New legislation adopted by the European Commission has increased the guarantee limit under Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR).
With over 50 countries using the procedure, the TIR system is the international customs transit system with the widest geographical coverage. It enables goods to move under customs control across international borders without the payment of the duties and taxes that would normally be due at importation or exportation.
The new rules – which entered into force on 14 June – raise the guarantee limit in the EU from €60,000 to €100,000 per TIR Carnet.
Welcoming the move, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) said that the change to the TIR guarantee limits will ensure a better value customs transit system, with extra financial security and a more comprehensive guarantee framework for transport, trade and customs.
Overall, it will result in a more effective and robust system for customs authorities and the road transport industry, the IRU claims.
According to the IRU, the Commission has amended the existing legislation after efforts by the road transport body to establish a more competitive economic environment for road transport and international trade.
Countries outside the EU which will also benefit from the increased limit include: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, Serbia and Ukraine.
Any new countries acceding to the TIR Convention will also be able to benefit from higher limits.
The full text of the new rules – in the form of EU Regulation 2017/989 which amends the Union Customs Code (UCC) EU Regulation 2015/2447 – can be found at eur-lex.europa.eu.
On the back of the positive economic news last week of 0.8 growth – exporters are again in the news with Chamber member Rackheath based packaging manufacturer Redpack is looking to expand into Poland to exploit the potential of its growing food sector after taking a trip to check out the potential.
Find out about new markets is a good way to grow a business and if travelling is not an option the Chamber is running a series of events in Norfolk covering countries such as Brazil in November, Qatar, Russia, South Africa and Vietnam over the coming months. These are free to attend and open to all businesses.
The Chambers new International Trade Group also meets for the first time this month to debate issues affecting exporters.
One month on from the General Election, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Monday) publishes a post-election survey of over 2,400 companies, which shows that while businesses have a range of views on their preferred objectives for the UK in Brexit negotiations, there is almost no support to conclude UK-EU talks without a trade deal.
Asked to consider which option came closest to their view about what the UK’s Brexit negotiation objectives should be, the survey – carried out just after the election – showed:
34% said remain in the Single Market and Customs Union
28% said a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and a customs agreement (the government’s pre-election objectives, set at the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House speech)
13% said remain in Customs Union only (no hard borders or tariffs, but limited scope to negotiate trade agreements with third countries)
11% said remain in the Single Market only (accept EU regulations and rules in return for full access to market)
2% said leave the Single Market and Customs Union, and rely on WTO rules for trade (leave without a trade deal with the EU)
Respondents were also asked about a transition period, and which of the following options they believe is best for their business:
46% said ‘a transition period of three years’
22% said ‘a transition period of longer than three years’
17% said ‘no transition period’
Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The results make it clear that there are a range of business views on what the UK should be seeking in a final deal with the EU, but there is near-universal consensus that a deep and comprehensive agreement is needed. ‘No deal’ isn’t seen as a viable option. Businesses in Norfolk and across the UK want a pragmatic settlement on the practical, real-world issues that affect their operations, not arbitrary political red lines.
“By more than three to one, businesses want a transition period on the way to a final agreement with the EU. This is critical to prevent Norfolk firms facing the prospect of repeated, costly adjustments to new trading conditions. If companies have to change their business model once in 2019 and again several years thereafter, the competitiveness and investment potential of our firms will be undermined.
“Getting transition arrangements on the negotiations agenda as quickly as possible would give our businesses – many of whom are considering big investment decisions now – the confidence to press ahead.”
One of Norfolk Chamber’s key priorities is helping to bridge the gap between business and education. Our Young Chamber programme is designed to help create stronger business engagement with schools and support the raising of young people’s aspirations and soft skills. There are many schools across Norfolk, who already do some great work achieving these goals, but how do you find them and what recognition do those schools receive for their hard work?
The new Young Chamber Enterprise Recognition Award is an award recognising and celebrating education establishments in Norfolk that are committed to improving the employability skills of young people in our region.
Bearers of this award will have evidenced a clear understanding of the local business needs and will be working to equip students with the necessary skills as well as creating opportunities for students to engage with local organisations. An education establishment with the Gold Tick award has shown the most commitment to student employability outcomes and has gone above and beyond in delivering a culture of enterprise.
The awards are free to enter and aim to provide a platform to not only to recognise the work already happening within education, but to create a springboard for new relationships between businesses and education.
The Enterprise Recognition Award scheme was devised and created by the Young Chamber Board, who worked in collaboration with stakeholders from both the business community and the education establishments. The Young Chamber Board members include: KakeCo, Aviva, and Norse Group.
Commenting on the new award initiative,Kieran Miles, Founder of KakeCo and Chair of the Young Chamber Board said:
“The Young Chamber is a fantastic opportunity to begin the breakdown of barriers between business and education. A lot of great work is being done on both sides, but we must bring these together for the success of our future workforce. By recognising the work already being done by education leaders in the county and local businesses rolling up their sleeves, we hope that the Enterprise Recognition Award will act as an invaluable tool in the region to celebrate, reward and support the development of these successes.”
Dr Simon Fox, Principal of Flegg High School said:
“We are delighted to be involved in the School Enterprise Recognition Award, and very proud to be one of the first institutions to participate in the scheme. The ability to receive recognition for all the excellent work we do to inspire young people into the world of work is a fantastic opportunity.
“The framework gives us the chance to test our own systems and provision and make sure we are doing everything we can to provide first-rate experiences for young people. It also acknowledges the strong links we have with local businesses, and let’s other organisations know we are proactive and keen to make connections, network and collaborate.”
Claire Holmes, Group HR Director at NPS Group said:
“As businesses we are proud to shout about the work we undertake with local schools within our community. We’re often asked to talk about what we do and the how we benefit local schools. I’ve heard the question time and time again ‘what are schools doing to work with local business?’ or ‘are schools doing enough?’
“In many cases, yes, they are, but where’s the forum for them to showcase this, to celebrate what they do, their innovations and to demonstrate where they excel in working with local business in the interests of their students? That is the backdrop against which we decided to develop and launch this accreditation. Many schools can be very proud of what they do, this gives the opportunity for all of the community to celebrate and share in that pride.”
Glyndwr Thomas, Finance Manager at Aviva UK said:
“I’m passionate about recognising people for the skills they have and making sure they have the chance to use them. Bridging the gap between education and business by creating opportunities to work together and collaborate is a big challenge; so we should recognise and reward the efforts being made by education establishments. With their excellent network of contacts, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is very well placed to help make the connection between education and business.”
Across nearly all districts of Norfolk, levels of unemployment fell in June. Overall, the claimant count for Norfolk stood at 7,960, which was a drop of 320 claimants from the previous month. Norfolk is currently ranked 13th in a table of local authorities in the East and south East.
Every district except Broadland recorded a fall in their claimant count rate. Norwich recorded the largest fall in claimant numbers with a drop of 5.7%. King’s Lynn and West Norfolk saw a 2.8% decrease – a better result than the previous month. From a Great Yarmouth perspective, it continued a worrying trend from the previous month with a lack of a strong downward trend in claimant numbers. Their claimant count stands at 2,895 from a total of 2,960 last month.
Ordinarily it is expected that the Great Yarmouth claimant count falls drastically in the summer months, given the local job market’s seasonal pattern. Some on this anomaly can probably be assigned to the shift to full implementation of the Universal Credit, however a continuing trend would be a greater concern.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Thursday) publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private-sector business survey. Based on the responses of over 7,700 businesses in Q2 2017, the results for both sectors indicate that the UK economy grew at a subdued rate in the second quarter of 2017.
The Norfolk services sector, a key driver of economic growth, saw indicators of domestic activity, employment and investment continue to weaken slightly in the quarter. Consumer-facing industries such as retail outlets and hotels reported weaker growth rates compared to B2B businesses in the quarter.
The survey shows Norfolk export sales and orders in the manufacturing sector falling from the previous quarter. Whilst services sector exports remained a mixed picture, with export sales increasing marginally but export orders falling by 4 points.
The balance of Norfolk firms expecting prices to rise has decreased across both sectors, but the percentage of firms reporting concern over raw material costs and pay settlements has risen.
The findings indicate that while confidence in future turnover decreased, the effect could be short-term, as confidence in overall profitability improved. Both sectors showed an increase of investment in training.
Key Norfolk findings in the Q2 2017 survey:
Overall, the figures for both sectors indicate static growth
The percentage balance of manufacturing firms expecting the price of their goods to increase over the next three months has fallen slightly from the near-historic-highs reported in the previous quarter (from +55 to +33), and fell in services from +39 to +29
However, manufacturers report continued pressure from the price of raw materials, with +82 reporting this as the cause of price increases (up from +68). Pressure from pay settlements also rose in both, rising from +20 to +27 in manufacturing and +21 to +49 in services
In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting increasing domestic sales rose slightly from +9 to +12, as did domestic orders from +6 to +10. The balance reporting export sales fell from +17 to +11 and export orders fell from +20 to +7
In services, the balance of firms reporting increasing domestic sales remained static and domestic orders fell from +13 to +8. The balance reporting increasing export sales rose from +6 to +13 but export orders fell from +4 to 0
The percentage of businesses in the manufacturing sector attempting to recruit fell somewhat but remain relatively high at 68%. Whilst the service sector increase slightly to 65% (up from 60%). Of those, the percentage of firms facing recruitment difficulties dropped but remains high in both sectors at 63% (down from 83%) in manufacturing and 67% in services (down from 81%)
Confidence across the board dipped in the second quarter. The balance of manufacturers confident that turnover would improve over the next 12 months fell from +35 to +23, and the balance for services from +42 to +31. The balance of manufacturing firms confident that profitability would increase remained static but in services rose slightly from +19 to +21
However, the balance of firms in both sectors reporting improved cashflow remains at historical lows, with manufacturing continuing to fall into negative territory from +2 to -15, whilst in services it rose from -6 to 0.
Commenting on the results, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The latest survey results, which reflect the outlook of companies in all sectors and locations across Norfolk, indicate that for many businesses growth is static at best, and at worst, beginning to slow.
“It’s time for the economy to be put back at the heart of the agenda, with a focus on creating the best possible environment for business growth all across the county. Government must play its part by tackling the issues that hold businesses back, including labour shortages, weaknesses in our physical and digital infrastructure, and high upfront costs which dampen investment intentions and firms’ growth potential. Any talk of higher business taxes to pay for politically-motivated spending must be quashed swiftly, to avoid undermining business confidence further.
“The subdued growth picture also underlines the importance of getting as much clarity on the Brexit transition as possible, as quickly as possible over the coming months.”
Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber, said:
“The latest survey indicates that Norfolk’s economic activity remains subdued in the second quarter of 2017.
“The services sector activity stuttered a little with a number of the key balances weakening this quarter. Consumer-focused industries were the worst performers – further evidence that rising inflation is dampening their activity. Norfolk’s manufacturing results saw a definite slow-down and the longer-term trends suggests that the manufacturing sector’s contribution to overall growth will not be enough to offset weaknesses elsewhere.
“Rising inflation remains the key challenge for the Norfolk economy this year. Consumer prices are likely to keep rising in the coming months as the recent sizeable increases in the cost of raw materials, pay settlements and other overheads filter through supply chains.”
As we reported last month, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain have broken diplomatic ties with Qatar claiming that it supported terrorist and sectarian groups.
Effectively blockading the Gulf State, the coalition of countries demanded that Qatar close the broadcaster Al Jazeera, scale back co-operation with Iran, remove Turkish troops from its soil and end contact with groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.
Despite being faced with the threat of further economic sanctions as the deadline set for its response was first extended and then passed, Qatar rejected all 13 demands.
With Qatar’s border with Saudi Arabia being its sole land link to the rest of the world, and a key route for food imports, the country has been relying on Turkey and Iran delivering supplies.
However, energy exports from Qatar, which is the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, have not been affected.
Speaking in London, the Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said: “What we’ve done in the last few weeks is develop different alternative for ways to ensure the supply chain for the country not to be cut off.”
He poured scorn on threats to expel Qatar from the trade and security bloc, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arguing that decisions could only be taken by the GCC by consensus and suggesting that not all the members would support the Saudi and UAE call.
Qatar’s Trade and Economy Minister, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, said: “All supply chains, either by air or sea are working smoothly – it’s business as usual.”
Our forthcoming HF Forum, sponsored and delivered by Steeles Law, will focus on preventing discrimination in the workplace.
Seven years on from the Equality Act 2010, the employment law team from Steeles Law look at how the law has developed in this area, providing practical tips for ensuring equality and diversity in the workplace and avoiding costly claims in this sensitive area of HR management. This session will be delivered by expert speakers, Oliver Brabbins Director and Head of Employment and Robert Hickford, an Associate Solicitor at the firm.
The session will also cover essential recent and forthcoming developments in employment law including: Brexit’s impact on employment law – what we know so far; and a round-up of case law developments.
Norfolk Chamber members can book now for just £25+VAT.
Stands are booking fast at the B2B Exhibition, which returns to Norwich City Football Club on Thursday 12 October 2017. Only 25% of exhibition stands are remaining with just 4 spaces left at the ‘Top of the Terrace’ level.
Building on its continued success year on year the B2B Exhibition is a key event in Norfolk’s commercial calendar that gives exhibitors unique access to network with a range of businesses and promote their products and services to the Norfolk Business community. Last year’s event sold out with over 100 exhibitors and more than 750 visitors and this year is shaping up to be even bigger!
To find out more about exhibiting or to book your stand, visit the event webpage or contact a member of the events team on 01603 625977.
Ahead of the general election, Norfolk Chamber is setting out the key Norfolk business asks for any future government. The Chamber is calling on all the political parties to consider the importance for Norfolk businesses to be able to access fast, reliable broadband.
Technology and how we use it is evolving rapidly, but Norfolk’s digital infrastructure needs to keep pace. As more and more businesses rely on technology, Norfolk Chamber is keen to ensure that both our digital infrastructure and our business community are ready to take advantage of new technology developments as they evolve.
Whilst approx. 86% of Norfolk has access to 24mbps, a recent British Chambers of Commerce survey, reported that the Norfolk business community still thought that Norfolk’s digital infrastructure was not yet totally fit for purpose. Throughout the county, significant numbers of companies of every size and sector said they lacked reliable internet connectivity – a basic requirement for businesses to operate efficiently in today’s world.
Commenting on the need to provide more access to superfast broadband, Lynsey Sweales, a Norfolk Chamber Board Member and Director of Social B said:
“A reliable broadband connection is absolutely vital for all companies, yet 20% of Norfolk companies suffer from unreliable connections. The BCC survey shows that firms in rural areas are at least twice as likely to have unreliable connections as those in towns. The focus of any future government must be on providing businesses with sufficient and reliable broadband connections to enable to them to do business confidently. Having a business in a rural location shouldn’t mean you sacrifice market opportunities, businesses operating in Norfolk as well as businesses looking to invest and trade with Norfolk businesses need broadband confidence to do business”
The survey also showed that with more reliable connections Norfolk businesses could do more. Over half of businesses (54%) said that if the reliability of their broadband connection was improved it would allow them to use more applications, particularly cloud-based services (24%), transfer of large files (16%), and remote server access for employees (14%).
Commenting on the need for further broadband improvements, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Unreliable connections stunt productivity, causing needless delays, costs and frustration. While businesses across the county are affected, it is the rural areas and small businesses that are most likely to suffer. An unreliable connection acts as a barrier to growth, and puts those companies most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.
“These are a few of the reasons why Norfolk Chamber is calling for any future government to commit to more investment in broadband infrastructure across our county to ensure that local businesses, whether they are based in the city, market towns or in rural locations, can be compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK and beyond.”
People in Norfolk who support the need for upgrades to the A47 are being encouraged to go along to an event this Friday (21 July) to leave the organisation responsible for the road in no doubt of the local appetite for improvements.
Highways England, the government company charged with operating, maintaining and improving England’s motorways and major A roads including the A47, has announced it will be holding a roadshow event in a mobile unit at Tesco Extra on Kingston Road in Dereham on Friday between 12 and 7pm. As well as featuring an exhibition of plans for upcoming major roadworks in the region, Highways England staff will be available to talk to people about improvements to the A47.
Further Highways England roadshows are planned for later in the summer, including in King’s Lynn, Attleborough, Great Yarmouth and Hopton, so if people can’t make this Friday’s event in Dereham, there will be other opportunities to speak to Highways England in person to press the case for improvements to the A47. Further details on these events are expected to be announced shortly.
Highways England has announced £300 million of improvements to the A47 with works slated to start in 2019/20 financial year. Of the six schemes announced, four will be on sections of the road in Norfolk. These are:
Dualling the A47 North Tuddenham to Easton;
Dualling the A47 Blofield to North Burlingham;
Improving the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction;
Improving A47 Great Yarmouth junctions including reconstruction of the Vauxhall Roundabout.
Norfolk County Council welcomed the announcement of this investment and has offered to work with Highways England to ensure the work can get under way at the earliest opportunity. As part of its role on the A47 Alliance, a campaigning group that brings together the business community, local authorities, MPs and others, Norfolk County Council is pushing for central government to commit to making further improvements to the route with an ultimate goal to see the whole of the road dualled.
Martin Wilby, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee and Chairman of the A47 Alliance, said: “We need to take every opportunity to bang the drum for investment in the A47, and there is no doubt the message comes across much louder and clearer when you hear it from the many rather than the few. Please help us, if you can, to show the strength of local feeling on the subject.
“We’re making improvements and working on transport projects on roads that the County Council is responsible for that will help to ease traffic congestion, make roads safer and shorten journey times. However getting the A47 improved so it can cope with the amount of traffic using it now but also in the future is vital to the county’s success. It’s the key that will unlock a lot of other investment, including attracting businesses and high-skilled jobs, and improving quality of life for those who use the route regularly.”
The A47 Alliance agreed its priorities for securing further improvements along the route earlier this year. The schemes in Norfolk that have been identified as a priority are dualling the Acle Straight between Acle and Great Yarmouth and dualling the A47 Tilney to East Winch, including the Hardwick flyover, south of King’s Lynn.