We had an absolutely fantastic time at the Norwich Theatre Royal this morning on our second Phizz Whizzing Backstage Tour with the witty Jason Raper, our guide.
The tour began front of stage where all the current props and scenery were setup for the show – the set is incredible and the work that goes on behind the scenes was a privilege to see!
Jason was extremely informative and very entertaining, his depth of knowledge and passion for the Theatre shines out.
Backstage we encountered an array of exciting props, costumes and discovered the labyrinth beneath.
After the tour we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast in the recently refurbished Prelude Restaurant. The breakfast was a great opportunity to sit and chat in the beautiful sunshine with fellow members, and start our Tuesday in a most fantastic and interesting way!
If you missed either of these tours, we are looking at future productions and will keep you posted!
Norfolk Day is just around the corner! This year see’s Norfolk Day on Saturday 27th July, giving us all the chance to celebrate our great county with friends and family over the weekend. Plus, it is also Pride Day, and start of school holiday too- a triple celebration. With over 150 events being held over the county, and some companies launching new products, and discounts, it will be a busy weekend. So, what is your plan? We would love to hear about how you and your businesses are celebrating Norfolk Day this year. Whatever you are planning, we want to hear about how you and your staff members will be celebrating. Maybe you are planning something big or small to mark this day? This year the Chambers for Norfolk Day are doing something different to celebrate our fantastic members, and their innovative businesses. We have been busy collecting our members voices and views on doing business and living in Norfolk. This is a great chance to shine a brighter light on the county. Check out our short audio clips. 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 and Rob Lawrence who edited these super podcasts. Do get in touch with us at the Chambers [email protected] and the EDP are really keen to hear about what you have got planned too [email protected] so we can all spread the word! Remember you can always use #NorfolkDay share your stories and spread the word too.
British companies reminded to check packaging compliance in Germany
The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce warns that the newly created German Packaging Register (ZSVR) has passed on some 2,000 discrepancies in reported packaging data to the relevant German authorities for legal enforcement. Affected companies can expect severe financial penalties for the breaches. The Chamber therefore advises British companies to check their German packaging obligations and license their packaging if necessary.
The new Register has been operating since January this year and since then companies have been legally obliged to report their packaging data to both their chosen recycling scheme and the Register. The Register analyses this data and passes on discrepancies for legal enforcement.
Germany’s packaging law covers sales, product, shipping and service packaging. It differs from UK regulations in a variety of ways:
As of this year there are no more minimum thresholds – meaning internet sellers sending one parcel are also covered by the law.
The first one to introduce sales packaging to the German market commercially is responsible for licensing it – it is not necessary to have a German business presence and it doesn’t matter if the goods are sold via distributors, retailers or directly to end-users.
End-users can be private households but also businesses and institutions. Ultimately, if the packaging is included in the Register’s catalogue of packaging that is ‘typically discarded by the end-user’, it needs to be licensed.
To be legally compliant, British companies need to sign up with the Register https://lucid.verpackungsregister.org/ and join a German recycling scheme, which will license the packaging for a fee.
The German-British Chamber offers a Recycling Consultancy Service which helps British companies fulfil their legal obligations under the Packaging Law.
For more information on this service and about recycling obligations in Germany, please contact Jana Toon, Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188 or email: [email protected].
Is your business prepared for Brexit? Do you a contingency plan to mitigate the impact of possible changes? Are you a customs agent? Or does your company use customs agents and intermediaries to help you trade with the EU?
If so, you need to know how to meet customs requirements fast and efficiently after the UK leaves the EU. There will be new processes to follow and new forms to complete. We can help. Our training will highlight what you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration. Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have launched new dates for training courses on Customs Declaration to help businesses understand the procedure ahead of Brexit. Take action to be prepared for any possible scenario. Who should attend? Anyone who needs an understanding of Customs regimes and how to complete a Customs declaration form. There are no pre-requisites for this course. Dates: Tuesday, 19 November, 2019 & Tuesday, 14 January, 2020Time: 09:00 to 16:30 Venue: Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich, NR4 6DJ Prices Member Rate: £280 + VAT Non-Member Rate: £350 + VAT
You may be eligible to claim up to 100% of the training course cost back from HMRC. You can find out more if your business is eligible, how to register and submit an application at www.customsintermediarygrant.co.uk
To book your place on either course click on dates linked above
For any further information please contact Edgar Bracho on 01603 729716 or email [email protected]
Commenting on the inflation statistics for June 2019, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Inflation held steady in June, as the upward pressures from clothing and food were offset by weaker outturns in several price categories including fuel prices and accommodation services. Modest inflation alongside rising pay growth is providing some welcome relief to financially stretched households. However, any boost to consumer spending is likely to be tempered somewhat by weakening consumer confidence.
“While the recent downward pressure on sterling’s value amid growing anxiety at the prospect of a no-deal exit may drive consumer prices higher over the near term, a stalling economy is likely to keep price growth broadly in line with Bank of England’s 2% target.
“With inflation relatively subdued, the MPC’s focus should be on providing monetary stability to avoid further exacerbating the damage that’s already been done to consumer and business confidence by the continued Brexit impasse.
“It is crucial that the next Prime Minister works with parliament to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit, as such an outcome would probably trigger a significant decline in the value of sterling, pushing inflation materially higher and increasing the financial squeeze on businesses and households.”
The Norfolk Business Awards are now open for entries, with 11 categories to enter, its time to showcase your great business. There is no limit on the scale or size of the business who can enter – these awards are open to all, which is great news, they want to hear from all businesses across the board, which is a great opportunity. With just under a month to go until the deadline, it is time to get your application underway, the deadline is Friday 9 August 2019. This year’s the theme for the awards is ‘changing lives.’ With our member Norwich Research Park as the headline sponsor for the awards. The Research Park is a forward-thinking and cutting-edge centre for a number of local and global businesses. For the full details on the awards check out the Norfolk Business Awards site. Outstanding Achievements- Sponsored by Norwich Research Park Best Employer- Sponsored by Pure and Birketts Breaking boundaries- Sponsored by Lovewell Blake Business of the year- Sponsored by Barclays Customer Care- Sponsored by Greater Anglia Director of the Year- Sponsored by Dipples Investing in future Growth- Sponsored by Lovell Knowledge Pioneer- Sponsored by UEA Large Business- Sponsored by City College Norwich SME (Small or medium enterprise/business) of the year Tech Innovator- Sponsored by Computer Service Centre Once your application is all submitted the next date for your diary is the Awards Dinner on Thursday 21 November, this will be held at the Norfolk Showground Arena and hosted by the well known British actor, James Nesbitt.
As Parliament comes towards the summer recess period – we thought we would give Norfolk businesses a quick update on Brexit and the current political situation.
Everyone is now very aware that we will shortly have a new Conservative Party leader, and in turn, the next UK Prime Minister – the result of which will be announced on 23 July. The House of Commons will then go into the summer recess on 25 July. But what are the positions of the PM candidates regarding Brexit?
Boris Johnson has said that he would ensure that the UK leaves the EU on 31 October with or without an exit deal. While he has said that leaving without a deal is not his preferred option, he has not ruled this out.
Jeremy Hunt has said that – in extremis – he would be prepared to leave the EU without an exit deal. If there is the prospect of achieving a deal, however, he would prefer a further extension. Should it not be possible to secure a new deal, he would back a no deal exit ‘with a heavy heart’.
Regardless of the position of the incoming Prime Minister, it will ultimately be Parliament that decides what happens next on Brexit.
In the meantime, the Labour have a new position on Brexit. They have suggested that they will back a confirmatory referendum on any Brexit deal before it is implemented. It would depend on the content of the deal as to whether they would back the exit deal or remaining in the European Union in this ballot. This position may be subject to change when the Labour Party sets its policy at its annual conference in September.
Attempts to prevent no deal
There continues to be attempts from Parliamentarians to prevent a no-deal exit on 31 October. There are reports that a number of Conservative MPs will back an attempt from Philip Hammond, the current Chancellor, to prevent a no deal exit.
This week an amendment passed to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill that requires UK government to update the House of Commons on progress made in the formation of an executive in Northern Ireland. This requires the House to be sitting to debate the government update and is designed to make it harder for a new Prime Minister to prorogue the House of Commons to ensure a 31 October exit. Proroguing Parliament means that the parliamentary session would end, and no further business could be debated or voted on in either House until the Prime Minister chose to convene the House for the Queens Speech and the next session of Parliament would then begin.
Commenting on the current state of play, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“The Norfolk business community has to continue to assume that leaving the EU without a deal is a very real prospect and we would encourage all firms to think through the implications for their business, if they have not already done so.”
“We are working with the British Chambers of Commerce and continue to lobby in Westminster with the various government departments to try to get clarity for business. They have recently updated their Brexit Risk Register and the Brexit Checklist. – please have a look as these are good tools to consider some of the most frequently asked questions and decide what your organisation needs to do.”
Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet has agreed Option C as the preferred route for the Norwich Western Link.
Norfolk County Council (NCC) previously recommended Option C – a new dual carriageway route and a short section of dual carriageway upgrade of the A1067 – as the best overall solution and preferred route for the new link road between the A47 and Broadland Northway (formerly the NDR). As it balances all of the issues the project needs to address. It limits environmental impacts, has a high cost-to-benefit ratio, reduces congestion and rat-running on existing roads, minimises the impact on communities and properties, and received considerable support through their recent consultation.
Commenting on the Cabinet’s preferred route option, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“The Norwich Western Link will facilitate easier access to both Norwich airport and Great Yarmouth port. It will further help to improve journeys into and around the west of the city, support potential housing and jobs growth; provide the infrastructure to manage the additional traffic this will create, and improve quality of life for people living in the area.
“This final piece of the puzzle will ensure that Norfolk has infrastructure that will meet our growth ambitions. It will create stronger and more effective links to the Midlands and the North and will help Norfolk businesses to thrive and deliver greater economic growth and jobs.”
Confirming the preferred route option is a major milestone for the project and, while there is still much work to be done, having a preferred route brings them a step closer to starting work to construct the Norwich Western Link in late 2022 and opening the road to traffic in early 2025, subject to securing funding and completing necessary statutory processes.
Further surveys and design work will now be carried out to develop the preferred route. This will include the development of complementary measures to mitigate environmental impacts, encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, and limit the amount, speed and type of vehicles using the existing road network in the area where appropriate.
Alongside their work to identify a preferred route, they have also put together a Strategic Outline Business Case for the project which councillors on their Cabinet also approved today. They intend for this to be submitted to the Department for Transport by the end of the month, which will start the process required to secure funding for the Norwich Western Link from the government. NCC have an excellent case for the need for the road and strong support from the public, the business community, emergency services, local councils and MPs, so they’re very hopeful they will be successful.
NCC will continue to advise when there are significant updates about the project, and they will keep the Norwich Western Link pages of the County Council website updated, which you can find at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nwl. There will also be a further public consultation on the preferred route before they submit their planning application.
The Sunshine was pre-ordered for our West Norfolk Networking Lunch on Friday 12th July, and it didn’t disappoint. There was a fantastic energy and buzz at The Ffolkes Coaching Inn last week from beginning to end, and it was clear from the smiling faces that our networking lunch was a great success. The staff and service at The Ffolkes Coaching Inn was exceptional, as always.
With the success of the King’s Lynns Two Hour Tuesday’s events, it’s fantastic for us to give our members events that fit in with their busy schedules, and we are thrilled to continue with the lunch format from now on.
We were very pleased to welcome as our Feature Charity, The Norfolk Hospice and Senior Fundraising Manager, Tammy Green. It is truly inspiring to hear of the incredible work Tammy and her team do, and we are very proud to be able to support them on their exciting upcoming projects.
The conversations, connections and companies are pivotal to what we do. Our Guest Speaker and founder of Little Piggy, Kathy Ennis talked to us very eloquently on this with her Six-Step Social Visibility Plan, on boosting engagement, and turning customers into your biggest fans to increase your word of ‘mouse’.
Kathy’s talk prompted lots of interesting questions from our members, and Michael Baldwin, President of The West Norfolk Chamber closed the event, and echoed our thoughts by welcoming so many new faces to the first of many West Norfolk Networking Lunches.
If you would like to join us on our next networking event, take a look at our upcoming events here.
We are pleased to announce that Desira Group PLC are sponsoring The B2B Exhibition 2019. They will be sponsoring the exhibition entrance with a fleet of vehicles on display to welcome visitors to the showcase.
Desira is a family owned motor group, founded by John Desira in 1972. The aim of the company has always been to provide exceptional service and offer fantastic value for money to both our loyal and new customers. With over 45 years of experience, Desira have continued to expand with Fiat, Nissan, Citroen, Peugeot, Suzuki, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and SsangYong franchises in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Diss and Bury St Edmunds.
Desira Group PLC offer business and fleet solutions, contract hire, leasing or cash purchase options for your organisation, whether you are a sole trader, small to medium business, or large company looking for fleet vehicles.
Commenting on the sponsorship, our Conference and Events Manager Sam said:
“This is such a big year for The B2B Exhibition with the move to Norfolk Showground, so being able to work with Desira to offer visitors a truly spectacular welcome to the show with an outside display of vehicles is really going to get the day off to a great start. I can’t wait to see what they bring!”
Desira Group PLC will be joining fellow sponsors MIGSOLV, who are sponsoring the goody bags this year, and our media partners Archant.
The B2B Exhibition has now sold over 55 exhibition stands to businesses not only in Norfolk, but beyond the region. There are still exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities available. To find out more, please visit our B2B page by clicking here.
Commenting on the latest UK GDP and trade statistics, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Although there was modest rally in GDP growth between April and May, the continued slowdown on the underlying three-month measure is further evidence that the UK economy is faltering under the weight of relentless Brexit uncertainty and tougher global economic conditions.
“Manufacturing activity picked-up in May as car production reopened, but the longer-term measures point to a sector under pressure from the running down of excess stock, tougher global trading conditions and rising upfront costs.
“There was a welcome narrowing in the UK’s trade deficit in May, largely reflecting both a decline in imports and a rise in export goods. However, Brexit uncertainty, the absence of clarity on fundamentals aspects of trade conditions after October 31st, and a slowing global economy are likely to increasingly weigh on the UK’s net trade position over the medium-term.
“Against this backdrop, it is vital that the next Prime Minister prioritises avoiding a messy and disorderly exit from the EU, as such a departure would likely trigger a marked deterioration in economic conditions. More must also be done to boost the UK’s growth trajectory by delivering the transformative infrastructure projects needed to secure the UK’s economic future.”
Our July 4th informal networking event was on a beautiful, sunny evening in Norwich’s historic Tombland. Our members gathered for prosecco on arrival and canapés and some informal networking before listening to our first speaker of the evening Russell Evans, Managing Director of Bullards Gin. Russell gave an inspiring talk on the ‘Start Up Journey’ and how he first came across the brand in 1985 during his first job from University.
We then moved on to the cocktail making! We had three different stations, the first for Epringham House signature ‘porn star martini’ made with fresh passion fruit. Our second station was Bullards Gin and Tonic made with edible flowers and strawberries. Lastly, the classic Expresso Martini made with freshly ground coffee! After everyone had the chance to make the cocktails and have some very delicious vegan alternative garlic dough balls and hoisin “duck” pancakes we moved on to the last speech of the evening.
Loui Blake, Managing Director at Erpingham House spoke passionately on his own ‘Start Up Journey’, and the best advice he gave us on starting out – “work for someone you love/admire for free, more than once” in exchange for knowledge and connections.
The audience left the evening feeling very encouraged, inspired and slightly wobbly!