We are delighted to announce that Norse has become a Patron the Norfolk Chamber. One of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing Facilities Management services providers, Norse has the financial strength so vital in times of economic pressure.
With a strong balance sheet, industry-leading business retention and staff turnover, and 96% customer satisfaction, Norse delivers first-class services that its customers value and trust. Geoff Tucker, Sales Director of Norse said, “As a major contractor of local businesses, and an employer of a wide range of staff skills, Norse is fully committed to supporting the local economy. As part of this support, in the past the company has regularly sponsored and taken part in events and publicity organised by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
We firmly believe that by becoming a Patron of the Norfolk Chamber, Norse will be in an even better position to help encourage and facilitate use of the Chamber’s valuable services to enterprises across the county. We are looking forward to playing an increasingly active role with the Chamber in working with Norfolk’s business community.”
BCC’s EU Business Barometer of more than 4,000 businesses shows support for renegotiation with Europe
John Longworth: “Companies believe that re-negotiation, rather than further integration or outright withdrawal, is most likely to deliver business and economic benefit to the UK.”
The first major survey of British business following the Prime Minister’s policy speech on Europe in January 2013 has revealed broad support for the re-negotiation of Britain’s relationship with the European Union.
The British Chambers of Commerce’s new “EU Business Barometer”, which gathered responses from nearly 4,400 businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK, tested five scenarios for Britain’s future relationship with the EU. Respondents were asked to give their view on the potential impact of each scenario on Britain’s business and economic prospects.
The results showed that:
‘Remain in the European Union, but with specific powers transferred back from Brussels to Westminster’ received the highest positive impact rating, with 64%. This scenario also received the lowest negative impact rating, with 11%.
‘Full withdrawal from the European Union’ received the highest negative impact rating, with 60%.
Remain in the European Union with no change to current relationship’ received the lowest positive impact rating, with 15%.
The survey also reveals that British business’s “top three” priorities for any re-negotiation of the balance of competences between Brussels and Westminster are 1) employment law (54%), 2) health and safety law (46%), and 3) regional development policies (33%). Other areas where significant numbers of businesses wanted to see change included justice and home affairs policies and public-sector procurement rules.
Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce , said:
“These results say a lot about the UK business community’s attitudes towards Britain’s relationship with the European Union. Companies believe that re-negotiation, rather than further integration or outright withdrawal, is most likely to deliver business and economic benefit to the UK.
“There are some striking features in the BCC survey of business opinion which included Norfolk businesses. 42%, a plurality, now believe that maintaining the status quo in Britain’s relationship with the EU could have a negative impact on our economic interests – nearly three times as many as the 15% who view the status quo positively. These findings suggest that UK businesses increasingly feel that some sort of change to Britain’s relationship with the EU is needed to boost our trading prospects.
“We now have confirmation of what we’ve suspected for some time: namely, that employment and health and safety are the areas where companies would like to see legislative competence return to Westminster from Brussels. From a business perspective, any re-negotiation of Britain’s relationship with the European Union must therefore focus on these areas which are not integral to the functioning of the Single Market in goods and services.”
The British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium is preparing for this years Golden Bridge Export Awards and are looking for new applicants.
This is the second edition of the annual awards presented to the most successful UK companies exporting to or doing business in Belgium.
The Awards encourage export from the UK to Belgium and give British products and services a higher profile at the heart of the EU.
The BCC in Belgium work closely with their partners at the British Embassy in Belgium, UK Trade & Investment and the Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain on this initiative.
It is free to participate in the competition and the deadline for applications is 15 September 2013.
For further information on the awards process and who to contact, please click here.
Please also take a look at the BCC in Belgium flyer relating to their services.
I’m pleased to be able to communicate with the Chamber members and others via this press release.
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The UK is one of Europe’s largest investors in China, and among the largest destinations in Europe for China’s outward investment. As of 2014, China is the world’s second-largest economy. Between 2007 and 2011, China’s economic growth rate was equivalent to all of the G7 countries’ growth combined. China’s success has been primarily due to manufacturing as a low-cost producer. This is attributed to a combination of cheap labour, good infrastructure, relatively high productivity, favourable government policy, and a possibly undervalued exchange rate.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK China’s annual growth rate fell for seven straight quarters through to the third quarter of 2012; however a pick up is forecasted in October-December. With the euro area still in recession and US demand sluggish, the economy faces considerable headwinds. Furthermore, the new leader Xi Jinping and other policy makers are likely to unveil aggressive stimulus this year when they hope to revive an economy seen growing at its weakest pace since 1999.
TRADE OUTLOOK Growth in Chinese exports is expected to be most rapid to other economies in Asia (excluding Japan) over the medium term. Chinese exporters will begin to target new markets for their products in other emerging economies. Export prospects amongst the developed economies appear far more restrained, with the share of exports to Europe expected to decline. The US economy continues to represent the most important market for Chinese exporters in terms of its absolute size. In terms of imports, rest of Asia (excluding Japan) remains the largest with a quarter of total Chinese imports.
OPPORTUNITIES The Chinese Government’s 5-Year Plan, vows to continue reforming the economy. The governmenthas recently focused on financial-sector reform. The modest economic growth will help economicrestructuring as Chinese firms are increasingly under pressure to move up the value chain, creatingdemand for imported manufactured goods in the long term. China will remain an important andviable market for a wide range of products and services. As a result China offers huge opportunitiesfor British companies, particularly in sectors such as food and drink, renewable energy andfinancial services.
GDP growth in Q1 2013: +0.3% on the quarter, +0.7% year on year
Services growth: +0.6% on the quarter, +1.5% on the year
Manufacturing growth: -0.3% on the quarter, -2.1% on the year
Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for Q1 2013, published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams, CEO, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The fact that the UK economy avoided negative growth is encouraging and will boost confidence here in Norfolk. As the BCC latest economic survey shows, it is the services sector that is the main component of recent growth. More must be done to support the construction sector and housing growth in general, these areas would benefit from clear guidelines in terms of planning regulations.
Improved infrastructure is also needed and Norfolk businesses need to continue lobby for improvements to the NDR, the A47 and also rail improvements from both Norwich and King’s Lynn to London, as well as continued pressure to ensure broadband improvements are delivered on time. Despite Norfolk businesses ‘holding their nerve’ and continuing to strive for growth, the Norfolk economy is still unacceptably weak, and will remain so without radical measures to get the economy moving.”
Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for Q1 2013, published today by the ONS, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“While we still believe that the government should stick to its current fiscal reduction plan, there is a need for a more promising growth strategy. We know that businesses are determined and ambitious, and want to drive growth in the face of significant economic headwinds, but they can’t do this alone. The government must consider a significant shift in priorities to boost growth within the existing spending envelope, by allocating more current spending towards capital investment over the next few years.”
David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added:
“The economy returning to positive growth is not surprising, but welcome nonetheless. We have repeatedly said that talk of a new recession is unwarranted, and our recent quarterly survey also signalled that the economy was in positive territory in the first quarter of this year. The figures also highlight the disparity between growth in the service sector and continued falls in manufacturing and construction in particular, which remain under pressure. While services output is now above its pre-recession levels from 2008, both construction and manufacturing are still lower.
“Economic growth however remains too weak and the economy as a whole is still below its pre-recession levels. But the avoidance of recession will underpin confidence and will make it easier for the government, and for the MPC, to consider future policy moves in a calmer atmosphere. The main priority remains combining a realistic deficit cutting programme with policies that make it possible for the economy to achieve sustainable growth.”
Take on an 18 to 24 year-old who has been claiming benefits for at least six months through Jobcentre Plus and employers can get financial help of up to £2,275, which covers the cost of a year’s national insurance contributions.
How does the wage incentive scheme work?
The wage incentive is available if you employ someone for 16 hours or more each week in a job lasting more than 26 weeks. There are two rates:
for part-time work between 16 and 29 hours a week – £1,137.50
for full-time work of 30 hours or more a week – £2,275.
This will be paid 26 weeks after the employee starts work. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees can claim a part payment eight weeks after the employee starts work.
Who can claim a wage incentive?
Wage incentives are primarily available to private, voluntary and community sectors and social enterprise employers. Central government departments, their executive agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) will be excluded from claiming them, however the wider public sector such as NHS trusts, will not.
I’m interested in employing a young person using the wage incentive, what do I do next?
Contact Jobcentre Plus or one of your local Work Programme providers, they will give you further information, advice on the eligibility conditions and support to identify the right person.
Employing a young person using a wage incentive through Jobcentre Plus
Phone: 0845 601 2001 (option 2)
Text phone: 0845 601 2002 for people with speech or hearing impairments
How can I claim the wage incentive?
When the young person starts with you, the Work Programme provider or Jobcentre Plus, will issue a wage incentive claim form and give you more details on how and when to make the claim. You will claim the payment from Jobcentre Plus who will validate the claim and make the payment directly into the employer’s bank account.
This guide explains how employers can make a claim for a wage incentive, once they have been issued with a claim form.
In February, a Chamber led, joint Norfolk/Suffolk delegation went to see the Energy Minister in Westminster. Among the topics raised with him, was the alignment of the six UK COREs (Centre of Renewable Engineering), of which Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is one. At present four of the six COREs have Assisted Area status – Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is not one of these. It would benefit our region’s CORE if it was also awarded Assisted Area status, as this would level the playing field when promoting Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, both nationally and internationally.
Following the delegation’s visit to Westminster, Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth and Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney wrote a joint letter to the Treasury raising the issue of Assisted Area status and the Enterprise Zones. A reply has now been received from the Treasury.
Danny Alexander, on behalf of the Treasury, has outlined that the Assisted Area status is being reviewed, as a new Assisted Area Map is due to come into force in 2014. The rules of eligibility for Assisted Area status are determined by EU Regional Aid guidelines, which are also currently being revised by the EU Commission. Their review is due to be finalised in May or June of this year. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) has advised that it is due to undertake a public consultation on the designation of Assisted Areas later this year.
John Morse, President of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said: “There are many potential opportunities in both the offshore renewables and the oil and gas industries that Great Yarmouth could benefit from. A level playing field, in terms of Assisted Area status, would help ensure the Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone has the best chance of securing future economic growth and attracting further inward investment.
Once details of the consultation are known, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, along with other organisations, will be calling for the support of the business community in and around Great Yarmouth to input into the consultation and help highlight the case for awarding this region’s CORE Assisted Area status.”
Exports index rises 0.95% in Q1 2013 – but falls 1.5% on Q1 2012
Confidence among exporters remains high, but is slightly down on the previous quarter
SMEs experience uplift in their export orders, compared to businesses of other sizes
Businesses more likely to take on new staff than in Q4 2012
The latest DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index report – which measures UK exporting activity (Export Index) and business confidence (Confidence Index) – shows that confidence levels in future turnover and profitability remain high, but there was a slight fall from Q4 2012.
Overall, the index number used to calculate the volume of trade documents required of all businesses exporting outside the EU, now stands at 114.84; this represents an increase of 0.95% on Q4 2012 and is now the second highest since records began three years ago, although if compared to the same quarter in 2012 the figure is 1.49% down.
Responses from more than 1,800 firms reveal that export orders and sales fell when compared to Q4 2012, however when broken down the services sector fall was marginal compared to the manufacturing sector. There was also a small increase in the number of businesses planning to take on new staff, particularly within medium and larger firms.
The key findings from the report are:
Over one-third of exporters (41%) said their export sales increased in Q1 2013, compared to 14% of respondents, who said that they decreased;
In the services sector, export sales increased for 44% of firms, down from 46% in Q4 2012. In manufacturing, export sales increased for only 36% of firms, down from 45% in the previous quarter;
Small firms’ order balances increased by 2% and medium firms’ order balances increased by 11%. Larger firms however reported a fall of 10% and micro firms a fall of 3%;
59% of exporters feel that their turnover will increase throughout 2013. 50% believe that their profitability will improve in 2013;
More than a quarter of firms (28%) said that they expected to increase staff this year, up from 27% in Q4 2012.
Tracey Howard, International Trade Director, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: Norfolk exporters are demonstrating a high level of confidence and Norfolk Chamber has seen increased numbers attending export training courses, as local exporters try to ensure that their staff a fully conversant with the latest rules and regulations.
Our recent ‘Global Market Place’ series of events highlighted that Norfolk exporters continue to look for ever expanding new markets in a bid to increase their export capacity. The success of Norfolk exporters has been shown when it was announced that two Norfolk-based companies: Omex Agrifluid Ltd, based in King’s Lynn; and Structure-Flex Ltd in Melton Constable; had both won a Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Although the manufacturing sector recorded a sharp fall in exports, the UK’s larger services sector continues to drive overseas trade. Optimism remains high amongst the UK businesses I visit week in, week out, who are determined to grow, create wealth, and break into new and fast-growing markets abroad, in spite of the continued risks facing UK exporters.
“These results are a mixed bag, and reflect the challenges still being faced by those trading internationally. We need more companies to take the plunge and start exporting and to do this they need support from government, particularly through investment in trade promotion. If we are to win the ‘economic war’ that the Prime Minister has described on numerous occasions, we need both a more enterprise-friendly environment and a large-scale increase in the resources and attention dedicated to supporting international trade.”
Commenting on the report’s results, Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland, said: “It’s really encouraging to see SMEs forging the way for British businesses overseas, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty.
“The Export Index shows there are clearly still opportunities for British businesses to expand into overseas markets, as it remains at historically high standards, a fundamentally positive indicator.
“As the eurozone crisis continues to erode both business and consumer confidence, those businesses that are looking to trade internationally should be taking advantage of the potential of Asia and emerging territories. The government has estimated that by 2030, Asian consumers’ spending is expected to be around 32 trillion dollars annually or about 43% of worldwide consumption – a major opportunity for businesses of any size.”
Following an extensive inquiry into aviation, to which the BCC and some Chambers gave evidence, the House of Commons Transport Select Committee has called for Heathrow Airport to be expanded. The Committee rejected calls for a new hub airport east of London and made a number of recommendations that, if acted upon, will form part of a comprehensive aviation strategy, including:
• Improving surface access to the UK’s major airports; • Greater promotion of airports outside the South East; • HM Treasury conducting a fully costed study into the impact of Air Passenger Duty (APD); • Significantly reducing or abolishing APD if the study shows that it has a negative effect.
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Businesses across the UK will certainly be encouraged by the publication of this report. For too long, this issue has been a political plaything, and we are pleased that the need for more aviation capacity in the South East has finally been recognised. Future economic growth depends on a significant increase in airport capacity in order to provide international connectivity for passengers and goods. Greater capacity at UK airports will facilitate international trade, encourage inward investment, attract tourists and ultimately increase employment.
“The Transport Committee makes a number of sensible recommendations, which, if implemented, will significantly help businesses transport their goods and people around the world. The Committee has set out a clear, long-term aviation strategy which addresses the cost, connectivity and capacity concerns of the business community, and will benefit the UK economy as a whole. Now it is time for the government to stop dithering and make this strategy a reality. We know this will require bold decision-making, but the government must recognise the critical role that aviation has to play in supporting economic growth.”
On Friday 7 June there will be a chance to discuss the aviation capacity debate at a local and national level following recent research indicating the lack of capacity at Heathrow was costing the UK up to £14bn a year in lost trade. Hear local businesses’ viewpoints and national perspectives over breakfast. Open to all businesses by invitation. For more information about this event, please contact Hannah Thomson at hannah.thomson@norfolkchamber.co.uk.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce commented: “Norfolk businesses will welcome the limited package of legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech and Ministers are right to focus on measures that can help boost growth, and seem to have gotten the message that when it comes to new legislation, less is more.
Although there was no new Bill for education, the Government’s focus is on improving the quality of education for young people. However, we would like to see more emphasis placed on preparing young people for employment, through comprehensive careers education. A lot of energy is being invested in promoting vocational training. Businesses would be even happier if the Departments for Business and Education could present a joined-up, single system in relation to this type of training.
As part of the Chamber’s theme for ‘unlocking potential of Norfolk’s young people’ we are keen to see the business community and schools interact to ensure tomorrow’s workforce is not only educated, but is aware of the potential career opportunities in this region, such as offshore renewables, advanced technologies and life sciences.”
Also commenting on the Queen’s Speech, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The key for business is delivering on the government’s existing commitments, whether on infrastructure, energy, or education and training. Businesses are impatient to see real progress and real benefit emerging on the ground, not just the completion of Westminster and Whitehall processes.”
John Longworth’s comments on other issues arising in the Queen’s Speech can be found below:
On a consumer bill of rights (Draft Consumer Rights Bill): “Consolidating the vast amount of legislation on Trading Standards’ powers into one piece of legislation may benefit consumers. However, any simplification of consumer law must not add new burdens for businesses.”
On deregulation (Deregulation Bill): “Business welcomes the government’s efforts to deregulate, and remove needless red tape that prevents companies of all sizes from growing, innovating, and creating employment. Proposals around employment and health and safety law must be implemented without delay to increase business confidence, and allow firms to focus on growth.”
On pensions (Pensions Bill): “The introduction of a single tier state pension brings much greater clarity for pension savers, as well as parity for the self-employed. The government must ensure there is as much flexibility as possible for firms required to end contracting out, particularly given the decision to implement this reform as early as 2016.”
On high speed rail (High Speed Rail Preparation Bill; Hybrid Bill): “The inclusion of these Bills is a welcome reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to radically transform the capacity of the UK’s congested rail network. Business wants the Preparation Bill to receive cross-party support and a smooth passage through Parliament, leading to a Hybrid Bill in the near future.”
On utilities (Energy and Water Bills): “The government must ensure that the Energy Bill is not subject to any further delays that would hinder the future security of the UK’s energy supply or discourage private sector investment. The lack of competition in the English water market has meant that English businesses have received a poorer service than customers in Scotland. Ensuring genuine competition between water suppliers is good news for businesses in England.”
Commenting on the report by Lord Young – ‘Growing Your Business’ – published today (Monday), Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“Lord Young is right to place emphasis on the growth of smaller firms, who unlike some of the UK’s larger companies, need support and encouragement to help them become the wealth creators of tomorrow. Small and micro businesses will only be able to fulfill their full potential once measures are put in place to help them access the finance, skills and services they need to grow.
“Lord Young has identified a number of these measures in his report and we are pleased to see him address the problem of access to finance which is still hurting the growth potential of many Norfolk firms. But the focus must now be on getting these proposals off the ground so they can actually make a real difference to the business community, and in turn, drive the economic recovery. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce stands ready to ensure Norfolk businesses are given all the support they need as they embark on their growth journeys over the crucial months ahead.”
Commenting on the Growth Voucher Scheme, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The BCC proposed a Growth Voucher scheme in September 2012 to help businesses that want to grow gain access to crucial services and advice. We were pleased that the Chancellor accepted our proposal by announcing the Growth Voucher scheme in the 2013 Budget and committed £30m to the scheme itself.
“Chambers of Commerce around the country look forward to working with the government to bring the scheme to life – and enable businesses to get the specialist assistance they need.”
Commenting on the proposed procurement measures, Adam Marshall said:
“Across the country, small firms tell us that they would be keen to compete for more of the public sector contracts advertised in their local areas. They regularly tell us that it is hard to break into procurement by local councils and other bodies, due to onerous information and application requirements. Lord Young is right to call for better access to local procurement for small firms, and for the abolition of hated Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and other bureaucracy that stop many small companies from competing for council business in the first place.
“Small businesses also report difficulties in pitching new products to the public sector outside formal invitations to tender. This is a wasted opportunity as it would bring private-sector knowhow into securing efficiencies for our public services. We support Lord Young’s call to make this process easier for SMEs.
“However, central government will need to do more than just exhort and encourage local authorities to open up procurement to smaller firms. Indeed it may need to look at ways to sanction councils and agencies that don’t let Britain’s SMEs compete for their business.”