Chamber News

David Cowan, International Declarations Manager at Norfolk Chamber of commerce said:

“We continue to assist our Norfolk businesses, guiding them through the processes involved with their imports and exports. Any easements are welcomed, as it buys us all more time to educate and upskill”

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

“With the cliff-edge looming at the end of the month on expiry of easements on customs, food and e-commerce packages, businesses will welcome the relief that goods can move across to NI without any additional disruption for the next few months.

“This extension is open-ended but may buy businesses only a few months in additional grace periods. We urge both sides to reach an agreement quickly to provide durable clarity for businesses serving customers in Northern Ireland and to work at improving overall UK-EU relations on trade.”

Read the full written ministerial statement from Lord Frost here.

The Prime Minister has announced an increase to National Insurance contributions of 1.25% – taking effect in April 2022.  Today’s health and social care announcement effectively gives the NHS £36bn over the next three years “to fund the biggest catch-up programme in the NHS’s history, tackling the Covid backlogs”.

How it will be funded:

• A new UK-wide 1.25% “health and social care levy” will come in from April 2022, based on national insurance contributions. It will be paid by working adults, including people over the state pension age (unlike normal national insurance, which is not paid by pensioners).
• Initially from April 2022 national insurance contributions rates will go up by 1.25%. But from April 2023, once tax systems have been updated, the levy will be separated, so that the levy will appear as a separate line on pay slips. At this point working adults above state pension age will start contributing.
• The Government will also increase the rates of dividend tax by 1.25% from April 2022.

How much will people pay (Government analysis):

• 40% of all businesses (mostly small business) will not have to pay anything extra due to the Employment Allowance.
• ‘Big businesses will pay the most’ most of the extra revenue coming from the increase to employers NICs, with 70% of the money coming from the biggest 1% of employers
• The changes are progressive. (i.e., those who earn more will pay more) – a typical basic rate taxpayer earning £24,100 will pay £180 a year, or £3.46 per week. A typical higher rate taxpayer earning £67,100 – in the top 15% of earners – will pay £7.15 a week.
• Higher rate taxpayers – 14% of the total – will pay half the revenue. 6.2 million people earning less than £9,568 will not have to pay.

To read the full details of the announcement, click here.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: 

“A rise in NI contributions represents a blow to many recovering businesses at this crucial point in the UK and Norfolk’s economic recovery.

“A greater focus to help businesses to thrive and sustainably deliver tax revenues to support and improve public services would be welcomed.  Whilst many businesses understand the urgent need to improve our health and social care system, they also look to the government to help mitigate this increase to the cost of doing business.”

Connecting to Trade is the British Irish Chamber of Commerce’s informative and interactive online series of events that promotes trade, investment and business opportunities between the regions of the UK and Ireland. In our third event of the series, we will highlight the great opportunities that exist for UK regional businesses to explore new trading opportunities in the Irish Market. This event is being delivered in partnership with the Department for International Trade. Click here to re-direct to the Registration page.

Norfolk ChamberCustoms has access to all ports, able to support you with, and process all of your Import and Export requirements. Contact David Cowan on 01603 729 707.

A Notice of Motion has been submitted ahead of the full Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk meeting on 9 September asking the council to declare a Climate Emergency. The wording of the motion is: “This council has recognised the scientific and moral need to act decisively on ‘climate change’ for sometime and has introduced a portfolio, policy and measures to significantly reduce its impact on its carbon emissions and the environment, with an intent to support these going forward with a specific budget. It is now the right time with this council-focussed activity well underway for us to now declare a ‘climate emergency’ to magnify the global message of the need for action to local residents, businesses and partners in West Norfolk and signal our strong commitment to help them make positive changes.’ The Notice of Motion is being put forward by Cllr Paul Kunes, Cabinet Member for Environment, seconded by council leader Cllr Stuart Dark, MBE.  The papers for full council are set to be published on Wednesday, 1 September 2021. Cllr Paul Kunes, commenting on his decision to put forward the Notice of Motion and seek council support for the declaration of a climate emergency, said: “We have been putting in a lot of work to improve our understanding of national best practice, requirements and guidelines.  We have been gathering the data to understand the baseline figures for our own carbon footprint and reviewing those for the borough.  We have put together a strategy and action plan which is being reviewed at Environment and Community Panel today, before it goes to Cabinet and Council next month.  Now we have a clear picture of what our situation is, both at the council and across the borough, we feel the time is right to declare a climate emergency.  We are in a position to show what we have already done, set out what we are doing and planning to do and demonstrate how we plan to enable and support businesses and residents to do their bit too.  The council’s own carbon footprint is just a small percentage of the borough’s footprint, so by all working together we can achieve a much bigger impact.” “We have already been working diligently behind the scenes to secure £3.8m of Government grants for our Refit decarbonisation programme, installing solar panels and different heating systems in many of our buildings and venues to reduce our own carbon footprint.  We have made the conscious decision to invest an extra £1.7m to make the new parkway development one of the greenest in Norfolk by including additional environmentally friendly and sustainable measures.  Our waste collection vehicles are 20% more fuel efficient than they were under the previous contract, and we will soon be receiving electric supervisor vehicles.  We will be increasing our tree planting and encouraging others to do the same.  As part of the Town Deal we are also looking at our cycling and walking infrastructure to encourage active and green travel. We are developing our website to include useful information that will help people to make changes that will help them to become one step greener.” Cllr Stuart Dark, Leader of the Council, added: “We have restructured ourselves around our core priorities, of which the Environment is one.  The Environment portfolio now has one person responsible for all environmental issues including air quality, waste disposal and other elements which support our decarbonisation journey.  It is my intention to also put aside a budget specifically for climate change activities and to support businesses and the public to make changes.  “We have already been encouraging residents to play their part by recycling better.  Leaflets were sent to every household earlier this year.  We are also launching a campaign to encourage people to reduce their food waste and to dispose of their food waste using the kerbside caddies so that methane is capture and used for energy rather than released into the atmosphere. “We are also planning to work with the many great businesses of west Norfolk which are looking to come out of Covid in greener, more sustainable ways.  We will support them and help them navigate their way through the myriad sources of information and provide guidance on available funding. “We will be working with the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, New Anglia LEP and other partners, to involve and engage our communities and businesses in our plans as we all work together for a greener future.” Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses have dramatically and rapidly been forced to transition into new ways of behaving as a result of Covid. The resulting global economic shutdown, which has been achieved at a devastating social cost, has barely dented our carbon emissions when you consider that emissions have to fall by at least 7.6% every year to 2050. It shows that the challenge of avoiding dangerous climate change and getting to zero emissions is unbelievably hard. Norfolk Chambers is therefore delighted to work with partners to support the local business communities to understand what changes they can make; to signpost them to funding and support to implement immediate and trusted changes; and to engage the wider business community to highlight best practice and thought-leadership. We stand ready to support the borough council and others on our shared journey to net zero.” Chris Starkie, Chief Executive, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be working with the borough council on helping West Norfolk businesses make the transition to net zero. The LEP’s Clean Growth Taskforce is prioritizing support for SMEs to provide funding and practical advice is available through the New Anglia Growth Hub to help businesses navigate the complexities of reducing carbon emissions and helping them mitigate their impact on the climate.”

Department for International Trade (DIT) have launched a new Q&A service for exporters: https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team 

There is also a new checking tool on GOV.UK to assist with how to import or export goods:  https://www.gov.uk/check-how-to-import-export  

Intrastat Declarations - There will be no Intrastat requirement for the movement of goods exported from GB to the EU or goods imported from EU to GB, from 1 January 2022.  For NI imports from EU and NI exports to the EU, Intrastat will continue to be required for the lifetime of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which will be at least 4 years:  https://www.uktradeinfo.com/news/intrastat-declaration-requirements-for-2021/  

HMRC’s latest Trader Email is attached, as discussed yesterday, this leads on the topic of the Importing One Stop Shop (IOSS) with some helpful links within; to sign-up for HMRC’s Trader Email please follow this link: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHMRCED/subscriber/new?topic_id=EU_Exit  

Trading and moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland - this guidance has been recently updated and can be found here:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trading-and-moving-goods-in-and-out-of-northern-ireland 

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce International Department 01603 729 707 

The Chambers Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), the UK’s largest independent business survey, is open from (Monday 23 August 2021) for three weeks.

In the last quarter significantly more Norfolk firms reported improvements in domestic sales and business confidence but manufacturers advised that they were expecting to increase their prices and  many businesses cited concerns around inflation. 

The county is now predominantly unlocked – so how are businesses faring?  It is now more important than ever that your voice is heard by Government, the Chancellor and the Bank of England.

How has your business performed in the last quarter, where do you see the challenges and opportunities going forwards?  How confident are you about your financial position, your workforce and your future orderbook?

Without this vital local and regional knowledge they cannot make the right decisions and put relevant support mechanisms in place that will ultimately impact on you and your company.

The QES is anonymous, open to anyone and only takes a couple of minutes to complete online. 

We need your input, if you only take one survey, then please make it the QES.

Take Part Now.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXTENSION OF CE MARKING EASEMENT – BCC REACTION

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, 

“The British Chambers of Commerce has led business calls for an extension of at least a year on the easement for CE markings on imported industrial goods, spare parts, and components.   

“Businesses will welcome this reprieve until 1 January 2023, which will protect supply chains and make a huge difference to consumers on the availability of items such as phones and laptops. 

“There is currently a lack of testing capacity to enable the retesting of decades worth of CE marked items for the new UKCA specification, so this measure will be hugely important in allowing time for that capacity to be built and for retesting to take place. 

“A wider problem does still exist however – complex supply chains such as those in the automotive industry still face having to duplicate markings on certain components and incurring large costs for testing as a result. This could compromise the output of these industries, limit availability of goods for consumers and create mounting cost pressures on British businesses. 

“The Government needs to work now with businesses to ensure full consideration to the impacts are given before any decision to completely pull the plug on CE-marked goods, risking incurring costs to our economy that we may come to regret.” 

Digital connectivity, digital funding and innovations in LoRaWan connections across Norfolk are all part of Norfolk County Council’s strategy to make Norfolk the best-connected rural county in the UK.

How can better digital connectivity help your business? This is the question that Norfolk County Council plans to answer with an all-encompassing digital strategy for Norfolk that can help businesses save money, lessen their impact on the environment, achieve business growth and future proof their business.

The digital strategy is in three parts: Making sure that the whole of Norfolk (including rural areas) has digital connectivity with superfast broadband and 5G; the launch of the Go Digital project that helps provide SMEs with funding for digital transformation to increase productivity, recover from the pandemic and grow their business, plus access digital training for their employees; and finally by developing the Norfolk and Suffolk Innovation Network, the largest free-to-use public sector Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) in the UK, which delivers dual county connectivity to support Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. The network is an innovation network designed so business, public sector, schools and the general public can all experiment with the technology.

Norfolk businesses are now being asked What could your business do? when it comes to having better digital connectivity and an innovation network of digital sensors that can make almost anything possible.

Businesses who are already seeing what IoT sensors can do for their business include Unitec, Ben Burgess and Gressenhall. The technology network has helped Uniotec kickstart innovation in Norfolk and has helped with their business growth. IoT sensors have also helped Ben Burgess support their Norfolk clients in making cost savings and smart decisions, by helping them monitor crops and livestock. LoRaWAN has also enabled Gressenhall use GPS technology to conduct visitor analysis to improve visitor experience.

Cllr Tom FitzPatrick, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Innovation, Transformations & Performance, said: “It is important that our Strategy is not just for the County Council, so we want to make sure that everyone in Norfolk whether residents, businesses or visitors, is able to be given the opportunity to take full advantage of the opportunities and benefits offered by digital technology.

“Digital technology, accessed through fast data or mobile phones is not just something which is nice to have, but is now vital in keeping our essentially rural county at the forefront in terms of both the wider economy, learning and day to day activities.

“Good digital connection is vital and this Strategy, developed by Norfolk County Council is a step towards making Norfolk prosperous and inclusive. This Strategy will help tackle Digital exclusion in Norfolk.

“Our Innovation Network has gone from nothing to the largest in the UK in less than three years and offers existing businesses, entrepreneurs, the care and educational sectors the opportunity to harness a free to use network, which is growing globally.”

The official launch of Norfolk County Council’s digital strategy will take place on 22 September on the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council’s Norfolk Knowledge Hub platform. The Norfolk Knowledge Hub is the place for businesses to find resources on how to implement everything from digital, marketing and brand awareness, through to leadership, finance and environmental strategies.

Cllr Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: “Norfolk businesses have an invaluable opportunity to use our new Norfolk Knowledge Hub. Curated by the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, this platform offers a wealth of free information and advice with a wide range of support programmes and learning resources in a secure, virtual environment.

“It’s a great way to exchange and share knowledge and experiences, new ideas and to create new connections. As we recover from the pandemic, this will complement traditional but currently unavailable physical support.  I urge businesses to visit and take advantage of this innovative platform.”

Norfolk businesses who are interested in finding out more about how digital connectivity can benefit their business, including trialing LoRaWAN technology for their business can find more information at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/digital

The official launch of Norfolk County Council’s digital strategy will take place on Wednesday 22 September, 2021 across Social @NorfolkChamber and online on the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council’s Norfolk Knowledge Hub platform at https://norfolkknowledgehub.co.uk

Businesses can also get involved right now on social media @NorfolkChamber #ArtOfThePossible

Commenting on ONS Trade figures for June 2021, published today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“There has been a slight decrease in overall exports (by £0.6bn) which has been matched by a slight increase in imports (by £1bn).

“The export data has been driven by increased sales to the EU (by 1.2%) as demand picked up following the release of lockdowns and the unbundling of pre-Brexit stockpiles – as firms begin to reorder. By contrast non-EU exports fell by 5.6% between May and June this year.

“The rise in EU imports was largely down to more cars coming into the UK. By contrast car exports to non-EU countries saw falls over the last few months, partly explained by staff and semiconductor shortages.

“Although most goods sectors saw rises in EU orders, the UK chemicals sector was a notable benefactor from the rise in EU exports due to the pickup in vaccination levels in the EU since Q1.

“Compared with Q1 exports/imports of goods were up by 12% in second quarter of 2021. For EU trade exports were up 26% over that period and imports by 12%.

“However, the overall trade deficit widened in Q2 2021 to £5.7bn, showing more action is needed to promote export-led growth.

“Compared with Q2 2018, the last stable period before EU exit, total exports, including the EU, were down by 4.4% and imports by 2%. Comparing June 2021 with June 2018, total UK exports (including to the EU) were down by 7.4% and imports by 2%.

“This is a further signal of the dampening effect on EU-UK trade caused by the move to the new trading arrangements under the TCA. We will continue to monitor this over the coming months as further data emerges.”

The full ONS Trade figures for June 2021 can be found here.

Commenting on ONS Labour Market statistics for August 2021 published today, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:

“The latest figures confirm that the UK jobs market is recovering strongly as the boost to demand from the easing of restrictions helped drive higher payroll employment in July.  

“Record vacancies confirm ongoing recruitment difficulties. Although the changes to self-isolation rules will help, with many firms facing a more deep-rooted squeeze on labour supply from the impact of Covid and Brexit, staff shortages may persistently weigh on economic activity.  

“Although labour demand is currently robust, with firm’s finances still recovering from Covid and skills mismatches likely to limit the extent to which those seeking jobs after furlough can move into available roles, unemployment may still drift somewhat higher in the near term. 

“Alongside rapid retraining opportunities, government should extend the Kickstart scheme into 2022 and expand it to enable older workers to gain new skills and experience. A more flexible immigration system is also needed to ensure that firms get access to the workers they need.”

From 16th August, the following applies to anyone who has been pinged or contact traced as having come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19:

Fully vaccinated people

• Those who are under 18 or fully vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate (fully vaccinated means having had both doses plus 2 weeks)
• The person no longer has a legal duty to self-isolate and therefore will not have to inform their employer – but they may wish to do so
• The employer does not need to verify vaccine status or store this health data – see Q&A below
• NHS Test & Trace will still contact the individual to make them aware and will verify their vaccine status
• They will be strongly recommended to take a PCR test, but not required to do so

From 16 August, people who are unvaccinated, or had one dose, or a second dose within two weeks:

• Will have to self isolate for the required time
• This is still a legal duty and the same as currently stands before August 16th

Summary: The House Rules

If you develop symptoms, you must self-isolate and take a PCR test

If you are contact traced and not fully vaccinated, you must legally self-isolate

If you are instructed to self-isolate, you must inform your employer

If you are double vaccinated, none of the above apply but you should continue to take caution, social distance, use of facemasks and follow government guidelines

Business Q&A

Q: Can my employer require proof of my vaccination status?

A: COVID status is special category data, as it is your private health information. Your employer’s reason for checking or recording your COVID status must be clear, necessary and transparent. If they cannot specify a use for this information and are recording it on a ‘just in case’ basis, or if they can achieve their goal without collecting this data, they are unlikely to be able to justify asking for it.

Q: As an employer, do I have to check my workers’ vaccination status?

A: No, they must let you know if they are legally required to self-isolate. They can be fined if they fail to do this. If they are exempt from self-isolation as a contact because they are fully vaccinated, then no action is needed. Employers are not expected to check their workers’ vaccination status. However, if a worker informs you that they are under a legal duty to self-isolate, then you must not ask them to come into work.

Q: How do I know if someone I employ is exempt from self-isolation if I can’t check their vaccination status?

A: It is up to workers to inform their employers if they are under a legal duty to self-isolate. If they fail to do so – including falsely claiming they are not required to self-isolate – then they can be fined. They may also be subject to your usual disciplinary processes.

Q: If I am exempt from self-isolation, can I still choose to do so?

A: Individuals who are fully vaccinated can still choose to self-isolate if they have close contact with a positive case. However, you will not necessarily be eligible for financial (such as statutory sick pay) or practical support while self-isolating. If you are employed, then depending on the specific circumstances, your employer may require you to continue to come into work if you are exempt from self-isolation.

Q: Can my employer force me to come into work if I am exempt from self-isolation?

A: If you are not legally required to self-isolate, then your employer may require you to continue to come into work, depending on specific circumstances.

NHS Test and Trace App

Q: If someone has been vaccinated and receives a notification from the Test and Trace app to self-isolate, what should they do?

A: From 16th August those who are fully vaccinated or under 18 years of age and identified as a contact will not need to self- isolate; including if they have received a notification from the app. Instead, they will be advised to get tested. The app is being updated to reflect this and signpost people to testing. For users who have not been fully vaccinated yet, DHSC recommend they continue to follow the app’s advice to self-isolate, as they are at risk of having and spreading the virus.

Norfolk Chambers is delighted to be working co.llaboratively with Tech East and Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor on the Chambers’ flagship event that aims to give business professionals the tools they need to grow and future proof their businesses.

You don’t have to work in the tech industry to join us at Talking Tech in September. Marketing, HR, Sales, Finance, and IT professionals can discover how tech can help improve customer experience, generate new revenue streams, improve productivity and more.

The partnership with Tech East, a membership organisation of start-ups, scaleups and late-stage tech businesses, academia and public sector organisations; and Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor that links the fast-growing digital tech sector and food and agri-tech in Norwich with the world-leading life sciences and deep-tech sector in Cambridge, means that Norfolk businesses will have access to a wealth of information and practical advice on how new tech can benefit and boost their business.

Sue Simmons, Events and Engagement Manager at Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor said: “We’re excited to be partnering with the Norfolk Chamber on this year’s Talking Tech event.  We have seen some incredible innovation in this region over the past 12 – 18 months as businesses have looked to adapt and evolve in response to the changing times ahead of them. Digital technology has been pivotal to this innovation, opening up new revenue streams, streamlining production, improving efficiencies and connecting us together as a community like never before. Talking Tech is a very timely opportunity for us all to pause, step back, learn from the best of this innovation and to immerse ourselves in ideas for the road ahead. We hope to see you there!”

Talking Tech is sponsored by Breakwater IT and takes place on Thursday 16 September from 9am until 2pm at The Space in Norwich. Tickets are available here.