Chamber News

As a member of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, there are several ways in which you can continue to raise your business profile with us and our website. Our website is a good starting point. This platform can be accessed at any time to suit you, and all your business news, blogs, events and training can be shared here. There are so many benefits to using our platform to share your news, with over 10,500 visitors a month, this is a great opportunity to grow your community, and increase your brand awareness. Below are some helpful tips to get you started. If you have any difficulties with this process, do get in touch with us!

Create account or sign in You will first need to create an account here. Alternatively you can sign into your account here. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset yourself.

This account will then need to be approve by the Customer Experience Team to give you the correct permissions to post (allow 1 day).

Alternatively, you can contact to Customer Experience Team with your username and they can do it straight away for you. This will then be linked to your company directory listing and where your posted content will also appear.

Video Guide to posting content Watch our step-by-step video guide on how to post member content: https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/website-user-guide.

Content Approval This will then be sent to the Customer Experience Team, normally content is approved on the same day and you will be contacted if the team cannot approve a post for any reason.

Any problems? If you have any problems creating an account, accessing your account or posting content please contact the Customer Experience Team on [email protected] or call 01603 625977

Many UK exporters are treading water at a time of deep uncertainty, according to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL.

The survey of 3,400 exporters found nearly two-thirds (63%) of manufacturers report exchange rates as a concern to their business, indicating the pressure from sterling volatility.

The results reflect the negative impact that slowing global trade, currency fluctuation and Brexit uncertainty is having, with export sales and orders weakening. In Q2 2019, the balance of manufacturers reporting export sales increased stood at +14, down from +24 in the same quarter last year. In the services sector the corresponding balance fell to +8, from +17.

The balance of exporting manufacturers that have increased orders also fell to +9, down from +21 in the same quarter last year. In services it fell to +5 from +14, indicating that the ongoing uncertainty is hitting orders books and creating difficult trading conditions for many UK exporters.

At the same time, the volume of trade documents issued by Accredited Chambers of Commerce for goods shipments outside the EU fell 2.1% in the second quarter of the year and stands 3.0% lower than the same quarter in 2018.

In the event of no deal, businesses will face an immediate and abrupt change in trading conditions, for which many remain unprepared. Business has been clear about wanting to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit but given that no deal remains the default position on October 31st, the new government must urgently ramp up its preparation.

Business is calling on the new government to ensure the conditions and logistical preparations are in place to protect continuity of trade after the UK’s departure from the EU. Firms that currently trade with the EU will need an EORI number to continue in the event of no deal, yet the number of firms that have registered remains worryingly low. The British Chambers of Commerce is urging the government to automatically register all VAT-registered firms to minimise the disruption and administrative burdens facing traders.

The Department for International Trade must also make every effort, working with governments in third countries and the EU-27 to grandfather existing EU Free Trade Agreements, which so many firms rely on to be competitive in key markets around the world. Many businesses report the lack of clarity around future terms of trade, including tariffs and customs procedures, is adding to the feeling of uncertainty and lack of confidence.

Hannah Essex, Co -Executive director at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“There is real frustration among business communities across the UK at the lack of clarity about trading conditions after the UK leaves the EU, and we’re already seeing the impact of that uncertainty.

“While the majority of firms want the government to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit, we’re calling on the government to put practicalities first and implement measures to ensure firms are as prepared as possible for the whatever scenario they face. A crucial first step would be to automatically issue all necessary companies with an EORI number to minimise the hoops that firms need to jump through to be ready for day one.

“There are many fundamental outstanding questions relating to the rules and processes of trade in the event of no deal. While the Department for International Trade has been working with third countries to ensure the rollover of existing FTAs, many of these critical arrangements have not yet been formally agreed, and firms can’t plan for the future based on warm words. Maintaining preferential access to countries where the EU has trade agreements is critical to maintaining competitiveness in key markets.”

Shannon Diett, VP of Marketing at DHL Express, said:

“The 2.1% fall in the Trade Confidence Index compared to Q1 2019 is a strong indication that UK firms, despite a solid export performance, are feeling the impact of the uncertain and challenging market conditions prevailing at this time. Manufacturing and services firms are still reporting an increase in export orders, however, this is at a reduced level in comparison to this time last year.

“For businesses trading internationally in particular, preparing for a potential Brexit, including a no-deal scenario in March, then April and now October has absorbed considerable business resource. This diversion of focus and delay of investment represents a substantial opportunity cost for British business trading internationally. It is however essential that a renewed focus is placed on preparing for Brexit again in advance of the 31 October deadline. There are a number of practical steps that can be taken, despite the lack of clarity on future trading relations with Europe.

“Actions such as implementing digital customs paperwork solutions with your logistics provider, or obtaining an EORI number will help make the transition to new trade arrangements, regardless of the ultimate Brexit scenario, as seamless as possible for exporting businesses. Additionally, increasing the number of markets a business trades with reduces risk and increases growth possibilities in the long term.”

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

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.

Safepoint is a web and mobile software platform that allows employers to ensure the safety of their lone workers and easily stay compliant with today’s health and safety regulations.

Kavolini String Quartet are a group of passionate, professional musicians who have come together to make high quality music in Norfolk.

Hawthorn Safety Consultancy are providers of Health & Safety Policies, Risk, COSHH & Fire Assessments, Safety Audits, CDM (Construction), Accident Investigation.

Little Piggy Kathy Ennis is an experienced entrepreneur, a business mentor and trainer. It’s her mission to help motivate micro business owners and spirited side-hustlers to transform their brilliant ideas into a profitable business.

Mark Fraser Valuations provides a thorough professional service covering Probate, Insurance and Family Division throughout Norfolk and its neighbouring counties.

Norfolk Blood Bikes  is a registered charity run by local volunteers that transports blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines, donor breast milk & any other urgently required medical items to hospitals – at night, daytime weekends and bank holidays. This service is provided completely free of charge, allowing the NHS to divert funds where they are needed most.

Nemesis Consultants Limited is a security company founded by ex-British Army personnel designed to provide security teams for high risk environments.

Silver Plane Helping Norfolk businesses with their web design, branding, graphic design, social media management and more.

Raptor Aerospace  is a specialist training and services company supporting the growing UK space industry.

Synergy provide advice and guidance on a consultancy basis in relation to health, safety and wellbeing.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Find out if you’re eligible and what winning could mean for your business here.

Last year three Norfolk businesses won the Queens Award;  Liftshare, Snap-on and Panel Graphics. Read more about why they won here.

Now in its 54th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognises the innovation and services provided by British businesses to the local, national and international markets. The awards also highlight the hard work and focus of running a successful business too, with 200 national businesses receiving these awards.

The application period closes on 10 September 2019 (midday), with winners being notified in March 2020. 

You can find out more information and how to apply here. 

• The first new Freeports will be established after we leave the EU, to turbocharge growth and ensure towns and cities across the UK benefit from Brexit trade opportunities.
• Ports and airports across the UK will be invited to bid to become one of up to 10 Freeports.
• The Freeports Advisory Panel will include Ministers from the Department for International Trade and HM Treasury, as well as experts including technology advisor Daniel Korski, small business champion Emma Jones MBE, tax specialist Tom Clougherty and economist Dr Eamonn Butler.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss – Norfolk MP for South West Norfolk, has  announced a new Freeports Advisory Panel to advise the government on the establishment of up to 10 Freeports.        

Expected to transform the country’s ports and airports just as freedoms transformed London’s Docklands in the 1980s, up to ten Freeports will be created after the UK leaves the EU on 31 October. More details on how ports and airports across the country will be able to bid for Freeport status will be announced soon.

Freeports are hubs for business and enterprise for both manufacturing and services trade. These could be free of unnecessary checks and paperwork, and include customs and tax benefits. These zones reduce costs and bureaucracy, encouraging manufacturing businesses to set up or re-shore. The most successful Freeports globally attract businesses and create jobs for local people through liberalised planning laws.

Freeports ensure Britain’s port cities and airports are ready to take full advantage of post-Brexit opportunities, including increased trade with the USA and fast-growing Asian markets as we sign our first free trade deals with global partners.

Britain’s decision to leave the EU on 31st October will mean we can operate an independent trade policy for the first time in 45 years, setting our own regulations and developing our own policies to boost economies around the country.

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“We welcome any opportunity that enables Norfolk businesses to benefit from being able to import and export easily.  With our region have some significant ports, such as Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe, one of the UK’s busiest container ports, we would call for the East of England to be one of the areas in which a Freeport is established.   We stand ready with our colleagues across the East of England to ensure our region benefits from this initiative.”

There are already thousands of very successful free trading zones around the world, with the United States having pioneered the creation of over 250 free trade zones, employing 420,000 people, many in high-skilled manufacturing jobs. If the UK model is implemented as successfully, it could have a significant economic impact.

Today, Liz Truss will see how becoming a Freeport could benefit one of the UK’s major ports in the Northern Powerhouse, Teesport, alongside Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. The Mayor has championed Freeports, and a report commissioned by his authority found a Freeport could provide a significant boost to his region and the UK area’s GDP.  Other ports which have expressed an interest in the bidding process include the Port of Tyne, Milford Haven and London Gateway.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss MP said:

“Freedoms transformed London’s Docklands in the 1980s, and Freeports will do the same for towns and cities across the UK. They will onshore enterprise and manufacturing as the gateway to our future prosperity, creating thousands of jobs.

“We will have a truly independent trade policy after we leave the EU on October 31. I look forward to working with the Freeports Advisory Panel to create the world’s most advanced Freeport model and launch the new ports as soon as possible.”

Case study: USA

There are many Freeport models across the US, known as Foreign Trade Zones. One such port is in Miami, which sees over 7 million tons of cargo pass through its port every year. Businesses within the zone can import, warehouse and re-export products duty-free. This cuts down costs for businesses, helping them become more globally competitive. Businesses can also defer paying tax on their products while they are stored on site, adding peace of mind for businesses looking to manage cash flow and respond more quickly to spikes in demand for their products. Freeports with less regulation doesn’t just help businesses cut down on paperwork, but they offer greater flexibility on when, where, and how they trade.

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom is pleased to invite Norfolk businesses to attend Exporpymes 2019. This is a business trip that we are organising alongside The Coruña Chamber of Commerce, due to be held in A Coruña (Galicia) on the 15th of October 2019.

Exporpymes intends to be a meeting point for companies from various countries, giving them the chance to meet with more than 50 Galician companies and to know more about Food & Wines, as well as Construction and Machinery industries from this region.

The Coruña Chamber of Commerce will pay for the flight and the accommodation during those days and some of the meals will be included. Although Exporpymes will take place on October 15th, there is the possibility of visiting some of the companies after the event if requested previously.

As there are just a few places available for UK importers, should you have any queries about business trip or wish to confirm your attendance, please do not hesitate to show your interest by completing this application and emailing it to Alberto Oliva of The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK.  

TIPS for Good Management Ltd, a member of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is offering a 10% discount to fellow Chamber members on any of their Level 3, 5 and 7 online Management Qualifications, from Award, Certificate and Diploma.

TIPS for Good Management Ltd was founded by Julian Hammond in 1998. Julian has a wide background of industrial and commercial knowledge with over 30 years experience at supervisory, middle and senior management level. The team is based in  Dereham and boasts a number of corporate clients from all parts of the UK who have gained significant benefits from the courses that TIPS for Good Management offers. The company is approved by the Chartered Management Institute.

There has been an increase of distance based or e-learning compared to traditional classroom-based learning. One benefit of online learning is that is flexible for the employer and the employee to fit around their work and home life. To find out more benefits to online learning click here.

The 10% discount applies to a range of courses including;

• Level 3 Award in First Line Management
• Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management
• Level 3 Diploma in First Line Management
• Level 5 Award in Management & Leadership
• Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership
• Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership
• Level 5 Extended Diploma in Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Award in Strategic Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership

If you’re interested in finding out more please click here or contact TIPS for Good Management Ltd on 01362 699392 or email [email protected]

The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Totaljobs, finds that recruitment intentions strengthened in the second quarter of 2019, while difficulties finding suitable staff eased, but remain high by historic standards.

• 60% of UK businesses attempted to recruit new hires in the previous three months, an increase from 53% in Q1.
• 64% of businesses struggled to find the right people when recruiting in Q2 – a drop from 73% in Q1.
• 30% of employers expect to increase their workforce in the next three months, showing intentions to hire remain strong.

Based on the responses of over 6,500 businesses of all sizes and sectors, including those from Norfolk, the report indicates that demand for labour remained strong in the second quarter, despite a subdued economy. The proportion of UK firms attempting to recruit in the second quarter of the year rose from 53% to 60%. 

The percentage of firms reporting difficulties hiring the right staff fell from 73% to 64%, although the figure remains high by historic standards and stands at critical levels in a number of sectors such as construction (77%) and hotels and catering (74%). 

The results show 79% of hotel and catering respondents had attempted to recruit in quarter, reflecting seasonal demand (up from 60% in Q1), although the vast majority of those (77%) were for part-time roles. The transport and distribution firms (72%) also recorded a strong appetite for labour, while ongoing issues in the retail sector were indicated in more subdued recruitment numbers (50%).

Totaljobs data shows that 147,000 applications were made to hospitality roles in Q2, and a further 1.7 million made to transport and distribution vacancies on the platform. In all, 780,000 jobs were advertised on Totaljobs in Q2 2019, with an average of 17 applications for each role advertised.

Looking ahead, 30% of UK firms say they plan to increase their workforce in the next three months, with the construction industry reporting the highest proportion of firms (38%) looking to grow their staff. 

As the report indicates, the jobs market is showing its resilience, despite sluggish economic growth and ongoing uncertainty. However, the current scale of labour shortages can’t be sustained in the long-term. The fall in hiring difficulties this quarter is encouraging, but to achieve a prolonged decrease, the new government must put reform of the skills and training system at the top its agenda. BCC wants to see a coherent and long-term plan to stabilise the skills system, and for those struggling to hire locally, an efficient and cost-effective route to recruiting overseas workers at all skills levels.

Claire Walker, Co-Executive director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“In the face of sluggish growth and political uncertainty, the jobs market has been a positive for the UK economy. The quarter saw a pick-up in attempts to recruit and an easing of recruitment difficulties, although levels are high by historic standards and remain a cause for concern.

“Demand for seasonal workers, many of whom have traditionally come from the European Union, highlights the importance of the new government quickly setting out a sensible post-Brexit immigration policy, that reflects the needs of different sectors and regions in the UK.

“The solution to plugging the UK’s skills gap in the long-term includes reforming the skills education and training system, and giving it time to bed-in. We look forward to working with the new administration to get the system working better for everyone and ensuring firms can access the skills they need to improve growth and productivity.

“To sustain the strength of the labour market, businesses also need clarity on how they will be able to manage their future workforce requirements in the years to come and broader certainty on economic conditions after October 31st.”

Patrick Wehrmann, CEO of Totaljobs, said:

“The labour market continues to weather economic uncertainty, with the vast majority of businesses showing a continued commitment to maintaining or increasing staff headcount. In fact, just 7% of employers expect their workforce to decrease as we head into Q3.

“Notably, while the figure remains high, the proportion of firms reporting a skills shortage has decreased – falling from 73% to 64% in just three months. However, with almost two-thirds of employers still struggling to find the talent their business needs to thrive, this thawing should not be considered as mission accomplished, but rather an opportunity to build upon.

“As a consequence of not only an increasing national living and minimum wage, but also a continued challenge to recruit, it is telling that Q2 2019 saw the fastest rise in real-wage growth in over three years, outpacing inflation and expert predictions. As employers look to attract their next hire, there is an opportunity for people possessing in-demand skills to make significant progress in their career and begin to realise their earning potential.

“In light of this, employers should be mindful of their employer value proposition, and ensure that while salaries remain competitive, they consider more than just pay as a solution to overcoming skills shortages.”

Norfolk County Council have released their latest economic intelligence report for quarter 2, April to June 2019.

The report highlighted:

• Norfolk’s labour market remained at healthy levels, with unemployment levels remaining below the national average
• Average house prices in Norfolk rose by 6% in 2018, but this remains below the national average
• Invest East programme opens for another round of funding applications in September 2019
• The Greater Norwich Infrastructure Plan was published

For full details of the latest economic intelligence report click here.

Norfolk Day was on Saturday 27th July, giving us all the chance to celebrate our great county with friends and family over the weekend. Plus, it was also Pride Day, and the start of the school holidays too- a triple celebration! With over 150 events being held over the county, and some companies launching new products and discounts, it was set to be busy weekend.

Our member, Indigo Swan, highlighted the ways they supported Pride which you can read about here.

We were also busy collecting our members’ voices and views on doing business and living in Norfolk.  This was a great chance to shine a brighter light on our county you can check out our short audio clips here.

A very big thanks to our members Alex Wiseman – Indigo Swan, Russell Evans- Bullards Spirits, Chris Starkie – New Anglia LEP, and Fiona Burrage from Nor-Folk, who all lent their voices as well as Rob Lawrence who edited these super podcasts. 

Despite Norfolk Day being on a Saturday lots of members were out celebrating our beautiful County and supporting local events.

Flagship Group sponsored a 24 Hour Boxathon, which  you can read about here, as well as combining joint sponsorship with M+A Partners for a picnic and party hosted by Friends in Deed. The idea behind the picnic was to show off the kindness and intergenerational friendships that our county boasts. Full article here

If you have anything you would like to share for Norfolk Day festivities, please contact us on [email protected]

Today the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) – which represents 75,000 firms, including those in Norfolk, of all sizes and sectors, employing 6 million people across the UK – has written to incoming Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson setting out 15 urgent, immediate steps that the PM must address on arrival in Downing Street to boost business confidence and stimulate the UK economy.

From the critical need to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit on the 31st of October, to fast action to fix roads and stop endless increases in business costs, the leading business organisation sets out proposals that would make a tangible difference to businesses of all sectors and sizes in the current climate of uncertainty and change.

Commenting on the proposals, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“The need for a new Prime Minister to get down to business has never been greater.

“Boris Johnson’s first job upon arrival in Downing Street must be to go beyond warm words and take immediate, tangible steps to boost the confidence of UK businesses and consumers.

“He must demonstrate he will go all-out to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit on the 31st of October, which would be hugely damaging and disruptive for many businesses and communities.

“Boris Johnson must move swiftly and decisively to tackle some of the longstanding domestic issues holding businesses back here at home.

“Many of the things Norfolk businesses have been calling out for can be implemented at speed, and would send the strongest possible signals to companies and investors grappling with ongoing uncertainty and change.

“The women and men who create prosperity and opportunity in our county need an incoming Prime Minister and government to demonstrate their unequivocal backing for enterprise and growth.”

The BCC’s Key Recommendations:

BREXIT AND TRADE 

• Avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit
• Step up government planning and enable businesses to plan for all scenarios
• Automatic registration for key trade simplifications
• Ensure continuity of trading conditions with third countries,
• Clarify intentions on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

BUSINESS INVESTMENT

• A one-year moratorium on all policy measures that increase business costs
• Ensure all businesses benefit from rates holidays on new property builds and improvements
• Launch a root and brand review of current business rates system  

PEOPLE

• Protect funding for education and training
• Reform apprenticeship funding and standards
• Deliver a light-touch, streamlined immigration system that works for business

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Reaffirm commitment to major projects including the expansion of Heathrow Airport
• Commit to clear UK energy strategy
• Back industry proposals to eliminate mobile not spots
• Funding to clear backlog of local road improvements

Commenting on the announcement that Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP has won the Conservative leadership contest and will be the next Prime Minister, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“The message to Boris Johnson from the Norfolk business community couldn’t be simpler: the time for campaigning is over – and we need you to get down to business. 

“Companies need to know, in concrete terms, what your government will do to avoid a messy, disorderly Brexit on the 31st of October – which would bring pain to our Norfolk business community and disruption to our ability trade around the world. 

“We need to see swift action on practical, real-world issues here at home that hold businesses and communities back. 

“Tomorrow the British Chambers of Chambers of Commerce, on behalf of the UK Chamber network, will be sending you 15 specific steps you can take – right now – to rebuild business confidence swiftly over the coming days.

“We will work with you wherever we can to make these proposals a reality, but we will also hold you and your government to account for delivery.”