Chamber News

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council have launched Norfolk Knowledge Hub, a new free-to-view online business support and learning space to support local businesses recover and thrive.

At a time when we are all still getting used to life in a virtual world, many businesses have created digital recovery programs so that businesses can still get the support they need through training, webinars, networking, caching and mentoring. However, as a business how do you find time to search for the information that you need when there is so much new content being launched online?

A collaboration between Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council has found the answer – The Norfolk Knowledge Hub.

The Norfolk Knowledge Hub is a knowledge and skills sharing platform for businesses. Businesses can share their knowledge on the Hub through videos, podcasts and articles, and can also access information to learn from other businesses. Content is continually being uploaded to the site so that the Hub is constantly evolving and growing. The Norfolk Knowledge Hub is a free-to-view on desktop and as a free downloadable phone App.

The Hub launches with two channels: Business Brilliance: A place to meet business experts who can help you get to where you want to be, from strategists for planning to creatives for marketing, and Business Broadcast: A place to be inspired, learn from other business leaders, and share your story on how you have developed, pivoted, faced challenges, and strengthened your business.

A Digital Academy channel is set to launch next month and will be the place where businesses and their employees can learn new skills, educate themselves on areas of business they need a little extra support with, and share their knowledge to help educate others.

Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “The aim is for the Norfolk Knowledge Hub to be a digital knowledge aggregator, so that businesses can simply access one website or app and easily find trusted information in one place. It’s a business learning tool that has two functions: the first is to act as a business support and learning environment where essential, but often unknown, knowledge and contacts can be found to help businesses through, say the impact of Covid and Brexit (for example), and the second is to enable businesses who are creating digital content to share this on the Hub so that more people have access to it.”

As a digital knowledge aggregator, Norfolk Knowledge Hub is open for businesses and the public sector to share their content with the wider business community. The Hub is home to videos, podcasts and articles that share knowledge in how a business has achieved something, or in sharing skills and strategies.

Cllr Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for Growing the Economy, said: “This one-stop-shop means employees and business owners can quickly access relevant information in easy bitesize chunks. The Norfolk Knowledge Hub will be a useful helping hand particularly at a time when we’re all having to deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and new regulations and ways of working. I’m very pleased we’ve been able to secure a grant of £113,000 from the Norfolk Strategic Fund to develop this forward-looking scheme and we have big ambitions it will grow and expand over time as we all work together to help strengthen Norfolk’s economy.”

The Norfolk Knowledge Hub can be found at www.norfolkknowledgehub.co.uk or on the App store. You can also join in the conversation on social media using #KnowledgeHour               

For businesses who would like to submit content for inclusion please email [email protected]

As Coronavirus continues to impact the day-to-day operations of businesses across the UK, the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce stand ready to support you. We have created a range of resources to help address your concerns which can be found on our website.

Since March 2020, thousands of businesses across the UK have contributed to the Coronavirus Business Impacts Tracker. Your views have gone directly to the highest levels of Government and have formed one of the most important datasets shaping the economic response throughout the crisis.

In this 5 minute survey, please feel free to give your views on business conditions, Coronavirus business support schemes, and possible changes flowing from the introduction of the EU-UK trade agreement on 1 January. A link to the survey is below: COVID-19 and Brexit Survey

Your views have never been more important for both your own business and all others within the business community.

Results from the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO), in partnership with Totaljobs, found that while there was a modest improvement in the overall number of businesses attempting to recruit in Q4, sectoral disparities remain.

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out between 2 and 26 November 2020, during the second lockdown. It found that:   

  41% of firms attempted to recruit in Q4, up slightly from 37% in Q3, but this remains below pre-pandemic levels (55% in Q1 2020). 

• Firms in the public and voluntary and construction sectors were most likely to recruit, while hotels and catering firms were the least likely to recruit.
• Overall, a quarter of firms saw a decrease in the size of their workforce over the last three months.
• Looking ahead to the next quarter, 19% of firms expect an increase in the size of their workforce, 68% expect it to remain the same (up from 62% in Q3), and 14% expect a decrease.

  The largest independent survey of recruitment intentions in the UK serves as a barometer of the UK labour market. It received 5,900 responses, 95% of which were from SMEs employing fewer than 250 people.   

  The survey follows the BCC’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which found that business conditions remained weak in the fourth quarter, as the second lockdown squeezed activity.    

  Number of firms recruiting remains steady   

  The number of firms attempting to recruit in Q4 rose slightly to 41% from 37% in Q3, despite the introduction of a four-week second national lockdown from 5 November.   

  Significant sectoral differences in the types of firms attempting to recruit have emerged since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and remained in Q4 2020:   

• Over half (56%) of firms in the construction sector attempted to recruit in the quarter, up from 48% in Q3 
• 53% of firms in the transport and distribution sector attempted to recruit, up from 44% in Q3 
• Two-thirds (67%) of businesses in the public and voluntary sector attempted to recruit in the quarter, up from 57% in Q3  

While these sectors have increased recruitment in recent months, overall levels remain down compared to before the pandemic; in Q4 2019, 67% of construction, 62% of transport and distribution, and 75% of public and voluntary sectors attempted to recruit. 

Firms in the hotel and catering sector were once again amongst the least likely to recruit – only 22% attempted to, down from 30% in Q3 – reflecting the impact of forced closures under the national lockdown and tiered restrictions on their revenue and cash flow.   

However, the impact of the pandemic is also being felt by businesses that haven’t been required to shut their doors. 

Businesses in the marketing and media sector, for example, were the second least likely to recruit (33%). With 44% of these firms reporting decreases in sales in the quarter, QRO data demonstrates the economic impact of continued restrictions in the supply chain or in reduced budgets. 

Less than half of firms in the retail and wholesale sector attempted to recruit (40%), up slightly compared to Q3 (37%).   

Looking ahead

The percentage of firms that anticipated the size of their workforce to increase in Q1 2021 (19%) was virtually unchanged from the previous quarter (18%). A higher number of firms (68%) expected no change to the size of their workforce in Q1 2021 compared to 62% in the previous quarter. 

However, 14% of firms expect the size of their workforce to decrease in the next quarter, slightly fewer compared to the previous quarter (19%).  

Construction firms (24%) and manufacturing firms (22%) were the most likely to expect the size of their workforce to increase in the next quarter, highlighting higher levels of optimism felt by those sectors able to continue operating despite Covid-19 restrictions.  

Hotel and catering firms (35%) and, perhaps more surprisingly, transport and distribution firms (25%), were the most likely to expect the size of their workforce to decrease in the next quarter.  

Recruitment trends

Looking at Totaljobs application and vacancy data, in Q4 2020, logistics, followed by IT, administration, sales and customer service roles were receiving the most applications on the site. Comparing October and November 2020 with Q3, there was a 26% rise in job vacancies, before a seasonal decline over the Christmas period. The highest volume of vacancies was seen in logistics, IT and skilled trades. Candidate activity continues to outstrip vacancies and rose by 11% in October and November compared to Q3. 

Looking back further to Q4 2019 compared to Q4 2020, logistics and social care have seen the strongest recovery in terms of their recruitment, with demand for roles in these sectors only dropping very slightly year on year, as calls for more staff increased over the course of the pandemic. 

As we approach the end of January, Totaljobs data shows skilled trades, social care and engineering join IT and logistics as the sectors posting the highest volume of roles. The market continues to be employer-led, with applications outstripping vacancies. In the first weeks of January, Totaljobs saw over 2.6 million applications compared to 102,000 vacancies on site.   

Commenting on the results, BCC Co-Executive Director Claire Walker said:

“Our data shows the extremely difficult circumstances facing many businesses across the UK.  

“With many sectors facing major difficulties in retaining and recruiting staff, the Chancellor must immediately provide assurances that support will last for the whole of 2021 to enable firms to plan ahead. That starts with extending the Job Retention Scheme until a full reopening of the economy is possible. 

“Proposed reforms to Further Education, putting the skills needs of businesses at its heart, are welcome and will enable more people to train and retrain for jobs of the future. 

“The vaccine rollout provides genuine light at the end of the tunnel – but it is essential that government provides the support that ensures that businesses survive the current crisis and are ready and able to power economic recovery, creating new jobs, when the time comes.”   

Totaljobs CEO Jon Wilson said:  

“The vaccine rollout has given businesses and people hope, but there is still a way to go. Many sectors remain in a challenging position and have put hiring on pause, while others are able to accelerate their hiring to meet demand. 

“Throughout the difficulties of the pandemic, a real positive has been the increasing determination from jobseekers to take their careers into their own hands, focusing on their personal development by proactively upskilling. Totaljobs research found that 30% of workers acquired a new skill or qualification last year. 

“While the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, set to launch this April, looks promising in its aim to drive adult education and training, changes must be made to the scheme to improve eligibility. Through this, more businesses, no matter their sector, can see the benefits of this scheme, alongside jobseekers and workers across the UK.” 

Norfolk County Council have released their business ratepayers consultation for 2021/2022.  With a very challenging year for everyone last year, the budget for the coming financial year had to make allowances for the continuing response to the Covid-19 pandemic; dealing with Brexit and reducing carbon.

The Council have published a document that outlines the work undertaken in the last year, the investment they intend to make and how they intend to support economic growth in Norfolk for the coming year.

There is major uncertainty about government funding beyond 2021-22, including uncertainty linked with impact of COVID-19 and leaving the EU.  As well as significant uncertainty around impact of COVID-19 on council tax and business rates income 2021-22.  Therefore Norfolk County Council are proposing to increase council tax by 3.99% in 2021-22 (including 2% Adult Social Care precept), with a further 1% increase in Adult Social Care precept deferred to 2022-23.

A Capital Programme of £537.660m is proposed for 2021-25+ reflecting significant capital investment in major projects including:

• Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing.
• Long Stratton bypass.
• Programme to improve SEND school provision

The County Council have also provided a presentation to outline key spending decisions, which can be viewed here. 

They are very keen to hear from the Norfolk business community.  Please give your feedback via: [email protected] by 31 January 2021.

Following the Chancellor’s statement, changing the minimum placement criteria for small business from 03 February,  Norfolk Chambers have confirmed their commitment to continue providing exceptional support to local employers to help and guide them with their Kickstart Placements.

For each placement, the Gateway Providers, like Norfolk Chambers, receive £300 to support administrative costs, whilst employers should receive £1,500 per placement for help with setup costs and employability skills training.    Your Gateway choice will determine  what these arrangements actually look like. Some Gateways will agree with the employer to offer a level of training and thereby a slice of the £1,500.

Norfolk Chambers Gateway can confirm that the full funding is being passed across to employers for each placement and that we will continue to work with them to get their placements approved and started.

Commenting on the Norfolk Chambers Gateway, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy said: “Norfolk Chamber developed a Kickstart Gateway due to the overwhelming and continuing demand from local businesses.  Our aim was to not only support local businesses to access the Kickstart Scheme, but to ensure the quality of the placements for our young people.

“Our Gateway will help employers to complete a detailed application form, designed to ensure that the employers have the highest chance of meeting the DWP Kickstart criteria. We have also chosen to offer total flexibility to the employer by passing on the full funding, however we do ask all employers to confirm how they intend to spend these funds to ensure that all placements receive a high level of quality support and upskilling.

“Kickstart is a brilliant way to ensure young people get a boost into the world of work, whilst employers have the opportunity to grow their businesses and hopefully create more new jobs, all to the benefit of the local economy.

“We are very aware of the challenges that have faced the DWP since the Kickstart initiative commenced in September 2020, and we commend the patience of local employers, who have been understanding of these considerable delays in getting the system to operate smoothly.  The local DWP team have been amazing and we work in close collaboration with them to drive the Norfolk placements through the system.  We are confident we will start to see live placements in Norfolk happening very soon.”

For more information on accessing the Kickstart Scheme and to download your application form,  click here.

If you would like to talk to someone about cresting a Kickstart place, please contact:

Charlotte Upcraft        01603 729702             [email protected]

Nova Fairbank             01602 729713             [email protected]

Rules of Origin (RoO) are putting a spanner in the works for UK exporters wishing to take advantage of the UK’s newly negotiated trade deals with the EU and all trade deals we had with the EU that have been rolled over. The new trade agreements only allow goods of UK origin to move tariff and quota free. Many UK exporters from a variety of sectors are finding that goods they thought they could export tariff and quota free do not meet the new origin rules putting their goods at a disadvantage compared to their EU competitors. The rules define which goods can be counted as originating in the UK and therefore benefit from the negotiated agreements.

So, why do we have RoO? RoO are written into all trade agreements to ensure that reduced tariffs and other non-trade barriers covered by the agreement are only available to goods originating in the countries that have signed the agreement. If we did not have RoO then companies could just import goods into a country that has a trade deal with the country they want to trade with then just export the goods from that country even though the country that originally sent the goods does not have a deal with that country. For example, a US company wants to export to the EU, but the US and the EU do not have a trade deal. Without RoO the US company could export the goods to the UK and then on to the EU taking advantage of the UK EU trade deal.

The rules vary for each commodity code though in general if 50% of the ex works price is considered as originating in the UK then the goods would be considered to be of UK origin. For goods wholly originating on the UK this is not an issue but with modern supply chains parts come from all over the world. When we were a member of the EU then parts from EU counties counted towards the origin of the goods and in some agreements they still can as long as they processed in some way in the UK. This is called cumulation and is included in some format in most trade agreements. The issue UK businesses are having at the moment is that cumulation can only apply if the goods are processed and there is a list of minimal processes which do not change the origin of the goods. For example if Norwegian salmon is imported into the UK and then repackaged for the consumer market, then repackaging is considered a minimal process which does not confer origin, so the goods remain of Norwegian origin. If the same Norwegian salmon is imported into the UK and is smoked and then repackaged for the consumer market, then the salmon can be considered of UK origin.

These rules will have the effect of curtailing the UK from being a distribution centre for EU goods. It may make UK manufacturers look for UK suppliers to replace their existing EU suppliers, but EU manufactures face the same issue so may well replace there UK suppliers. In short RoO are an added barrier to trade that many UK exporters have not needed to consider before. Not all goods can move tariff and quota free between our trading partners.  

Vantage Protect, who provide the Chamber of Commerce Commercial Legal Expenses policy, have rebranded to Rhino Protect. 

Chamber Legal Expenses Insurance is included for all members as part of standard membership and covers claims such as;

1. Employee Disputes 2. Health & Safety Prosecutions 3. Tax Protection 4. Criminial Prosecution Defence 5. Statutory Licence Protection 6. Jury Service Allowance 7. Property Disputes 8. Data Protection 9. Personal Injury 10. Motor Disputes 11. Wrongful Arrest Defernce.  The limit of indemnity for any one claim is £100,000* (Jury Service Allowance £100/day, £1,000/claim).

Further information about the Policy can be found in the documents below. 

Notice to Members Policy Summary Policy Wording

On 01 January 2021 a new immigration system came into play and EU, EEA and/or Swiss nationals will no longer be allowed to move to the UK and work without a visa.  Under the new system, all foreign nationals will be treated equally, excepting Irish citizens.

Our region has a wide range of businesses, who employ overseas workers and Norfolk Chambers would like to hear how the new UK immigration rules are impacting on your workforce and your recruitment plans for the future.

We working with partners, such as the Local Enterprise Partnerships and the local authorities, to help support the local business community to protect current and future jobs.  As a group, we need to understand the overall impact on the workforce of new immigration changes.

For example, the social care sector in our region currently employs approximately 9% EU workers – with many whose salary levels will not meet the new immigration threshold.  What work have they done with their current overseas employees to ensure the can remain in the UK?  What plans are being made and how are care homes planning to mitigate their future overseas staffing needs?   Similarly, those in the agriculture and food sectors, are they seeing a knock-on effect as a result of changes in accessing temporary workers?  Have all your EU national employees applied for and received Settled Status?

We need to hear from as weide a range as businesses as possible.  Not just the care, agriculture and food sectors.  Your feeback willhelp to ensure that the right support mechanisms are put in place locally and to ensure we can continue to lobby appropriately on your behalf when talking to the Government Ministers and the Cabinet Office about how effective their systems are in reality.

Below are a summary of the key new immigrations rules in relation to business:

EU citizens who were living in the UK on 31 December 2020

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and you were resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you should not apply for a visa under the points-based immigration system. You and your family should instead apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Applications are free and the deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.

Employing EU citizens in the UK from 01 January 2021

Information for employers on employing EU, EEA and Swiss citizens in the UK, covering right to work checks, the EU Settlement Scheme and the UK’s new immigration system.  Full details can be found here.

Skilled workers

The points-based system includes a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor.  The job offered will need to be at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A level). The person will also need to be able to speak English and be paid the relevant salary threshold by the sponsor. This will either be the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher.

If the role earns less than this – but no less than £20,480 – you may still be able to apply by ‘trading’ points on specific characteristics against your salary. For example, if you have a job offer in a shortage occupation or have a PhD relevant to the job.

Seasonal Workers (Temporary Workers)

A Seasonal Worker may only stay in the UK for 6 months in any 12-month period.  A person on the Seasonal Worker route is not eligible to bring their dependants to the UK and a Seasonal Worker is not a route to settlement.

There are some sectors in the UK, particularly those in agriculture and food processing that employ seasonal workers i.e. fruit picking etc.  The person must be over 18 years of age and the application cannot be made more than 3 months in advance of the proposed start date.  For full information click here.

To give your feedback, please contact [email protected]  or call 01603 729 713.

Commenting on GDP figures for November 2020 published today by the ONS, BCC Head of Economics Suren Thiru said:  

 “The latest figures highlight the continued damage being done to the UK economy by coronavirus. 

 “The decline in output in November was largely driven by the drag on activity from the second lockdown, with consumer-focused services firms, who are most exposed to lockdown restrictions, enduring a particularly difficult month.   

 “With any post-lockdown rally in output in December constrained by the tougher tiered restrictions, including the introduction of tier 4 measures, the UK economy is likely to have contracted in the final quarter of 2020.  

 “A third lockdown means that a double-dip recession in the first quarter of this year may be inevitable, particularly if the current post-Brexit disruption persists through the quarter. 

 “A clear and comprehensive plan is urgently needed to support the economy throughout this year. This should include closing the current gaps in government support and providing more significant grant funding to support cash strapped businesses. A fit-for-purpose Test, Trace and Isolate system remains critical to keeping the economy moving once the current lockdown ends.” 

Returning on Friday 5 February, 2pm-4.30pm, The Big Debate goes virtual this year bringing together local MPs and business leaders to influence change and give voice to Norfolk businesses. 

The online debate is spilt into four main topics Norfolk Chambers have identified as key to the business community this year. These are:

• People & Skills
• Rebuilding the Economy
• Climate Change & Going Green
• Beyond Brexit

This is your chance to put your questions directly to key decision makers, virtually network with other businesses in Norfolk and be part of Norfolk Chambers flagship policy event that lets the voice of the Norfolk business community be heard. 

The schedule of the day

Welcome

From Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance & Public Affairs for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs for Greater Anglia.

Debate 1: People & Skills

Our first debate will focus on People & Skills, tackling the challenge of how we recruit and retain top talent in the county. Joining us will be Rebecca Headden, Co-Director for R13 Recruitment, James Howells, Director for Turning Factor, Karen Paterson, Deputy Group Property & Facilities Director for Aviva and Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North.

Debate 2: Rebuilding the Economy

Join Stefan Gurney, Executive Director for Norwich BID, Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, David Parfrey Executive Chair for Norwich Research Park and James Wild, MP for North West, to discuss how businesses can bounce back after such a turbulent year. With Brexit and the Covid pandemic challenging businesses like never before, what are the opportunities for businesses to expand and grow in 2021, and what is needed to ensure businesses in Norfolk thrive?

Break

Time to grab yourself another cup of tea.

Debate 3: Climate Change & Going Green

Next on the agenda will be Climate Change & Going Green with the aim of looking at what support is needed and available for businesses to improve their carbon footprint. Answering your questions will be Richard Buckingham, Climate Change and Carbon Manager for Anglian Water, Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk and Dr Catrin Ellis Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Manager – Offshore Wind for Vattenfall.

Debate 4: Beyond Brexit

Our final debate of the day focusses on Brexit. Now that ‘Brexit is done’ what support is there for Norfolk businesses to drive growth overseas and what impact has Brexit had on local businesses already? This topic will be debated by Richard Pace, Managing Director for Norwich Airport, Tracey Renshaw, Managing Director for Import Export Support, Kevin Walsh, U.K. Sales Director for LV Shipping and Leszek Wysocki, International Trade Adviser for Department of International Trade.

How to submit your questions

You can post messages live at the event and you can also submit questions in advance of the event. If you would like to submit a question on any of the four topics in advance, you may do so here: click here to submit questions.

The Big Debate 2020 is sponsored by Greater Anglia and is open to members and non-members.

To book your tickets and to see further speakers announced, click here.

And don’t forget to get involved in the discussion on Twitter at #BigDebate21

A letter from BEIS Minister Scully has been issued to haulier firms on the new requirements for drivers to have a negative Covid test before travelling to ports.  The costs of test will be met by government and businesses are encouraged to go through their local authority for the necessary equipment.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new, national lockdown in England, and following the implementation of a lockdown in Scotland, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:     

“Businesses will understand why the Prime Minister has felt compelled to act on the spiralling threat to public health, but they will be baffled and disappointed by the fact that he did not announce additional support for affected businesses alongside these new restrictions.  

“The lockdowns announced in England and Scotland today are a body blow to our business communities, hard on the heels of lost trade during the festive season and uncertainty linked to the end of the Brexit transition period. Tens of thousands of firms are already in a precarious position, and now face a period of further hardship and difficulty.  

“Billions have already been spent helping good firms to survive this unprecedented crisis and to save jobs. These businesses must not be allowed to fail now, when the vaccine rollout provides light at the end of this long tunnel. The financial support for businesses needs to be stepped up in line with the devastating restrictions being placed on them. Otherwise, many of these firms may simply not be there to power our recovery when we emerge once again. 

“Enhanced support for businesses, a turbo-charged vaccine rollout, and delivery of existing promises on mass testing must be delivered to enable the UK to restart, rebuild and renew.”