Chamber News

The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest private sector survey of businesses in the UK, and it is a leading indicator of UK GDP growth.

Against a backdrop of a slowing global economy, escalating Brexit uncertainty, and rises in business costs as the UK enters a new tax year, the latest results from the survey of over 7,000 businesses, including those in Norfolk – all collectively employing around one million people – reflect a deterioration in many gauges of the UK’s economic strength.

Now in the second Quarter of 2019, with the outcome of Brexit still hanging in the balance – we need to understand how Norfolk businesses are reacting to the current economic climate.  Today (Monday 20 May 2019) is the first day of the fieldwork period for the Q2 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).

The QES is the largest independent business survey in the UK and is used by both the Bank of England and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to plan the future of the UK economy.  It is also closely watched by the International Monetary Fund.  It is vital that as many Norfolk businesses as possible take part, so we get a true reflection of the local economy.

You can have your say by completing the QES online NOW.

It takes less than 3 minutes.  The completion deadline for this survey is midnight on Monday 10 June 2019.  The Q2 results will be published week commencing 01 July 2019.

Key findings from Q1 2019:

Norfolk Manufacturing sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales rose from 0 to +26, while those reporting improved domestic orders also rose from +0 to +41
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell from +43 to +31, and the balance of firms reporting improved export orders rose very slightly from +43 to +46
• The balance of firms reporting improved cashflow remained weak, but rose from +21 to +26
• The percentage of firms attempting to recruit fell from 74% to 57%, the weakest since Q4 2012. Of those, 92% reported recruitment difficulties, close to its record high
• The balance of firms increasing investment in plant/machinery rose in the quarter from +16 to +18, while investment in training fell from +42 and +23
• The balance of firms confident that turnover and profitability will increase in the next 12 months was mixed – falling from +32 to +30 for turnover and rising from +11 to +23 for profitability

Norfolk Services sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell from +21 to +9, the weakest since Q3 2016. Those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +15 to -2
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales, whilst still weak, reported an increase from -5 to +4 and export orders rose from -9 to +7
• The balance of firms reporting improved cashflow dropped in negative territory – falling from +8 to -10
• The percentage of firms looking to recruit fell to 53%. Of those, 79% had recruitment difficulties – a little higher than the previous quarter
• The balance of firms looking to increase investment in plant and machinery fell from +9 to +6 (weakest since Q4 2016), and from +20 to +16 in training
• The balance of firms confident that turnover will improve over the next year remained static, whilst those who thought profitability would improve dropped from +24 to +14

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have partnered with regional accountancy and law firms Price Bailey LLP and Ashtons Legal to deliver a new member service, which will give Norfolk businesses an alternative cost-effective way of resolving business disputes.  This is being done through the multi-award winning Escalate dispute resolution service.

Many SMEs leave legal and financial disputes unresolved because they fear the potential cost involved without a guaranteed positive outcome.  Escalate can help remove these barriers.  The most tangible key benefit of the service is that it carries no financial risk to the client.   A business which pursues a dispute in this way will only pay a fee if a successful settlement is achieved.  This is great news for small and medium size companies, and will empower them to challenge, in particular, larger businesses in a way that they might otherwise not have done.

This service is being rolled out nationally, with East Anglia being one of the first regions to benefit. We are excited to be able to be able to be early adopters of the service and to introduce it to Chambers’ members as another key area of business support.  Price Bailey LLP and Ashtons Legal both have long-established reputations and credibility in this area so harnessing their expertise to help our members in this cost-effective way is a very positive move.

Matt Howard, Insolvency and Recovery Partner at Price Bailey LLP, instigated the partnership between all the parties and Escalate, said:

 “Resolving a commercial dispute has historically been time consuming, costly and risky for claimants, which is why many of them decide to reluctantly write-off what they’re owed.  Escalate has helped to put that right.  By removing financial risk, providing transparency on process and pricing, and ensuring that the claimant remains the main beneficiary on settlement, Escalate provides an opportunity to resolve disputes in a way that helps rather than hinders businesses cash flow.  Our partnership with the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce means we are able to give more SMEs in East Anglia access to justice and provide an innovative means of securing the resources they need to survive and grow.  Escalate has proven to make a real difference for our clients and has won a handful of national awards as a result.” 

Also commenting on the new partnership, Tom Bailey, Partner at Ashtons Legal said:

“Escalate’s mission is to help the SME community so that the £40 billion that’s written off each year as bad debt is reduced.  In our view, a bad debt is just a commercial dispute that didn’t get resolved.  Escalate is already helping SMEs to recover more than £50 million that is currently locked up in commercial disputes.  The combination of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Price Bailey and Ashtons Legal is a game-changing proposition to help members in the region with their cashflow and avoid some of the inevitable bumps in the road that SME’s experience.”

To celebrate this new member service and to provide more information, a free launch seminar will be held on Thursday 20 June 2019 from 3.30pm – 5pm at the offices of Price Bailey LLP in Norwich.

To find out more and reserve your free place click here.

If you’d come to visit us at the Chamber last week you would have seen us peering out the window nervously at the weather, crossing everything that Friday would be fine. Luckily it got to Friday morning and there was beautiful sunshine encouraging all our delegates at the biker breakfast to come on their bikes.

Boudicca Hotel had very kindly given us the whole marquee area which meant that delegates arriving on their bikes, over 30 of whom did, could park them right outside and spend some of the morning admiring them. Everyone was in a great mood, something that was definitely helped by the presence of bacon sandwiches and pastries! We had three fantastic speakers covering how to keep yourself as a biker and your business safe and the various courses available.

Chris Spinks, CEO of Westcotec who partnered with us to deliver the morning, introduced our first speaker Iain Temperton. Iain highlighted to the group the importance of keeping your business safe when sending employees out on errands and how to make sure that if anything happens your business is protected. Bacon rolls were then brought round to every table with pastries which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Next up was Andy Micklethwaite who outlined a number of course options available, such as Safe Rider, to delegates to improve their riding and by extension keep themselves safe. Finally we heard from Barry Clarke who highlighted the Biker Down course he runs and the different modules it covers, not just how to keep yourself as a rider safe but also what to do if you find someone who has had an accident.

Everyone had a great morning and a small group continued the fun with a ride out to Norfolk dealers Seastar Superbikes, Norfolk Triumph (Lings), Lind Motorrad, and CJ Ball. Seastar Superbikes had very kindly lent us two showpiece bikes that delegates could admire as they walked into the marquee and we even had a Zero Electric Bike on charge just inside. It was great to see so many different bikes of all shapes and sizes there and our very own Jordan even had her first go on the back of a bike, which she thoroughly enjoyed!

The feedback on the morning was fantastic and we’re hoping to run it as an annual event so will begin brainstorming ideas soon… watch this space!

The Chambers Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest independent business survey in the UK, receiving in excess of 7,000 responses from across the UK each quarter.  But why should your business take part in our QES?  Simply put, the larger the voice of Norfolk’s manufacturers and service sector firms, the louder our voice is heard at a national level.

The QES often shows changes in economic trends, well in advance of other surveys.  It is used by the Bank of England to set interest rates;  the Treasury and the Chancellor of the Exchequer when considering national economic decisions; and by the International Monetary Fund when comparing the UK economy to other global economies.

The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete online, its multiple choice, so no long written answers and anonymous.  The next fieldwork period starts on Monday 20 May – save the date in your diary and watch your inbox, our website or our social media feeds for the QES survey link.

Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:

Locally

• Norwich is officially the UK’s first sharing city – encouraging people and businesses to help each other for the common good
• A new Offshore Wind Sector Deal has been announced for east Anglia, which would see investments of £250 million in this region
• Business hiring intentions in the East of England rose in February
• The number of active businesses across the East of England increased by over 9,000 in the year to January 2019

Nationally

• UK inflation fell to a two year low, dragged lower by falling energy bills and fuel
• Purchasing activity rose as manufacturers continued to implement plans to mitigate potential Brexit-related disruptions
• UK construction recorded dropping activity levels – ending a ten-month period of sustained expansion

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here.

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

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.

US2U Consulting A forward-thinking Management Consultancy offering key solutions which make for better business practice and management in any organisation. Our successful growth has been built on the ability of our Consultants to achieve results, and the reputation this has created with our clients.

Maddermarket Theatre The Maddermarket Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time in September 1921. Originally a Roman Catholic Chapel, the building was discovered, derelict and abandoned, by Nugent Monck whilst searching for a permanent home for The Guild of Norwich Players, a troupe he had founded in 1911. Almost one hundred years after our foundation the Maddermarket Theatre, the Norwich Players continue to produce a full programme of high quality and engaging theatre for audiences throughout the region.

Aviform With more than 40 years nutritional product expertise backing every single Aviform formulation. Based in Wymondham, South Norfolk, Aviform products are distributed to over 40 countries worldwide either direct from our website or through our export agents. Our ranges include a large selection of Animal & Avian supplements, and equine supplement range too which includes, premium equine joint care products such as, Suppleaze Gold.

East Lodge Consulting Ltd East Lodge Consulting provides business advice to organisations across multiple sectors.  Core services include Sales, Recruitment, Training and Staff development and access to funding.  East Lodge Consulting is part of a nationwide network that provides specialist advice across every business function, from Finance and Strategy to Compliance and IT.  Whatever your requirement, East Lodge Consulting can provide the solution.

Ellgia We specialise in waste management, processing and recycling for commercial, trade and homeowners. If you are looking to dispose of General Waste, Dry Mixed Recycling, Inks, Food, Glass and Plastics, Security Shredding, Hazardous Waste, WEEE Waste (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling) or you just want a skip for site or for a clear out at home – then give us a call, use our online quote system, book your skip online or via email.

Curveball Media This is the story of how we came to be. It’s beautiful when two people meet who have the same vision. Daniel came from a background in TV and Olly worked his way up the corporate ladder, but what they both had in common was a joint loathing towards the plethora of videos popping up all other the web that simply didn’t ‘work’.

MJR Events MJR Events is owned and run by Mark Raines. Mark has over twenty years’ experience in organising events in and around Norfolk. Together with his wife Meryl, they deliver high profile, quality, established wedding fairs and events across East Anglia and pride themselves in maintaining a professional yet personal relationship with all of their clients.

Lucas & Wyllys Lucas & Wyllys is a busy legal practice established for over 150 years. Our offices are based in Norfolk and we mainly serve clients throughout East Anglia, however in most areas of law we can assist clients U.K. wide. We have a first-class reputation and we are very proud that more than 70% of the firm’s work comes from repeat business or by direct client recommendation.

TNE Group Working to understand your business needs. Almost all initial consultancy and requirement gathering exercises are free of charge at TNE Group. This is because we understand that in order to achieve the most effective results, your business has to free up staff and time from the early stages. Which ensures time is utilised to gather accurate resources for your project. So, whether you are looking to improve customer response through efficient delivery of information or provide a predictive stock fulfilment solution, experienced specialists at TNE Group can identify the right solution for your organisation.

Norfolk Clubhouse Clubhouse is part of a worldwide network of enterprises that exist to provide support and opportunities to people living with mental health conditions. Its purpose is to promote positive mental health for people aged 16 or over who live with severe, and often enduring, mental health problems. It aims to enable people to regain the confidence and skills necessary to lead productive and satisfying lives. In addition, the Clubhouse offers its members and visitors a wide range of volunteering opportunities, access to education & employment, crisis support, information and signposting to other local organisations.

Bespoke The talented team behind the delivery of every project are a group of skilled, motivated and dedicated professionals who are inspired by the shared vision of doing what we love and loving what we do every day. This vision, borne out of our passion for all things technology, drives us to be better each day. With a combined 18 years of valuable industry experience between us, we’re incredibly proud of the people who have helped make our business what it is today.

The East of England’s ‘All Energy Coast’ is unique in the UK – we are the only region to have oil and gas, nuclear, and renewable energy sectors all on our doorstep.  This offers a fantastic opportunity to businesses in Norfolk to see how they can get involved in the supply chains for all those energy sectors. 

A great place to find out more and to meet organisations already involved in our energy sector is SNS2019: The Southern North Sea Conference & Exhibition.  This is an annual event, delivered by Chambers member EEEGR, that will be taking place on 15 and 16 May at the Royal Norfolk Show Ground.  The exhibition area is free to attend.

For more information on how to book your tickets for the SNS2019 conference click here.

Norfolk Chambers recently announced their success One Hour Networking in King’s Lynn was moving from one hour on a Wednesday to Two Hours on a Tuesday.  We also announced that we would be available for businesses to drop in and talk to us and the ‘experts who would be joining us.

We are really pleased to announce that our key note speaker for our first Two Hour Tuesday free networking will be Glenn Savill, Relationship Manager at Aston Shaw. 

Glenn is the Making Tax Digital adviser for Aston Shaw and has recently held over half a dozen seminars on the topic throughout East Anglia, including King’s Lynn, so be sure to ask him any burning questions you may have to ensure your business is ready for the upcoming changes imposed by HMRC.

He has also agreed to be available for our drop-in session that follows, so if you want to know more about the Chambers and how we can help support your business, or if you have a financial question that you would like to put to Glenn, we would be delighted to see you.

West Norfolk ‘Experts’ – We Need You

If you’re an expert in your field, based in West Norfolk, and would prepared to volunteer some of your precious time to help support fellow local business-people, please get in touch. Our drop-in sessions are designed to add value and support the business community, so anyone who’s interested in passing on their expertise in a non-salesy way will be warmly welcomed. We’d love to hear from you! Drop a quick email to Nicole Risby on email: [email protected].

Sounds Amazing – When and Where?

All sessions will be held in the Council Chamber Room at the King’s Lynn Town Hall, Saturday Market Pl, Norfolk PE30 5DQ.  The next Two Hour Tuesday will be on the 14th May starting at 7.30am.

Dates for the rest of 2019:

• Tuesday 18th June
• Tuesday 23rd July
• Tuesday 20th August
• Tuesday 24th September
• Tuesday 8th October
• Tuesday 19th November
• Tuesday 3rd December

To get involved or find out more please contact Nicole Risby, Customer Experience Team, on 01603 729702 or by email: [email protected]

The Norwich Society celebrates Norwich’s unique character and beauty, helps preserve its heritage and contributes to shaping its future. We are seeking to develop closer links with businesses in Norwich in order to better inform our strategic thinking on the city’s future. Business and commerce has given the city its heritage and unique character – together we can work to leave a richer inheritance for future generations. We are seeking views on our Business Membership Scheme and how we can better engage with local businesses. Our questionnaire should only take a few minutes and we would really value your participation. https://forms.gle/asfXqU8DAjcCD73g6   For more information about our activities check out our website www.thenorwichsociety.org.uk

At Norfolk Chambers of Commerce we love to experience first-hand the amazing work our members do across the county. On the morning of Tuesday 30 April local businesses also joined us to see the great work done by the Hawk and Owl Trust as we held our first ‘netwalking’ event!  As members arrived at the Hawk and Owl Trust reserve in Sculthorpe we welcomed them with freshly cooked breakfast rolls and plenty of tea and coffee. Attendees were networking over breakfast enjoying views of two week old lambs out the window.  After a few words from the Hawk and Owl Trust Fundraiser, Angela Glynn, their Conservation Officer Nigel Middleton prepared attendees for the guided walk they were about to take across the 53 acre site. As Nigel guided us through the reserve, attendees had time to spark conversations both business and nature related to the sounds of various bird species around us! We stopped at several points along the walk to hear from Nigel about the reserve, including a treetop ‘Hide’ which was built entirely by volunteers for visitors to sit and watch from. After we’d finished our walk we gathered back in their facilities for a hot drink and continued conversations. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for businesses meet one another in a refreshing environment surrounded purely by nature and great work.  The Hawk and Owl Trust have recently launched a corporate membership scheme allowing businesses to join for a yearly donation, receiving membership cards for staff to use, an Owl nesting box via their ‘Adopt a Box’ scheme and much more. Get in touch to find out more.

Our businesses are the voice of this great county, and we all know how hard everyone works to push forward and to carve out a successful business profile. So, when companies achieve great things, we want to shout about it. With several Norfolk businesses winning Queen’s Awards this year; Liftshare, Snap-on and Panel Graphics; this is certainly something to shout about! Now in its 53rd year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2019 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- there are four categories;

• International trade
• Innovation
• Sustainable growth
• Promoting opportunity  

Liftshare Our member, Liftshare has won this year’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which is great news! This is their second Queen’s award, winning their first back in 2008. To date Liftshare have helped their members to save 141,000 tonnes of CO2 and over £72, million in cost too. Wow, that is a lot of good environmental work, keep going!  Liftshare’s CEO, Ali Clabburn, said of the recognition: “Winning the award in 2008 was a huge honour, but to have won it again 11 years later is a testament to the incredible work my team has done to help companies and individuals to travel more sustainably. We are constantly innovating to provide our clients with cutting edge technology, alongside proven behavioural change techniques to guarantee the schemes we implement are a success.  Working with our base of over 700 clients to help them change and improve the way their staff travel is so satisfying, and their success really is our success.  The bigger and better their schemes become, the larger our network grows.” If you and your company could benefit from working Liftshare do get in touch. Snap-on Based in Kings Lynn, Snap-on is a leading manufacturer and supplier for automotive equipment and diagnostic platforms. Receiving two awards; Innovation Award and International Trade, Mark Ost General Manager for diagnostics and equipment at Snap-on, commented: “It is a true honour and privilege for our achievements here at Snap-on to be recognised with the rare and prestigious accolade of two separate Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. Snap-on continues to grow in all markets at home and abroad and we will continue to work hard on bringing exciting new products and technologies to the markets we operate in as well as continuously demonstrating our commitment to innovation.” Panel Graphic Specialising in plastics that are layered with a special coating to make them non-reflective and easier to read. Panel Graphics supplies some of the largest and well-known brands such as Aston Martin, Lotus and other blue-chip companies. Managing Director Steve Earl commented on their success “Winning this prestigious award is a massive pat on the back for the whole Panel Graphics team, it also makes us realise the significant achievements the company has made in growing the business internationally by selling our highly innovative coatings and specialist plastic materials to some of the world’s biggest blue-chip organisations.”

We’re currently recruiting for two exciting roles to strengthen the team at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: International Trade Coordinator and Customer Experience Team Member. 

We are looking for people with amazing passion and enthusiasm, who are committed to making a real difference, by supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors in this fast-paced environment.

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is a not for profit business membership organisation with over 900 members of all sizes and sectors. We provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, offer business services and support, international trade documentation, signposting to business opportunities and inspire innovative thinking to enable companies to do better business. Our mission is to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk.

International Trade Coordinator 

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provides crucial support for businesses trading internationally and businesses seeking advice. We are looking to recruit International Trade Coordinator to the busy International Trade Department to help businesses export/import their goods abroad. The ideal candidate must be used to working in a fast-paced environment working to deadlines for the quick turnaround of documentation to our customers.

Accredited Chambers of Commerce in every nation and region of the UK are trusted to help British goods reach customers overseas. By certifying the origin of goods, Chambers help to reduce the possibility that overseas customs authorities stop British shipments – helping to ensure the smooth passage of UK goods across international borders. The candidate will undergo international trade qualification to become one of the 350 qualified specialists in the UK Chamber Network, who are on hand every working day to help business and international trade to flourish.

To view full job role click here

Customer Experience Team Member

You’ll play an integral part within the Customer Experience Team, dealing with customer queries on a day to day basis and create new and innovative ways to help develop the business. You will actively engage by phone, email or at events with a wide range of business customers to understand and support their needs and then be motivated, inspired and driven to always exceed the customer’s expectations. The Customer Experience Team bridge and connect our customers across all our business areas (finance, international, policy and membership) and work within and environment of complete, transparency and customer care. This role is very varied with no two days being the same, you should be able to embrace change and be a natural problem solver.

To view full job role click here

Our offices are based in the outskirts of Norwich with free parking. Benefits include 26 days holiday plus bank holiday per annum, free healthcare cash plan and a pension scheme.

Closing date is Monday 13 May. First interviews for this role will take place on 23/24 May 2019, with second interviews taking place the following week.

Please apply through Indeed Jobs, clicking on the link to the role above.