Chamber News

What You Need Is What We Do. Last Thursday, we were delighted to co-host our second Co.llaboration with the incredible Stokely Howard, Founder of Trendy Grandad and his GEN-E young professionals networking event in Norwich. These have taken off spectacularly, selling out in just 24 hours – one week before the event itself. 86 young professionals met at Bar & Beyond in norwich to Co.nnect and network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Attendees joined from across Norfolk’s thriving business Co.mmunity; from solicitors, accountants, HR professionals, to marketing specialists, entrepreneurs and even a magician! A networking event created for young professionals to have engaging Co.nversations, opportunities and Co.nnections with their fellow peers. GEN-E was launched as part of Co.next, a brand new concept from the Norfolk Chambers where we aim to provide dynamic events and learnings for the next generation. This is just the beginning of our journey, our first Co.next board meeting will take place this week, where we will gather a range of inspirational business leaders who will help us to shape the future and growth of this concept. Watch this space!  We have only just started on the Norfolk Chambers Co.next programme! See you soon!

We are very proud of Sam Martin, our brilliant International Trade Apprentice. Sam has passed his British Chambers training courses with flying colours and is now very capable of offering a wide range of advice and support to the Norfolk business community. He is also fully qualified on standard international documentation, including certificates of origin, carnets and EUR1s and import/export Customs documentation. We grabbed five minutes with Sam to chat about his apprenticeship… When did you start your apprenticeship at the Norfolk Chambers? I started my apprenticeship at the chamber in March 2020, it was then postponed until around July later on in the year because of Covid ☹. What interested you about working within the International Trade department – it was a completely new direction for you wasn’t it? You’re right, it was something I had never experienced before. Since Sixth form I had wanted to find some experience in the business world and the opportunity of working in International trade was one I could not miss. International trade is an ever-changing Industry and having the chance to engage in such an extensive market was really attractive for me. International Trade is a complicated area with an incredible amount of training needed – was it daunting to begin with? I would not describe it as daunting but more exciting. I had only ever worked within hospitality, and so the opportunity to learn so much and really get stuck into a specialised role was something I could only look forward to. Of course, as with any new job it is going to be a bit nerve wracking at times but with time things can only get easier and more comfortable. What did you find helpful within your apprenticeship with such a steep learning curve? I think a main help with the apprenticeship, was the support with working in a business environment and especially the admin side. I had never worked in an office before and the constant help with understanding my role within the company really aided me along the way. Was the practical training on documentation helpful with your studying and online work? The training here at the chamber has definitely helped with my studying! By continuing to learn and develop my skills in online working and computers, I am able to learn more efficiently every day. Co.ngratulations! You’re fully qualified on standard international documentation, including certificates of origin, carnets and EUR1s, and on import/export Customs documentation  – this is an incredible achievement Sam! Is there an area you particularly enjoy? At the moment I have really been enjoying the customs side of the role. I have only been involved in the customs role for a few months, and every day you are dealing with different clients sending new and strange goods abroad which is always entertaining to experience. Not only this, but there is so much still to learn as we move over to new and improved systems so no days are ever the same as the last! What has been the most challenging aspect of your role?  I would say the most challenging part of the role is the ability to adapt to new regulations or new rules especially within documentation. It’s hard work with so many different rules for individual countries or documents, when new ones are implemented, especially in everyday work. At times, it can be hard to keep up and remember to apply the knowledge where it needs to be, but I have our International Trade expert Julie Austin on hand to support me whenever I need her advice. What has been the most positive aspect of your role? I have to absolutely say the most positive outcome of my role would be the ability to overcome a problem, and my confidence when helping others. A pivotal part of my role is offering support to clients in and around Norfolk, as each new call is usually different from the last, having the ability to stay calm and try and help in any way we can has been something I have really been able to improve on and develop! Every Chamber Member has their own Chambers Trading Card. Your name is ‘The Prodigy’, with skills as Precision, Discipline, versatility and determination –  and your motto; ‘Don’t be busy, be productive’ – how do you apply these skills to your work? By applying these skills to my work I take each task one step at a time and not trying to juggle a hundred things at once. In this role it can be very easy to suddenly have five things to do at once, but by keeping calm under pressure and taking each task as it comes you can complete them with precision and confidently to a workable  timescale at the same time – easy! You have excellent qualities to work in International as you are a very calm member of the team – ‘unflappable’. How do you keep calm when the pressure is on? The main way to stay calm under pressure is usually to shout for a quick answer from Julie! However, Julie may be busy with another client so usually I think the key is to not panic, as realistically the problem will always have some form of solution whether it takes a bit of time or not. As I have gained experience in the role I now have alot of resources around me that can help in situations under pressure –  so the solution is always there! What will be your Christmas party drink this year? Without doubt, it has to be a Pornstar martini! What are you looking forward to in 2022?  The main thing I am looking forward to in 2022 in my role at the chamber is developing as an individual and hopefully progressing higher and higher if I can. My aim is to try and get involved in as many projects as I can, as well as helping with any events to try and meet some of the clients we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Outside of work I would say I am mainly looking forward to travelling as much as possible, I already have a few trips lined up so hopefully, covid-pending, so I can get out of the country a bit as well! Well done Sam on your hard work and determination and passing your apprenticeship with a Distinction.  From everyone here at Team Chambers, we’re really looking forward to working with you and supporting you in 2022 and beyond!

Transport for Norwich are currently proposing two schemes out for public consultation to improve transport links and access for pedestrian/cyclists within Norwich. The resutls of a recent consultation on St Williams Way have also been published. A quick overview of each are below along with links for you to follow to find more information and have your say on each scheme.   One of the proposals is to look at upgrading and replacing the existing Toucan crossing on Heartsease Lane which serves both the pink and purple pedalway routes in the Norwich cycling network with a fully segregated modern crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the existing carriageway will be resurfaced. This project aims to provide a safer environment by providing a wider segregated crossing which will provide separation between pedestrians and cyclists. More info. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Transport Hub – The aim of this project is to provide a new bus interchange close to the outpatients entrance that increases the capacity for buses, resolves congestion and reduces conflict with vulnerable users of the disabled car parking area. In addition, there is a proposal to introduce a bike share facility to strengthen the hub’s provision and increase passenger capacity. More info. St Williams Way consultation summary response – proposing to introduce a mandatory cycle lane with light segregation and double yellow lines along the length of St Williams Way (just west of Thor Loke to Margetson Avenue) to improve safety and encourage more people to cycle. Find out the results.

• 80% of firms in new survey saw an increase to their prices in the past year, with nearly half (46%) categorising these as ‘significant’. Only 2% saw a decrease
• The proportion reporting increased prices rose to 92% for manufacturers
• 75% of businesses with more than 50 employees said they had skills shortages within either their own business or those in their supply chain

New BCC data released today from a survey of over 1,000 businesses has thrown sharp focus on the impact of skills and commodities shortages for UK firms, with spiralling prices in evidence. The data show an overwhelming majority of businesses are raising prices as they face acute shortages and cost pressures – with vehicle fuel, shipping containers and utilities cited as the top areas of concern. When asked if they had seen a change in the price of their goods or services in the past year, 80% of respondents in total reported increases, with 46% reporting significant increases and 34% reporting slight increases. 15% reported no change with only 2% reporting any kind of decrease. For manufacturers the above question drew an even starker answer – 92% had seen an increase in the price of their good and services. When asked whether they, or any business in their supply chain, had experienced either increased costs or shortages of a variety of commodities over the past 12 months the results were striking:

• Of all respondents: 52% cited vehicle fuel, 34% shipping containers and 30% utilities such as gas or electricity
• Of manufacturers: 50% cited steel, 47% shipping containers, 45% vehicle fuel, 39% paper or cardboard, 38% plastics or rubber, 29% chemicals, 19% semiconductors. Only 2% of manufacturers reported that they had not faced increased costs or shortages from the items listed.

Half (50%) of businesses surveyed reported that either they, or others within their supply chains, had experienced skills shortages in the past 12 months. This figure rose to 75% for larger firms with over 50 employees and was least prevalent among firms employing less than 10 people at 31%. Roles commonly mentioned included HGV drivers, engineers, warehouse staff, accountants, chefs and IT technicians. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “These figures present a deeply worrying picture of the difficulties that businesses are currently facing, across multiple fronts as supply chain disruption persists. “Firms are facing huge pressures as they battle to keep on track for Christmas and provide the goods and services the UK needs, but we have yet to see any concrete steps to address these issues. “Unless action is taken soon, firms could be forced to cut back on their capacity or limit the range of products they offer. “The huge number of unfilled vacancies is placing further strain on staff having to cover, and Covid is also still with us. With more than 30,000 people a day having to isolate, it presents another on-going disruption to the workforce which businesses must grapple with. “While there are some global issues at play, there are levers that the Government can pull to improve current business conditions, for example, the introduction of an energy price cap for SMEs and providing more temporary visas in the hardest hit sectors through expansion of the Shortage Occupation List. “The new Supply Chain Advisory Group must look carefully at these and other solutions to the immediate and longer-term challenges. “Firms also want to see a moratorium on all policy measures that increase upfront business costs for the remainder of this Parliament.”

We are reaching the end of our first full trading year, and this brings further changes in customs procedures so the British Chambers of Commerce has created a series of Webinars designed to help and support traders with the new rules and regulations. Join us and register below to these free and informative webinars

Monday 6th December, 2pm – International Trade Survey Results

Against a backdrop of Brexit and Covid disruption, manufacturers are experiencing huge increases in the cost of labour, energy and raw materials.

This session will present the results of our latest International Trade Survey and reveal the impact that the past year has had on trader confidence, investment plans, new markets and getting goods into and out of the UK.

Just what impact has the TCA had on exports to the EU and what confidence have traders gained in expanding their global reach under the UK Free Trade Agreements?

Thursday 9th December, 11am – Brexit, what Brexit?

With the ending of ‘Staged Customs Controls’ on 31st December, what impact will a fully controlled UK border have on traders.

For lots of traders, the UK departure from the EU customs union has brought little change. Supplies have continued to arrive at their business, there has been no real increase in paperwork and their EU suppliers seem happy to keep delivering.

If this is your business, our webinar will cover what records you should have kept but didn’t. What customs entries you should have made but missed. And more importantly, what action you can take now to avoid future fines and penalties.

Tuesday 14th December, 2pm – Full on Brexit!

Staged Customs Controls’ end on 31st December, meaning that the free flow of goods that has prevailed since Brexit Day will soon come to an end.  All EU imports will need to be accounted for with a full customs declaration.

There will be new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) arrangements, new pre-notification deadlines and a new inspection regime. This will apply to all EU exports and imports.

This week the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is launching its Business Climate Leaders (BCL) programme. With the World Leaders Summit coming to a close at COP26 and the messages coming out cementing the necessity to prioritise our own climate change activity, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s programme is firmly in-line with its mission: to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk. The business sustainability support space for SME’s is noisy and it takes time to correctly navigate through the many brilliant ideas, organisations and programmes designed to support on a carbon reduction journey that either already exist or are frequently launching . This may go some way to explain why, following a national business survey of SME’s, commissioned in 2021 by the British Chambers, when asked about measuring their carbon footprint, only 11% of respondents said yes, despite half of the respondents acknowledging that their customers are worried about the environment. 22% claimed they did not fully understand the term Net Zero and almost a third had yet to seek any advice. Chris Sargisson, CEO of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: “Every business we speak with is aware of the need to allocate time and investment to understand, devise and apply its approach to an effective carbon reduction program. Chambers support plans to help them to do just that. A dynamic, hands-on and far-reaching programme is being created that will firstly help understand what’s required; then confidently connect them to those many existing ideas, organisations and programs; and then support them to engage with an ever-evolving and adaptable programme of continued support.” This initial launch phase will see the Norfolk Chambers build the Advisory Board and actively cultivate a register of businesses, ideas, organisations and programmes that can support the programme delivery. Following this, the Chambers will develop varied events and free to access digital engagement mechanisms to ensure the programme resources are widely accessible and relevant for every business across the county. The objective of the Business Climate Leaders approach is simple; a free to access programme for every business, designed to educate, enable and support SMEs to seek, understand and apply appropriate, tested actions and activities that will put them on the path to Net Zero. The process will be governed by an Advisory Board, made up of influential exemplar business leaders to govern the work of the Business Climate Leaders programme. A programme that starts with each Net Zero engaged business electing their own Business Climate Leader. That person will act as the organisation’s key point of contact and will work directly with the BCL Programme to get them on their Net Zero journey and help keep them on track. From there the Chambers will apply a scalable support mechanism to deliver the program and create some effective success measurement tools. If you want to be involved in the program, please do get in touch [email protected]

International Trade Update The US and EU reached a deal for the US to lift the risk of tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports late last week. Both sides also launched a Global Sustainable Steel Arrangement which they are inviting other countries to join. The arrangement is a joint commitment by the EU and US to use trade policy to confront climate change and global market distortions. The Department for International Trade (DIT) welcomed the tariffs deal but did not comment on the Arrangement. The BCC will engage with DIT on its approach to the Arrangement and its implications for UK manufacturers. DIT has announced that it will be taking new powers to call-in certain transition review decisions on trade remedies taken by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). This will not apply to new decisions taken, only to transition review decisions. It follows the controversy over the decisions taken on trade remedies applicable to steel in June. DIT is still considering the case for a wider review of the TRA’s remit. The BCC will monitor this situation carefully given issues with raw material costs currently being faced by businesses. BCC’s Head of Trade Policy William Bain gave evidence last week to the House of Lords European Affairs Committee on the operation of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA). William described the position faced by SMEs and others as “very challenging” across a range of issues from rules of origin compliance to VAT to agri-food exports to CE marking to labour mobility. Photo Credit: Pixabay/Chamber Canva Pro 2022

The Chambers Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), is the UK’s largest independent business survey and is currently open for responses from local Norfolk businesses. The previous quarter’s QES showed that whilst businesses continued to recover from the deepest recession on record, concerns were raised over the strength of that recovery. Q3 Indicators, such as domestic sales and orders improved in the last quarter.  However, it also revealed stagnation in the proportion of firms reporting improved cashflow and increased investment. Worryingly, firms’ expectations of price increases and fears about inflation are hitting record levels. 45% of the Q3 respondents reported increased domestic sales, with 63% of the hospitality sector benefitting from domestic sales as a result of restrictions being lifted. However, 51% of companies reported that they expected prices to increase over the next 3 months and 60% cited concerns over inflation. Three months on, it is now time to ask again what Norfolk businesses think.  We need to her from a wide range of Norfolk businesses – large and small to understand the true picture of the local economy. The QES only take a couple of minutes to complete – it is anonymous and your support would be greatly appreciated. The QES Q4 is open for responses until midnight on Monday 22 November.  Take part in the QES now. Photo credit: Getty Images/Chamber Canva Pro

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

• Hotels across Norfolk saw a boom in bookings, as more people swapped winter sun for breaks closer to home.
• Birketts recently recruited 19 trainee solicitors in Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge and London.  Whilst Howes Percival is launching a recruitment drive to create over 30 new jobs.
• More than one third of East Anglia businesses will have to temporarily reduce products or services to manage staff shortages as stock and supply chain problems put pressure on firms.
• The ‘worlds oldest toy store’ Hamley’s have opened a store on the ground floor of Chantry Place.
• Amazon has invested more the £5.2 billion in the East of England since 2010 according to data.  They have created more than 9,000 full and part time jobs

Nationally

• September data indicted another strong month for the UK service sector but severe supply constraints contributed to escalating inflationary pressures
• Supply chain delays resulted in slower new order growth and rising material and labour shortages all constrained UK manufacturing
• Average house price grew by 7% across England (6.8% in East of England)

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here.

The Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards are back and we’re celebrating achievement, innovation and diversity shown by businesses in these regions.

Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, businesses have survived and even thrived, not just financially, but by being adaptable, innovative and excelling at supporting the very communities that have supported them. To be recognised for this, we want you to nominate your business for one or more of the 10 awards and join us in celebrating all of the hard work that has taken place over the last 18 months. There is even five new categories that have been added, including Outstanding Employer, Business in the Community, Working Together, Business Resilience and Business Innovation .

There is also the Retailer of the Year Award open for public nomination. If you have a favourite independent retailer that goes the extra mile then please nominate them today and you could win £100 of shopping vouchers.

If you’re a retailer, make sure you request a marketing pack to advertise to your customers.

With the support of headline sponsor Fosters Solicitors, we will showcase the best of Broadland and South Norfolk’s talent at an awards ceremony on 23 March 2022 at Norwich City Football Club.

Nominate your business or favourite retailer today.

The Chancellor has listened to Chambers’ long-standing calls for changes to the business rates system and this will be good news for many firms. This will provide much needed relief for businesses across the country, giving many firms renewed confidence to invest and grow. However, these changes must be the start, rather than the end point of the reforms to this broken system. Additional investment in skills, infrastructure and better access to finance will be key drivers for our economic recovery and will provide longer-term benefits and opportunities for businesses across the country, however it is disappointing that very little of these benefits are specifically aimed at our region. However, businesses have been battered by 18 months of the pandemic and problems around supply chain costs and disruption, labour shortages, price rises, soaring energy bills and taxes and there will be difficult months ahead. While investments announced today will take time to bed in, Government should consider other action that will relieve immediate pressures, particularly on smaller businesses, such as urgent review of the shortage occupation list to allow for short-term visas in key sectors, and an SME energy price cap. If firms face unexpected bumps in the road, the Chancellor must be prepared to take further action to get the economy firing on all cylinders again. The British Chambers of Commerce provides its full response to the Budget 2021 Commenting on the latest forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: “As expected, the OBR’s latest forecasts provide a significantly more positive assessment of the UK’s near-term growth prospects, compared to the March Budget. However, with acute staff and supply shortages and surging price pressures increasingly weighing on economic activity, the recovery may be slower than the OBR predicts. “The downgrade to the OBR’s near-term forecast for business investment is a key concern, as weak investment levels would limit the government’s ambition for a sustainably high wage/high skill economy by stifling productivity. “The stronger than anticipated growth over recent quarters and lower long-term economic scarring from Covid has delivered a marked improvement to the UK’s expected fiscal position. As such there is scope for the future path of fiscal consolidation to be eased to avoid suffocating the recovery.” Commenting on the reforms announced to the Business Rates system, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: “We are pleased that the chancellor has listened to our call to deliver more frequent revaluations. Moving to a three-year-cycle will help to reduce the huge changes in rates bills that clobber firms and enable them to plan their growth strategies with greater confidence. “However, a system that responds more frequently to changing economic conditions must be made easier for firms to navigate. The current system already generates a significant number of appeals, and if it is not made simpler, more frequent valuations would exacerbate this problem. “The new business rates relief to support investment in property improvements is a longstanding BCC call and will help provide ratepayers with much needed time to recoup any capital investments they have made before their higher rates bill applies. This will give firms more confidence to push ahead with investments in key priorities, including the transition to net zero.” Commenting on freezing the Business Rates multiplier and a new temporary relief for retail, hospitality and leisure properties Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: “We are pleased that the Chancellor listened to BCC’s call to blunt firms’ business rates bills amid soaring inflation. The freeze in the business rates multiplier and support for retail, hospitality and leisure will provide businesses with more financial headroom to repair business cashflow, diminished by the pandemic and rising cost pressures and invest more in growth plans to power the recovery.” Commenting on the extension to the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: “We are pleased that the Chancellor listened to our call to extend the £1 million annual investment allowance. This should provide a major incentive for firms to crowd in investment, with firms continuing to report that this is a crucial tool which gives them the confidence to push ahead with their plans.” Commenting on funding for childcare, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said: “When parents struggle to find a childcare solution, employers can lose talented people from the workplace, stymieing business growth and prosperity. Additional funding for childcare providers will help parents access high quality affordable childcare and remain in work, ensuring employers retain skills and people progress in their careers.” Commenting on Infrastructure Investment, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said: “It’s great to see the Chancellor recognise the importance of local infrastructure in driving our economy forward and levelling up communities across the country. “This investment will be a welcome boost toward that goal and will also be vital in achieving our net zero targets by funding more efficient, reliable and greener public transport. “To truly upgrade our connectivity to ensure it meets business needs, investment in a modern rail system is required. The Government must publish its Integrated Rail Plan and deliver on its commitments to critical schemes including the full HS2 network and Northern Powerhouse Rail.” Commenting on Research and Development funding, Hannah Essex, Co-executive director at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Measures announced by the Chancellor that both fund and encourage investment by firms in Research and Development are to be welcomed. “Greater funding will encourage investment in research & development which should boost the UK economy at a time when productivity growth remains weak. “However, to ensure that UK firms remain competitive on the global stage it is vital that greater investment in R&D is supported by retention of our intellectual property.” Commenting on the Shared Prosperity Fund, Hannah Essex, Co-executive director at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Shared Prosperity Fund is crucial to ensuring local areas receive the investment they need. The fund must be designed to maximise local autonomy, respond to the voice of business and power economic growth. Chambers of Commerce across the UK stand ready to support the pilot schemes and help develop proposals further once published.” Photo credit: Getty Images/Chamber Canva Pro

A survey of 2,600 UK exporters has revealed that the recovery in export sales has largely stalled in Q3. The proportion of firms reporting increased sales rose only three points (to 30%) from Q2 (27%), whilst the proportion reporting decreased sales fell by just two points (Q3:26%/ Q2: 28%).

• Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (30%) rose slightly from Q2 (27%)
• However, proportion reporting decreased sales remained stubbornly and historically high at 26%, while 45% report no change
• Recovery in manufacturing exports began to fall back slightly from previous quarter

The balance of manufacturers reporting increased export sales was +7%, down from +8% in Q2. The balance of service sector firms reporting increased export sales was +6%, up from –7% in Q2. Respondents cited issues arising from the supply chain crisis, as well as Brexit related problems, as the main causes of difficulties with export sales. Some said that they had ceased exporting to the EU altogether due to issues such as red tape and delays at borders. Respondents also pointed to the surging cost of shipping as a serious issue, with one firm noting a single container from China rose in cost from £2100 in the previous year to £15000, as well as the shortage of lorry drivers as impacting export sales. Elsewhere, UK exporters were slightly more likely to report increased investment plans (30%) than non-exporters (25%), although both groups remain at historically low levels. However, on other key indicators such as cash flow, both groups were broadly aligned – 34% of exporters reported increased cash, compared to 33% of non-exporters, while 23% of exporters reported a decrease, compared to 22% of non-exporters. Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said: “A whole range of factors is currently providing sustained headwinds for our exporting firms to operate in. This data must act as a warning to take export-boosting measures now. “Exports of goods are key to our economic recovery from the pandemic, but trading conditions remain fragile, and businesses need further supportive measures. Everything from the new UK-EU trading conditions to raw material costs to the costs of container hire in overseas markets is constraining export growth and supply. “More focus needs to be given to lowering business costs with trade partners and addressing non-tariff barriers, which present roadblocks to exports. The government must also acknowledge the scale of the problem in shipping markets. “The UK government should act now to reintroduce SME Brexit Support Grants and use its export strategy, and the Spending Review, to provide stronger export finance. It should also work with the accredited chamber network to kickstart overseas exports from SMEs across the UK.” Photo credit: Getty Images/Chamber Canva Pro