Chamber News

The Big Issue

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee have launched their ‘My BEIS Inquiry’ and are inviting members of the public, including business owners, employees, consumers, academics and activists, to submit proposals for what the Committee should investigate. Submissions can cover ideas from across BEIS remit which includes:  

• Business
• Industrial Strategy
• Consumer Protection
• Corporate Governance
• Jobs and working conditions
• Energy policy
• Clean growth
• Climate change

The BEIS Committee have previously conducted inquiries into a range of issues including automation and the future of work, executive pay and the gender pay gap, product safety (with a particular focus on Whirlpool’s defective tumble dryers) and how we can tackle climate change and reduce the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero.

The Committee values diversity and encourages proposals from people who have not previously engaged with the Committee, and suggestions for areas that they have not previously explored.

How to get involved

Complete the short online form to submit your ideas to the BEIS Committee. Proposals for inquiries should briefly outline:

• The nature of the issue that the Committee should explore
• Why it deserves attention
• How Government policy in this area could be developed or improved.

A selection of the submissions will be shortlisted for an opportunity to give a 5 minute ‘pitch’ to Members of the Committee at UK Parliament later this year. The pitches will be open to the public.  These pitches will help the Committee to learn more about the issue raised before taking a final decision on which subjects to launch an inquiry on.

Submissions will be selected based on merit. In particular, the Committee will be looking for inquiries that are:

• within the Committee’s remit;
• are current;
• have potential for high impact;
• bring a new issue to the forefront or a fresh perspective to an existing problem.

The Committee is not able to take up individual complaints or cases. ‘Pitches’ will take place in public evidence sessions to ensure participants’ concerns reach a wider audience and be entered into the permanent parliamentary record.

The Committee have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions which provides more information about the work of the Committee and guidance for completing your submission.

The deadline to submit inquiry ideas is Tuesday 31 March 2020.

Note from the Chair

Rachel Reeves MP, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said:

“We are keen to hear ideas from the public about what they see as the issues the BEIS Committee should be exploring over this Parliament. This is an opportunity for the public, including entrepreneurs, workers, trade unions, campaigners, academics, activists and others from sectors including business and industry, local government, consumer, and energy, to use their expertise and experience to highlight ideas and policy areas which they think need attention. We are eager to see these inquiry proposals and explore how we as a Committee can take the best ideas forward.”

For any questions about the inquiry contact [email protected]

To keep updated with the inquiry follow @CommonsBEIS on Twitter and use the hashtag #MyBEISInquiry

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus (the family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS) which originated in the Wuhan area of China in late 2019. 

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu, and many individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms. The elderly and immunocompromised are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications as a result of the illness. 

Below are resources to help businesses during the outbreak.

ACAS ACAS recommends employers consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff in case COVID-19 spreads more widely in the UK. They state it’s good practice for employers to:

• Keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
• Make sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
• Make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes and procedures
• Make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
• Provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff and encourage their use
• Consider if any travel planned to affected areas is essential

For more detailed guidance and advice on employer responsibilities and best practice take a look at their website.

Public Health England Public Health England has released a number of resources which businesses can display to help stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19. These primarily encourage good hand and respiratory hygiene, check out their website for more information.

Government Advice The Government’s advice is updated on a daily basis to reflect the changing situation. It is good practice check it regularly for updates.

Norfolk Chambers Policy Norfolk Chambers of Commerce will be taking a common-sense approach to the COVID-19 outbreak and adhering to all Government advice.

In view of the latest advice from Government on Monday evening, we have taken the decision to cancel our events until the end of April 2020.  At this point we will review the situation.  If you are booked to attend an event between now and 30 April, we will contact you regarding this booking.

In line with official guidance we do ask that all individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, have returned from an affected area, or have been in close contact in the last two weeks with an individual who has (or is suspected of having) contracted the virus to not attend meetings or events with us.

Take a look at our Coronavirus Advice for Businesses page for more information.

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus (the family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS) which originated in the Wuhan area of China in late 2019.

The majority of cases are still within China although cases are being detected around the world. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Many individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms although the elderly and immunocompromised are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications as a result of the illness.

Given the fast spread of the virus the Government have issued official guidelines and policies aiming to contain the spread. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been officially classified as a notable disease which allows businesses to make applicable insurance claims for business disruption arising from its spread.

BUSINESS ADVICE

Hygiene is key:

• Encourage regular handwashing for 20 seconds and coughing and sneezing into tissues which are then thrown away
• Consider providing hand sanitiser and tissues in key locations
• Encourage employees who are unwell, returning from affected areas, or have come into close contact in the last two weeks with an individual who has (or is suspected of having) contracted the virus not to come into the workplace

Communicate:

• Keep employees updated on policies and actions taken
• Ensure up-to-date emergency contact info is kept for all employees
• Ensure all managers understand the symptoms of COVID-19 so they can spot them in good time
• Ensure all managers understand policies and processes should a case be identified

Define your policies:

• If you’re due to travel to an affected area consider whether it is essential – avoid it wherever possible, instead utilise online meeting platforms if this is the reason for your visit
• Clarify whether employees who self-isolate will qualify for sick pay – the government has stated that if someone has been advised by NHS 111 or a doctor to self-isolate they should receive any statutory sick pay due to them
• Clarify your working from home policy, this could be used to encourage employees returning from affected areas to self-isolate with full pay
• Review and communicate your business continuity plan to minimise disruption should the situation arise
• Review your insurance policies so you can understand what would or wouldn’t be covered in the event of disruption

Keep an eye on the wider impact:

• Review your current suppliers to identify any that may be affected and contact them to understand what the implications to your business could be
• Check any upcoming trade shows booked are going ahead and monitor regularly for any changes
• Consider putting contingency plans in place to cover you in case there are any disruptions to either suppliers or customers

Resources are available to help you plan ahead.  

Norfolk Chambers Policy Norfolk Chambers of Commerce will be taking a common-sense approach to the COVID-19 outbreak and adhering to all Government advice.

As at Tuesday 17 March, we have taken the decision to postpone all events/training courses until the end of April 2020 based on the latest government live update by the Prime Minister.  We will reconsider our position on events at the end of this period.  In the meantime, if you are booked onto an event during this period, we will be in touch to advise you about your booking.  

In line with official guidance we do ask that all individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, have returned from an affected area, or have been in close contact in the last two weeks with an individual who has (or is suspected of having) contracted the virus to not attend meetings or events with us.

Thursday 5 March saw hundreds of business people within the UK Chamber network, including our own Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers, come together at the QEII Centre in London to hear from business leaders and politicians, all debating the future of business beyond 2020 at the annual British Chambers of Commerce Conference.

The focus for this year’s conference was on people, trade and investment in infrastructure.  Adam Marshall, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) opened the conference by highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing the UK business community.  He noted the increased costs on business around immigration, international trade and the importance of delivering infrastructure investment, such as HS2 and Heathrow Airport expansion, to help enable greater economic growth. Adam emphasised the need for business and government to work together to find shared solutions. 

The delegates also heard from Dr Pavel Adrjan from Indeed who advised that location, location, location was critical when trying to secure a job or identify an employee.  Businesses and job seekers needed to widen their searches and look over county borders to find the advantage.

Panel Debate: Creating the work places of the future

Jane Boardman, Chair of the Workforce Training and Development Commission chaired a panel discussion with Annie Aurebach from Flex, Beckie Rowland from Greggs and Jason Groves from Dive in Festival.  They highlighted that the more diverse and flexible companies tended to be more successful, innovative and productive.  An example being Microsoft Japan, who introduced a 4 day week and saw productivity increase by 40%.  Another being that by allowing your employees to be who they truly are, means that their energy and efforts are put into doing a great job and not hiding their true selves.  Becky from Greggs explained how they were tapping into an untapped employee market by working with ex-offenders through their ‘Fresh Start’ programme.

Peter Coutts, CEO of Coutts told the audience that he thought business was facing headwinds with uncertainty and fast changing tech.  He wanted to see reductions in ‘well intentioned’ regulations that were proving costly to business.  He felt there was a role for banks and the government to work in partnership to remove regulatory restrictions and help improve productivity.

The headline speaker was Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.  Mr Hancock stated that “Business done right, was a force for good.”   He then highlighted the government’s plans for dealing with the Coronavirus.  He said “Government was preparing for the worst and working for the best.”  He outlined that they were ‘following the science’ to ensure the best most proactive approach and were working on 4 key areas:

Contain –      Detection of the virus and taking advantage of any early wins

Delay –         Slow the spread of the virus, to avoid impacting on the winter season for the NHS.  Whilst seeking to minimise economic and social impacts/costs.

Research –   Ongoing work to understand what drugs are already available that can be used to help fight the virus

Mitigate –      Focus the resources of the UK; keep essential services going; look at a range of options to support supply chains – some of which will be announced in the Budget on 11 March

After lunch, the audience heard from Greg Hands MP, Minister of State, Department of International Trade (DIT), who told of the creation of a strong negotiating team who were working towards the key Free Trade Agreements.  He highlighted that UK exports rose by 5% in the 12 months up to December 2019.  He outlined the support that was available for more UK businesses to export such as UK Export Finance.

Climate change came to the top of the agenda with speeches from both Emma Gilthorpe from Heathrow Airport and Claire Harbord from Drax. 

Emma Gilthorpe picked up on the recent High Court ruling against the Heathrow expansion.  She stated that “Heathrow was the largest UK ‘port’ – larger than both Felixstowe and Southampton and that there could be no global Great Britain without the Heathrow Airport expansion.”  She said: “Carbon is the enemy, not aviation.”  In her opinion no large scale infrastructure improvements would hold back Great Britain and our country would lose out to other countries who did invest and expand their airport hubs.

Claire Harbord outlined Drax’s plans to stop using coal to generate power by 2021 and that currently 90% of their power was generated using renewable sources.  They have ambitious plans to be Zero Carbon by 2040.

Panel Debate: Keeping Britain Open for Business

The final panel debate of the day was in international trade and chaired by Tom Parker, the President of British Chambers of Commerce in EU-Belgium.  The panel included Dr Anna Jerzewska, a Customs and Trade Specialist, John Mahon, the Director General for Export and Investment at DIT, Lucy Frankel from Vegware – a plant-based fast food packaging company, and Sam Martin, CEO of Apothecary 87 – a company who exported to 135 countries in their first year of trading.

The panel highlighted the impact on SME businesses of the forthcoming changes in tariffs, regulations and quotas as of 01 January 2021.  It was noted that information was likely to be given at very last minute – due to the complexity and sheer quantity of negotiations needed.  A plea was made for government to give as much notice as possible to enable businesses to prepare for the inevitable changes and the need for an implementation period – perhaps 3 months to enact the changes.  Mr Mahon highlighted that DIT would welcome greater dialogue with the business community to understand the challenges being faced and that they would welcome any solutions and mitigations that business can suggest.

Business leader Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE has today (Thursday 5th March) been elected President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Baroness McGregor-Smith was elected by representatives of the accredited Chamber Network ahead of the BCC’s Annual Conference in London today. She will take up the role, which is unremunerated, with immediate effect, succeeding Francis Martin CBE.

As President, Baroness McGregor-Smith will work alongside BCC Chair Sarah Howard MBE and Director General Adam Marshall – and will represent the interests of Chamber business communities and trade through a crucial period for the UK.

Baroness McGregor-Smith was Chief Executive of MITIE Group plc between 2007 and 2016, and was Chair of the Women’s Business Council from 2012 to 2016. She authored an independent review on race in the workplace for the UK Government in 2017 and is a passionate advocate for diversity as a key driver of business performance. She was the first Asian female chief executive of a FTSE 250 company.

BCC Chair Sarah Howard MBE said: “Ruby’s understanding of modern business coupled with her energy, dynamism and commitment to opportunity for all make her an outstanding choice to represent our diverse Chamber business communities.” Incoming BCC President, Baroness McGregor-Smith said: 

“As UK business navigates a time of substantial change, the work done by Chambers of Commerce to help firms of all sizes seize opportunities and overcome challenges is more vital than ever.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to speak up for business and trade at this important time – and will be a tireless advocate for the work of the Chamber network in the UK and around the world.”

Outgoing BCC President, Francis Martin CBE, added:

“Ruby will do a fantastic job representing BCC and the Chamber Network, and I am delighted to be handing over to such a strong advocate for business, entrepreneurship and growth.”

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce runs ten nationally accredited international trade courses throughout the year on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce. These courses form an import and export curriculum which give both large and small businesses the skills they need to confidently trade internationally.

All candidates who complete a minimum of six courses are awarded the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade. This is in recognition of the hard work and effort they have put in and shows they have been able to demonstrate a good level of knowledge in each course.

Two recent awardees were Pamela Chapman and James Eman from Applied Acoustics who completed their sixth course in February. Their knowledge will help them support the Sales and Logistics teams at Applied Acoustics, Modulus Technology and Ensign Subsea Systems.

James commented that “The courses run by the chambers of commerce were very informative, providing all the required information to support smooth and efficient logistical operations to fulfil our customer’s requirements.”

Another recent candidate who completed her Foundation Award was Jane Winters from Sinclair International.   

Jane stated “These courses were recommended to me by work colleagues, on all the courses  the material was relevant and up to date along with being very well presented.  The tutor was very knowledgeable and able to tailor the course to the attendees and the content was excellent with a  good balance of theory and application.

In short all the courses were beneficial to my everyday job role. I am very pleased to receive the foundation award  and I will continue to attend the other courses provided by the Chamber of Commerce.”

At the end of every one-day course each candidate’s performance is marked by an external assessor to show that they can effectively demonstrate their knowledge of the subject.

Since the courses began in 2013 Norfolk Chambers have had 17 candidates obtain the Foundation Award. All ten courses are offered to help businesses gain the skills and expertise they need when trading internationally.

The courses are:

• Understanding Exporting
• Preference Rules of Origin
• Customs Procedures and Documentation
• Export Documentation
• Incoterms® 2020
• Import Procedures
• Letters of Credit / Methods of Payment
• Inward and Outward Processing Relief
• Agents and Distributors

If you have any questions about international trade our International Trade Manager, Julie Austin, would be happy to help – 01603 729706 or [email protected]  

Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for the month of February 2020. 

Visit their business to explore what they have to offer. Click on a business name below to view the full listing in our Member Directory.

Evander Evan­der is the UK’s lead­ing provider of respon­sive, pre-planned and emer­gency home improve­ment ser­vices. Whether you’d like to have a win­dow repaired, you feel the need to update your home secu­ri­ty, or you need your prop­er­ty made safe after a break-in; we can help.

Southgate Packaging More than fifty years of packaging industry experience, exceptional service and a policy of global sourcing and innovative product development ensure our customers stay at the forefront of the packaging product market via our sustainable supply chain.

Mortgage Advice Bureau Mortgage Advice Bureau is the UK’s leading mortgage intermediary brand, with over 1,400 advisers across the UK, we offer expert mortgage advice on a local, regional and national level to UK consumers, both face-to-face and over the phone.

International Workplace Group We have a 30-year track record of delivering the best real estate solutions for businesses. With locations in practically every country, city, town and transport hub, and options ranging from an hour’s coworking to multi-year office space leases, we enable people and businesses to work where, when and how they want.

Edward Jackson (Engineers) Edward Jackson has been supplying high quality and reliable machines to the world-wide paint brush and paint roller industry for over 25 years.  The current range of roller making equipment covers the needs of both high and low volume producers with every machine being constantly reviewed for improvements to achieve ease of use and operator safety.

Access Community Trust At Access, we promote social inclusion for the community benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.

Brilliant Customer Service Brilliant Customer Service help organisations, big and small, to improve their customer service, support and sales performance.

Holkham Events Ltd Holkham is a unique and idyllic location for all manner of events, from conferences and corporate team away days to gala dinners and award ceremonies.

SECOL SECOL is proud to supply the best quality Archival Polyester Enclosures in the world and our Polyester acid-free Film perfectly fills the often conflicting needs of conservation, protection and accessibility. 

North Norfolk District Council will hold a free T Level seminar ahead of the introduction of the new technical qualifications.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is organising a free information event specifically for local businesses to introduce them to the new T Level technical qualification. There will also be information about the latest developments in apprenticeships, including funding. The event is intended to help local businesses learn how they can benefit from industry placements and the range of support available to help recruit, train and upskill their workforce. It will host key speakers from local training providers, including Laura McLean, the T Level Coordinator at Norwich City College and Alison Ward, the newly appointed New Anglia LEP Apprenticeship Levy Coordinator. There will be time for networking with local training providers including UTCN, the College of West Anglia, Nova Training and Poultec, with the opportunity to meet an advisor from the New Anglia Growth Hub to learn about funding to develop business. T Levels are a new qualification designed to progress from GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A levels. The two-year courses have been developed with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work. Students will be involved in a mixture of classroom learning and over 300 hours of ‘on-the-job’ experience in order to acquire the skills necessary for them to enter their chosen field of industry.

The first T Level courses will begin in September 2020, and are available in the following fields:

• digital production, design and development
• design, surveying and planning
• education

Cllr. Richard Kershaw, Portfolio holder for Economic Development and Employment said: “The new T level qualification is designed to provide technical educational training relevant to the needs of business and industry. I believe this gives students a very sound platform to approach the world of work and will benefit businesses and students alike. I urge businesses to attend to find out more.”

ׇThe ‘Qualifications A to T’ workshop is on April 1 2020 between 4pm and 6pm. You can register or ask for more information by contacting [email protected]

Did you know children’s careers ambitions are already limited by the age of seven?! The BBC covered a recent report from the OECD, where the company’s director, Andreas Schleicher, said how “talent is being wasted” because of ingrained stereotyping about social background, gender and race.

The Norwich Opportunity Area has launched a new campaign called #fromNorwich, designed to help inform aspirations about what’s possible!

There is a significant bank of research about the importance of having conversations about different sorts of jobs from an early age. Children form stereotypes about certain careers and job roles in primary school based on the world around them and who they know.

The NOA are calling on Norfolk businesses to make sure their future workforce are excited and inspired by the various jobs available in our area throughout their education journey – get involved in the #fromNorwich campaign by adding your own clips to the project!

Adults – record yourself saying: “When I was younger I wanted to be a … Now I am a …”

Children – record yourself saying: “When I grow up I want to be a…”

Or why not do it together?

Simply upload your clip to Instagram or Twitter and tag @fromNorwich to share your story!

The Norwich Opportunity Area are looking for employers who would be willing to take part in sessions anytime during the week commencing Monday 22 June 2020.

Aimed at busting stereotypes, facing business challenges and linking the curriculum to real life skills, this week is a brilliant opportunity for businesses to volunteer their time and help inspire and drive ambition within our future workforce.

The week’s careers activites will be held across multiple Norwich primary schools for their Year 5 students to explore the different sorts of jobs through hands on activities that explore what’s out there.

So get involved and register your interest today by emailing us at [email protected]

Commenting on the High Court’s judgement on the judicial review of the Airports National Policy Statement, BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said:

“Business communities across the UK will be bitterly disappointed that plans for a world-leading hub airport are now at risk.

“Without expansion, firms risk losing crucial regional connectivity and access to key markets across the world.

“The benefits of a third runway would extend far beyond south-east England. Hundreds of UK companies are already invested in the supply chain for expansion, and tens of thousands of additional jobs will be created if the project goes ahead.

“Heathrow and the wider aviation sector have set ambitious emissions targets, and like every industry, must continue to become greener. Britain’s future depends on investment in a modern, integrated, low-carbon transport infrastructure that keeps trade flowing while minimising environmental impacts.

“There has never been a more important time to demonstrate that Britain is open for business. The government must back Heathrow expansion unequivocally and take all necessary steps to finally move the project forward.”

Highways England are consulting the public and business on the A47 North Tuddenham to Easton dualling scheme. 

Highways England have continued to develop the detailed designs and there will be six public consultation events held for local communities and interested parties to once again share their views.

The dates of these six events, along with their locations, are as follows:

Thursday 27 February, 1pm – 8pm at North Tuddenham Village Hall, Fox Lane, North Tuddenham, NR20 3DH

Friday 28 February, 1pm – 8pm at Hockering Village Hall, 3 Heath Road, NR20 3HT

Monday 2 March, 1pm – 8pm at East Tuddenham Village Hall, Mattishall Road, East Tuddenham, NR20 3LR

Tuesday 3 March, 1pm – 8pm at Honingham Village Hall, 31 Dereham Road, Honingham, NR9 5AP

Wednesday 4 March, 1pm – 8pm at Easton Village Hall, Marlingford Road, Easton, NR9 5AD

Saturday 7 March, 10am – 4pm at Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ

So be sure to have your say and have an impact on the final result of the statutory consultation for the A47 North Tuddenham to Easton scheme.

If you have any questions or need further information about these events, or just would like to contact Highways England directly with your thoughts and suggestions, you can call their Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or email their project team at [email protected]