Notice is hereby given that the 117th Annual General Meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be held at the Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, Norwich on Friday 11th October 2013. Registration will be at 9:30am, for meeting commencement at 9:45am. Please see attached all papers relevant to the meeting.
Commenting on the publication of an independent review of infrastructure by Sir John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Development Authority, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:
“Infrastructure allows Norfolk business to function. Yet for too many decades, we’ve seen plan after plan, strategy after strategy – but little delivery on the ground.
“Sir John Armitt is one of the few people in Britain who knows what it really takes to deliver a major project, and his new report sets out some welcome ideas on how to break our infrastructure logjam.
“An independent infrastructure commission could help end what we call ‘Stop-Start’ Britain, and promote greater business investment. Our infrastructure needs, from roads to rails to airports to major energy projects, should be assessed by real experts. Politicians should be in the hot seat to deliver infrastructure projects, rather than just debating it endlessly.”
Electrical Inspection Solutions (EIS) is a family run company that has been in business for over four years that specialises in electrical safety testing services such as thermographic surveys, fixed wired testing and portable appliance testing. Although their main office is in the Norwich city centre they also have bases in Leeds, Newcastle and Harlow.
Despite offering a national service throughout the UK, Alan Bainbridge, Operations Manager, is looking to concentrate on Norfolk, to remain cost effective. “We like to think our biggest asset is our workforce. As a family run company, we rely on our staff being friendly, polite and reliable. We currently employ five people; three full-time and two part-time. We also work in partnership with fifteen engineers who are trained by us. All of our staff are approved contractors and are fully trained.”
Alan continued “We are a customer based company, so we make sure our customer service skills are second to none. The company is growing steadily, although, we are being held back slightly by the current economic climate. Keeping our prices competitive with the smaller, cheaper companies is a challenge. Our key message is that our services are guaranteed. We follow the guidelines precisely and make sure that any job we do is completed, and absolutely safe. We endeavor to go that one step further for our customers every time, no job is too big, or too small.”
With every call-out service, there are a number of problems that companies have to deal with. “Due to this business being so volatile, we often find that jobs are cancelled with short notice, even to the point where our staff are already on route to the job, we have to accept this, be polite to the customer, and move onto the next job.”
“Here at Electrical Inspections solutions we like to make sure that our staff feels valued. Many of our staff are from a military background, and we feel that this gives our company the solid foundations needed to cope in such a high pressure industry. We focus heavily on man management with our staff’
Finding the right premises is extremely important to get the best out of a business. “We’re currently located in Cavell House, but we’re looking to build new offices on my own private land,” says Alan. “This is more of a long to mid-term plan, for the moment we are happy with the premises we are based at.”
Electrical Inspections Solutions was created by the brother of Alan Bainbridge and was funded by his own savings at the time. In 2012, the company had a turnover of around two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, a huge one hundred percent increase from 2011. Alan has no current plans to start offering the services of EIS internationally as, to remain cost effective, he feels it would be best to focus on the local area, and grow from there.
Alan Bainbridge has some advice for anyone who is looking to become a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce: “When we joined the chamber, we were looking to promote ourselves thoroughly around Norfolk as to attract some local customers. The Norfolk Chamber has, and continues to help us do this incredibly well. Everybody at the Chamber who I have spoken to has been so polite and helpful and I cannot thank them enough.” EIS currently have an offer available for Chamber members on their services which can be found on our LinkedIn profile.
Website:https://www.eisukltd.com/
By Jack Edwards – 18th September 2013
Read the latest updates issued by the Export Control Organisation including details about imposition of arms embargoes, Open General Export Licence amendments or announcements about Control List changes.
Notice to Exporters 2013/22 On 27 May 2013 the EU agreed to lift the arms embargo against Syria while retaining all other trade and financial sanctions. The UK has decided to impose national controls on the supply of certain equipment that might be used for internal repression and which was previously subject to EU-wide embargo.
Notice to Exporters 2013/23 On 21 August 2013, in response to the increasing levels of violence in Egypt, the Member States of the European Union agreed to suspend all export licensing to Egypt for equipment which might be used for internal repression.
Notice to Exporters 2013/24 Notice 2013/23 announced the suspension of export licensing for Egypt of any equipment which might be used for internal repression, following the decision of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 21 August. This suspension will apply to extant licences and new licence applications for the Egyptian Army, Air Force and Internal Security Forces or Ministry of the Interior until further notice.
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be working in partnership with Suffolk Chamber , Orbis Energy, Archant and the New Anglia LEP to deliver the Norfolk & Suffolk GREEN 100
Fifty businesses will be identified from each county with the celebration launch on 8 November. The GREEN 100 will celebrate the innovative and entrepreneurial approach shown by Norfolk and Suffolk businesses. It will promote home grown green business initiatives providing recognition for their efforts.
Entry Deadline is 7 October so please enter as soon as possible www.green100.co.uk , and get your organisation recognised for its contribution to the green economy.
The first UK India Business Centre opened in Gurgaon, Delhi’s new business hub, on Thursday, 19th September. UK Minister for Trade Lord Green flew in with a delegation of British Trade Associations, including the British Chambers of Commerce to launch the Centre, which will be run by the UK India Business Council. Chief Minister of Haryana, His Excellency Bhupindar Hooda and UK India Business Council Chair Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt will participate in the lamp lighting ceremony which will be attended by over 100 guests including leading UK and Indian businesses, policy makers, and government officials. Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to be supporting this initiative which will help British companies, especially SMEs, do more business in India. This is the first such Business Centre to open in a major emerging market, since the PM’s announcement in November of an initiative designed by Lord Green to transform the support given to UK business overseas. Welcoming the launch, UK Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Green said: “I am delighted to be here today opening the very first UK India British Business Centre in Gurgaon. This is an initiative which is very close to my heart. The centre will help UK small and medium sized businesses work closer with more established British businesses in India and provide them with the support needed to capitalise on the huge potential of the Indian market. The network of centres across India will also drive a step change in the number of UK companies doing business in India contributing to prosperity in both countries.” Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair, UKIBC said, “I am delighted that we are opening the first of the Business Centres in Gurgaon. It will be the first of a planned network of six such Centres across India, run by UKIBC in partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the British Business Groups in India. The Centres will provide a home away from home for UK companies. Each Centre will provide meeting, training, networking and conference space alongside advice and other market entry services, with a particular emphasis on SMEs wanting to get into the Indian market for the first time.” Tracey Howard, International Trade Director at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said, “”The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to be supporting this initiative to help UK SMEs into the Indian market. Having a “home away from home” with hot-desking, office space, and specialist on hand advice will make entering the Indian market easier for local companies. We look forward to hearing of it’s initial progress when UKIBC come to speak at our Better Business in India event next month” The United Kingdom is the third largest investor in India with a total FDI inflow of US $17.6 billion, equalling 9 per cent of the total FDI inflow, between April 2000 and June 2013. In 2012, the bilateral trade between the UK and India was £15.4 billion. By opening UK India Business Centres UKIBC aims to enhance UK-India bilateral trade and make it easier for British businesses to enter India.
Norfolk’s business community came out in force for a business lunch with Chris Salmon, Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, to discuss the case for the introduction of polymer £10 and £5 banknotes.
In the presentation, Chris set out to cover a number of questions, including why the Bank had chosen to conduct a public consultation about whether to move to polymer – and what other central banks had chosen to make the change.
Discussing the Bank’s consultation exercise, Chris said: “Our aim was to provide as comprehensive a picture as possible of the issues associated with any change…Recognising that changes like this are rare events, we have taken our time and have sought to undertake as comprehensive analysis as possible before reaching the point we are at today.”
Norfolk Chamber Members had the opportunity to hear the full range of the potential benefits of introducing polymer banknotes: improved cleanliness, greater durability and superior counterfeit-resistance. Members were also given sample notes to handle for themselves, which caused a lot of animated discussion.
In terms of durability, for example, Chris explained that the current paper banknotes have a lifespan of 2.3 years, whereas the polymer notes have a predicted 6 year lifespan. Should the Bank introduce polymer notes following the consultation, the Bank would also look at recycling schemes that could result in 96% of each polymer note being recycled.
The lunch in Norwich was part of a national consultation process, with the Bank holding 50 events across the country over two months. The aim is to gather feedback from a variety of audiences. As part of this process, Chris took questions from the Norfolk businesses assembled.
Questions raised included whether the UK was moving towards a cashless economy, whether the introduction of polymer notes would affect retailers operating self-service machines, and the environmental benefits of polymer notes over paper.
Notes from Chris’s speech can be foundhere
Chris’s presentation slides can be downloadedhere
A new milestone in the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk economy is reached next month.
A partnership of the Borough Council, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the governments international trade service provider and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce will present and introduction to trading overseas and also look at business opportunities in Germany and France to an audience of business people in Yours Business Networks, Tuesday Market Place.
The event which will be opening by West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham follows the decision by the Borough Council to join the European Hanse Business League.
Council Leader, Nick Daubney said, “The Hanse Business League is a really exciting network of towns and cities predominately in Germany and like us are promoting opportunities for their businesses to an ever widening market place. Adding a French connection too makes this a very important event.’
Informative presentations will be made by Steve Exon, an experienced exporter, the Hanse business League and from one of UKTI’s offices in France on the current international trade opportunities for their market.
Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk ChamberCouncil said,” This is a unique networking session that allows businesses to explore trading links with the rest of Europe. We expect that from this event that a delegate would travel to various networking session in mainland Europe next year.’
Pat Smith, UKTI’s Partnership Manager commented ‘UKTI is delighted to be working in partnership with the Hanse Business League, Morston Assets, West Norfolk Council and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to organise this important event. With modern communication technology and a good range of European flights from Norwich, Stansted and Luton, West Norfolk businesses can reach out to opportunities worldwide’.
The event “European Opportunities Live” takes place on Friday 11th October at Yours Business Networks King’s Lynn. The event is free to attend and to register please contact Leon Palmer of UKTI on 01707 398728 or email l.palmer@uktieast.org.uk.
New farm policy clears key hurdle: Agriculture MEPs endorse CAP reform deal
Legislation for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was endorsed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on Monday, following last week’s informal agreement in talks between Parliament, the Council and the Commission. To read the full story, click here.
Five member states exceed their milk quota (for deliveries)
Five Member States – Austria, Germany, Denmark, Poland and Cyprus, – exceeded their milk quotas for deliveries in 2012/2013, and must therefore pay penalties (“superlevy”) totalling roughly €46 million. Click here for more details
Euro area unemployment rate at 12.0% & EU28 at 10.9%
The euro area1 (EA17) seasonally-adjusted2 unemployment rate3 was 12.0% in August 2013, stable compared with July4. The EU281 unemployment rate was 10.9%, also stable compared with July 4. In both zones, rates have risen compared with August 2012, when they were 11.5% and 10.6% respectively. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. For full details click here.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has commenced consultation on their Core Strategy. The Core Strategy is the key document in the Local Plan setting out strategic policies for new homes, new jobs, retail and leisure facilities, transport and local services as well as energy and the environment. To find out more and to have your say click here.
Commenting on Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“It is encouraging to hear the Prime Minister put enterprise, wealth generation and aspiration at the forefront of his speech. This will strike a chord with businesses of all sizes, as only business growth can propel Britain’s economy from being just good to being truly great.
“We support his mission to ensure that everyone under the age of 25 is either ‘earning or learning’, as we cannot allow Britain’s next generation to be left behind. It was also good to hear the Prime Minister talking about long-term planning as politicians can often be too short-termist. This must be applied to infrastructure projects in particular, as these are an economic stimulus in their own right and will create jobs and drive growth for decades to come.
“If the eighteen months until the next General Election are spent on ensuring fiscal discipline, improving infrastructure, helping businesses access capital, training up our young people and supporting our exporters, the Prime Minister’s vision is achievable. But if our political class descends into cheap electioneering and giveaway politics, it will have wasted a once-in-a-generation attempt to build a strong new foundation for economic growth.
“David Cameron has set out a clear vision, but the harder task of making it happen still lies ahead. The government cannot afford to become complacent, and must focus on creating an environment that supports enterprise, and puts economic growth at its heart.”
Party conference developments The key energy policy developments from the party conferences, to date, are:
IPCC Fifth Report The UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published its latest assessment of climate change science. The report states that scientists are 95% certain that humans are the “dominant cause” of global warming and that a pause in warming over the past 15 years is too short to reflect long-term trends. The assessment increased the likelihood that a legally binding global agreement could be reached in 2015. As the UK is a global leader in addressing climate change a comprehensive agreement would reduce the risk of UK based companies relocating to countries with less strict environmental targets.
Skill shortages behind oil and gas wage increases Average wages in the UK’s oil and gas sector are set to rise by 15 per cent this year – breaking through the $100,000-a-year ceiling – as record levels of investment in extracting Britain’s reserves create shortages of trained staff in the industry. Data compiled by industry recruitment site Oilandgaspeople.com reinforce previous analysis of employment trends in the industry.
Government rules out new subsidy for gas storage The government has decided against intervening in the market to encourage new gas storage facilities. They said the UK energy market functioned well and attracts gas from a range of sources. Michael Fallon, business minister, said the decision would save consumers up to £750m over 10 years. But the decision was criticised by many who claim that lack of gas storage is undermining UK’s energy security. Since the announcement Centrica has cancelled plans to build two storage facilities.
UK shale gas development will not be at expense of climate change targets In a speech this month the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey has said that if shale gas could be developed in an economically viable and environmentally friendly way, it would benefit the UK by increasing energy security. He was responding to the findings of a new report which estimates that the carbon footprint of UK produced shale gas would likely be significantly less than coal and also lower than imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Severn Barrage case unproven according to government In a response to a House of Commons committee report the government has said that the plans for a £25bn barrage in the Severn Estuary are not viable. Backers of the scheme argue the tidal barrage could generate 5% of the UK’s electricity. Last summer the Commons’ Energy and Committee report found that that the backers “have yet to provide robust evidence of the viability of the project”. It is very unlikely the proposal in its current form will succeed.
Upcoming developments
For further information contact Tom Nolan at 020 7654 5824 or t.nolan@britishchambers.org.uk