Commenting ahead of the introduction of the Scotland Bill – which would see a range of new powers devolved from Westminster to Holyrood – John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“As Westminster debates legislation to enshrine new powers for Scotland, business communities across the UK are paying close attention.
“Businesses want transfers of power away from Westminster to be clearly tied to delivering growth and prosperity for the nations and regions, through meaningful consultation and careful consideration of the impact on business.
“Greater tax differences between the nations and regions of the UK may create challenges for business, a fact that has so far been absent from the UK political debate. Administrative boundaries must not become barriers to trade and competition, for the sake of political expediency.
“Businesses in all parts of the UK want their voice heard before sweeping changes to the constitutional settlement are made.”
Official statistics show that in the four years to 2009/10 around 82,730, people began an apprenticeship programme in the East of England region compared to 177,080 over the past four years.
As part of the Government’s review into 16-24 provision, it became clear that it’s not always easy for young people to find full and detailed information about their post-16 options in one place, at the right time, to help them get advice and make decisions on their future. The aim is therefore to create a similar system to UCAS that can help all young students access information on the college courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and other work-based training programmes happening in their area.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “Gone are the days when a vocational education is seen as the poor relation when it comes to choosing a career path. I’m delighted to be able to celebrate such a phenomenal rise in young people being given the opportunity to work as they learn across the East of England region.
“In fact we are just days away from being able to celebrate the two millionth apprentice starting work in England since 2010. Good quality apprenticeships give hard-working young people the chance to aim high for their dream job whilst playing their part in building a stronger economy for Britain.
“Whilst it is truly exciting to be able to celebrate the tide turning with wider-ranging opportunities for our school leavers aside from university, more is needed to show young people that all the doors open to them. By creating a one-stop shop for the growing choices 16-year-olds have, more young people will be able to access the options available to them and make better informed choices about their career paths.”
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: “Apprenticeships remain a very important option for Norfolk’s young people. An increasing number of businesses are planning to offer apprenticeship as finding skilled workers becomes increasingly difficult. At Norfolk Chamber we have two staff who have recently completed their apprenticeship and are now full time staff members and have two more currently on apprenticeships.
All four are very valuable members of the team and bring new energy and enthusiasm. We are concerned however that the schools are not taking apprenticeships as seriously as the business community. Apprenticeships are now a very real option which need to be considered by our young people and we would encourage our schools to ensure that this option is given equal weight to alternative routes”
The BCC’s Workforce Survey highlights that 92% of businesses have identified a skills shortage among their workforce in at least one key area
Most common skills shortages are leadership and management, planning and organisation, languages, computer literacy and creativity
80% of businesses surveyed have plans to invest in training. 39% plan to invest more than £500 per staff member
Cost, staff availability and a lack of suitable courses remain key barriers for businesses looking to invest in training
Overview
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on businesses of all sizes and in all sectors in the UK to invest in workforce training as a key driver for economic success and improved productivity performance.
Today (Wednesday) the business group is publishing further findings from its 2014 Workforce Survey:Training and Skills, which show that an overwhelming majority of firms (92%) have identified a skills shortage among their workforce in at least one key competency. Results from the survey of nearly 3,000 businesses from across the UK suggest the most common skills shortages are leadership and management, planning and organisation, languages, computer literacy and creativity.
In order to address these skills gaps, most respondents (80%) have indicated plans to invest in training their workforce over the next 12 months. The majority of businesses strongly agree (78%) that training is worthy of investment as a driver for growth and improving productivity performance, with large businesses most likely to strongly agree (90%). Four in ten firms (39%) plan to invest more than £500 per employee in external training over the next year. However, the major barriers to training investment are: cost (50%), freeing up staff to participate in training (31%), and a lack of suitable courses (19%).
Companies looking for guidance on appropriate training courses are turning to private training providers, (71%) sector based bodies (38%) and further education colleges (35%) to source and deliver training, frequently brokered by local Chambers of Commerce.
Key findings from the survey:
Companies report that communication skills (83%), teamwork (82%) and customer service (72%) are important skills they look for when recruiting. Encouragingly, less than one in five firms report a shortage in these areas.
Around a third (33%) of businesses say they have a skills shortage in leadership and management and planning and organisation (26%), which businesses recognise as core skills relating to commercial development. Firms also report a skills shortage in languages (35%), computer literacy (23%) and creativity (20%).
In terms of future investment plans, more than a third of companies (41%) plan to invest up to £500 per employee in external training, while a similar proportion (39%) plan to invest a higher amount.
Businesses within the energy, mining and utilities (59%), education (50%), IT and telecoms (48%) sectors are most likely to invest more than £500 per employee in training.
Micro firms (those with nine or less staff) intend to invest in training over the next 12 months. 35% have earmarked more than £500 for each employee.
The type of training being invested in varies, but for the majority it is on-the-job training (78%).More than half of companies have invested in health and safety (59%), first aid (56%) and technical / job specific training (56%).
Within a firm, the overall workforce tends to receive one to five days training per annum, with 65% offering that amount. Newer members of staff (under one year) often receive more training – 34% receive one to five days, 26% receive five to 10 days and 16% receive 11 to 20 days.
Commenting, Nora Senior, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Businesses recognise that investing in training can drive higher productivity and increased profits. In addition to specialised training, however, our findings make it clear that investment in leadership and management skills are crucial to enhance strategic thinking, foster innovation and motivate a firm’s employees.
“It is good to see that most businesses are taking a proactive approach by investing in their existing workforce. Four in ten tell us they are planning to invest £500 or more per member of staff to address skills shortages. Yet we need far more companies to reach this level, which will only happen if we break down the barriers to investing in training.
“Long-standing complaints around the cost of training, a lack of suitable courses, and staff availability – since people are needed at the front line – remain important issues. To ensure that even more businesses can invest in training, which in turn will drive higher wages, we need to improve dialogue between firms and the organisations that offer training – so that companies find training that is relevant, cost-effective and a good fit with staff working hours.
“Accredited Chambers of Commerce provide objective advice to employers on appropriate local training providers, and help negotiate lower costs through group purchasing. Many also offer direct, business-to-business training themselves. Governments seeking to promote investment in the UK’s workforce should work with Chambers to ensure that investment in training continues to grow.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Over the years, many of our members have reported skills shortages, particularly in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, where the existing skilled workforce is now starting to age and finding new talent is a challenge. The latest Workforce Survey highlights this case and shows why Norfolk employers are investing more in up-skilling their existing staff and turning towards apprenticeships to help fill the skills gaps.
Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route for many young people and this will also benefit employers seeking to ‘grow their own talent’. However more work needs to be down to ensure that employers’ links to schools are strengthened and young people are aware of the alternative routes to employment.”
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce ‘Expanding Overseas’ events continue in 2015 with the next event covering ‘Exporting into the Czech Republic’. These FREE TO ATTEND events offer essential insights into exporting to a country with identified potential.
Sponsored by Lovewell Blake, who will provide help with taxation issues when trading with the countries, the events will give exporters a valuable opportunity to hear from speakers who can help them enter these important markets.
The next event take place at the King’s Centre Norwich on 24 February, 3.45pm – 6.45pm, and is aimed at both the experienced exporter and those new to it. Companies looking to enter the Czech Republic will be connected to British Business Centres Overseas, through which they will be able to access support and services, complementing those already offered by the overseas UKTI posts.
Exporting into the Czech Republic
This high income country represents an exciting opportunity for UK exporters. British products are well received, especially in sectors such as food & drink, consumer goods, retail, science & technology and advanced engineering.
One of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states, the Czech Republic has shifted from a centrally planned economy to a functioning market ethos. However, certain social traditions remain and exporters need to be aware of issues such as the need for punctuality, the decision making processes and important details of conducting oneself in social gatherings.
The Czech Republic is the UK’s 30th largest export market, with two way trade representing some £5bn. Its open economy, widespread use of English as a language and relatively straightforward importing processes make it an attractive option for the informed exporter. Learning the details of how to trade there will prove invaluable.
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce series ‘Expanding Overseas’ events are geared to helping our region’s businesses maximise their export potential by providing practical, informed, guidance for reaching out to overseas markets.. Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber said, ‘We are dedicated to helping our members do better business. This free to attend event will provide real help for doing better business abroad. It is a great opportunity to hear from experts and take away knowledge that can be applied immediately.’
A further event, to be held at Barnham Broom Hotel, and focussing on Kuwait, is planned for March 17th 2015
Over 130 members took over Hollywood Bowl after work on a frosty Thursday evening in January for our annual Super Bowl Challenge 2015. Delegates took advantage of the friendly free networking before getting into the competitive mood as they fought to win the Super Bowl Trophy.
In the end after all 25 teams had finished bowling, it was announced that Price Bailey had managed to retain the status of top bowling team in the membership by winning the trophy for the second year with a score of 728. In second place was Hugh J Boswell with a score of 684 and in third place was Cooper Lomas Recruitment with a score of 663.
We also had a few other achievements that were up for grabs during the evening. Sebastian from Price Bailey scored the highest score of 163 across all delegates competing with Matt from Hugh J Boswell coming in a close second with 159. Also Norfolk Chambers very own Jack Edwards was awarded the funniest bowler for falling twice and a curtsey to finish it off.
The Norfolk Chamber’s high profile policy event that focused on the theme of ‘Look at Norfolk. See Success’ was an overwhelming success on Friday, with over 160 people taking part.
Expertly hosted by Adam Marshall from the British Chamber of Commerce, local Members of Parliament Chloe Smith, Simon Wright, Henry Bellingham and George Freeman focusing on their personal areas of expertise with topics ranging from young people, international trade, business growth and mobile and broadband.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith gave an update on Norwich For Jobs, the drive she has led to cut youth unemployment, and also outlined the ways the coalition government has helped young people, from improving the county’s schools’ funding formula to “revitalising an old currency” in fostering apprentices.
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman gave a progress report on improving broadband and mobile phone coverage but admitted there was still a lot of work to do to deliver adequate speeds for businesses to function in the countryside “to make a much more vibrant rural economy”.
Norwich South MP Simon Wright told the conference that SMEs were an important driver of the growth now taking place in the UK economy. And he highlighted all the ways in which the government had aided business from supporting skills and investing in infrastructure to cutting red tape and freeing lending through such initiatives as the British Business Bank.
West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham raised the importance of exports in cutting the budget deficit – and highlighted the fact only 20pc of SMEs in the UK exported compared to 25pc in France and Germany.
Richard Bacon MP was unfortunately unable to attend on the day, Jonathan Cage from Create Consulting took to the floor to update delegates on the topic of growth corridors with an update on plans for the A47 and Jamie Burles, Abellio Greater Anglia talked about the local improvements to the rail network.
The event was very well received with plenty of delegates taking the opportunity to comment on twitter:
Listening to @ChloeSmithMP talking about the talent of the young people of #norfolk @norfolkchamber – The Space
Today’s @norfolkchamber #WellConnected event expertly hosted by @BCCAdam – and good hospitality by team @Dunston_Hall. – Huw Sayer – Writer
Great turnout today for the MPs Event 2015 @norfolkchamber #wellconnected – Ingrid Wrathall
For photos of the event please visit ourfacebook page.
The House of Lords Digital Skills Committee published their report ‘Make or Break: The UK’s Digital Future’ today. The Select Committee on Digital Skills was appointed by the House of Lords on 12 June 2014 ‘to consider and report on information and communications technology, competitiveness and skills in the United Kingdom’.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) provided evidence last year to this Select Committee and cited the work being done locally by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce which was specifically referenced within the report.
The report refers to Chambers of Commerce a number of times and supports the BCC manifesto which highlights the need for more business governors on school boards. Norfolk Chamber was mentioned on p75 where it states “We heard the example of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, which ran a series of events on digital skills bringing in some of its local businesses to deliver workshops and talks on the latest technological and digital advances. This provided the rest of the local business community the opportunity to exploit those advances and grow.” To read the full report click here.
Many companies who export to Saudi Arabia may be aware of an email being circulated by “Exportal” (a company based in Saudi Arabia) informing exporters of the new Import procedures and asking them to register for the service.
Following investigations by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Commerce we can categorically say that this system is not applicable here in the UK and will not be for the foreseeable future.
The ABCC’s current advice and that of the BCC is “DO NOT REGISTER” or sign up to this system as it does not apply to the UK.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) came into force in April 2010. It allows local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects. The money can be used to contribute to; ‘pump prime’; or help lever in investment for a wide range of infrastructure that is needed to support new development. In order to be considered capable of being implemented a CIL must not have a detrimental effect on development (taken as a whole) in the King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough area.
Preliminary consultation took place with the development industry and other interested parties in January 2013, and the consultant used the information and comment as input for the Viability Assessment. The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk has now drawn up a Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule and is consulting on this. This document outlines the possible rates of CIL that could be applied in the Borough.
Norfolk Chamber and Norse Commercial Services recently held a dinner with a group of Norfolk’s business leaders to debate issues being faced by the larger businesses in our county. Topics discussed included: broadband and mobile coverage; how to engage with young people and accessing skilled staff; and the opportunities along the growth corridors along of the A11, A47. These topics are all part of the campaign areas that Norfolk Chamber will be championing throughout 2015 as part of our ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’.
The group was privileged to be able to hold their dinner in The Keep at Norwich Castle and were treated to a guided tour of the work of Norfolk’s finest artists with Dr Georgia Bottinelli and a further opportunity to handle some of the Castle Museum’s artifacts with Dr John Davies.
Peter Hawes, Managing Director, Norse Commercial Services said: “The dinner was an excellent event, lovely venue and food, and interesting company. It was great to hear the views of other local business leaders, and I’m sure the Chamber will be working hard on all of the issues that were raised.”
ScottishPower Renewables has hailed a major breakthrough in efforts to reduce the costs of offshore wind after the East Anglia ONE project successfully secured a Contract for Difference (CfD) in the completive competitive auction process run by the UK Government.
The successful bid was announced today as the shareholders work towards ScottishPower Renewables’ purchase of Vattenfall’s 50% share in East Anglia ONE.
SPR will take the project forward initially as a 714 megawatt (MW) development after winning the auction with a price of £119/MWh, ensuring that East Anglia ONE will be the best value offshore windfarm ever developed in the UK.
ScottishPower Renewables, which led East Anglia ONE’s participation in the auction, has been able to bid at a price that is lower than anything previously seen in large scale offshore wind thanks to the engineering, procurement and operational efficiencies that have been introduced in to the project.
The development will see around 100 wind turbines installed in the southern North Sea. The overall investment will be in the region of £2 billion, and the project could meet the annual electricity demands of around 500,000 homes. East Anglia ONE has planning consent for up to 1,200MW, and ScottishPower Renewables may still seek to build out the full project by securing further capacity in future CfD auctions.
The East Anglia ONE project will now be developed solely by ScottishPower Renewables. Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables will continue to develop the rest of the East Anglia zone.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: “This is such good news. The Chambers worked closely with Scottish Power and local MPs duringthe CfD budget lobbying period last Autumn to be in a position to get this result. We congratulate Scottish Power on being able to rise to the challenge set and coming out a winner. This is great news for Norfolk and the region.”
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “We are delighted to have secured a contract to take East Anglia ONE forward, which will be one the best value offshore windfarms ever developed anywhere in the world. It signals a major industry breakthrough in efforts to reduce the costs of offshore wind. ScottishPower Renewables has been leading efforts to drive down costs for many years, and we delivered considerable efficiencies in the recent construction of West of Duddon Sands. With East Anglia ONE, we are driving the industry towards its cost reduction targets and demonstrating the long term sustainability of offshore wind.
“Final negotiations will now commence with the wider supply chain, and in the coming months we will look to secure local port facilities to support the project, as well as agreeing contracts for the major components. Overall investment to deliver the project will be in the region of £2bn, representing an opportunity to create significant UK economic benefit and creating employment opportunities for up to 3,000 people.
“We would also like to thank Vattenfall and the efforts of their team in helping to secure planning consent for the project. We will continue to work with Vattenfall on potential future projects in the East Anglia Zone.”
Gunnar Groebler, Head of BU Renewables at Vattenfall, said: “This is welcome news for East Anglia ONE. It has taken five years to reach this point since The Crown Estate awarded the lease to Vattenfall and SPR and almost nine months since being awarded development consent. Now SPR will take on sole responsibility for delivering EA1 after completing the purchase of Vattenfall’s 50% share in EA1.
“Vattenfall is committed to growing its wind business across the European markets it operates in. The divestment of our 50% shareholding in EA1 to SPR means that we can prioritise investment in the UK and the rest of our European wind portfolio. We still see a promising future for the rest of the East Anglia Development Zone – and UK offshore wind generally – and we will continue to work with SPR to deliver the remaining five projects.”
The company is now seeking to start construction in 2017, with the first turbines installed by 2019, and hopes that the project will be fully operational during 2020.
More than 90% of all expenditure on the project to date has been incurred in the UK and, during the planning process alone for East Anglia ONE, more than £15m of contracts have been awarded to local companies working on the project. A separate £17m contract was also awarded to Wood Group of Aberdeen for the construction and installation of weather monitoring masts.
ScottishPower Renewables recently completed the 389 MW West of Duddon Sands Offshore Windfarm, a joint venture with DONG Energy, and is developing the 350MW Wikinger Offshore Windfarm in Germany. Vattenfall is the world’s second largest operator of offshore wind and in the UK operates 540MW from three offshore schemes.