Chamber News

Members and guests of the West Norfolk Chamber of Commerce came together for a network with a difference on Thursday 27th September.

The main difference was the choice of venue – King’s Lynn Minster.  The refreshments were provided courtesy of The Bank House Hotel, and were circulated whilst the delegates undertook a networking activity.  This was aimed at finding out about the personality of and little known facts about the attendees, which opened up all sorts of different discussions.

Vicky Etheridge, of Discover King’s Lynn (the KL Business Improvement District) was able to give an update on their progress and ongoing aims for engagement with and promotion of the business activities within the area.  The most relevant of these is the King’s Lynn Business Week https://www.kingslynnbusinessweek.com/ which has a wide variety of workshops and events planned.  The aim is to highlight and celebrate the wide range of businesses, skills and opportunities that are available for all within the community.

The events are FREE but will need booking.  The West Norfolk Chamber will be hosting a cocktail evening at The Bank House Hotel – click here for all the information 

The Revd Canon Christopher Ivory also gave a brief presentation on The Minster, with an overview of the ongoing restoration work and associated fundraising activities.  This was followed up with a more in depth guided tour of the building that took place at the end of the network event.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment, and a lead indicator of UK GDP growth – shows little to be cheerful about as growth flatlines and business confidence weakens.

Key findings:

• Percentage of services firms attempting to recruit is at low levels
• Of those services firms recruiting, difficulties rose to a record high
• Exports sales and orders are at their lowest level since the EU Referendum in Q2 2016

The results come as all signs suggest that this year’s annual economic growth is set to be the lowest since the financial crisis. The slowdown in exports in the Norfolk manufacturing sector, and many Norfolk services firms seemingly giving up trying to hire new staff, should be cause for concern, warns BCC.

Ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU, the leading business organisation urges the government to use this month’s Budget to deliver bold action to boost investment and confidence.

The survey, of 5,600 businesses, including those in Norfolk, has revealed that the percentage of firms in the manufacturing sector experiencing recruitment difficulties rose to an all time high, since Quarter 4 in 2014.

In the services sector, the percentage of Norfolk firms reporting an increase in domestic and export sales and orders fell in the quarter. Meanwhile in the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting an increase in export sales and orders also fell from the last quarter. The balance of manufacturers expecting their prices to increase remained static, despite 82% citing converns over increasing raw materials costs.

Uncertainty over future trading conditions is continuing to act as a brake on business investment in both the manufacturing and services sectors. The balance of firms who looked to invest in either plant and machinery or training fell in both sectors to their lowest level in over a year. Business confidence in turnover and profitability also weakened in the quarter.

Commenting on the results, Suren Thiru, BCC Head of Economics, said:

“These results suggest that the current period of below average GDP growth continued into the third quarter of 2018.

“Activity in the services sector slackened in Q3 with the key indicators of domestic and international activity softening in the quarter.  That said, the services sector is still likely to have been the main driver of third quarter growth.

“The manufacturing sector remains a weak spot for the UK economy, with export activity slowing sharply in the quarter. Brexit uncertainty and the increasing cost of imported raw materials is weighing on the UK’s external position – further evidence that the persistent weakness in sterling is doing more harm than good. As a consequence, net trade is likely to have contributed precious little to UK GDP growth in Q3.   

“The sharp deterioration of the share of firms attempting to recruit is a concern and reflects both persistent hiring difficulties and heightened economic uncertainty – which if sustained could materially weaken jobs growth.

“Against this backdrop, the Bank of England’s recent decision to raise interest rates continues to look like a misstep. With economic conditions subdued and continued Brexit uncertainty, there should be a greater emphasis on providing increased monetary stability alongside a marked fiscal loosening to lift the UK out of its current low growth trajectory.”

Responding to the survey, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance & Public Affairs for Norfolk Chamber said:

“These figures reinforce what we are hearing from businesses across Norfolk – the uncertainty over Brexit, and the lack of bold moves to boost business across the UK, are starting to bite.

“It should be a matter of grave concern to government that sales and orders both at home and abroad are stagnating. Weaker sterling is no longer proving a boon to many of our exporters, while consumer spending is failing to boost the domestic market.

“We have a vibrant and innovative local business community that wants to invest and grow, but we are stuck in limbo while Brexit negotiations rumble on.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

 “The upcoming Budget must deliver radical, decisive action to boost growth and productivity at precisely the moment that the economy needs it most. There has never been a more important time for the government to bolster business investment, competitiveness and productivity, in the face of significant Brexit headwinds.”

“While fewer companies are trying to recruit, those that are hiring they are finding it increasing challenging to fill vacancies. Many firms are deeply invested in developing homegrown skills and talent within their own communities, however this alone is not enough to fill the skills gaps, at all levels, that businesses face right now, and which are set to get worse post-March 2019.

“The results from BCC’s latest survey support our call for government to drop arbitrary migration caps and targets, and work with business to develop an immigration policy that supports a growing economy. We should not be slamming the door on any of the skills we need for our companies to succeed.”

Norfolk Key findings in the Q3 2018 survey:

Manufacturing sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales remained static at +35, while those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +35to +30
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell six points, from +44to +38, while the balance of those reporting improved export orders fell from +31 to +27
• The percentage of firms expecting to raise prices over the next three months remained the same
• The percentage of firms citing the cost of raw materials as the source of cost pressures has risen from 39% to 41%
• The percentage of firms attempting to recruit fell from 85% to 75%, Of these, 100% reported recruitment difficulties.
• The balance of firms increasing investment in plant/machinery remained static, whilst those investing in training rose drastically from +5 to +30
• The balance of firms confident that turnover also remained static, whilst confidence in profitability increased from +30 to +55.

Services sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell sharply, from +34 to +17, while those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +28 to +12
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales also fell, from +35 to +14, while those reporting improved export orders fell from +22 to +10
• The balance of firms expecting to raise prices over the next three months increased substantially from +19 to +42
• The percentage of firms looking to recruit fell from 82% to 73%.  Of these, 84% reported difficulties
• Cashflow remains a concern, with a balance of just +5 reporting improved cashflow
• The balance of firms looking to increase investment in plant and machinery rose to +25 from +13, however investment in training fell slightly from +22 to +21
• The balance of firms confident that turnover to improve over the next year fell, from +59 to +34, and those expecting profitability to improve also fell from +35 to +16.

Vattenfall, the Swedish energy group, and Peel Ports, the infrastructure specialists, have agreed to reserve space at Great Yarmouth harbour to site an operations base for two major offshore wind farms.

Economic leaders described the move as a big confidence booster to Norfolk’s offshore wind supply chain, and hoped that Vattenfall’s investment, due in the early 20’s, will be a magnet to other inward investors.

The operations base will serve Vattenfall’s Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects. The low carbon energy developer has signed an agreement with Peel Ports that enables them to build a new operations base at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, if its applications for the wind farms are given the go-ahead by the Energy Secretary next year and in 2020. The base will be operational for at least 25-years.

The total combined installed capacity of both proposals is 3.6GW, capable of meeting the electricity needs of 10% of UK households every year.

Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for Norfolk Vanguard said: “It’s great to seal this deal with Peel Ports to reserve space for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind farms. Good for us of course, because we will have the ideal home for up to 150 skilled wind technicians looking after two wind farms which will be amongst the largest ever built. And good for Norfolk too, if built, as this major investment will send a strong signal to other businesses to consider investing in the County.”

Richard Goffin, Port Director Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, said: “Vattenfall’s commitment to reserve space for their operations base at Great Yarmouth is testament to the Port’s influential position in the wider offshore energy arena, which is complemented by a supportive County and Borough Council. This agreement enhances Great Yarmouth’s position as the East of England’s most successful offshore energy hub and will attract further investment in the existing world-class supply chain, bringing a host of employment and economic growth opportunities to the region.”

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber, said: “Vattenfall securing their operations base in Great Yarmouth is a welcome step forward.  It will cement the importance of our region for the offshore renewables sector and will help support improvements skills and future job opportunities.”

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Great Yarmouth and Norfolk. It really demonstrates Vattenfall’s dedication to the town and goes to show just how important the area is to the renewable energy sector. This level of commitment will only help to attract even more investment to the east coast and provide huge economic benefits to existing local companies.”

Cllr Graham Plant and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, political group leaders at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “These will be among the largest offshore wind farms ever built, representing multi-billion-pound investments, and Great Yarmouth will really benefit, with the base creating up to 150 skilled jobs for at least 25 years, plus supporting our extensive, skilled supply chain. We’ve been working closely with Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, with excellent support from the county council, New Anglia LEP and others, to maximise the exciting opportunities for Great Yarmouth across the energy sector, and Vattenfall’s commitment reflects huge confidence in Great Yarmouth’s strengths as the main service base for the Southern North Sea and a burgeoning offshore wind hub.”

Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “This will be a great boost for our existing clean energy sector which is already leading the way in the UK. It will also help deliver the ambitions for clean growth as set out in the country’s Industrial Strategy.

“One of our key aims is to create jobs with a focus on skilled opportunities in this fast-growing sector so we welcome seeing these being delivered here. The investment will also contribute in supercharging Great Yarmouth’s potential as a priority place for business growth.”

Today’s announcement by Vattenfall and Peel Ports is in line with UK Government ambitions to grow the fossil-free economy.

Energy & Clean Growth Minister, Claire Perry, said: “Government support for offshore wind farms is creating local jobs and boosting supply chain businesses across the UK.

“As part of our modern Industrial Strategy we’ve set out a further £557m of funding for new renewable projects, helping to tackle climate change and deliver clean growth.”

This summer, Vattenfall submitted final proposals to the Planning Inspectorate for its Norfolk Vanguard project. Its sister project Norfolk Boreas, will start its statutory consultation later this autumn.

Discover King’s Lynn, the Business Improvement District for King’s Lynn is organising the first business week for the town this October from Mon 15 -Thurs 18.

Business Week will celebrate the diverse range of high quality services, skills, expertise, talent and entrepreneurship that exists in our town through a varied programme of events that will inspire and educate.

The week is set to be an annual celebration of all things business offering inspiring and informative workshops, B2B networking opportunities, a chance to debate and influence the future of the town centre and a chance for our quality professional services to showcase their offer to customers at a Meet the Expert event.

Norfolk Chamber are delighted to be invovled and have organised a Cocktail Evening at the Bank House Hotel, King’s Lynn on Wednesday 17 October from 6pm. Book your ticket here.

Come and visit the Norfolk Chamber exhibition stand at the Meet The Experts event on Tuesday 16th October, just pop by from 9am-2pm. Find out how your local Chamber of Commerce can support you and your business. Book your free place here.

There is lots going on that you can be involved with, with over 11 events taking place throughout the week  https://www.kingslynnbusinessweek.com/

Why People Don’t Buy – How to Sell Yourself & Your Business – Matt Sykes Monday 15th October, 7.30am, King’s Lynn Town Hall

Cloud Accounting with SAGE Software Monday 15th October, 5.30pm, Yours Business Network

Employee Engagement with Cassandra Andrews Tuesday 16th October, 7.30am, Alive Corn Exchange

Meet the Experts Tuesday 16th October 9am-2pm

The Regeneration of King’s Lynn Tuesday 16th October, 5.30pm, St Nicholas Chapel

Making the Most of LinkedIn Wednesday 17th October, 4.30pm, Yours Business Network

Protecting Your Business Against Cybercrime Wednesday 17th October, 7.30am, Yours Business Network

King’s Lynn Cocktail Evening with Norfolk Chamber – CANCELLED Wednesday 17th October, 6-8pm, Bank House Hotel

Wellbeing in the Workplace Thursday 18th October, 7.30am, Yours Business Network

The Debating Chamber Thursday 18th October,Dukes Head Hotel 5.30pm

To view the full programme of events click here

But did you know there is a broadband voucher scheme available where you can claim up to £3,000 against the cost of connection?

Full fibre broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport has a UK-wide £67m Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which is open to Norfolk businesses and residents.

Gigabit vouchers can be used by small businesses and the local communities surrounding them to contribute to the installation cost of a gigabit capable connection. Businesses can claim up to £3,000 against the cost of connection, either individually or as part of a group project. 

It is also possible for multiple businesses to pool their vouchers i.e. if there are 10 businesses on a business park and they all apply, that’s £30,000 towards the connection costs (for installation and other year 1 costs).

For more information and how to apply click here

On Tuesday 02 October 2018, Fiona Ryder became the President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for a two year term of office.

In her inaugural speech, Ms Ryder, the Managing Director of TCD Media, outlined her key themes for her term.  She choose innovation and outlined that with the ‘B’ word of Brexit looming early next year, businesses in Norfolk will need to innovate, modernise and apply new ways of thinking to deal with potential  new border controls; manage complex supply chain issues; and improve their productivity.

Fiona, also evoked the ‘F’word.  As only the second ‘Female’ Chamber President in 122 years, she was keen to promote modernisation of corporate culture and our boardrooms to ensure better economic outcomes for Norfolk businesses.  She noted that in 2011 only 12.5% of FTSE 350 companies had women on their boards, whilst just 7 years later that figure is now at around 25%, but more work still needs to be done.

She promised to bring her energy, passion and innovation into her role as President and she will be pushing for change and championing initiatives that will raise awareness and effect positive change for our region.

For over fifteen years the Norfolk Voice has been communicating with our members through print and digital editions of the magazine. The publication has always acted as one of our key lines of communication for our members, containing a range of information from Members News, Chamber News, the Big Interview, featured articles, policy information, events, training information, and the last word.

Like many businesses, the Chamber now has several ways in which we and our members can communicate our news, events, and campaigns. For example, on our social media channels and the Chamber website. These channels act as a direct, instant, and current form of communication, as well as having a wider reach to the business community. Often the social media platforms can hold more current and upto-date content than the printed page. With this in mind, all of these elements have given the Chamber an opportunity for reflection and a chance to question how we can develop our magazine, to continue to ensure it acts as a professional and engaging read for the business community. Our plan for the magazine moving forward is for it to have a re-brand, re-style, new content, and a new publisher based in Norfolk.

The re-launch for the magazine is planned for early 2019. However, before we embark on these changes it would be good to get your feedback on the project. We have created a short questionnaire for you to add your feedback before Friday 12 October. Click on the link to have your say: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9W3GN7X

Norfolk Voice will be having a break for the next edition Nov/Dec, this is due to the changes being made. However, if you have any news articles you wish to share in the meantime, there is our website and social media platforms. You can add details to your own chamber page. Do let us know if you need any help at [email protected] or 01603 625977

The 1st October means one thing for the Norfolk Chamber calendar; The B2B Exhibition. Taking over two floors of Norwich City Football Club, B2B hosts over 100 business exhibitors for one day of face to face networking and relationship building – and it’s free to attend!  Taking place on Thursday 11 October, 10AM-4PM, B2B brings together businesses from across Norfolk with a wide range of sectors and businesses sizes. You’ll find everything from printing to banking, charities to staff wellbeing, and so much more; B2B has solutions for your business needs.  B2B has plenty to offer with our exhibitors running exclusive offers, competitions and giveaways on the day. There are discounted training courses, coffee machines up for grabs, free website proofreading and even the chance to win a Big Cat Experience at Banham Zoo! You can see some of these exclusive offers on the B2B page by clicking here.  Norfolk Chamber are also partnered with Ten-Go to offer you the chance to win a cash prize in our exhibition treasure trail. Grab a stamp card on arrival, visit our 10 stands exclusively taking part, hand your card back in when you leave and you’ll be entered to win a cash prize! If you visit the stands in a random, pre-generated order you could win a bigger cash prize of £5,000! Find out more. The exhibition isn’t just about its exhibitors though! Throughout the day you can expand your knowledge in our free 20 minute masterclasses delivered by expert trainers. These four sessions will give you bite-size, takeaway tips to help grow your business. Find out more. We also have a dedicated networking lounge where you can set up meetings, take a break from the exhibition with refreshments served all day, or just have a visit to see who is around. You never know who you’ll meet with over 750 attendees expected on the day.  Don’t forget to prepare yourself ahead of the day! Our B2B supplement will be released into the EDP on Wednesday 3 October. Grab your copy to read about our exhibitors and find out full details ahead of the big day! You can book your free tickets online now, B2B is open to all businesses to attend! Booking in advance will mean you can skip the queues on the day by simply handing in your ticket, and you’ll be entered into our prize draw to win one of four £25 Jarrold Vouchers.  BOOK NOW.

Since March this year we have been calling on the business community to show their support for our Just Dual It! Campaign, which aims to get the A47 fully dualled.

Norfolk Chamber, the EDP, and Norfolk County Council have been campaigning to convince the Government to commit to dualling the A47 trunk road from Lowestoft in the east, right across Norfolk and through to Peterborough in the west. 

Currently just 47% of this major route is dual carriageway and while Highways England have committed to making £300m of improvements to the road, including dualling some stretches, this will still leave substantial sections of the A47 as single carriageway, with no current plans to dual them.

Whilst we have received significant support for the campaign from across the east of England, we have been advised by central Government that evidencing support from key businesses along the A47 route will be crucial to our chances of success – which is where you come in.

To date we have received over 70 letters of support from significant businesses across the county – we really want to make it over 100.  If you haven’t sent your letter of support, please do it now.  The business plan must be collated by mid October, so your earliest response would be appreciated.

If you agree with us that the A47 is vital to the region’s economy and believe getting the road fully dualled will benefit your business, please help us to make the case to the Government as strongly as we can by completing the enclosed outline template and returning it to us by either email to: [email protected]

Or by post:

Nova Fairbank

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

9 Norwich Business Park

Whiting Road

Norwich

NR4 6DJ

We have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to support the campaign, we hope it will take you no more than a few minutes. Your combined support will be vital in helping us to secure the much needed funding to dual the A47.

One of the biggest surveys of business intentions since the EU referendum has found that nearly two-thirds of firms still aren’t preparing for Brexit – and in the event of a ‘no deal’ outcome many would cut investment and recruitment plans.

With just six months to go before the UK leaves the EU, the British Chambers of Commerce is calling for UK ministers to redouble their efforts to reach an agreement with the EU – and ensure a transition period that could help firms prepare for change and prevent a slump in both investment and recruitment. The leading business group presses the need for clarity and precision so that firms can plan for the future with a degree of confidence.

• A fifth of businesses surveyed (21%) will cut investment if there is ‘no deal’, 20% will move part or all of their business to the EU and 18% will cut recruitment – but in the event of a status quo transition these numbers fall dramatically
• 62% of firms still haven’t completed a Brexit risk assessment

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with independent business funder, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), has conducted one of the biggest surveys of business opinion, since the referendum, amassing the views of over 2,500 firms from across the UK and including those in Norfolk.

‘No deal’ will have real business consequences

Larger firms and those who are internationally active are the most exposed to the ramifications of ‘no deal’. 28% of firms with over 50 employees and 24% of those who export or import internationally say they would cut investment plans.

The fact that one in five businesses (20%) say in a ‘no deal’ scenario they would move part or all of their business to the EU27 is an important wake-up call – both on the need to agree an orderly exit from the EU and on the need for the UK government to enhance incentives for investment.

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk businesses are clear that reaching a deal with the EU, which addresses the future terms of trade and provides certainty, must be the government’s number one priority. “The evidence is clear – failure to reach a political agreement would have real-world consequences, with significant decreases in both investment and recruitment. Larger firms and those active in international trade would suffer the most from a disorderly and sudden exit from the EU, but there will be impacts across the board.”

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“Most concerning of all, a significant number of businesses are considering moving part or all of their operations to the EU in the event of ‘no deal’. Government must act urgently and decisively to get a comprehensive deal done. They also need to use the levers they have, such as the upcoming Autumn Statement, to ensure they provide the right conditions for growth at home.”

Edward Winterton, UK CEO of Bibby Financial Services, added:

“After more than two years of uncertainty, SMEs need answers over the future of the UK’s relationship with the EU. Specifically, they want clarity around the Customs Union, access to the Single Market and further detail on the practicalities of implementing this historic change. The consequences of a ‘no deal’ outcome could be disastrous for the 5.7m SMEs in the UK – particularly for those buying and selling goods within the EU.”   

Businesses are unprepared for Brexit

The survey also highlights a concerning lack of Brexit preparation. According to the findings, 62% of UK firms have not done a risk assessment of the impact of Brexit to their business. The figures reflect a huge disparity between the preparations of the largest companies and their smaller counterparts. 69% of micro firms (those with 1-9 employees) have not completed an assessment, compared to 24% of firms with over 250 employees.

With six months to go until the UK leaves the EU, the BCC has found that many SMEs are either awaiting more clarity before they act, or are suffering from ‘Brexit fatigue’ and have switched off from the process because they don’t believe they will be affected. The BCC has created a checklist to help firms consider the changes Brexit may bring to their own firm, customers and suppliers, and to help them plan ahead. Accredited Chambers of Commerce stand ready to support them through the process.

Nova Fairbank added: “Too many businesses across Norfolk are still not ready for Brexit. Many smaller firms don’t have the capacity to scenario plan, don’t think they’ll be affected, or have simply switched off from the process altogether.

“With six months to go until the UK’s planned departure, Norfolk firms still don’t have answers from government to the most basic questions about future trading conditions. The BCC continues to track progress on the key business issues and their risk register shows sufficient progress has been made on only a handful of issues. With so much still unclear, a transition period is vital to allow all firms the time to acknowledge and prepare for change.”

Edward Winterton, UK CEO of Bibby Financial Services, said: “The businesses we work with tell us that they simply don’t have enough information to enable them to prepare for any of the potential outcomes of Brexit. This could negatively impact sales performance and output in the final quarter of the year, which is typically a peak trading period for many businesses throughout the country.”

Greater Norwich is one of 10 city areas that have made the shortlist for the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which would give Greater Norwich a huge boost for  public transport infrastructure.

The shortlist was announced by the Prime Minister, Theresa May.  She said:

“Our great cities and their suburbs are home to millions of people and world-beating businesses.  “We want to help them succeed, so as part of our modern Industrial Strategy we will fund £840 million of upgrades for better, safer, faster transport links.

“These improvements to vital infrastructure will help spread growth beyond London and empower local businesses to create more, better-paying jobs – opening up more opportunities to help people get on in life and be rewarded for their hard work.”

The announcement means that Transport for Norwich (TfN) is in line for a share of an £840m pot of money specifically for promoting intra-city connectivity – aiming to make it easier for people to access jobs, training and retail.

At the heart of the bid, which was put together in partnership between Norfolk, Norwich, Broadland District and South Norfolk councils, is a new high-quality, integrated public transport network for the area.

It highlights three strategic routes to support the Norwich Research Park, Broadland Business Park and the airport industrial estate, each with a focus on where they meet the city centre.

Smart ticketing, cleaner vehicles, real-time information and faster journey times are all features outlined in the vision for Greater Norwich.

Welcoming the news, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:

“The shortlisting of Norwich for the Transforming Cities Fund shows that the government is taking our city’s economic potential seriously.  Further funding will deliver greater transport integration and help businesses driver greater economic growth and jobs for Norfolk.”

Councillor Martin Wilby, Chair of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee, says:

“Greater Norwich is ready for significant investment in public transport so it’s fantastic news that we’ve been shortlisted. Funding through Transforming Cities would help us deliver the integrated network we need to support growth in homes, jobs and the local economy over the coming years.

“We can now look forward to working with the DfT and in collaboration with Transport for Norwich partners to transform how we travel in and around the city.”

The next stage of the process involves the DfT working closely with the TfN team to develop a detailed package of projects to take forward.

Final decisions on the amount of funding will be made once all successful applicants’ proposals have been assessed.

To download a copy of the Greater Norwich bid document, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/transformingcities.

Commenting on the latest tranche of technical notices to advise businesses in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber, said:

“While some Norfolk businesses will be reassured by some of the details in these notices, such as around IP protection and geographical indications, the admission that loss of market access is a possibility for others will be deeply unsettling to those affected. There will be major concerns in industries like aviation and road haulage that operate routinely across borders at European scale, that their markets will be fragmented by new licensing or regulatory frameworks.

“If the EU and the UK fail to reach a withdrawal agreement, businesses will urgently need comprehensive answers to the many outstanding questions on business continuity. The government must take every possible step to minimise the disruption and bureaucracy that could face firms in the future.”