As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Roger Tubby is the Sales Manager at Blackwell Print and Marketing in Great Yarmouth. Blackwell Print are one of the Chambers longest serving members having been members since March 1999.
Roger’s question to the Chancellor was:
“166,000 people across 24 countries were assessed for basic maths and English, among other things and it was found beyond any reasonable doubt, the more senior in age the greater grasp of arithmetic and grammar they had. In other words, when selection and grammar schools were available to all standards were higher. So when is the government going to stop worrying about the opinion of the Guardian and BBC and start putting the education of the nation first?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Education.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
James Kearns is the Chief Executive of BUILD Charity. They are based on Redwell Street in Norwich and have been members of the Chamber since 2005.
James’ question to the Chancellor was:
“Big Society seems to have slipped off the political agenda. Is it still a key government objective, and how is it being supported at a time when many local councils are cutting funding to the organisations best placed to deliver it?”
Find on the attached document the written responses from the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Cabinet Office.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Peter Collins is the Business Manager at Reepham High School and College. Reepham High School have been members of the Chamber since October 2012.
Peter’s question to the Chancellor was:
“What guarantees can the Chancellor give that school funding will not be reduced particularly as agreement is being given for free schools leading to over-supply of places in some areas?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Education.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Ian Tubby is the Operations Manager at Mecca Bingo on Aylsham Road, Norwich. Mecca Bingo have been members of the Chamber since May 2012.
Ian’s question to the Chancellor was:
“Does the Chancellor recognise the important role that Bingo plays in this community and others? And will he back growth, investment and jobs by supporting calls for reduced tax on an industry that is currently subjected to an equivalent of 32%.”
Find on the attached document the written response from the HM Treasury.
In contrast to previous months, November saw the number of claimants of the Job-seekers Allowance (JSA) rising from 4.7% to 5.1% in Great Yarmouth. Together with North Norfolk (8.2%) these were the only two districts in the County to see their JSA claimant rate rise.
As a result of this increase, Great Yarmouth now sees itself sat in 15th place on the national table of highest JSA claimants. Norwich saw the greatest fall in JSA claimants, as their rate fell by 5.2% closely followed by a 4.8% drop in Broadland.
On a better note for Great Yarmouth, data from a chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) survey of 1,000 employers revealed that the short-term jobs outlook is at its most positive for five years. And, whilst Great Yarmouth resident wages are lower than the rest of Norfolk, workplace wages remained higher, highlighting that there are still relatively well paid jobs available in Great Yarmouth.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Carole is joint Managing Director of the Norwich-based marketing company Osbornenash. Osbornenash have been members of the Chamber for nearly a year and a half having joined in August of 2012.
Carole’s question to the Chancellor was:
“When we started Osbornenash, the banks wouldn’t lend us any money for start-up costs such as computers etc. and during tricky cash flow months they wouldn’t extend our overdraft to help us pay staff or suppliers. We were lucky in that we have had a supportive family who leant us the money to ensure we stayed afloat, but what help is offered today for those in a similar position?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the HM Treasury.
BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey is the first major economic indicator of the year, and is closely watched by the Bank of England and the Treasury
Positive Q4 survey suggests that growth will continue and probably strengthen further in the short term
Most Q4 key balances are higher than their pre-recession levels in 2007
Norfolk’s manufacturing export balances continued to increase
Norfolk’s service sector domestic balances increased considerably
On the basis of these results, the BCC believes GDP growth in Q4 2013 could be 0.9%
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) released today (Tuesday) provides further evidence that the UK economy is growing at a solid pace, and could even strengthen in the short term. The Q4 survey, made up of responses from nearly 8,000 businesses, shows improvements in most areas for both the manufacturing and service sectors, and that all key balances are stronger than their long-term historical averages.
In the manufacturing sector, key balances are at all time highs, and domestic balances in the services sector continue to break new ground. But the recovery must be maintained, as risks persist around access to finance for firms looking to expand, and rectifying this is vital in moving the Norfolk economy from being merely good to being truly great.
Key findings in the Q4 2013 Quarterly Economic Survey:
For both Norfolk manufacturing and services, all the major Q4 balances are stronger than their long-term averages, and most are higher than their 2007 pre-recession levels.
Key manufacturing balances remain strong, allaying fears in Q3 that the growth spurt in manufacturing was temporary: domestic orders (+21%), turnover confidence (+45%), and profitability confidence (+35%).
Export balances in the Norfolk services sector are at record highs for the survey: export sales (+69%), and export orders (+66%).
In addition, the services sector employment balance rose seven points to +24%.
But some concerns do exist. In manufacturing, the key Norfolk balances for domestic sales and orders fell slightly, although these are still strong results.
Manufacturing cashflow in Norfolk fell back from Q3, which underscores the need to promote access to finance, so businesses can expand to meet growing order books.
Intentions to raise prices rose in both manufacturing and services, while inflation and corporation tax both remain major areas of concern for businesses.
Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “It is a fantastic to start the New Year with a very positive quarterly survey. Confidence is high and our members are resolute in their determination to take the recovery from being good to being truly great. Firms from all sectors across the County believe they can create jobs, invest, and export. It is especially pleasing that the spurt in the manufacturing has proven not to be a fluke, which demonstrates the dynamism of our small, high value, manufacturing sector. But Norfolk businesses have major ambitions, and to be able to meet them, more support must be provided.”
“Cashflow continues to be an ongoing concern, and may hold businesses back from expanding to meet the growing levels of demand. We must give companies the opportunity to get the finance they need to go out and trade the world if we are to succeed in rebalancing the economy.”
Commenting on the results, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said: “As the 2015 General Election looms ever closer, the government cannot afford to get distracted by short-term political infighting. Long-term growth strategies must be delivered with a strong national consensus, particularly around the infrastructure investments that the country sorely needs. Only then will we have an environment that fosters enterprise and an economy which meets its true potential.”
David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, said: “With most key balances in this quarter higher than their pre-recession levels in 2007, it is clear that the UK recovery is likely to continue to strengthen in the short term. On the basis of these results, GDP growth in Q4 could well be around 0.9%, and higher full-year growth in 2013 and 2014 could follow. The optimism around medium-term growth prospects refutes the fashionable defeatist talk in some quarters of ‘secular stagnation’.
“The strong export and investment balances confirm that UK business is set to play a key role in rebalancing the economy. However while the overall message from this survey is positive, there are risks that should prevent complacency creeping in. The eurozone’s basic problems have not yet been resolved, which could adversely impact our exporters, and inflation remains a major concern.
“This means it is vital to prevent setbacks as the economic recovery gathers pace. The MPC must continue with its forward guidance on interest rates, and remain steadfast in its plans to keep inflation low and meet the 2% target. On its part, the government has to work to increase the flow of lending to growing businesses through a fully-funded Business Bank, to ease the logjam of those firms striving to expand.”
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Elaine Mather is Relationship Director at Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking. Santander have been members of the Chamber since May of 2012.
Elaine’s question to the Chancellor was:
“I have come from a background of running businesses so am a business woman working for a bank. While running the businesses and during my banking day job I see people struggle with the basic fundamentals of running a business, the kinds of skills that are fundamental to the successful of any business, basic, not specialist skills.
Why do we not have business skills built into a school curriculum as an essential life skill, which will conversely cross over into the private life of running a house, a budget etc. Why do we not teach and sit an exam for it?
We do not teach enough of the basic skills to all for young adults to be able to make informed, constructive decisions as and when needed to progress. I work with many schools and projects and can see progression for some but by no means all, it needs to be a part of everyday life not an extra.”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Education and Childcare.
The UK deficit on trade in goods and services was £3.2bn in November 2013, compared with a deficit of £3.5bn in October 2013, but the October deficit was revised up sharply from the £2.6bn initially estimated
There was a deficit of £9.4bn on goods in November, partly offset by a surplus of £6.2bn on services
Imports from the EU increased to £19.2bn in November, a record high
In the three months to November 2013, exports of goods were 1.5% higher than in the same three months of 2012, but imports of goods were 2.2% higher
Commenting on the UK trade figures for November 2013, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Although there was a small fall in the trade deficit, these figures are disappointing, and indicate a large deficit in the fourth quarter. However, it is not entirely surprising – our economy is growing at a faster pace than those of our major trading partners in Western Europe, and imports tend to increase in such circumstances. Longer term comparisons show that exports are increasing, but this is at a slower pace than is needed.
“Boosting exports must be a national economic priority, particularly when it comes to diversifying our exports towards faster-growing economies outside the EU. Even within Europe, there is scope to do this, as central and eastern European economies such as Poland are growing faster than our traditional trading partners. More support for SMEs looking to trade internationally is needed, and this means giving UK businesses more resources in areas such as trade finance, insurance and promotion.”
Tracey Howard, International Trade Director at Norfolk Chamber commented:
“Norfolk exports definitely increased during 2013. It was the busiest year on record for Norfolk Chamber’s International Department. Of the documents that are stamped at our Norwich office, 14% more EC Certificates of Origin were processed during 2013, and just under 50% more Arab Certificates.
Our members are very busy trading overseas and we expect this trend will continue through 2014. With such a varied range of sectors in our region, there are opportunities galore for everyone to tap into. We will be concentrating this year, on making sure the Norfolk business community are made fully aware of these opportunities and assist them in winning new contracts”
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Government approval for the £19m improvement of the A47 Postwick junction, at the eastern end of Norwich Southern Bypass. This is a project which has been on the Norwich Chamber Council’s wish list for a significant time.
Lack of capacity at the junction has prevented existing planning consents for business and housing development in the area from going ahead. Planning permission for the junction improvement has already been granted by Broadland District Council, but the side road and slip road legal orders also needed approval before the scheme could begin on site. A public inquiry into the side road and slip road orders was held last summer and the Secretaries of State for Transport and for Communities & Local Government have now given their approval.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said” At last the uncertainty is over and we have the result that the business community has been waiting for. We welcome Norfolk County Council’s commitment to start on the site as soon as possible. We see this decision as a catalyst for new housing and business development. The real celebrations however will start with a positive decision relating to the go-ahead for the NDR application which is still waiting for approval and is subject of a public examination during 2014.”
“This is great news for jobs, housing and the Greater Norwich economy,” said David Harrison, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Development & Waste. “We will now be moving as quickly as possible to start on site, and I expect that developers whose planning permission depends upon the junction improvement will soon be doing the same.”
Government funding for the Postwick Hub – the junction improvement and expansion of the Postwick Park & Ride – has been available since 2009 when £21m was allocated from the Community Infrastructure Fund for the Postwick Hub, including expansion of the Park & Ride site. The scheme was reviewed by the new Coalition Government and £19m in funding for the junction was confirmed as part of the £86.5m allocation for Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR).
Although the Postwick Junction improvement is important for the NDR, it is also vital in its own right to unlock business and housing growth in the area. The Planning Inspectorate is currently reviewing the NDR application as part of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) development approval process. Whether the NDR goes ahead depends upon a Development Consent Order being granted and this will be the subject of a public examination during 2014.
(This link will take you to the inspector’s report and decision letter:
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Clarke Willis is Chief Executive of Anglia Farmers Limited. The Agricultural company that is based in Horningham Thorpe, Colton have been members of the Chamber for over 8 years.
Clarke’s question to the Chancellor was:
“In East Anglia we now have vast tracks of prime land now being used to grow maize to feed AD (Anaerobic Digester) plants to produce gas which in turn producers electricity.
We have a number of large scale (50 acres plus) PV (photovoltaic panels) which again are being constructed on prime agricultural land and finally we have a straw pellet plant in the county which takes up to 50,000 tonnes of straw, uses energy to grind and then pellet the straw to be loaded on trucks to go to Drax power station to produce “green electricity”.
These projects would not be viable except with massive financial support through FiT’s which we all pay for in our utility bills.
On the other hand we are seeing global demand for food increasing which is leading to higher prices and shortages. We are net importers of most of the staple foods we eat and the continued growth of the global population will put massive strains on the supply chain.
We could produce more food. In Norwich we have world class crop and food research facilities but they cannot bring to market the innovative and sustainable developments they have because of the government / EU view on GM technology.”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Richard Ross is Director at Chadwicks Ltd who have recently reached their one year anniversary as members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Richard’s question to the Chancellor was:
“While the recent improvements in employment prospects are to be welcomed I am sure the Minister will join me in agreeing that the persistency of high levels of unemployment in younger people are a source of national shame for which we all – government, businesses, educators, parents – must take our share of responsibility. Those least responsible are the young people, many of whom have worked hard to prepare for a productive life only to have those dreams cruelly snatched away from them.
Can you reassure us that suggestions made by Mr Cameron, and detailed by Mr Gove, to restrict benefits to under-25s were no more than Party Conference over-exuberance and that there is no intention to further ostracise this important future resource by implicitly laying the blame for high youth unemployment at their feet rather than where it should truly sit?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the HM Treasury.