Chamber News

Last week the UK and Australia Government reached an historic Agreement in Principle to sign a Free Trade Agreement, which is projected to significantly boost trade with Australia (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-agrees-historic-trade-deal-with-australia).

International trade, the investment it brings, and the deals we’re negotiating will deliver growth, jobs, higher wages and a better standard of living to all parts of the UK.  Attached is a useful 1 page summary capturing some of the key benefits. 

Over the coming months DIT will be running a series of events and webinars (which you can find on www.events.great.gov.uk)  and training collaborations (for example through the Export Academy that we have just starting rolling out) about trading with Australia so that businesses are ready to take advantage of the easier trading arrangements once the deal is signed and then ratified by Parliament. We hope you will join us in promoting this great milestone, which will create great opportunities for local exporters and investors alike .

Driven by a modern and ambitious trade agenda, we are continuing to work with our closest trading partners spanning the Americas and the Pacific to unlock some of the most competitive and favourable trading conditions. This includes:

• Signing the historic UK-Japan deal (key information)
• Completing four rounds of negotiations with New Zealand
• Kicking off preparations for a trade deal with India by launching a 14-week consultation
• Beginning our accession process to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership
• Announced the new trade deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein

All of this work further secures the UK’s position as an independent trading nation and will bring benefits to the UK as a whole.

  William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce Statement    “Businesses will welcome this Agreement in Principle as a step forward. However, there is a long way to go before the signing and implementation of a free trade deal. It should also be pointed out that trade with Australia represents only around 1.2% of the UK’s total, so whilst a deal will have welcome benefits it will not offset the ongoing issues with trade to the European Union.     “Today’s agreement opens the door to a free trade agreement in force next year with lower tariffs, modern rules of origin for certain manufactured goods, customs facilitation measures, mutual recognition of qualifications, a labour mobility scheme, and stronger market access for services between the UK and Australia.    “Businesses remained concerned about the lack of opportunities to properly scrutinise trade deals including this one. There needs to be more in-depth industry consultation, particularly in sectors considered sensitive, to better analyse UK’s offensive and defensive strategic interests and the impact on other agreements.    “Ultimately it is businesses not governments that trade, and this deal with Australia needs to be complemented by providing practical, on the ground, support to help firms maximise the new opportunities the agreement will bring.    “We urge the government to engage closely with businesses over the coming months on how to get the most value out of the final agreement. Chambers of Commerce stand ready to work with government to ensure that the benefits of this agreement are felt by firms as widely as possible.”    Find attached the Top ten benefits of the Australia Trade deal

Do you have anything to declare?

Importers and exporters, you have until 1 July 2021 to make a full declaration on your EU imports that have arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020 – but don’t worry we can help.

Our International Team work with Chamber Customs to provide you with all the documentation you need to avoid falling into arrears with any duty or VAT payments due on your imports.

What You Need Is What We Do.

Contact us on 01603 625977 or email us at: [email protected]

There are now 4 more trading cards to co.nnect with, as the remaining members of Team Norfolk Chambers joins our mission to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk. 

Team Norfolk Chambers is here and ready to help support you and your business with a range of skills such as making business connections, promoting what you do and how you do it, giving you access to exclusive discounts, helping you make change, and crafting bespoke business support specifically for you.

Now there are 4 more members of the Team to get to know. Introducing Charlotte Upcraft, Paul Vincent, Nova Fairbank and Chris Sargisson. As with the other members of Team Norfolk Chambers, each have their own trading card with a moniker that highlights the key skills they can offer Norfolk businesses.

Charlotte, AKA The Fixer is the project coordinator queen, helping support businesses with projects that can enable them to do better business.  Paul, AKA Mr. Finance helps businesses navigate the challenging world of finance and accounting, he has non-stop energy and can help businesses get the financial support they need. Nova, AKA The Guru is the ‘holder of the knowledge’ and can help businesses get the know-how they need to help their business grow. Finally, Chris, AKA The Disruptor enables those businesses whose results need a boost to develop strategy that refocuses on customer experience, digital transformation and developing a workforce with a renewed mindset to help the business gain a bigger part of the market it seeks.

The four join the Membership and International teams, and together Team Norfolk Chambers can help make things happen for businesses like yours. If you need bespoke support for your business – we can provide membership that can be as individual as you are. If you need to increase your customer base – we can connect you to like-minded businesses. If you need to shout about a project/product you have launched – we can amplify your message. If you need exporting advice – we can help you trade globally. If you know what you want to do but don’t know where to start – we can support you by making collaborations.

Each of us have difference skills, but when we co.llaborate we are a unique force for your business.

What you need, is what we do.

Can you Co.nnect With ‘Em All?

Find out more here.

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Spire Solicitors will be the sponsors of the Co.mmunicate Hub at B2B this October.

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14 October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* and Norfolk Chambers are delighted to confirm that Spire Solicitors will be the official sponsors of the Co.mmunicate hub at the show.

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. 

The Co.mmunicate hub is the place where businesses can talk one-to-one with business specialists to help grow their business. Experts from a range of specialisms will be available for 15-minute slots throughout the day (more information on who and how to book coming soon). The hub is part of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s Knowledge Hour, which encourages businesses to allow employees to take 1 hour a week for learning and development.  

Matthew Downing, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial at Spire Solicitors LLP, said: “Norfolk Chambers does a great job of supporting local businesses throughout the year and this event will be an excellent opportunity for the local business community to finally see each other again after such a long time apart. We are proud to be sponsors of the Co.mmunicate Hub, which incorporates Knowledge Hour and Norfolk Knowledge Hub, and we look forward to seeing you all at our stand on the day.”   

For exhibitors and visitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and have a presence at this prestigious event.

Alongside the Co.mmunicate hub, you can also meet a plethora of businesses in the exhibition, take part in speed networking sessions throughout the day, go to a free workshop or seminar, relax in the Proudly Norfolk food hub and join us for the B2B after party (ticketed event).

Free tickets to the exhibition are now available so that you can gain fast-track entry on the day. Register here

*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.

Town Deal Board members were delighted to hear today’s Government announcements, that King’s Lynn’s Town Deal Board had been allocated the maximum amount of £25 million to press ahead with a range of projects. Graham Purkins, Chief Technical Officer of Merxin, and Chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted to receive notification that our King’s Lynn’s Town Investment Plan submission has been successful. “The collaborative working between the Town Deal Board and borough council in conjunction with valuable and constructive engagement with the local community enabled us to submit a strong proposal through which we have secured the maximum possible amount of funding. This is a significant achievement, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment that has made it possible. “Last year we received a smaller amount through the Accelerated Towns Deal Funding which has enabled us to start improvements to our town centre and the initiation of a new School of Nursing in partnership with the QE hospital and the College of West Anglia. We are already making a difference. “Receiving the Towns Fund money will now enable us to start the process of delivering the broader range of projects identified in our plan and help us all work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for King’s Lynn.” The projects are split into four general themes: – economic productivity through urban regeneration, planning and land use; skills and enterprise; and infrastructure and connectivity.     

Michael Baldwin, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council and member of the  Town Deal Board said: “This is very welcome news for King’s Lynn, we are looking forward to working with the Town Deal Board and the wider business community to deliver some fantastic improvements to King’s Lynn that will help boost the local economy.”

Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and borough’s lead representative on the Town Deal Board, added: “This announcement is really great news for the town, as it brings significant external investment to a range of priority projects that combine to deliver major improvement. All the projects submitted in the bid were developed through consultation with the public and engagement with stakeholders and local businesses through the Town Deal Board we established as part of the required process. “I am delighted that central government has recognised the need for this funding in King’s Lynn and can see, through the strength of our bid and board, the clear benefit that can be realised here. “We are awaiting the exact details of the next steps but are so pleased the exciting work of bringing the projects to fruition with partners, in consultation with stakeholders and the wider community, can now begin to start in earnest. Commenting on today’s announcement from the government’s Towns Fund, James Wild MP, said: “I’m delighted to have helped secure this major investment to boost skills, improve the town centre, promote our strong Shakespeare links and heritage, and support new and growing businesses.  “With funding already secured for a new School of Nursing Studies, North West Norfolk is really benefitting from the government’s commitment to spread opportunity and level up. “I now look forward to helping deliver these ambitious plans as part of the Towns Fund board and making Lynn an even better place to live, work, and visit.” Further details about the Town Investment Plan and Town Deal Fund projects can be viewed at www.visionkingslynn.co.uk

• Growth: 63% of firms surveyed confident in their growth prospects over next 12 months

• Restarting: 53% already operating at pre-pandemic capacity; 80% expect to be by October

• Barriers: 38% cited further lockdowns as a barrier to re-opening, while 37% cited ongoing social distancing measures

• Finance: 44% believe access to finance will help overcome the remaining barriers to fully restarting operations

UK small businesses are increasingly confident in their ability to grow and power the economic recovery, although many still have fears about the ongoing impact of Covid restrictions. This comes according to new data published today by the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Funding Circle, the UK’s largest small business loan platform.

The survey of more than 1,000 firms, almost all SMEs, reveals the majority (63%) are emerging from lockdown with either concrete plans or intentions to grow their business over the next 12 months. The manufacturing sector (68%) is particularly optimistic, while nearly six-in-ten (58%) of the hardest hit business-to-consumer (B2C) firms such as hospitality, catering and retail still anticipate growth.

Although the UK economy is yet to fully reopen, many businesses have demonstrated their resilience and are already carrying out their vital role as engines of economic growth. More than half (53%) said they had already restarted or returned to pre-pandemic levels in April, with a further 27% expecting to reach this milestone by October. By the end of the year, 91% of businesses expect to have fully restarted, with only 1% not expecting to restart for the foreseeable future.

For many, the biggest barriers to reopening are Covid-related, such as the risk of further lockdowns (cited by 38% of respondents) or social distancing requirements (cited by 37%). Concerns around reduced customer demand (33%), inflation pressure (18%) and recruitment difficulties (14%) are also weighing on UK businesses.

Access to finance will be key in helping SMEs to unlock their full growth potential, with nearly half (44%) believing it will help overcome the remaining barriers they face.

Commenting on the findings, Claire Walker, Co-executive Director of the BCC, said: “The ability of businesses to bounce back from the devastation caused by Covid is a huge testament to their resilience. Although, the financial support put in place by the government to help many through the last 12 months will have played a crucial role.

“The government must now clarify the future of safety measures, such as social distancing, and set out a clear package of support that would be available should further restrictions be imposed on businesses this year, or in the years to come.

“Firms will feel more confident and will be more willing to invest in jobs and in developing their business, if government can give assurances that a safety net of financial support will be provided should there be a need for restrictions which reduce or stop commercial activity in order to protect public health.

“There is cautious optimism growing among firms that as the economy now gradually unlocks, they will be able to push on and return to growth. But the shadow of Covid is very long; many firms still feel uncertain about what the future holds. Having access to finance to help them weather this continuing uncertainty may well prove vital.”

Lisa Jacobs, Europe Managing Director at Funding Circle, added: “While the road to recovery won’t be straightforward, it is great to see SMEs are looking towards the future with such optimism. From our conversations with customers, it’s clear their appetite to invest in their businesses is as high as ever. We’re ready to continue helping them access the finance they need to overcome the remaining hurdles they face, and achieve their growth ambitions.”

Would you like to find out how your business can play a part in the delivery of Sizewell C?

Businesses from across Norfolk and the East of England will play a vital role in delivering Sizewell C, a multi-billion-pound new nuclear power station planned for the Suffolk Coast.

Companies from across the region are being sought to join the supply chain to deliver the project.

Sizewell C have a host of opportunities for local and regional businesses, across a huge breadth of capabilities, to win contracts.

The Sizewell C Supply Chain Team can help you understand these opportunities and introduce you to companies needing support in delivering a specific work package, or suggest compatible companies with whom you could form Joint Ventures to win specific contracts.

If you feel your company could have a role to play, register your business on the Sizewell C Supply Chain website.  You will also find the latest news on the project and why it is crucial to helping achieve Net Zero 2050, help with training and funding, case studies and business support.

To register visit www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk

As mentioned in last week’s news article, those businesses who imported from the EU and made a Simplified Declaration, or have yet to make any declaration at all, you need to be ready to make your full declaration at the 175 days later point.   Be careful: If you’re receiving, or have already received goods from the EU, and are not doing full declarations, you are potentially accumulating duty debt and could be subject to HMRC penalties. Filing a Customs Declaration is a legally binding act between the UK Trader and the UK Customs authorities. Unless you are buying under DDP terms (Delivered Duty Paid), as the importer you have the right to choose your customs agent, and also the obligation to report information to HMRC accurately and correctly. Here at Norfolk ChamberCustoms, we have the resource and expertise to support you with your Import and Export Declarations. We have Capacity. On the 25th of June, the Norfolk Chamber’s International Team presented an hour long Webinar, titled “Maximising your international Trade”. Follow this link ,to discover how the Norfolk Chamber can help you with your business’ International needs, and meet the International team that will be looking after you. Also, find attached the ChamberCustoms brochure, which gives you more detail of the Customs Declarations service available to you now.

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* – and you can now register for your free fast-track tickets!

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 visitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and make connections at this prestigious event. Registering for your tickets now will enable you to avoid the queues on the day so that you can start to connect with businesses straightaway.

At B2B you can:

• Meet and connect with over 100 exhibitors in the exhibition hall.
• Attend free business workshops and seminars in the Co.llaboration Hub sponsored by Lovewell Blake.
• Get free 1-to-1 advice at our Co.mmunicate Hub with Knowledge Hour Live sponsored by Spire Solicitors (booking available soon).
• Join in our speed networking sessions throughout the day in the Co.nnected Hub.
• Get some fresh air and connect with businesses in our Outdoor Hub sponsored by Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance.
• Relax and catch up with colleagues and acquaintances in our Food and Drink Hub sponsored by Proudly Norfolk.
• Join us for the B2B after party for drinks, snacks and a good old catch up!

There is also free parking available at the event.

You can register for your free fast track tickets here

*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.

There are now 3 more trading cards to co.nnect with, as our International Team joins our mission to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk.  

Have you connected with all 7 of our membership team yet? Team Norfolk Chambers is here and ready to help support you and your business with a range of skills such as making business connections, promoting what you do and how you do it, giving you access to exclusive discounts, helping you make change, and crafting bespoke business support specifically for you.

Now there are 3 more members of the Team to get to know. Introducing our International Team who can help you and your business with the documentation you need to import and export. Julie, David, Adrian and Sam each have their own trading card with a secret superhero name which highlights the key skills that they can offer Norfolk businesses:

Julie Austin (AKA ‘The Oracle’) has the knowledge you need to succeed when it comes to cutting through the red tape of importing and exporting. David Cowan (AKA ‘The Advocator) can bring everything you need to do business overseas together – and what the team cannot do, he will know someone who can, and Sam Martin (AKA ‘The Prodigy’) provides vital support to process, handle and offer advice on documentation needed for importing and exporting.

The International Team joins the Membership Team and together we can help make things happen for businesses like yours. If you need bespoke support for your business – we can provide membership that can be as individual as you are. If you need to increase your customer base – we can connect you to like-minded businesses. If you need to shout about a project/product you have launched – we can amplify your message. If you need exporting advice – we can help you trade globally. If you know what you want to do but don’t know where to start – we can support you through making collaborations.

Each of us have difference skills, but when we co.llaborate we are a unique force for your business. Therefore, we can say with confidence:

What you need, is what we do.

Can you Co.nnect With ‘Em All?

Find out more here

It is nearly 6 months since the UK left the EU on 31 December 2020. And as importers and exporters you need to be aware of some looming deadlines. The deadline for making a full declaration for EU imports that arrived after 31 December 2020 is nearly upon us.  For those businesses who imported from the EU and made a Simplified Declaration or have yet to make any declaration at all, you need to be ready to make your full declaration at the 175 days later point.       To help you prepare, you need to:

• Consider what records you should have kept
• Know what you steps you need to take now
• Ensure that you are following the rules
• Know what penalties may be imposed if you get it wrong

Norfolk Chambers is ready to help and is able to support you to get it right first time.    We are supporting a ChamberCustoms online webinar on Thursday 03 June from 2pm – 3pm that will help you get the answers you need. If you have imported from the EU since January, the webinar will help you understand your responsibilities and help you stay on track with your declarations from 01 July 2021. Book your place now

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance will be the sponsors of the Outdoor hub at B2B this October.

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14 October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* and Norfolk Chambers are delighted to confirm that Credo Asset Finance and Credo Motorsport Finance will be the official sponsors of the Outdoor hub at the show.

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. 

The Outdoor hub will give exhibitors and visitors the chance to connect and network with a range of businesses throughout the day.

Fran Brown, marketing manager for Credo Asset Finance said: “After years of attending this prestigious event, we know the benefits of what this will bring, including meeting new potential clients and catching up with existing ones! This event is always on the calendar and gives Credo more opportunities to show how we can help other businesses. We have a fantastic stand to showcase this year and we are very excited for you all to see it!”

For exhibitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and have a presence at this prestigious event.

Alongside exhibitors in the Outdoor hub, you can also meet a plethora of businesses in the exhibition, take part in speed networking sessions throughout the day, go to a free workshop or seminar, relax in the Proudly Norfolk food hub and join us for the B2B after party (ticketed event).

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor at B2B you can find out how to book your stand here

For all sponsorship enquiries, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

*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.