Chamber News

Over half of UK firms attempted to recruit in the last quarter of 2019, but almost three quarters have struggled to find the right talent, the largest survey of UK employers has found.

• Labour market remains stable as over half (55%) of UK businesses attempted to recruit in the final quarter of 2019.
• Skills shortages continue to impact growth as 72% of firms reported recruitment difficulties in Q4 2019.
• With greater political stability, one in four (26%) businesses expect to increase their workforce in Q1 2020.

The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Totaljobs, revealed continued skills shortages in the UK workforce ahead of the government’s first Budget next month. While over half of UK firms (55%) were looking to hire, the report revealed that 72% of businesses had difficulty finding the right talent. The figures illustrate a critical skills deficit across the UK workforce, with shortages most apparent in the construction and hospitality sectors, with 79% and 77% respectively struggling to recruit. Two thirds (67%) of construction businesses attempted to recruit in Q4, up from 62% in Q3. In both these sectors – and others – uncertainty over the UK’s future immigration regime continues to be a concern.

Looking ahead, 26% of UK firms say they plan to increase their workforce in the first quarter of 2020. The construction industry reports the highest proportion of firms looking to grow their headcount (34%).

The report’s findings highlight the need to address critical skills shortages in the upcoming Budget, including commitments to long-term funding for vocational education and for apprenticeships in small and medium-sized businesses – both of which are crucial to the government’s ambition to ‘level up’ opportunities across the UK. BCC and Totaljobs are also calling on the government to review the Apprenticeship Levy, which hits every firm with a payroll of over £3m, to ensure companies can use the funds to train their staff. Greater flexibility for employers on how funds can be used towards vital non-apprenticeship or accredited training could help to make better use of this budget and upskill the UK workforce. Adam Marshall, Director General of BCC, said: “Although it is encouraging that businesses are looking to take on people, the prolonged skills shortages they’re facing are not sustainable as they try to shake off years of political uncertainty and pursue growth. “Training has got to be at the heart of the upcoming Budget if the government wishes to demonstrate that it is serious about ‘levelling up’ opportunity all across the UK. Funding boosts are needed for vocational and technical education, for apprenticeships, and for incentives to help more employers provide high-quality job-related training. “As the UK forms new economic relationships with the EU and partners across the world, businesses also need clarity on who they can recruit. As things stand, businesses don’t know who they can hire, and under what conditions, from New Year’s Day 2021. That’s unacceptable. The Government needs to act swiftly to deliver a fast, flexible new immigration system that allows firms to access staff at all skill levels, and limits upfront fees, delays and costly red tape.” Jon Wilson, General Manager of Totaljobs, said: “The market is very much active and hiring intentions remain strong, with Totaljobs seeing 640,000 jobs advertised alongside over 12 million job applications in Q4 2019. Yet, skills shortages continue to impact many UK businesses, as one factor contributing to the UK’s low productivity rate. “UK businesses need to ensure they have robust training opportunities to keep the people they need. Totaljobs research shows that two thirds of UK workers have left a job due to a lack of learning and development. Clearly, learning new skills is very much tied up in job satisfaction. For SMEs particularly, training budgets can be an issue, which is why dedication and support from the government is essential in order to help the UK workforce upskill.”

The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk Chambers flagship event, returning to Norfolk Showground on Thursday 15th October.  We are pleased to be welcoming SLM Toyota as our first sponsors of the exhibition, taking both space outdoors with a fleet of vehicles to welcome attendees and a stand inside the main arena.  Whether you drive a company car, manage a fleet of vehicles or need cars for your company, SLM Toyota have a number of solutions to help. Their business team are trained to meet your needs. Visit their website to find out more. SLM Toyota will be both outdoors and on stand 62 at The B2B Exhibition. The B2B Exhibition is free to all businesses to attend with ticket registrations opening soon. For more information on the event please click here. Opportunities to sponsor The B2B Exhibition including joining SLM Toyota with outdoor space, are all available now! Find out more. Exhibition stand bookings open on 24 February.

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

The One Question When it comes to feedback systems, many business owners are left asking ‘which is right for my business?’ The One Question was designed and built in response to this need, to get to the heart of the one thing that matters.

Mustard HR Mustard HR specialises in Employee Relations – essentially the collective and individual relationships within a workplace. Lucy has many years’ experience working in various HR roles and alongside her day job siting in on Employment Tribunals as part of the adjudicating panel.

Bartrums Road Services From their location in the heart of East Anglia, Bartrums provide road haulage and warehousing services to a wide range of industries in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

Minuteman Press Minuteman Press have been trading from their Norwich city centre location since 1998, offering litho & digital printing, including variable data and large format printing, along with a range of finishing options, such as folding & creasing.

Norfolk Snowsports Club Norfolk Snowsports Club is a Members Club; they are ran by their members, for their members. With over 80 qualified ski and snowboard instructors and a range of activities for all abilities, Norfolk Snowsports Club has something for everyone.

Knight Accountancy Lewis Knight, Director of Knight Accountancy, is a fully licensed AAT qualified accountant as well as Xero advisor certified. Lewis provides accountancy and tax services to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

OFT Global OFT Global Limited is a registered international freight-forwarding company based in the United Kingdom. They are also a licensed customs agent in Nigeria and an authorized indirect air carrier/NVOCC (Non Vessel Owning Common Carrier) agent in the United Kingdom.

Horton Training Horton Training aims to provide first aid training courses for all. Whether you need training for your job role, or you just want to learn a new skill, they will have a course for you.

ISTQ Training ISTQ are a leading provider of training qualifications and CPD for the Corporate, Licensed Retail and Security Sectors. Training delivered by ISTQ is recognised on an International basis for the quality of their delivery, competitive pricing and their resources.

State Bank of India UK In the UK, SBI has been active since 1921, and has grown to become the largest Indian bank in the UK. Whilst SBI’s operations in the UK began in wholesale banking, it has now expanded to include a subsidiarised, ring-fenced retail offering as well.

As the UK marks its official departure from the European Union – Friday 31 January 2020 and starts an 11- month transition period, Norfolk Chambers is calling on the county’s business communities to work together to ensure the business voice is clearly heard during the transition period and beyond.

Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“In business communities across Norfolk, this historic moment will bring a mixture of regret for some and celebration for others – but this is just the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end.

“Decisions made during the next phase of negotiations will influence the business environment for decades to come. Businesses are likely to face significant changes in the way they trade, both in Europe and across the world. The government must clearly communicate what those changes will be – and provide timely guidance and support to help firms adapt and make the most of new opportunities as Britain sets its own trading polices. “Our business communities are pragmatic and want to move on from the emotional arguments around Brexit that have stymied confidence and investment for so long.

“Working in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce and the rest of the Chamber network across the UK, Norfolk Chambers want to work with ministers to get the details right on issues like customs, regulation and immigration – and they are desperate to avoid more of the cliff-edges that have affected their operations in recent years.

“On the domestic front, spades in the ground for new and improved infrastructure, better skills and training, and action to lower the up-front costs facing UK businesses are urgently needed to boost confidence and unlock investment.”

Help and support is available to businesses as they prepare for the changes that will come as a result of the UK leaving the EU.  During the transition period it should be ‘business as usual’.  However business owners and their senior teams should be considering what steps they need to take following 31 December 2020.  A good starting point for businesses is the Chambers Business Checklist, which has been recently updated.

If you have any specific questions that you need answered, the following people would be happy to help:

Julie Austin – International Trade Manager

Email: [email protected]

Tel:      01603 729 706

Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy

Email: [email protected]

Tel:      01603 729 713

‘What do I have to do? How does it all work?’

It’s a question we’re often asked by new members about our networking events. All of our events have their own feel. Whether it’s one of our big flagship events such as our  upcoming The Big Debate, The B2B Exhibition or one of our networking breakfasts. I always reply with the same answer. ‘I promise you will feel relaxed straight away, our members are so friendly and welcoming’. Whether its West Norfolk, Great Yarmouth, Norwich or South Norfolk – we are really lucky to have a fantastic mix of people and personalities! This was clear to see this morning at our South Norfolk breakfast at Barnham Broom, where Sarah Jones and her team welcomed us with hot tea and coffee and ensured we all had a delicious start to the day. Whilst we had lots of new faces attend this morning, it was hard to see who a seasoned member was and who was new.   It was a loud and engaging breakfast following our ‘Heads and Tails game’ when lucky Rhonda Jackson of CJ Jackson won the overnight stay for two at Barnham Broom! Congratulations Rhonda! Our guest speaker was Graeme Taplin, Director of Drone Photography. Graeme moved to the UK from Melbourne, Australia in 2001. Graeme shared with us the wide variety of his work, with stunning photography of many recognisable Norfolk landscapes. It was so interesting to hear about the Aviation rules and regulations that he has had to adhere to, and the skill involved in this work. The commercial possibilities are so diverse, from Town Planners, estate agents through to schools.   Thank you so much to everyone who attended, and for making our first South Norfolk breakfast of 2020 so enjoyable!  

On Wednesday 22nd January, the Norwich Opportunity Area (NOA) Work Skills Event in Norwich saw over 500 Norwich students practising their networking skills, with support from 40 local business volunteers. 

The students took part in a series of workshops learning to identify and articulate their skills; to use social media professionally and were given helpful tips on how to make a great first impression. 

They then participated in a large employer networking session to practice refining their handshaking skills; gain experience of how to introduce themselves to new employers; and to gain advice from the employers about ways to make sure they can achieve their ambitions for the future.

The employers, including over 25 employers from within the Norfolk Chambers membership, were from a wide range of sectors including: accountants, lawyers, insurance, banking; ICT digital, construction, manufacturing and the care sector.

Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future, who helped deliver the event, said: “We were really thrilled by the employer support and delighted with outcome of the event.  The event was designed to help prepare students in Norwich to feel confident in finding a work experience placement and knowing how to find and approach new contacts.”

The feedback from the employers was very positive.  They fed back how much they enjoyed speaking to some really impressive young people and hearing from talented individuals in Norwich schools. 

Commenting on the employer response, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy from Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “Every Norfolk business is looking at how to access a skilled workforce.  It is more important than ever that we involve more of the local business community in supporting enterprise engagement.  Taking part in events such as the Norwich Opportunity Area’s Work Skills events can give employers access to their potential future workforce.”

Norwich Opportunity Area are keen to capitalise further on this event, if your business would be interested in hosting any of these now very well prepared students for a placement or work visit, please drop a line to: [email protected]

A Historic evening with Dragon Hall 

Who could resist an invite to spend an evening networking with an intriguing medieval merchant with a penchant for extensions and risk taking?

Tuesday evening was spent in one of Norwich’s most beautiful heritage buildings, the medieval Dragon Hall on King Street.  Dragon hall is home to the National Centre for Writing, who take care of the city’s UNESCO City of Literature status.   

We were very proud to support The National Centre for Writing as they opened their doors and welcomed Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members to join them for one of their heritage tours and fizz in the Foyle Gallery, the stunning contemporary glass addition to Dragon Hall.

Meg Rumbelow Hemsley, Development Manager and Peggy Hughes, Programme Director talked about the NCW role and the exciting creative work they support and inspire in the community.

By creating a programme that engages writers, literary translators and readers, both in person and online the National Centre for Writing  are supporting new voices and stories. With a full programme of workshops and mentoring. If you are interested in attending any of the events you can find out more here.

Following the fizz, we split into three groups and followed the incredibly knowledgeable Heritage volunteers, Mary Bradford, Richard Matthew and Malcolm Ireson around the stunning Grade 1 listed building.

From stories of the 15th Century entrepreneur Robert Toppes to visiting the 14th Century Undercroft it was a witty and colourful journey back in time.

If you want to start writing, or improve your skills you can find inspiring and creative tips on NCW blog page.

The Heritage tours are free to attend and are run on the first and third Monday of each month at 2pm. You can find out more about the next upcoming tour in February here.

Commenting on the ONS labour market figures for January 2020, published, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The jobs market remains strong in the face of a challenging economic backdrop, with firms continuing to hire in large numbers.

“However, falling job vacancies in Q4 compared to the previous quarter suggests that a subdued economy, lingering uncertainty and persistent recruitment difficulties are weighing on firms’ hiring decisions. If sustained, this could increasingly stifle jobs growth.

“The dip in regular pay growth will put further downward pressure on consumers’ spending power, despite weaker inflation. Achieving sustained wage increases will remain problematic unless the underlying issues that continue to limit pay settlements – poor productivity, rising employment costs and a sluggish economy – are tackled.

“More must be done to stimulate growth and productivity. With interest rates near to historical lows, there is little to be gained from further rate cuts. Instead the focus should be on using the upcoming budget to support firms looking to recruit and grow their business. Ministers should ease upfront business costs and comprehensively reform the Apprenticeship levy.”

Norfolk Chambers and our members are endorsing the calls from Norfolk County Council and other key stakeholder for improvements to the rate of progress for the A47 upgrades.

Highways England should be held to account for the “agonisingly slow” progress on its A47 improvements in Norfolk, the county council says.

A report by Norfolk County Council has told a national regulator of its “major concern” that work promised in 2014 and due for completion this year has not even started.

Councillor Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “The Government approved the funding in 2014 and Highways England should be completing improvements to the A47 this year – but it has not even started work.

“Norfolk is missing out on economic growth, new homes and jobs because of this continued delay. It’s unacceptable and we want the regulator to intervene early in cases like this.”

Transport regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is consulting public bodies on how it holds Highways England to account.

Norfolk County Council’s proposed response says that, in 2014, the Government committed £300 million to improve parts of the A47 between Great Yarmouth and Tuddenham, with work due to take place from 2015-20.  Work has not started and the council is concerned that the revised start dates of 2021/22 won’t be met.

The report says: “This is a major area of concern for the county council. The expectation when the Government announced the inclusion of the A47 schemes within the programme for 2015-2020 was that they would be constructed within that period. We have, however, yet to see a start on any of the schemes.”

The report says the council has experienced “constant churn in representation from Highways England and their consultants, coupled with a lack of knowledge about the county due to the geographical remoteness of Highways England’s operations from Norfolk.

“Progress in development and delivery of the schemes has been agonisingly slow. Norfolk is extremely concerned about the ability of Highways England to deliver such projects.”

The council is encouraging the ORR to “meaningfully intervene” at an early stage, faced by issues like this and seek early resolution.

The report will be considered by the infrastructure and development select committee next week, before being considered by the cabinet on 3rd February. You can read a copy here: https://norfolkcc.cmis.uk.com/norfolkcc/Meetings/tabid/128/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mid/496/Meeting/1599/Committee/171/SelectedTab/Documents/Default.aspx

On Wednesday 25 March, the Norwich Opportunity Area and its partners will deliver a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style careers event, where 100 specially chosen Year 12 students in Norwich will be tackling a ‘real-life’ business problem.

But to ensure that this is a huge success we need support from the local business community in two key areas:

1. We would like a local business to help set the actual challenge!  This can be based on a past issue or one they are facing now.  Ideally it will be linked to something topical, such as the environment, human rights or something which is relevant to one of the region’s key industries and our young people. The business that sets the task will have the collective brain power of 100 specifically selected students to create a solution.  The business would also be welcome to be one of the dragons on the day and could possibly allow the winning team to visit their business.
2. We are also looking for a number of business volunteers to mentor a student team.  They will observe the students, provide individual feedback, and help judge their final presentations and performance.

If your business has a challenge or you can provide the event with a mentor to work with the students, please can you contact [email protected]

On a series of dates in March 2020, the Norwich Opportunity Area and City Academy Norwich are launching a Growth Sector Competition with year 8 students.  Working in groups they are being challenged to research New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s growth areas; then create a poster; and present back to their year group.

The students will have a wide range to choose from, as the NALEP growth areas include:

• Energy
• Digital, ICT & Creative
• Life Sciences
• Advance Manufacturing
• Construction & Development
• Port & Logistics
• Financial Services & Insurance
• Visitor Economy
• Agriculture, Food & Drink

They will be looking at the definition of the sector; the types of companies in Norfolk/Norwich who represent it; the job roles, pay scales, and entry routes etc.  

But they do need some support from the local business community to make this a success.  The Norwich Opportunity Area and City Academy Norwich are looking for business representatives from each of these sectors to support the activity by giving short presentations over the project on their sector and answering any questions the students may have at a school assembly on the following dates:

Thursday 13 February 2020

Thursday 12 March 2020

Thursday 19 March 2020

Assemblies run from 8.45am – 9.05am and they plan to have 2 guest speakers for each, allowing 10 mins for each speaker.  Speakers will then be invited back for the finale (Thursday 26th March – if they are available) to see the posters the students have created and help choose the winner!

Ideally, they are looking for at least one representative from a business in each of the growth areas – can your business spare an hour to take part?  If you are able to help or would like more information, please contact: [email protected]

Returning on Friday 7 February, 1pm – 4pm at OPEN Norwich, The Big Debate brings together local MPs and business leaders to influence change and give voice to Norfolk businesses.  Following on from a successful event in 2019, 2020’s event will be split into four debates looking at topics Norfolk Chambers have identified as key to the business community right now. Attendees will be able to submit questions live at the event using Sli.do, with the ability to vote for their favourite questions to be asked directly to our panels.  Our first panel on stage will look to focus on people and skills, tackling the challenge of how we recruit and retain top talent in the county. Joining us for the debate will be Richard Bacon MP for South Norfolk, Lisa Collen of Flagship Group and Becky Wilson of Pure Resourcing.  Next on the agenda will be infrastructure with the aims of looking at the impact poor fundamental facilities has on businesses and how we revolutionise Norfolk’s physical and digital infrastructure. Back in November 2019 British Chambers of Commerce reported that UK businesses are even less satisfied with UK infrastructure than they were a year ago, highlighting how important it is to bring this to the debate. This topic will be debated by Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North, Dale Curtis of Kickstart and Jonathan Cage of Create Consulting and will be followed by a break. During the break afternoon tea will be served to the tables for attendees to network and continue the discussions and debates.  After the break international trade will be up for discussion. We expect Brexit will be high on the agenda here, highlighting the support local businesses need to drive growth overseas as well as the impact Brexit will have and the changes coming into effect. We are pleased to have Kate Colchester of New Anglia LEP, Kevin Walsh of LV Shipping and Duncan Lathwell of NatWest joining us to answer your questions.  Our final topic of the afternoon will be sustainability and climate change. Our panellists will be looking at what support is needed for businesses to improve their carbon footprints, as well as how we make radical changes without impacting business as usual and lobbying for more sustainable infrastructure in Norfolk. Answering your questions will be Clive Lewis MP for Norwich South, Ali Clabburn of Liftshare and Alex Durand of SaxonAir. Whilst questions will be coming in live from attendees, there is also the opportunity to submit any burning questions in advance of the event. If you would like to submit a question on any of the four topics, you may do so here: click here to submit questions The Big Debate 2020 is sponsored by Greater Anglia and Broadland Business Park. To book your tickets click here.