Please note that from 20 April 2012, the Iraqi Embassy have stated that you will need to provide extra documents when applying for legalised ArabCertificates of Origin.
For more details, please see Circular 722 issued by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce which was received on 11.05.12
• 20% of firms say poor transport connections are a barrier to exporting • 41% of businesses are put off by the cost of international transport connections
A survey of more than 8,000 businesses released today (Thursday 10 May 2012) by the British Chambers of Commerce, shows that while exporting by UK firms is on the rise, poor transport connections prevent them from exporting more. The survey showed that the number of companies exporting goods and services from the UK has significantly increased. Last year a fifth (22%) of firms surveyed were exporting, compared to almost a third (32%) this year.
Despite encouraging signs of more firms exporting, the findings also highlight a number of barriers that prevent companies from selling overseas. One in five businesses (20%) say poor transport connections are a barrier to trading internationally. Exporting plays a vital part in rebalancing the economy and ensuring a lasting recovery, so we would urge the government to boost transport connections to help businesses take their products and services to new international markets.
Transport connections support supply chains and are essential for moving goods to market. According to the BCC’s survey, businesses in the UK believe that the cost and quality of these connections are vital to trade. Time is money, and if firms can’t access markets quickly enough, they end up holding more stock, which hits their bottom line.
Overall, a fifth (20%) of firms see poor transport connections as a barrier to export; increasing significantly for businesses based in Scotland (34%) and Northern Ireland (32%). But more than quality, businesses are concerned with the cost of transport when exporting. 41% say that the cost of trade connections is also an obstacle. Almost half (49%) of firms that would consider exporting are concerned by the cost of trade connections – a worrying finding as the government looks to encourage firms to consider exporting for the first time. It is not just international connections that create problems for exporters. Nearly a quarter of UK businesses (23%) said that domestic transport links are a concern.
Support international trade by improving transport connections
Based on the findings, the BCC is making a number of recommendations to the government, including:
• A comprehensive aviation strategy for the UK: Politics and short-termism must not be allowed to hamper efforts to build a world-class system of airports and connections. That means alleviating the South East’s capacity crunch, ensuring regional airports have strong international connections, and maintaining good links between regional and hub airports.
• Measures to encourage private sector investment in infrastructure: In addition to implementing the National Infrastructure Plan, the government must encourage more private sector investment. That could include the introduction of a national infrastructure bank or fund that co-funds local and national infrastructure projects.
• Accelerate the implementation of road tolling: This would provide funds for new capacity at pinch points, such as the A14 between the Port of Felixstowe, Cambridgeshire and the Midlands. In the longer term, a more comprehensive, nationwide system of tolling or pricing along trunk routes could improve the effectiveness of the UK’s road network for business.
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Encouraging more British firms to export should be the government’s number one priority. Exports are vital to creating and sustaining an economic recovery. More businesses are exporting in 2012 compared to last year which is good news, but many still face barriers when looking to trade overseas.
“We need to unlock the potential of our existing and future exporters by improving transport links, both locally and nationally, and by slashing burdensome regulation that deters companies from taking their business abroad. Delivering a clear aviation strategy, improving access to sea ports and committing to investment in infrastructure projects would help to tackle some of the major transport issues businesses face when trying to move their goods not just around the UK, but globally. Furthermore, scrapping damaging increases in airline taxes would go a long way to reducing the transportation costs many companies say is a major concern when looking to export. British businesses must also be able to treat Europe as their home turf. Making it easier to trade in these countries is a must.
“We have fantastic companies in Britain with products ready for export. The government needs to get behind these businesses so they can penetrate new markets, and feel confident when taking their goods and services overseas.”
Now in its third year, the Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability Conference, sponsored by adapt+, Create Consulting Engineer Ltd and EDF Energy, was held at the John Innes Centre on Thursday 10 May and was superbly attended and supported both by the local business community and by a range of national companies that travelled into Norwich specifically for the event.
The conference got off to a great start when Andy Wood, Chief Executive of Adnams and Chair of New Anglia LEP, gave a fascinating presentation on Adnams sustainable credentials. Adnams won the Queens award for sustainability just a couple of weeks earlier and it was clear to see why. Tom McGarry, Communications Manager at Sizewell C from EDF Energy told the 200 delegates attending the conference of the opportunities available to companies through the sustainable supply chain portal www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk.
George Padelopoulos, Senior Sustainability Manager at B&Q provided a practical insight into the Green Deal and Dr John French and Benedict Binns, both from Adapt Low Carbon Group provided a detailed overview of the sustainable development of the Centre for the Built Environment at the UEA. Attendees also had to opportunity to hear about the Green Economy Pathfinder, a project initiated by the New Anglia LEP, from the Group Director of Anglian Water, Mark Pendlington.
The conference climaxed with a rare opportunity to hear from a truly inspirational speaker with big ideas and a great presence. Gunter Pauli an entrepreneur in the true sense of the word really blew the audience away with his dynamism and pure business drive.
Gunter feels that it is not enough to protect our environment but to regenerate. His ideas relate to what he calls the ‘Blue Economy’ and he is looking to change the rules, encourage local entrepreneurship, create jobs and change the business model to achieve competitiveness. This is one of those occasions where you really needed to be there to get the full effect, trying to write this down just demonstrates to me the power of presentation. Gunter’s thoughts and examples of his fantastic work are illustrated in his books about the Blue Economy and his children’s fables will be given to every primary school child in china and they have asked him to write 365 – one for each day of the year.
There was a great selection of companies exhibiting at the event ranging from energy companies to construction consultants, print and technology companies to transport solutions all showing how they could help businesses to become more sustainable.
The workshops bought up some interesting points. Paul Bourgeois, Zero Carbon Britain explained the bigger picture on Renewable Heat Incentives while Damian Baker, Ren Energy gave practical examples of how you can achieve this and gain the subsidy. Jonathan Cage, Create Consulting Engineers threw away sustainability rulebook and explained the variety of ways in which businesses could become more sustainable.
There were also some interesting workshops on Passivhaus in which Mark Lumley, Architype and Andrew Savage, Broadland Housing explained their particular projects and the benefits and challenges that they involved. This was drawn to a close by a debate on passivhaus and whether it should be the Norfolk standard which covered some very interesting points from both sides of the argument and the vote, although not unanimous, was that it should be.
Photo’s by ‘Keith Mindham Photography‘
The findings of a survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that businesses, smaller firms in particular, need more support to trade with high-growth markets. The survey of more than 8,000 businesses, including Norfolk Chamber members, suggests that UK exports are held back by a focus on traditional or mature markets at the expense of larger, faster-growing economies.
The EU remains the most popular destination for exports. When asked where they export to, 88% of respondents sell their products or services to the EU. This compares to 47% of businesses that export to BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), and 55% to other Asian and Middle-Eastern markets such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia. However, while nearly three-quarters (73%) of large firms trade with BRIC countries, only a third (32%) of micro firms do business in these fast-growing markets.
The survey also asked exporters where they see the greatest opportunities for growth in the next twelve months. Two-thirds (67%) of large exporters see the BRIC economies as providing the most export growth, but this falls to around half (49%) among medium-sized firms, and a third (33%) of micros. More smaller businesses believed that the EU offers the greatest opportunities for export growth (56%).
The results showed businesses that belong to an international group or supply chain are 50% more likely to see growth opportunities in the fastest-growing, emerging economies, than those that don’t. The transport, manufacturing and education sectors are the most enthusiastic about opportunities for growth in developing economies.
Export sales among UK firms are hindered by several barriers, from languages and cultural differences to overseas public sector procurement rules. Overall, regulation and export tariffs top the list of barriers for exporters. Those trading in Africa quote political risk as the biggest concern.
Commenting, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“More and more Norfolk businesses are exporting their goods and services overseas, but many still face obstacles when trading internationally. Smaller firms in particular can find it difficult to break into newer, emerging markets, such as Brazil, India and China. These countries are growing more than traditional export partners like those in the eurozone, and so present real opportunities for businesses. However, small firms often lack the resource of larger firms, which is why they need more support to break into new markets. The government must provide more targeted help and advice for smaller firms to help them take their first step in trading with these fast-growing economies. Norfolk Chamber has created a dedicated Export Zone within its new website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk giving help and advice and links to a large amount of information”
“Britain has the potential to be a great exporting nation. The government must work together with business to unlock the potential of Britain’s exporters, who will in turn help to drive the economic recovery.”
BCC recommendations
Better targeted support for exporters to access the fastest-growing markets: Businesses that export to the fastest-growing markets are the most likely to encounter barriers that hold back sales. This partly explains why there is a size divide in these markets – smaller businesses have fewer resources to overcome these obstacles. As it seeks to expand its reach from 25,000 to 50,000 SMEs over the coming months, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and its partners must work to address the reticence of some sectors and size groups to consider trading in new markets. Targeted support, such as sharing practice on foreign bureaucracy and introductions into new markets, is crucial in helping companies access high-growth BRIC countries.
Now in its third year, the Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability Conference was held at the John Innes Centre on Thursday 10 May and was superbly attended and supported both by the local business community and by a range of national companies that travelled into Norwich specifically for the event.
Photos from the conference can be viewed on Facebook or Google+
Here you can find a number of the presentations used by the speakers:
Visit England has published the results of its ‘Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2011‘. Norwich is listed as one of the top ten city destinations in the UK, with only London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool ahead.
Caroline Williams, CEO, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “As Norwich has a great deal to offer its day visitors, from culture to retail activities, both indoors and outdoors, it is t not surprising that we are the sixth most popular city to visit in the UK. With over 17 million day visitors last year, spending well in excess of £572,000 in the city, this recognition is welcome news to retailers, leisure and tourism businesses alike.
Tourism day visits are an important element of tourism demand, estimated to account for around half of total tourism spend in the UK. Tourism is an integral part of Norfolk’s economy and day trippers help contribute towards Norfolk’s economic growth.”
For more details and to read the full story.
Only one in five eats five a day, poll suggests Just one in five Britons eats the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a poll for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests.
Record number of staff spurn sick days A record number of workers are taking no days off sick, but long-term absences are growing because of rising stress and back pain, according to a new workplace survey.
‘Forget BMI, just measure your waist and height’ say scientists People concerned about heart disease and diabetes should simply take their height and waist measurements to figure out their risk, say British researchers
How we start getting fat just three hours after a big meal Once eaten, fat is stored on the waistline within hours, say scientists – far faster than previously thought.
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Oliver call on PM to fight obesity Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and England footballer Steven Gerrard are calling on the government to fight obesity through cookery teaching in schools.
Dental shake-up needed ‘to tackle fraud’ High levels of dental fraud in England prove the system needs overhauling, ministers say.
GP-led musculoskeletal scheme cuts waits and boosts outcomes A GP-led musculoskeletal service has improved waiting times and outcomes and the model it uses should be widely adopted by GP commissioners, clinicians have said.
Time to end the scandal of our 9-to-5 NHS: ‘It’s outrageous patients suffer because my colleagues refuse to give up their weekends,’ says top A&E doctor The risk of dying if a patient is admitted to A&E on a Saturday or a Sunday is 9.5% higher compared to the rest of the week, according to a recent study.
Dead donor saved my skin: Gran’s ulcers healed by skin graft from dead people Until the transplant, the 92-year-old had suffered from painful ulcers on her legs for 20 years
Face-to-face consultations by GPs ‘no longer sustainable’ General practice is ‘no longer sustainable’ in its current form, with a squeezed workforce, increasingly complex demands and a shifting financial landscape requiring GPs to radically alter way they work, a new report has claimed.
Teenage organ donor saves eight lives A public schoolgirl who died from a brain haemorrhage aged 13 has saved eight lives by donating her organs.
UK addicted to sleeping pills: Stress-related insomnia on rise since start of the economic crunch Britain has become a nation of sleeping pill addicts since the start of the economic downturn, figures revealed yesterday.
Facebook and Twitter liked for health One in three people are now using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for health related issues according to a study by management consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers.
How is your business is doing in these challenging economic times – have the events in Europe affected you, or are you managing to grow your business in spite of everything that is happening?
The last QES survey reported that Norfolk businesses were planning to invest in plant, machinery and training and they were cautiously optimistic and hoping for a better quarter. Let us know how your business is doing and what you think about the future and possible economic growth.
The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor to plan the future of the UK economy. The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete, so please take the time to input into this important survey to ensure Norfolk has a voice. The survey needs to be completed online by Monday 11 June 2012.
Please click here. The Password is economy and your Chamber ID number is 75. If you prefer a hard copy please print the attached form and fax back to 01603 633032.
Commenting on the proposals outlined in the Beecroft Report, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:
“Adrian Beecroft is right to point out that at a time when millions of people are unemployed, ministers should be looking for ways to make it easier and less costly to employ people, not the other way around. Of course employment rights are important, but should be weighed against opportunities for the unemployed who are looking for work.
“Ministers should consider and progress all proposals that would give businesses greater confidence to hire – an outcome that would benefit companies, individuals and the UK economy as a whole.”
Commenting on the proposal for a new compensated no-fault dismissal route:
“Employers tell us that hiring staff is expensive, so dismissing someone is always a last resort. We are not saying that businesses should be able to ‘fire at will’, but the fear of not being able to dismiss a troublesome employee prevents many businesses from recruiting.
“A compensated no-fault dismissal route would be more favourable financially for an employee than if they were managed out of the business on performance grounds. Both parties would also avoid the emotional distress, uncertainty and reputational damage of an employment tribunal. However, this system would be costly and would not provide the full protection offered by compromise agreements, so would only be used in extreme cases. Furthermore, the impact on employment rights is minimal and vastly outweighed by the boost to employer confidence and the number of jobs it help to generate.
“Compensated no-fault dismissal should accompany proposals to make compromise agreements easier for employers to use. This will help businesses create jobs for the large number of talented, hard-working people that are unemployed in the UK.”
Commenting on flexible working and shared parental leave proposals:
“Businesses are not against flexible working or shared parental leave as concepts, but face real problems when it comes to implementation. Most businesses cannot accommodate unlimited flexible working and are concerned by the potential damage to employee relationships if they grant one request and have to turn down a more worthy request later.
“Shared parental leave introduces new and serious complexity to the relationship between an employer and member of staff. For the first time the employer-employee relationship will be contingent on a third party – the employee’s partner’s boss. Employers should be able to focus on the day to day running of their business and creating jobs and growth, rather than managing the family matters of employees.”
The government outlined a series of energy related reforms this week in order to introduce stability into the market. On Tuesday, a draft energy bill was brought before Parliament. The bill will extend feed-in tariffs to large scale energy projects, introduce emission performance targets for power stations and measures to ensure there is excess capacity in the system to provide security of supply. The draft bill will now be examined by a Parliamentary Select Committee and a full bill is expected later this year. Read more on this in British Chamber of Commerce blog here.
On Thursday it was announced that the next wave of cuts to solar feed-in tariff incentives will come into effect from August 1. The tariffs will be set to decrease on a three month basis thereafter, with pauses if the market slows down. All tariffs will continue to be index-linked to inflation. The new tariffs should give a return on investment (ROIs) of over six percent. The measures have been broadly welcomed by the solar industry.
The following is update on the BIS Business in You (BiY) campaign businessinyou.bis.gov.uk. So far there have been over 90,000 visits to the “Business in You” portal and there are now 9,900 subscribers to email updates.
The current theme is employment which covers existing and new offers to businesses, cutting across several departments and channels. There is also a new online tool, “Taking on an Employee”, which brings together everything a business needs when considering employing for the first time. The new tool can be found at: www.businesslink.gov.uk/employ.”
Other content which may be of interest includes:
Myth-busting around employment law/regulations (hosted at https://www.bis.gov.uk/common-employment-myths) Financial help to employ apprentices and young people (eg via DWP’s Youth Contract) – https://www.improve.businesslink.gov.uk/node/12988
The Business in You has also teamed up with The Guardian and Channel 4 as part of the drive to support small and medium sized businesses.
The partnership includes a competition run by The Guardian for start-ups and growing businesses, who get a chance to win a package of business support, mentoring and £15,000 worth of advertising in The Guardian. Channel 4 have produced adverts and video clips, which show real-life case studies of successful small businesses designed to inspire new start-ups and help existing ones to grow. To find out more go to www.guardian.co.uk/business-in-you
Finally, a major direct mail campaign has also been launched – targeted at growing businesses – via Companies House, who are in turn promoting BiY through their new “Get it Right, First Time” series of events. Events are taking place in London on 3 July: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/getitright.htm
John Morse, Operations Director of marine survey company Gardline, has been appointed as new Vice President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council.
Commenting on his appointment, John said: “I am very excited to take up this new role. As an employee of Gardline, which is one of the largest Great Yarmouth employers, plus my previous relevant experience, I will be able to contribute to the Chamber’s forthcoming development and help to support this vital industry sector.
“I believe there should be a concerted effort to regenerate a new economy in Great Yarmouth, based upon the offshore renewables and other related opportunities. An economy such as this will provide long-term employment, net inward migration and general viability away from, but parallel to its traditional tourism base.
“I think it should be the responsibility of every Chamber member to provide support and direct mentoring to businesses in Great Yarmouth, and in collaboration, we should all strive to generate a strong, vibrant, and expanding business environment for the town.”