Chamber News

Ahead of the Autumn Budget on Monday, the British Chambers of Commerce is urging the Chancellor to take bold measures to bolster business investment, competitiveness and productivity in the face of Brexit headwinds.

The leading business group, which represents almost 75,000 companies employing six million people across the UK, is warning that a ‘business as usual’ approach to this Budget simply won’t be good enough and would leave business communities ill-equipped to overcome the significant period of change that lies ahead.

At a time of substantial economic uncertainty, a Budget that fails to prioritise investment and productivity would severely undermine the UK’s long-term economic growth.

The BCC is calling for an exceptional ‘Brexit Investment Incentive’ to raise substantially the Annual Investment Allowance to £1m – increasing tax relief for businesses to stimulate investment in plant & machinery, property and staff training, driving growth and productivity.

Adam Marshall, Director General at the BCC, said:

“This Budget is taking place against a backdrop of significant volatility and uncertainty, so a ‘business as usual’ approach from the Chancellor simply won’t cut it. Now is the time to tell business that the government is serious about helping firms navigate Brexit and prepare for change, by incentivising investment and improving conditions in the domestic environment. Bold enticements are needed to crowd in both domestic and international investment at this critical moment This is no time to ‘wait and see’ what tomorrow may bring.”

In its Budget Submission, the BCC focused on targeted, affordable change, which if delivered would drive greater investment in people, property, infrastructure and capital, lifting both UK growth and productivity. The BCC has proposed action in seven key areas:

• An exceptional ‘Brexit Investment Incentive – with the Annual Investment Allowance boosted to £1m to ‘crowd in’ both domestic and international investment – and stem the weakening in business investment in the face of Brexit uncertainty.
• Introduce a Business Rates Investment Incentive – ease the drag effect of this uniquely iniquitous business tax on investment by providing a 12-month delay before rates are increased when an existing property is expanded or improved and also before rates apply to a new build property.
• A commitment to no new taxes or costs on businesses for the remainder of this parliament – giving businesses the headroom to adjust to Brexit and to invest, recruit and grow.
• Deliver real UK-wide reform to the apprenticeship levy and drop SME co-funding for apprenticeships in England – to ensure that the training system works for everyone and eases the UK’s chronic skills shortage.
• Delay the roll-out of Making Tax Digital for all businesses by one year – to provide HMRC and businesses with the headroom to prepare for this major change to the way tax is collected.
• Abandon the uprating of business rates for the next two financial years for all businesses on the high street in town and city centres – to ease the financial burden on struggling businesses as they go through significant structural changes.
• Provide the funding needed to achieve full mobile coverage along transport corridors (road and rail) – a crucial step to improving digital connectivity and productivity for businesses that need to communicate with new and existing customers, suppliers and employees.

In support of the calls from BCC, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance & Public Affairs at Norfolk Chamber said:

 “While uncertainty around Brexit continues to weigh on businesses in Norfolk, many of the challenges and opportunities facing the local economy have nothing to do with leaving the EU. Better productivity, skills and connectivity are all things that the UK government must invest in alongside business, regardless of the eventual Brexit deal. Addressing the broken business rates system and Apprenticeship Levy, Norfolk’s physical and digital connectivity, and the steep cost of doing business would remove many of the domestic barriers to growth. 

“The Chancellor faces difficult decisions at every Budget, but in the current climate more local businesses than ever are being forced to make their own tough choices. We know that many of our members are holding back investment and recruitment decisions in the face of ongoing uncertainty. This Budget is a critical opportunity for the government to provide Norfolk firms with the support and confidence they need to invest and grow right now. Failure to act now will leave the UK and Norfolk economy stuck in its current rut for the foreseeable future.”

• BCC convenes a meeting with DEXEU Secretary Dominic Raab and seven Northern European Chambers of Commerce
• The group collectively represents regions and nations that cover 70% of UK-EU trade – around £344bn in 2016
• Recent research by BCC shows a fifth of businesses will move part or all of their business to the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit

At a meeting today (Thursday) with Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, the British Chambers of Commerce and six Northern European Chambers of Commerce come together to urge negotiators to avoid a messy, no-deal Brexit – which would see UK firms cut investment and move part of their business to the EU.

In a landmark meeting, the seven Chambers – based in the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium – come together to discuss progress in the negotiations, including the transition period – and Brexit preparedness.

The Chambers of Commerce urge negotiators to avoid any disruption to tight customs procedures, that risk damaging supply chains and queues at border check points. This is crucial to maintaining frictionless trade that businesses on both sides currently enjoy.

The group of Chambers, connected by wide-reaching networks and transport links, warn that firms are already scaling back on recruitment, investment, and expansion projects – and that negotiators in the UK and EU must ensure a transition period that helps firms prevent a further slump in investment and recruitment.

Time is short, and the BCC will urge negotiators to keep at negotiations rather than accept a no-deal.

Ahead of the meeting, Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We are grateful to the Brexit Secretary for taking the time to listen to the concerns of business communities that represent 70% of UK-EU trade.

“We have come together with our European counterparts to stress that a no-deal Brexit would not only impact upon UK business, but would also undermine European firms, supply chains and customs links between the UK and Europe.

“Businesses in the UK are paying attention to the progress in negotiations, but need clarity rather than political posturing if they are to get answers to the practical questions they have. The BCC Risk Register shows that there remains a high degree of uncertainty for businesses. A transition period is essential to help those firms who are pausing on investment decisions.

“Time is running out. We and our European colleagues urge the negotiators on both sides to act urgently and decisively to get a comprehensive deal done.”

The Chambers attending the meeting today are:

British Chambers of Commerce

German Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Danish Chamber of Commerce

Belgium Chambers of Commerce

French Chambers of Commerce

Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Wallon Chamber of Commerce

In the run up to Small Business Saturday on 1 December, the cabinet office are providing small businesses and entrepreneurs with information about Government support they can access and tools to help showcase case their businesses. 

For 4 weeks there will be a different weekly theme in the build up to Small Business Saturday itself on 1 December. The campaign themes and weeks are as follows: Week 1: (w/c 5 Nov) Business Environment – promoting the Business Support Helpline, Contracts Finder and other Government sources of access to finance Week 2: (w/c 12 Nov) Employment and Skills – focussing on apprenticeships and successful entrepreneurship case studies Week 3: (w/c 19 Nov) Exporting – highlighting case studies of small businesses across the UK exporting Week 4: (w/c 26 Nov) Shop Local – encouraging audiences to support/purchase from a small business via the Small Business Finder, and will include local ministers visiting small businesses, regional media and stakeholder engagement It would be great to share the brilliant work that small businesses in the East of England do, so if you are a small business or entrepreneur or have any suggestions for anyone they should be working with to showcase the region please contact Abby Scott, Regional Campaigns Manager, Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet Office Communications. E:[email protected] T:0207 276 6163 M:07590 006974  

Member States in the EU’s Council have authorised the signature and conclusion of the trade and investment agreements between the Union and Singapore.

Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said: “I am very pleased that Member States have given their formal backing to these agreements, paving the way for their signature on 19 October.”

Opening new opportunities for European producers, farmers, service providers and investors is a key priority for the Commission, she went on.

These deals do that, and more, the Commissioner insisted, given that Singapore is an important gateway to the whole Asia-Pacific area.

The agreements also promote sustainable development, as they include ambitious commitments on the protection of the environment and labour rights and uphold the right to regulate.

They are, Commissioner Malmström said, another example of the EU’s determination to work with like-minded countries to uphold rules-based international trade.

The Council decision follows the proposal made in April of this year by the European Commission. EU and Singapore leaders will now sign the agreements during the current Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

After signature, the European Parliament will vote on the agreements. Once it gives its approval (expected to be a formality), the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to enter into force in 2019, before the end of the current mandate of the European Commission.

The EU-Singapore Investment Protection Agreement will only enter into force following its ratification at EU Member State level.

The second North Norfolk Business Awards are now open for entries – and businesses across the district are being encouraged to put themselves forward to win one of the prestigious titles.

The 2019 awards (#NNBA19) are being organised and hosted by North Norfolk District Council. The 2018 awards, which were held back in February, saw scores of entries, and it is expected that the competition will be even stronger this time.

Following feedback, the number of categories has been increased to eight with the introduction of a Small Business award. It means that businesses of all sizes and in all sectors should be able to find a suitable category to enter. The awards are free to enter.

Sponsors of the awards include Eastlaw, the Fakenham & Wells Times, Menta, New Anglia LEP, the North Norfolk News and Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

Judging will take place early in 2019. Once the shortlists have been drawn up, the awards night will be held at Gresham’s School, Holt, in February, where the eight winners will be unveiled.  The awards night will again be hosted by Chris Sargisson, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on the awards, Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said: “I am delighted to be asked to host the Norfolk Norfolk Business Awards once again.  This is a great opportunity to celebrate business success in our region and I would encourage as many businesses as possible to enter and showcase their talents.”

Cllr John Lee, Leader of North Norfolk District Council and Leader of the Conservative Group at NNDC, said: “Our inaugural Business Awards were a huge success and they were greatly appreciated by the local business community.  It gives us the opportunity to reward local businesses for the hard work that they put into making North Norfolk a thriving, diverse and great place to do business.”

Cllr Sarah Butikofer, Leader of the Lib Dem Group at NNDC, said: “Local businesses and entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the vitality and viability of the communities we serve, bringing both economic benefits and employment to the area.  I am delighted we are able to recognise these contributions with these awards.”

Cllr John Rest, Leader of the Independent Group at NNDC, said: “This event is a marvellous opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial skills of traders in this district and to reward them for the very valuable contribution that they make to the community and tourism.”

The full list of categories is Agriculture, Horticulture & Countryside; Business Growth; Environment; Innovation; New Business; Small Business; Tourism & Hospitality; and Young People & Skills.

To enter, please visit www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/nnba. You have until 06 January 2019 to submit your entry. 

Exciting news in the Norfolk Business calendar arrived last week, with the EDP revealing the finalists for their elven categories. The shortlist has now been expanded to four companies per category, which is a great chance to showcase the talented business community in our county. It is fantastic to see so many of our Norfolk Chamber members in the finalist lists. We wish them all the best for the next stage of the award selections.  Skills of Tomorrow, sponsored by Lotus

• KakeCo Ltd
• Netmatters 
• The College of West Anglia 
• The Kinetic Science Foundation

Best Employer, sponsored by Pure and Birketts

• Flagship Group
• Holden Group
• Morgan Sindall
• The Maids Head Hotel

Investing in Future Growth, sponsored by JDC Corporate Finance

• David Utting Engineering
• Black Swann International
• Gnaw Chocolate
• Panel Graphic

Director of the Year, sponsored by Dipples

• Jan Hytch, Arnold Keys
• John Dye, JD Cooling Systems
• Rosie Kefford, Rosie’s Hair, Beauty and Make-Up Studios
• Steve Earl, Panel Graphic

Small Business, sponsored by Cozens-Hardy

• CIM Signs & Graphics Limited
• Deepdale Backpackers & Camping
• Indigo Swan
• Just Financial Planning

Environment and Sustainability, sponsored by Lovell

• Barnwell Printing
• Cornerstone (East Anglia)
• Rosedale Funeral Home
• The RedCat Partnership

Breaking Boundaries, sponsored by Lovewell Blake

• FXhome
• Panel Graphic
• PBD Biotech
• PlantGrow

Large Business, sponsored by City College Norwich

• JD Cooling Group
• Mills & Reeve
• Natures Menu Ltd
• Neilsen Brandbank

Tech Innovator, sponsored by Computer Service Centre

• Anticipatory Health Limited (Train As One)
• Developing Experts
• Liftshare
• SNAP Account

Customer Care, sponsored by Greater Anglia

• Cornerstone (East Anglia)
• FXhome
• NorseCare
• One Traveller

Knowledge Pioneer, sponsored by UEA

• Chadwicks
• Hethel Innovation
• Developing Experts
• PBD Biotech

The UK is one of three parties with which the USA wishes to conclude a trade deal, Washington has confirmed.

On 16 October, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified the US Congress that the Trump Administration intends to negotiate separate trade agreements with the UK, the EU and Japan.

Describing the announcement as an important milestone in the process of expanding US trade and investment through deals with the three parties, Mr Lighthizer underlined the administration’s commitment to concluding negotiations “with timely and substantive results for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses”.

On the US side, the process will also involve Mr Lighthizer, as the US Trade Representative, consulting the public on the direction, focus and content of the negotiations.

Objectives for the negotiations must be published at least 30 days before formal trade negotiations begin.

In his notification letter to Congress regarding the UK, Mr Lighthizer notes that an ambitious trade agreement between the two countries could further expand the current trade and investment relationship by removing existing goods and services tariff and non-tariff barriers “and by developing cutting edge obligations for emerging sectors where US and UK innovators and entrepreneurs are most competitive”.

The letter also acknowledges that the UK is not free to negotiate trade agreements until it has left the EU.

In 2017, US trade in goods and services with the UK was worth an estimated $235.9 billion, of which exports accounted for $125.9 billion and imports $110.0 billion. The US trade surplus with the UK last year was $15.9 billion.

US trade with the EU in 2017 was worth nearly $1.2 trillion, with exports totalling $527 billion and imports $627 billion, and a US trade deficit amounting to $100 billion.

The value of US-Japan trade in the same period is put at $283.6 billion – $114 billion in exports and $169.5 billion in imports.

01 July – 30 September 2018

Norfolk County Council have released their latest economic intelligence report. The report headlines are:

• The average weekly earnings in Norfolk has risen by 6% between 2012 and 2017, lower than the regional growth of 10% and national growth of 9%.
• Transport for Norwich is in line for a share of an £840m pot of money specifically for promoting intra-city connectivity.
• Highways England are currently consulting on their proposed A47 dualling scheme from Blofied to North Burlingham.
• Interest rates increased to 0.75% in September 2018.
• UK house prices increased by 3.1%.

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

• Half of businesses surveyed say that Brexit is making it difficult to decide whether to import or export, hampering British trade
• Volatility of sterling is also causing concern
• Chambers have long been calling for clarity for business on the practical questions over Brexit

A survey by British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL Express UK, has today revealed that almost half – 49% of businesses have uncertainty over Brexit front of mind when deciding whether to trade internationally, highlighting the economic cost of the persistent lack of political clarity.

A similar number (48%) of firms are concerned by the related issue of exchange rate volatility, which can increase the cost of raw materials and potentially make UK exports less competitive. Exchange rate volatility is a much greater concern for manufacturers (61%) and B2C firms (64%) than B2B businesses (36%).

As EU leaders gather in Brussels, the BCC today brings together 500 exporters, trade professionals and business leaders from around the world, including a delegation from Norfolk, at the BCC International Trade Summit to discuss the issues and trends at the forefront of international trade, and to give innovative firms the tools they need to enter new markets.

The research also shows that while there are many concerns for businesses when deciding whether to trade internationally, those that do trade internationally are more likely to be innovative within their business – 65% of those that are internationally active have launched a new product or service in the last 12 months, compared to just 41% of firms who are UK-focused.

Government must do more to boost business confidence at the Autumn Budget and incentivise export and import growth. This, coupled with clear progress in negotiations, will encourage firms to take risks and break into new markets, boosting innovation and productivity in the UK economy.

Commenting on the results, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance and Public Affairs said:

“Norfolk firms have been dealing with uncertainty over the future relationship with the EU since the referendum vote over two years ago. However, this survey shows that as we get closer to the crunch, the lack of precision is starting to have a material impact on their decision-making.

“While business faces uncertain times, the research shows that businesses who do trade internationally are more innovative and dynamic compared to those who just focus their attention on the UK market. It is vital that clear progress is made in negotiations – to give firms in our region the confidence and empower them to take risks and try to break into new markets, creating the Global Britain this government so often talks about.”

Also commenting on the results, Dr Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said:

“At our International Trade Summit, we will hear from trade experts and dynamic businesses – as we look to help build connections and encourage firms to unleash their potential. Chambers of Commerce work day in day out to support businesses trading internationally, but we also need the government to step up and provide clarity now or put British competitiveness at risk.”

Shannon Diett, VP of Marketing, DHL Express UK, added:

“The uncertainty expressed by British businesses taking part in this survey mirrors the increasing concern we are hearing from our customers, both of which further highlight the criticality now surrounding the Brexit negotiations. It is important to note however, that increasing the number of markets a business trades with helps to reduce risk and increase the opportunities for growth.

“It is imperative that decisions are made to allow businesses to plan for a successful Brexit and to facilitate continued smooth international trade with Europe. 

“At DHL Express we are preparing for every scenario and as part of this we are reviewing resources, infrastructure, systems and people. We are joining forces across the DHL divisions to do everything within our power to ensure our customers can continue to operate and trade internationally in the smoothest way possible.”

Commenting on the labour market figures for October 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“With UK employment high by historic standards and unemployment continuing to fall, the latest figures paint a positive picture of the UK jobs market.   

“While wage growth increased again, the pace at which pay growth is exceeding price growth remains well below the historic average, meaning the current squeeze on spending power is unlikely to ease. Achieving a meaningful improvement in wage growth will be an uphill struggle unless the underlying issues that continue to limit pay settlements are tackled – notably sluggish productivity, considerable underemployment and high upfront costs for businesses. 

“The number of job vacancies is close to an all-time high, providing further evidence of the worrying skills shortages plaguing UK businesses. Firms are reporting that recruitment difficulties have reached critical levels, which coupled with Brexit uncertainty is increasingly putting employers off trying to hire, and if sustained could increasingly weigh on jobs growth.

“Against this backdrop, the upcoming budget must be used to halt the alarmingly decline in apprenticeships, including scrapping the 10% co-investment apprenticeship contribution rule for small businesses, a key barrier to SMEs recruiting and training young apprentices. We also urge ministers to work closely with business to deliver a future migration system that enables access to the skills needed at all levels to help grow our economy.”

Businesses and organisations in West Norfolk are being  urged to ‘Be a Reason to Love West Norfolk’ and sign up to the Love West Norfolk campaign.

A new Love West Norfolk commitment and toolkit have been launched which will allow organisations to join the campaign and celebrate everything that West Norfolk has to offer.

As well as signing up to the Love West Norfolk commitment, those joining the campaign will also be able to use the logo and display a ‘We’re a Reason to Love West Norfolk’ sticker and image.

And organisations will be supported to promote their activities through Love West Norfolk social media and communications activities.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge, Chamber member, and Chair of the West Norfolk Strategy Group said: “It is the people of West Norfolk who have made Love West Norfolk so successful and so we want to give organisations the opportunity to officially join the campaign.

“This is open to all types of organisations – shops, companies, schools, charities, and voluntary groups, for example – who, like us, love West Norfolk. Join in the campaign and help us to promote everything this fantastic area has to offer.”

The commitment and toolkit were launched with Ward Gethin Archer who became the very first Reason to Love West Norfolk by signing up to the commitment. Sarah Scott, director at Ward Gethin Archer said: “We are delighted to be involved in this campaign. One of our core values is to provide a local and friendly service. We enjoy working with the community not just on a professional level providing legal services, but also getting involved in local events as much as we can. In the last year this has involved entering a team in the GEAR 10k run as well as the dragon racing at Downham Market. We are proud to serve West Norfolk. The team we work with and the clients we work for make West Norfolk a great place to live and work”.

West Norfolk Strategy Group is behind the Love West Norfolk campaign. Superintendent David Buckley of King’s Lynn Police said: “We are really excited about phase two and in particular the opportunity to involve more local people, businesses and organisations in the campaign.

“We are so grateful to everyone for their support to date and we are really pleased that through our commitment and toolkit, we will be able to provide people with even more opportunities to join in the campaign. Love West Norfolk belongs to West Norfolk.”

Anyone wishing to ‘Be a Reason to Love West Norfolk’ or looking for further information and the commitment and toolkit can get in touch via:

Twitter: @LoveWestNorfolk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveWestNorfolk/

Instagram: love_west_norfolk

Campaign website www.lovewestnorfolk.co.uk

Email [email protected]

Highways England are consulting on their proposal to upgrade the A47 between Blofield and North Burlingham.  Their proposals will create a new dual carriageway that will relieve congestion, provide extra road space, improve safety and help provide a free-flowing network.

This statutory consultation is your opportunity to express your views on the design of the proposed scheme in advance of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise construction of the project.

A DCO is a type of planning application, which is needed for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).  Following the submission of the DCO application, the Planning Inspectorate will hold a public examination of the application before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport who will decide whether or not the project scheme should go ahead.

Businesses, local authorities, public bodies, road users and the communities and neighbouring areas can play an important part in the development of the scheme design.  Your feedback is therefore essential to this consultation as it will enable Highways England to improve the scheme before they submit an application for the project.

The A47 trunk road forms part of the strategic road network and provides for a variety of local, medium and long distance trips between the A1 and the east coast.  The corridor connects the cities of Norwich and Peterborough, the towns of Wisbech, Kings Lynn, Dereham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and a succession of villages in what is largely a rural area.

The Blofield to North Burlingham section of the A47 is an important, well-used stretch of road for those living and working in the area. Sandwiched between two dual carriageway sections, this stretch of the road acts as a bottleneck; resulting in congestion and leading to longer and unreliable journey times. The Highways England studies have identified that the single carriageway section of the road no longer meets the needs of its users.  The section also has a poor safety record, with a total of 40 collisions recorded on the section between 2013 and 2017.  With further planned growth, including the ‘City Deal’ for Norwich, including over 50,000 new jobs and 100,000 homes, it is likely that these issues will only be increased.

Have your say by completing the online survey now.

The closing date for responses to this consultation is Friday 19 October 2018.