At a recent meeting of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, the members had the opportunity to hear from Jonathan Newman, the Town Centre Manager. Jonathan provided an update of what was being done in the town centre to try to encourage more shoppers and more retailers to Great Yarmouth. The cost of parking was discussed and it was noted that there are currently 1,200 free parking spaces in Great Yarmouth as long as you are prepared to walk for a few minutes to get to the main attractions.
The threat to the town centre from the retail parks on the outskirts of Great Yarmouth was also debated. Many of the national retailers require a large retail footprint and the buildings in the centre of Great Yarmouth cannot physically accommodate this. It was agreed that Great Yarmouth town centre needed to look to provide an alternative and unique offering, which the larger out of town retailers cannot offer, to ensure the continued survival of the town centre.
To coincide with its International Trade Conference (9 October), the British Chambers of Commerce is leading a trade mission to India (7-12 October) with a group of businesses seeking to grow their exports to the subcontinent. The delegation will visit Mumbai, where thanks to the support of the UK India Business Council, they will have the opportunity to connect with prospective partners and distributors, and meet UK businesses already operating in India.
The delegation will then travel to New Delhi to join up with other delegations of British businesses, including one led by Business Secretary, Vince Cable, at the Britain in India Business Convention. Delegates will have the chance to hear about growth sectors in India and to network with Indian and British businesses, with one of the events hosted by the British High Commissioner. Delegates are members of Chambers of Commerce from across the UK, with an additional place sponsored by the Virgin Startup programme.
The BCC trade mission delegates include:
Angelberry (member of Business West) – operate quick service restaurants specialising in frozen yogurt
Innovashion (participant in the Virgin Startup programme) – developed the T-Stick, a new way of drinking tea
Kromek (member of North East Chamber of Commerce) – provide security technology to the nuclear and medical markets
SASIE (member of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire & Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce) – a developer and installer of sustainable energy systems
Soilutions (member of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce) – provide soil and water cleaning solution
Tendeka (member of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber) – provide services to the oil and gas industry
David Riches, Executive Director of Commercial Services at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“There couldn’t be a more important time for the UK economy to support trade to overseas markets which offer sustained growth. The Accredited Chamber Network runs a trade mission programme throughout the year, linking with overseas British Chambers and business groups, to help UK businesses access opportunities in key markets around the world. This trade mission will provide our delegates with insight and contacts on the ground in India – an essential first step in the journey towards export growth.”
Norfolk businesses attending the recent Chamber Bank of England lunch at Dunston Hall, Norwich highlighted that despite the tough economic climate, signs of improvement are showing in some sectors. Topics covered at the lunch included access to finance, for which a lively debate ensued on the best ways to access finance and what the UK banks were doing to support the SMEs. A discussion was also held on the merits of leasing business premises over buying them.
Blair Ainslie, MD for Seajacks, Great Yarmouth, said “both the oil and gas and the renewable offshore sectors were strong, but going forward, more definition was needed from the Government on subsidies for offshore wind, as the industry needed longevity and certainty for the next ten years, not just the next five, to maximise on growth potential.”
The engineering sector also appeared to be doing well and Paul Moughton, MD of Moughton Engineering said “despite the recession his sector of engineering was doing very well.” He put his success down to being flexible enough to react to his client’s needs at short notice. The retail sector highlighted that, whilst growth had been good last year, this year they were expecting to remain on a level, especially as the Olympics, the Jubilee celebrations and the weather all had an adverse effect on their growth.
The IT/Technology sector noted that whilst growth could still be seen in IT infrastructure, the bespoke software market was proving to be a fast growing market. Graham Duckworth, MD of Green Duck identified that he had seen a shift in where his company was aiming. He said “to accommodate work with some of my larger public sector clients has meant increasing staffing levels and the company is moving to new premises.”
All agreed that the successful businesses were those who had a ‘can-do’ attitude and had adapted to the new tougher economic conditions.
Commenting on the speech by Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable MP, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“Vince Cable was right to put the economy at the heart of his speech, and issue a warning that we should not become complacent. There is no doubt that tax or cuts, or in fact both, will be needed to deal with the deficit and the growing national debt.
“It is positive to hear the Secretary of State speak of the importance of long-termisim in both business investment and in government policy. But too often in the past the rhetoric of politicians is at odds with the reality of what businesses see on the ground. Actions, not words are what count and this means sticking by an evidence-led approach to policy, not cutting across established mechanisms such as the Low Pay Commission for the minimum wage, and abiding by the findings of the Davies Commission on building new runways.
“Some of the most successful economies in the world exhibit a true partnership between business and government. Although Vince Cable touched on some critical business issues today, we will wait expectantly for the Autumn Statement in December, where we hope to see radical measures announced to support business growth in the Norfolk.”
On infrastructure:
“Vince Cable only briefly mentioned infrastructure, which is disappointing given Norfolk faces a huge infrastructure investment challenge over the next decade. Ageing road, rail and energy networks need upgrading and replacing, and more houses need to be built. While many companies rely on private investment, some sectors are heavily dependent on public investment. It is therefore important to explore new ways for the government to help finance these vital projects. We are calling on the next government to exclude borrowing for investment in infrastructure from any public debt target.
On the minimum wage for apprentices:
“Most businesses value their apprentices highly, and already pay them significantly above the apprenticeship minimum wage rate. For that reason the proposed change will have minimal impact on businesses bottom line, but it must be up to the Low Pay Commission to make evidence-based recommendations to ensure that wage rates are right for market conditions.”
On business rates:
“We would have liked to have heard more from Vince Cable on the issue of business rates in his Conference speech. British companies now pay the highest business rates in Europe which has a huge impact on investment, and ultimately jobs and growth too. We are calling on the next government to commit to a thorough review of the system and freeze rates for all businesses until 2017 when a full review is due to take place.”
The latest meeting of the Norfolk Chamber’s Representation Council was held at Barnham Broom Hotel.
The members looked at a briefing document outlining Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’. The document pulled together the key priorities of the two Local Enterprise Partnerships; the British Chambers of Commerce; and Norfolk County Council and the local authorities. Both Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia LEP, and Tom McCabe, Director of Environment, Transport and Development at Norfolk County Council attended the meeting to add their input into the discussion.
The group talked about some of the key issues, including continued support for improved rail infrastructure; the energy sector; better broadband; the visibility of Norfolk; improvements to the A47 and the concept of a central brand for the East of England.
Key areas considered were businesses competitive advantage; value for money; Norfolk’s proximity to London and Europe; quality of life; and the need to ensure Norfolk’s key selling points are visible to the rest of the UK and overseas.
Over the next few months the Norfolk Chamber will survey the different areas of Norfolk’s business community to ensure that all their main priorities have been taken into consideration in the Chamber’s Business Plan for Norfolk. The West Norfolk business survey was undertaken in September/October and other areas will be surveyed shortly.
Ian Hacon, President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “Norfolk Chamber is keen to ensure that the outside perception of Norfolk is that we are ‘open for business’. The Norfolk business community has lobbied hard over the years for improvements in Norfolk’s infrastructure and the success in getting the last section of the A11 dualled, shows the power of the ‘voice of business’ in Norfolk. We now need to rally together to continue to call for improvements to the A47, rail links and broadband.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive said: “We are keen to ensure that the Chamber Business Plan for Norfolk is a comprehensive document that truly reflects the needs of the business community to ensure that we create jobs and economic growth for Norfolk.”
Commenting on the announcement that the European Commission has given the new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset EU state aid approval, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “After months of uncertainty, businesses will be relieved to know that the nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point has finally been given the green light.”
“The new nuclear plant will bring supply chain opportunities to local businesses in Somerset but also in Norfolk where there is already considerable expertise gained from working on Sizewell B. This decision is a major milestone in the move to get the same approval for Sizewell C which will bring considerable economic benefit and jobs to Norfolk and Suffolk. “
John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “While there are clearly many positives to talk of, we mustn’t forget the fact that delays, caused by indecisive governments, has been at the public expense. All parties must stop using energy policy as a political football, and instead work towards adopting a comprehensive, long-term strategy to guarantee the security of energy supplies.”
The agreement for Hinkley Point C
The Commission found that the long-term contract (Contract for Difference) and the guarantee constitute an appropriate and proportionate way for the UK to meet its need for secure, low carbon energy. The Commission’s decision leaves the key elements of last October’s agreements unchanged whilst it has reinforced measures designed to share potential future benefits with customers.
The “strike price” for Hinkley Point C remains set at £92.50/MWh or £89.50/MWh if the planned power station at Sizewell goes ahead
The contract will last for 35 years
The strike price is fully indexed to inflation through the Consumer Price Index
The project will be protected from certain changes in law
As proposed in October 2013, the Contract for Difference already contained a series of “gainshare” mechanisms in which customers would benefit if the project construction costs or equity returns were more favourable than forecast. The Commission, the UK Government and EDF have accepted reinforcement of the “gainshare mechanisms” in the package today approved by the Commission. EDF Energy has also committed that electricity from the proposed power station will be sold at market price and recorded separately from EDF Energy’s other electricity production. EDF has agreed that the fee for the Government’s proposed Guarantee of project debt be paid at commercial rates. The agreed guarantee fee delivers the equity return required by investors.
EDF chairman and CEO Henri Proglio said: “The approval by the European Commission is a major milestone for the Hinkley Point C project. Now EDF and partners have to finalise the agreements needed to reach a final investment decision. Building EPR reactors in the UK will provide huge benefits for both countries in terms of job opportunities, economic growth and skills, further strengthening France and United Kingdom fruitful partnership.”
EDF Energy Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz said: “The approval of the European Commission demonstrates that the proposed package of agreements between the Government and EDF is fair and balanced for investors and consumers now and for the long term. “The Commission rigorously examined the costs of the project in detail, potential returns for investors and benefits for customers. The engagement with Brussels was thorough, demanding but constructive.”
Two Norfolk buildings in the East of England have been nominated for the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award, which will take place on Wednesday 8 October in London.
The British Construction Industry Awards are the industry’s ‘Oscars’ for all round excellence in construction. The principal aim of these awards is to recognise excellence in its broadest sense – the overall design, construction and delivery of buildings and civil engineering projects. The Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award is the pinnacle of this awards ceremony.
The Norfolk shortlisted buildings are exceptional examples of British construction projects:
Building 57 (The Julian Study Centre), University of East Anglia (UEA)
Despite its humble appearance, Building 57 is an ambitious structure. Building 57 is a quality project that has exceeded expectations and demonstrated a sustainable approach that is scalable to other buildings.
UEA has said, without hesitating this is the lowest carbon building on campus. In the long term this building will provide a space that continues to meet the needs of the university whilst also continuing to address the needs of society in relation to carbon dioxide emissions.
Creative Arts Building, City College Norwich
The building supports the college’s vision to deliver outstanding and innovative creative arts provision, with three purpose-built floors for performing arts rehearsal spaces, digital arts, and traditional art and design including fashion. Its strong and pure architectural frame means that it can absorb these transient and messy activities well.
The ground floor of the building is largely glazed in order to promote transparency, allowing views towards each of the diverse activities and through the dance studio, to the garden beyond.
The judging of the award marks the projects against the key reform priorities of the Government Construction Strategy, ensuring fair payment, efficient supply chain integration, efficient procurement processes, sustainability, safety and performance against milestones, practises can be shared and re-used.
The judges will assess each nominee in terms of:
High quality design
Efficient procurement
Economic and social value
Collaborative working between client, designer and contractor
Sound financial management
Whole-life value for money
Sustainability
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “It is fantastic that two of Norfolk’s buildings have been nominated for their excellence and we wish them every success for the awards ceremony in London. The Norfolk business community is striving to become more energy and resource efficient and is working in conjunction with the construction industry locally to ensure new buildings are constructed with both low carbon and sustainability in mind.”
Jonathan Cage, Chair of the Transport, Planning & Development Group and Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers said: It’s great to see sustainable architecturally interesting developments within the Norwich area being recognised in a National Arena. It clearly demonstrates in times of extreme cost awareness through every phase of the construction process that good design can still be achieved. We wish both scheme the best of luck in the awards and look forward to future Norfolk projects achieving similar recognition.”
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is currently drafting a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’. The Plan will highlight what the Norfolk business community feel they need to ensure their businesses thrive and the Norfolk economy grows.
The plan will incorporate the key goals and aspirations taken from the New Anglia LEP and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP’s Strategic Economic Plans; the British Chambers of Commerce Manifesto for Britain; and input from the local authorities. The aim of the plan is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges facing Norfolk businesses.
As one size does not fit all, therefore Norfolk Chamber is surveying the key growth areas of Norfolk to ensure we encompass the different business opportunities and specific needs for each area.
The results of this survey will be incorporated into the overall Business Plan for Norfolk. The survey will take no more than 2 minutes to complete. – take the Greater Norwich Business Survey now.
On Friday 10th October over 80 delegates joined the Norfolk Chamber for a morning of economics, networking and a delicious breakfast at Dunston Hall, Norwich. With the opportunity to hear from two leading experts, Robert Woods, Director of Economics at HM Treasury and Phil Eckersley, Agent for the South East & East Anglia at the Bank of England.
The morning was hosted by the event sponsors Steeles Law who took delegates through the jam packed morning. They started with an economy themed networking activity got people talking on their tables creating a great atmosphere. This atmosphere carried on through breakfast and straight into safari networking where the delegates got to meet a whole new table of contacts.
It was then onto the main part of the breakfast to hear from our two key note speakers; Robert Woods explained the challenges the UK Economy faces and the government’s economic strategy. Phil Eckersley talked about the role of the Bank of England and the current economic outlook.
The breakfast finished with a Q&A where delegates got the chance to get some of their questions and concerns answered by the experts.
To view photos of the event, visit ourFacebookpage orGoogle+page
Commenting on the manufacturing and industrial figures published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“Year on year growth for manufacturing and total industrial output is satisfactory, but the more recent figures show clear signs of a slowdown. Manufacturing output eased between the first and second quarters of 2014, and the most recent figures show flat growth over the past three months – which points towards a further reduction for the third quarter of the year.
“Total UK GDP is now 2.7% above its pre-recession level, manufacturing output is still more than 4% below its pre- recession level. The sector has maintained much of its skills base during the downturn, however, manufacturing exporters are facing many challenges in the face of weak demand in the euro zone and a sterling exchange rate, which has recorded net rises over the past year. The manufacturing sector is now just over 10% of the total UK economy. It is still a very important driver of innovation export and investment, and its success remains crucial to a balanced UK recovery.”
Manufacturing output in the three months to August 2014: Flat compared with the previous three months, but up 3.3% compared with the same period the year earlier
Total industrial production in the three months to August 2014: Flat compared with the previous three months, and up 2.0% compared with the same period a year earlier
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is currently drafting a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’. The Plan will highlight what the Norfolk business community feel they need to ensure their businesses thrive and the Norfolk economy grows.
The plan will incorporate the key goals and aspirations taken from the New Anglia LEP and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP’s Strategic Economic Plans; the British Chambers of Commerce Manifesto for Britain; and input from the local authorities. The aim of the plan is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges facing Norfolk businesses.
As one size does not fit all, therefore Norfolk Chamber is surveying the key growth areas of Norfolk to ensure we encompass the different business opportunities and specific needs for each area.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is currently drafting a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’. The Plan will highlight what the Norfolk business community feel they need to ensure their businesses thrive and the Norfolk economy grows.
The plan will incorporate the key goals and aspirations taken from the New Anglia LEP and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP’s Strategic Economic Plans; the British Chambers of Commerce Manifesto for Britain; and input from the local authorities. The aim of the plan is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges facing Norfolk businesses.
As one size does not fit all, therefore Norfolk Chamber is surveying the key growth areas of Norfolk to ensure we encompass the different business opportunities and specific needs for each area.
The results of this survey will be incorporated into the overall Business Plan for Norfolk. The survey will take no more than 2 minutes to complete. – take the Great Yarmouth Area Business Survey now.