done enough to assess the impact the measures would have on business, and that support from the Treasury had not been sufficient even in the short term. The responses to a question asking firms to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the following statements as they related to the Plan B measures were as follows: Statement Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree Need more Information The Government adequately assessed the impact on businesses (n=747) 7% 27% 24% 35% 7% The support available for business is sufficient in the short term (n=744) 8% 29% 23% 31% 9% On the statement ‘My business saw a significant loss of revenue following the announcement’ the results were highly variable by sector, with consumer-facing firms such as those in hospitality and retail far more likely to be reporting losses than business-facing firms such as those in professional services. Sector Strongly Agree   Somewhat Agree   Somewhat Disagree   Strongly Disagree   Need More Information B2C Services (Hospitality, leisure, retail) (n=220) 21% 17% 24% 33% 5% B2B Services (n=272) 6% 18% 25% 46% 4% Manufacturing (n=240) 5% 14% 25% 50% 6% When asked if they had experienced absences in the past month only 32% of firms reported no absences. Manufacturers were the most likely to report absences at 81%, followed by B2C services at 67% and B2B services at 57%. Responding to the figures, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, said: “These figures lay bare the serious impact that Omicron and the Plan B restrictions have had on our economy. Whilst the financial support offered by the Treasury was welcome it is clear than many firms still found it was not entirely sufficient. Many also told us that they felt the impact of the measures should have been more thoroughly assessed. “Significant numbers of firms in the business to consumer sector also reported a large loss of revenue following the announcement, whilst output from manufacturers was hit especially hard by absences from illness. “We now need to see plans for dealing with any future variants made public, along with assessments of the impact of any measures required and what support would accompany those measures. We all hope this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, however the role of Government is to plan for all eventualities. “Businesses will only truly be able to enter a phase of ‘living with Covid’ when they have the confidence that a plan is in place should further complications arise. We are seriously concerned about the impact on business investment in the absence of a comprehensive plan for the future. “Government also needs to recognise that the events of December piled further pressure on businesses who were already drowning in increased costs. These firms need to be given a chance to come up for air if we are to engineer a successful recovery in every sector and every region of the country. “That’s why I am calling on the Government to postpone the rise in National Insurance Contributions due for April to give the economy a chance to properly recover. They should commit to levy no further up-front costs on businesses for the remainder of this parliament to give businesses the confidence they need to invest and grow for the future.”

Norfolk County Council have released their latest economic report for October 2021 to December 2021.  The report highlighted: The employment level in Norfolk has decreased by 1.7% from the same time last year.  But 76.2%, the County’s performance is above the national level (74.4%), and below the regional level (76.9%). After the successful Go Digital pilot, which supported 43 small businesses with increasing digitisation, the programme grew significantly, with 191 additional businesses joining the programme. The Norfolk Market Town Report found that since 2019 the vacancy rate in Norfolk Market Towns increased by 0.7% to 6.6% but, is below Great Britain’s average of 13.8%. Watton has the highest vacancy rate, at 13%, and Loddon has the lowest, at 0%. Norfolk was the most successful English local authority in terms of Community Renewal Fund projects approved (14) and was awarded the 4th largest amount of funding for any Lead Authority (over £6 million). For full details of the latest economic intelligence report click here. Photo credit: Getty Images/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022

Introducing The Co.next Advisory Board Following the successful launch of Co.next, we have selected a board of five passionate business leaders based in Norfolk. This is made up of James Groves, Rebecca Headden, Stokely Howard, Kerry-Anne Lyme, Warren Salmons and Alex Sellers. Each of these individuals will help us bring the Co.next initiative to life, and bring with them a wealth of experience and energy to make things happen. We wanted to ensure that the board was also representative of under 35s in Norfolk, especially given this is the targeted audience. We have therefore gone one step further and created an ‘Advisory Board’, made up of seven budding professionals who will sit on the board for an interim period of 6 months. They will then assist in electing the next Advisory Board, allowing for a continuous loop of recommendations and opportunity. Our confirmed Advisory Board: James Melton-Royal, Ashley Day, Rebecca Campbell, Hannah Wright, Sam Edwards and Hannah Ireland and Rose Steward. We’d love for you to join us to celebrate the launch of Co.next on Wednesday 9th February at The Forum. This event is open to every business in Norfolk, current business leaders, and professionals, as well as future leaders and professionals. Book your place here! Supported by the Norfolk Chambers and Governed by a board of a passionate business leaders, we would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved or know more. Get in touch Meet The Co.next Board here 

A brand-new concept for business professionals 35 and under is launching in February 2022 by The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Co.next will launch with a clear objective to empower, engage and encourage the next generation of business professionals. Co.next has been created by The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce to provide a structured, inclusive, collaborative, vibrant, and Norfolk-wide approach to support working professionals and future leaders 35 and under with appropriate, engaging, networking events and knowledge hubs. Chaired by James Groves of Indigo Swan, the board supporting this initiative consists of a range of passionate business leaders, who are on a mission to help shape the next generation of business support. James says, “I truly believe we are blessed with great talent in Norfolk, and finding this, unearthing this, polishing this with the support of their employers, is something that I take extremely seriously.” The board consists of Chris Sargisson from The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Rebecca Headden from R13 Recruitment, Stokely Howard from Trendy Grandad Creative Agency, Warren Salmons from Morgan Sindall, Kerry-Anne Lyme from Larking Gown, and Alex Sellers from Turning Factor. Chris Sargisson, CEO of The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce says, “I am picking up growing concerns that the essential early-stage creation of a life-long network is becoming a lost art. Heavy reliance on digital interaction instead of physical engagement compounded most recently by the pandemic accelerate the challenge which, if action is not taken soon may only be felt at a point when the time to resolve it has passed.” As part of this offering, The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have been working in collaboration with Stokely Howard from Trendy Grandad Creative Agency to deliver the highly successful GEN-E events. These are dynamic networking events for under 35s in Norfolk, each of which has seen an incredible response and sold out within 24 hours. We wanted to ensure that the board was also representative of under 35s in Norfolk, especially given this is the targeted audience. We have therefore gone one step further and created an ‘Advisory Board’, made up of seven budding professionals who will sit on the board for an interim period of 6 months. They will then assist in electing the next Advisory Board, allowing for a continuous loop of recommendations and opportunity. Our confirmed Advisory Board: James Melton-Royal, Ashley Day, Rebecca Campbell, Hannah Wright, Sam Edwards and Hannah Ireland and Rose Steward. Meet them here The official launch of Co.next will be taking place on Wednesday 9th February at The Forum. We’d love for you to join us to celebrate the launch of Co.next on Wednesday 9th February at The Forum. This event is open to every business in Norfolk, current business leaders, and professionals, as well as future leaders and professionals. Book your place here! Supported by the Norfolk Chambers and Governed by a board of a passionate business leaders, we would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved or know more. Get in touch

The Big Debate returns as a face-to-face event at The Halls, St Andrews Plain, giving you the opportunity to engage with Norfolk MPs and business leaders. The event brings together Norfolk MPs, and local business leaders to discuss and debate key issues affecting businesses in the region, this high-profile annual policy event is a key date in the commercial calendar for the start of 2022. Meet the Panellists who on Friday February 4th will be covering our the topics for 2022:

• People, Skills, and Wellbeing
• Transport and Infrastructure
• Growth and Innovation
• Climate Change

Make sure you are part of the debate on Friday 4th February 2022 – Book your ticket here.