Chamber News

Commenting on GDP figures for Q1 2021, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:  

“While the UK economy contracted in the first quarter, the downbeat headline figure masks a renewed momentum through the quarter from January’s drop in output to an exceptionally strong March outturn as lockdown measures started to ease.  

“The decline in economic output in the first quarter largely reflected the squeeze on activity from coronavirus restrictions, which was partly offset by growing business resilience to those restrictions and a monthly boost from the reopening of schools in March. 

“The first quarter decline should be followed by a robust rebound in the second quarter as the effects of the release of pent-up demand, as restrictions ease and the strong vaccine rollout, are fully felt.  

“However, with the longer-term economic damage caused by coronavirus likely to increasingly weigh on activity as government support winds down, the recovery maybe slower than many, including the Bank of England, currently predict.”

Responding to the details of the Government’s legislative plan set out in today’s Queen’s Speech, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer for Norfolk Chambers, said: 

“Norfolk businesses will welcome the clear direction in the Queen’s Speech, as the Government looks to boost the economy and place all parts of the UK on an equal footing. 

“As local companies begin the slow process of rebuilding following the pandemic it is vital that they are given the support they need to kick start their recovery. 

“A strong focus on improving digital and technical skills that match the needs of local business will be a key driver in making that happen. 

“Improving rail and bus services, maximising the national coverage of 5G mobile services and superfast broadband, while simplifying the planning system are important enablers to ensuring companies can rebuild and grow. 

“These are all challenges that have existed for a long time, and we are now at a critical juncture where they must be addressed. This opportunity cannot be wasted, and the Chamber network will have a laser focus to ensure the Government delivers on its promises. 

“It is disappointing that new employment legislation that could address the flexibility of working practices did not feature. The pandemic has changed the way we work forever, and employers need clear guidance on how to provide long-term flexible working arrangements that will make jobs more accessible for everyone.” 

As we launch our Norfolk Chambers Team out into the Norfolk business community, we are offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free access to some of the key business events hosted by Norfolk Chambers, so that you can Co.nnect With ‘Em All and use the many skills of The Motivator, The Zinger, The Promoter, The Producer, The Connector, The Architect and The Supporter (and many more soon to be announced!) to help your business.

What you need is what we do, and attending our events enable you to unlock all the skills and resources of the Norfolk Chambers Team – and so much more!

click here

 Responding to the announcement of the ‘green list’ for international travel, British Chambers of Commerce Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said:  

“We welcome this announcement as a first step on the road to a broader resumption of international travel over the coming months. Many businesses will be hoping that this soon leads to a further expansion of the ‘green list’. Firms are eager to reconnect with their overseas customers and suppliers, indeed for many having that access could be key to their very survival.

“Firms want to see government do everything it can to continue to drive down the cost of the tests required for business and leisure travellers. These costs must not be allowed to become an impediment to the viability of businesses reliant on tourism, or on UK firms’ chances of seizing opportunities for global trade and staking a place in growing markets. Government should keep these lists under constant review. Being driven by data and not dates, there should be no hesitation in adding a country to the green list if the data shows it is safe to do so.”

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Lovewell Blake, chartered accountants and financial planners, will be the sponsors of the Co.llaborate workshop 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 Lovewell Blake will be the official sponsors of the Co.llaborate workshop 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.llaborate hub will give exhibitors and visitors the chance to learning something new or brush up on their knowledge with a programme of free workshops and seminars.

Tracy Cox of Lovewell Blake said: “With the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown at businesses we are pleased to be able to support the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s leading business to business exhibition by this year becoming their Co.llaboration sponsor.

“Lovewell Blake has teams of specialists who between them have a wealth of knowledge and experience, by sponsoring the seminar/workshop area we are supporting other local businesses and individuals as they share their experiences and knowledge to a wider audience.”

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 these free business workshops and seminars, you can also meet a plethora of businesses in the exhibition, take part in speed networking sessions throughout the day, 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.

The independent Workplace Training and Development Commission was convened by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in the Autumn 2019, at a time when 3 in 4 employers were reporting recruitment difficulties and levels of business investment in training had been falling year-on-year since 2014.   The Commission was asked to focus on the needs of adults over the age of 25 in the workplace and to consider ‘How can we achieve a world-class system for retraining and upskilling our workforce to take advantage of rapid changes in technology, working practices, and industrial and consumer trends?

Solutions focused, the Commission sought ways to improve workplace skills planning, overcome barriers to business investment in training, maximise training and development opportunities and share best practice.

A Call for Evidence gathered the experience of UK businesses from a wide range of sizes and sectors. Commissioners, drawn from business and skills backgrounds, then made recommendations for both employers and policy makers.  These aim to help firms be proactive in meeting their training needs and also create a more flexible skills system that responds to their requirements more effectively. 

The report highlights how the impact of the pandemic has made investing in adult skills more important than ever.  It calls for the skills system to be more nimble and agile in how it responds to the evolving needs of individuals, employers and local economies as the workplace becomes rapidly more digital, automated and low carbon focused.

The Commission makes practical and pragmatic recommendations for policy makers and businesses that can be summarised under two main themes:

HELP BUSINESSES TO BUILD HIGH-PERFORMANCE LEARNING CULTURES

• Ensure businesses have the support and confidence to plan and implement organisation-wide workplace training and development needs, linked to innovation and increased productivity, and using the tax system to stimulate more business investment in skills.
• Maintain a stable, coherent and high-quality skills system that meets employer needs at all skills levels and that values vocational training on a par with academic routes.
• Deliver prestigious technical qualifications together with bite-sized, flexible units of accredited learning to help adults train and reskill more quickly for the evolving workplace.

PUT BUSINESS AT THE HEART OF SKILLS PLANNING

• Ensure the skills system meets the needs of businesses and local economies and that people are trained for sustainable jobs. Local skills plans must be underpinned by robust and effective engagement with businesses of all sizes and aligned with local economic strategies.
• Enable businesses to engage effectively with further education colleges, other providers, and local stakeholders to ensure the skills system responds quickly to growth opportunities, new technologies and industry trends.
• Allow more place-based control, flexibility and coordination of skills funding and strategy, to maximise the return on investment in skills and better target resources to local economic priorities.

Commissioners identified the following priorities:

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LEARNING CULTURES

All SMEs should have access to impartial advice and support to adopt new innovative processes, conduct a workplace training needs analysis, identify relevant, high quality training provision and engage and support people to learn.

DIGITAL SKILLS AND INNOVATION

Help SMEs to access general digital skills training for their teams, as well as more bespoke training, to support change management and the digitisation of processes and automation.

THE SKILLS SYSTEM

Provide more focus on meeting the needs of all adults in work. This requires less emphasis on the achievement of full qualifications and more access to flexible, bite-size units of accredited learning.

FOCUS ON EMPLOYERS AND PLACE

Skills and broader economic strategies must be aligned with business needs and growth aspirations, be underpinned by extensive business engagement, research and data, and enabled by greater flexibility and autonomy over skills policy, funding and decision making at the local level.

ENABLING EMPLOYEES

Boost adult education funding to facilitate lifelong learning and enable individuals, particularly lower- skilled individuals, to quickly retrain and move into higher-earning roles in sustainable careers at a national level.

BUSINESS INVESTMENT IN SKILLS

SMEs must develop the people management skills to identify and articulate the training and development needs of all adults in the workplace, ensuring that everyone is included and supported to upskill.  Firms should seek business support to benchmark best practice and investment in innovation – and the workforce skills to maximise its potential. Employers should engage proactively with organisations involved in skills planning and provision at the local level to ensure training curricula and delivery meets the current and future skills needs of the business.

Download the Workplace Training and Development Commission report below.

For more information, contact [email protected]

Here at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce our mission is to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk. So, who better to make this happen so that businesses in the region can thrive and grow than the Norfolk Chambers Team…

What if you and your business could access a team of people with different skills who together can help your business grow? Here at Norfolk Chambers we have a multi-skilled team of professionals that our members can collaborate with to help connect with other businesses, get business support, and help get their voice heard on important business matters and to promote the key messages of their business.

This is why we have launched a campaign to show you what skills are available to you – and how when we collaborate, Team Norfolk Chambers is a unique force for your business.

Launching with seven members of our Membership Team, each team member has a trading card with a secret superhero name which highlights the key skills that they can offer Norfolk businesses. You can co.nnect with each trading card – and our mission to you is – Can you Co.nnect With ‘Em All?

On the Membership Team are: Lizzy Dring, Business Development Manager (AKA. ‘The Motivator’), Kalene Herrington, Events Manager (AKA ‘The Producer’), Emma Harrowing, Marketing and Communications Manager (AKA ‘The Promoter), Haze Carver, Customer Experience Team (AKA ‘The Zinger’), Andrea Wilson, Customer Experience Team (AKA ‘The Co.nnector), Kirsty Jonas, Customer Experience Team (AKA ‘The Architect’) and Dale Graver, Customer Support (AKA ‘The Supporter).

Over the next few months we will be unlocking the other nine members of Team Norfolk Chambers, to reveal more skills and connections that we can bring to Norfolk businesses.

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 different 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

Photographs for our campaign are by our fabulous member Joe Lenton Photography

A series of online roundtables with members of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and the Chambers of Commerce Network from around the UK, has provided valuable insights into the workforce challenges faced by businesses on the ground during the pandemic. 

The valuable insights has led to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce and Barclays LifeSkills have today released a new report entitled ‘The Next Normal: Futureproofing the Workforce for a Post-Pandemic World’.

The joint report:

·       Finds that new ways of working introduced during the pandemic offer opportunities for both employers and staff

·       Highlights how supporting employees’ mental wellbeing and digital skills will become increasingly important

·       Shows that equipping school-leavers with key people skills to deal with new working arrangements will be vital

The report seeks to tackle questions around the workforce challenges faced by businesses during the pandemic, and how companies can support their staff in the future. It also highlights the need for employers to be ready to adapt their training priorities in order to help the next generation of school-leavers enter the workforce in a markedly changed, and still changing, workplace.  

The findings were discussed during a series of online roundtables with members of the Chambers of Commerce Network from around the UK, including Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, conducted between November 2020 and February 2021. They provided valuable insights into the workforce challenges faced by businesses on the ground during the pandemic. 

During the roundtables, employers described the challenges of adapting to a fully online working environment, necessitated by the pandemic. They detailed how effective communication across new digital channels had become a key component in their workplace. Companies see it as a priority that young people gain these skills very early in their careers, while the existing workforce is rapidly up-skilled to adapt. 

In terms of attracting new talent digitally, businesses found on-line recruitment processes had worked well and had given them access to a much larger pool of candidates. Employees saw greater appreciation from employers of their wide-ranging motivations, which was reflected in more flexible working arrangements. 

Responding to the report, Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC, said: “This report contains some really crucial insights into the way employers have managed their workforces throughout the unbelievably testing circumstances of the last year, and how they view the route forward post-pandemic. 

“It tells us that companies are now looking to the future of the workforce and are keen to grab hold of opportunities for greater productivity and improved wellbeing for their employees. 

“But firms will need more support to ensure their staff thrive. The capability to adapt to shifting training priorities and new ways of working across the board will be a key strength for any organisation. 

“As firms look to recover from the effects of the pandemic it is also vital the next generation of employees coming into the workforce are equipped with the abilities that companies value most. The Accredited Chamber Network can have a big role to play in supporting that.” 

Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, said: “It’s vital for the recovery of the economy that everyone has access to the skills they need to thrive. 

“Our programme has supported 12.4 million people so far to access the skills and support they need, whether preparing for a first job, progressing in their career, or even starting their own business.  

“Recognising the need for the same support for businesses to help the next generation, in 2020 LifeSkills developed new resources to equip businesses and their employees with the support they need to adjust to a rapidly changing working world, whilst rebuilding their confidence.  

“We launched a new digital business hub, alongside our other content which supports families and teachers, to specifically help businesses with all kinds of practical advice, from managing finances to health and wellbeing tips. We look forward to continuing to work with Accredited Chambers of Commerce to help businesses futureproof their workforce and access the support they need.” 

You can view the full report below.

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Proudly Norfolk, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating the amazingly diverse food and drink industry in Norfolk, will be the sponsors of the Food and Drink 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 Proudly Norfolk will be the official sponsors of the Food and Drink 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 Food and Drink hub will not only give exhibitors and visitors the chance to grab a bite to eat, but it also represents some of the best Norfolk food and drink businesses that you can connect with.

Sarah Daniels of Proudly Norfolk said: “Proudly Norfolk has a diverse membership base. From micro businesses to international food manufacturers and distributors. However, each business has a couple of areas in common, their impact in the county plus their love of the county.

“Members will be at B2B selling their wares, so that attendees are well fed and watered! Also, members will be able to network and learn from other businesses. Cross sector knowledge sharing at its best!

“We believe in collaboration between businesses within our community, and therefore a partnership with the Chamber is a natural choice for us, both organisations support, promote and celebrate their members and the local community. The alignment is good!”

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 an exhibition of amazing businesses at B2B, you can also attend free business workshops and seminars, the Norfolk Knowledge Hub where you can access business know-how from business specialists and speed networking sessions will be running throughout the day.

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. 

Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce hosted an informative virtual event last week (22 April) for local businesses to hear from and pose questions to the Rt. Hon. Liz Truss, secretary of state for international trade.

The attendees made good use of the opportunity with dozens of issues being raised including the ongoing impact of withdrawal from the European Union (EU), not least regarding the importing and exporting of goods and services, as well as current and future trade deals with other countries.

Businesses in attendance represented a cross section of Norfolk and Suffolk sectors and ranged from manufacturers, including Lotus Cars, Cogent Technology, Fountain Fresh, Merxin and Claydon Yield-O-Meter Ltd; to logistic companies including, LV Shipping Cory Brothers and Wallis Shipping Services.

The secretary of state provided an update on the progress on trade deals and highlighted the support available to businesses considering becoming exporters.  Questions from the delegates covered a multitude of topics, from how to get visas for EU citizens, to what support is available for SMEs,  changes to import controls on goods into the UK, what infrastructure investment is needed to support our ports, and what opportunities would there be to simplify EU red tape.

In attendance at the meeting, Chris Sargisson, chief executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “We were very pleased to welcome local Norfolk MP and the secretary of state, Liz Truss to our joint meeting.  It was vitally important that the secretary of state heard directly from the local business community who are dealing with the day to day ongoing impact of both Brexit and who need to understand what future opportunities there will be for those companies undertaking international trade in Norfolk.”

Also in attendance at the meeting, John Dugmore, Chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce added: “Suffolk and Norfolk are key UK gateways to the country’s international trade success – something well understood by Liz Truss.  As the UK’s trading gateway with the rest of the world and Europe, Suffolk and Norfolk businesses can help meet the Government’s ambitious imports and exports programme as well as help with the vision of global Britain. Furthermore, Freeport East could also present many benefits for our region including driving inward investment, and facilitating better business to business connections across Norfolk & Suffolk with the rest of the world.”

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

“The latest data confirms that the UK labour market remains subdued. While there was a marginal fall in the unemployment rate, the squeeze on activity from ongoing restrictions helped drive a decline in payroll employment in March.

“Unemployment remains on course to peak towards the end of 2021, once the furlough scheme expires and those who stopped job hunting during the pandemic look to return to the workforce as restrictions ease. 

“Although the furlough scheme will limit the peak in job losses, the longer-term structural unemployment caused by Covid-19, particularly among young people, may mean that the road back to pre-pandemic levels lags behind the wider economic recovery. 

“Further action will be needed to support the labour market when the furlough scheme ends, including supporting businesses to recruit and retain staff through a temporary cut in employer national insurance contributions.” 

• Balance of manufacturers expecting their prices to increase highest since Q4 2017
• 87% of production & manufacturing firms cited pressure to raise prices from raw material costs
• Overall, 38% of firms expect prices to rise in the next quarter, while only 5% expect prices to decrease

The British Chambers of Commerce today announced the publication of new research which shows a rising number of firms expecting their prices to increase significantly in the coming months. The figures also document growing concern among businesses over rising inflation.

The data, drawn from responses from more than 5,800 firms, shows 2 in 5 businesses (38%) in Q1 2021 expect to see their prices increase in the next three months, an increase from 25% in the previous quarter. In contrast, only 5% of firms are expecting a decrease.

The figures also demonstrate that nearly 1 in 3 (30%) businesses cite inflation as a cause of concern in the coming months, up from 1 in 4 (25%) in the previous quarter.

Manufacturing

The balance (the percentage of those firms reporting an increase minus those reporting a decrease) of manufacturing firms expecting the price of their goods to increase over the next three months rose sharply to +46%, from +27% in the previous quarter and is now at its highest level since Q4 2017, a time when the post-EU referendum devaluation of sterling pushed UK consumer price inflation to 3%.

Raw materials costs are cited as the key driver of rising prices for manufacturers, with some firms pointing to continued post-Brexit and Covid-19 disruption. 87% of production and manufacturing and 72% construction firms cited raw material prices in Q1 2021, up from 80% and 67% respectively in the previous quarter.

Services

In the services sector, the balance of firms expecting prices to increase over the next three months rose to +27%, from +15% and is now at its highest level since Q1 2020.

Within services, retail & wholesaling firms were most likely to expect price increases (56%) in the next three months with raw material costs as a key pressure. This was followed by transport and distribution firms on 48%.

45% of hotel and catering sector businesses are expecting price increases in the next three months, as Covid restrictions ease. In contrast, professional and consumer services firms were least likely to expect an increase in prices (both 26%).

Responding to the findings, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, Suren Thiru said:

“The latest results confirm a significant uptick in price expectations in the first quarter of 2021, suggesting that inflation will drift markedly higher over the near term.

“The renewed upward pressure on prices were particularly acute among manufacturers, reflecting the rising cost of raw materials amid ongoing post-Brexit and Covid-19 driven disruption to supply chains.

“While inflation is currently subdued, the triple effect of the rise in the energy price cap in April, the release of pent-up demand as Covid restrictions ease and persistent post-Brexit border disruption is likely to drive inflation higher over the near term, possibly above the Bank of England 2% inflation target.

“However, such drivers of inflation are typically transitory in nature and given the amount of spare capacity in the economy, any price spike is likely to be temporary. Therefore, there should be sufficient scope for the MPC to keep interest rates on hold for some time, particularly given the uncertainty that still surrounds the outlook for the UK economy.”