Now in its 5thyear, thelargest and most senior gathering of Kurdistan-Iraq’s oil & gas industryis returning toLondon! The event,held under the high patronage of Kurdistan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, remains the one place where you will hear from the most well-known personalities of the global oil & gas industry, and also constitutesthe meeting place of choice for thought leadersdiscussing crucial issues of paramount importance for bothexisting operators and future investors in the Region.
Following the huge success from 2014, theExhibitionis also featured in this year’s programme, giving you the opportunity toshowcase and see the latest cutting edge technology, and to hear from leading providersfor upstream, midstream, power and downstream.
The latest Norwich Economic Barometer has been published. It highlighted that the Government posted its first budget surplus in July and income from tax receipts grew by 5.3% according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The continued strength of the consumer goods sector was offset by a sluggish UK manufacturing sector, which confirmed inthe latest Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey.
The UK domestic market remained the main source of new order growth, as the level of export business decreased. Companies are linking reduced overseas demand to several factors including: the sterling exchange rate; weak sales performance; the Euro Zone; and the slowdown in China.
According to the ONS there has been a 6% rise in the use of zero-hours contracts, although the ONS has said this is “not statistically significant”.
August showed that Britain’s retailers recorded the worst slump in sales since November 2008. Retailers across all sectors from lifestyle and fashion to homewares all recorded lower sales than the previous year.
A huge majority of business, school and college leaders want ministers to recognise the importance of pre-16 work experience, according to a new surveypublished today (Wednesday) by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
The survey of over 3,500 business bosses and education leaders found that 82% of business respondents, and 73% of respondents from schools, colleges and universities believe secondary schools should offer work experience for pupils aged under 16.
Work experience is not offered universally across the UK and in England, in particular, it has been deprioritised.* However, the survey found that 79% of employers think work experience is the most important activity to equip young people with workplace skills, followed by paid part-time work (69%) and volunteering (55%).
While the majority of businesses offer some form of work experience, a third of businesses (36%) offer no work experience of any kind. Micro and small businesses, in particular, need greater support to offer work experience.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“The message from this survey is clear, both education and business feel that work experience is beneficial to our young people.
“However I feel here in Norfolk due to the close relationship we have between schools and businesses that we can provide experience of work differently and more effectively.”
“The new curriculum demands on schools make it challenging for students to be released from school so in addition to offering work experience, businesses need to spend more time in schools alongside teachers making the curriculum subjects relevant to the world of work. It would also enable businesses to bring to life what great opportunities there are here in Norfolk.”
Further findings from the survey:
Businesses should prioritise delivery of work experience.
50% of firms identified work experience as the top priority activity for businesses to offer young people, over business mentoring (15%), part-time paid work (14%) enterprise activities (9%), volunteering (6%), and other (6%).
48% of educational establishments identified work experience as the top priority activity for businesses to offer young people, over enterprise activities (18%), mentoring (13%), volunteering (7%), part-time paid work (6%) and other (8%).
There’s no single ideal work experience model – businesses that offer work experience value a variety of models.
66% of firms offer one to two week term-time work experience placements, 47% offer work placements during school holidays, 30% offer flexible work placements and 27% arrange visits to their businesses for groups of pupils.
Two-thirds of businesses offer work experience of some form. Those that don’t say that they need more support and encouragement to offer work experience.
36% of businesses offer no work experience of any kind.
Firms that don’t currently offer work experience would be encouraged to do so by having more information about what is required (36%), someone to facilitate the relationship with the school (33%) and clarity on the benefits to their business (19%).
Micro, small and medium sized businesses are less likely than larger firms to offer work experience. 59% of micro businesses (0-9 staff) offer no type of work experience at all, compared to 29% of small (10-49), 16% of medium (50-249) and 12% of large firms (250+).
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC said:
“Business and school leaders are clear: we won’t bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work unless young people spend time in workplaces while still at school.
“It was careless of Government to end compulsory work experience in 2012, but it is not too late to correct the mistake – and work with companies and schools to ensure that every school pupil has the chance to feel the energy, dynamism, buzz and challenge of the workplace for themselves.”
“Work experience is crucial to bringing down our stubbornly high youth unemployment rate. It will help ensure more young people are prepared for work. It will help close the yawning skills gaps reported by frustrated businesses across the UK, who face huge difficulty filling vacancies at every level.”
“The Government must act to bring compulsory work experience for under 16s back in England. Devolved administrations must ensure that it is available to all in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We pledge to work with governments in all four nations to ensure that more and more businesses then engage with schools, offer work placements to young people, and help the next generation get the start that they deserve.”
The region’s premier business to business exhibition took place this year on 15 October at Carrow Road Football Stadium, Norwich.
Over the course of the day over 600 visitors came through the doors and networked with county’s very best businesses showcasing their products and services.
Both floors of the Norwich City Football Club were packed with 96 exhibitors divided into six different business zones to help visitors navigate their way through the busy exhibition.
The event was officially opened by Shaun Lowthorpe, Business Publishing Editor at Archant who spoke about the importance of visibility of Norfolk in the business world. After which he then took time to visit every stand to judge design, goodies and ‘wow factor’ before awarding Breckland Training Services ‘Best Stand’ award for their inventive murder mystery themed stand.
In addition to the exhibition, delegates also had the opportunity to attend 20 minute expert bitesize sessions providing expert advice and top tips across varied subject areas. Including Be Better at Creative Marketing with Carole Osborne, osbornenash; Be Better at Networking with Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road; Be Better at Pitching with Ermine Amies, Sandler Training and Be Better at LinkedIn with John Davy, Dojo Media Consulting. (Click the session titleto see the slides)
Visitors were able to download Loka, a proximity marketing app developed by Proxama, a Norwich based company and receive over 50 exhibitor offers including exclusive discounts, giveaways and competitions straight to their smartphone as they walked round the exhibition.
Overall there was a real buzz around the exhibition as well as on social media. There was plenty to see and do, from apple bobbing with Plain Speaking PR, meeting Pebbles the owl and Hazel the eagle at NBC Bird and Pest Solutions, listening to a talented Jazz Singer with Out of Office Events, and to being amazed a magician performing tricks with fire on Farnell Clarke stand.
This year’s event was sponsored by osbornenash Farnell Clarke, Computer Service Centre, Comms Supply, Archant, Creative Sponge, Norfolk Training Services (NTS) and Holiday Inn Norwich North.
Most businesses need a skilled workforce to help them drive towards successful future growth and productivity. Ask any employer what they are looking for when recruiting staff, one of the key things that they will all say is ‘the right skills and attitude’. This becomes even more important when applied to young people.
Also commenting on the BCC survey, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The message from this survey is clear, both education and business feel that work experience is beneficial to our young people. However I feel here in Norfolk, due to the close relationship we have between schools and businesses that we can provide experience of work differently and more effectively.”
“The demands of the new curriculum on schools makes it challenging for students to be released from school, so in addition to offering work experience, businesses need to spend more time in schools alongside teachers making the curriculum subjects relevant to the world of work. It would also enable businesses to bring to life what great opportunities there are here in Norfolk.”
Norfolk Chamber is working towards bridging the gap between education and business, and will deliver a unique event on Friday 20 November which allows the Norfolk education sector have their say with the local business community. Click here for more details of the ‘An Audience with…Norfolk Schools’.
Yesterday, Prime Minister David Cameron and the Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a Strategic Investment Agreement for the construction and operation of the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. The Heads of Terms of a wider UK partnership to develop new nuclear power stations at Sizewell in Suffolk and Bradwell in Essex has also been signed.
The signing has paved the way for the Hinkley Point C project to go ahead and sets the steps for a final investment decision. These include finalisation of long form documentation based on Head of Terms signed today, finalisation by EDF of its financing plan, final approval by the boards of EDF and CGN (China General Nuclear Power Corporation) clearance by merger control authorities in China and Europe.
EDF and CGN have signed the Heads of Terms of an agreement in principle to develop Sizewell C in Suffolk to a final investment decision with a view to build and operate two EPR reactors. During the development phase EDF Group will take an 80% share and CGN will take a 20% share. As part of the planning process, EDF’s initial proposals for Sizewell C were published in November 2012 and the first round of formal consultation with local communities has already taken place.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “This new nuclear programme will give the country the secure, low carbon and reliable electricity it needs as it renews old generating capacity and takes action on climate change. More importantly for our region, the signing of the Strategic Investment Agreement for Hinkley Point C will bring the development of the Sizewell C project a step closer. EDF are NorfolkChamber Gold Patrons and we will continue to work in partnership with them to ensure the local business community are engaged with the Sizewell C project.”
He Yu, Chairman of China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) said: “Entering the UK’s nuclear market marks a new phase for CGN. At the same time this is also a triple-win for the existing nuclear energy partnership between China, France and the UK. CGN is highly committed to delivering safe, cost efficient, and sustainable energy and to supporting the UK’s goal of becoming a low-carbon society.”
EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz said: “Hinkley Point C and successive nuclear projects will guarantee the UK the reliable, secure low carbon electricity it needs in the future. Nuclear power will save customers money compared with other energy options and provide a huge boost to British industrial strength, jobs and skills both in Britain and abroad. Yesterday’s announcements are also good news in the fight against climate change”
Norfolk County Council is to hold a fresh special meeting of the Council following a legal challenge to its decision to find an extra £9.9m for Norwich Northern Distributor Road. The meeting will be held on Friday 6 November (10.30am) at County Hall, Norwich.
On 2 September the Council voted by 59 votes to eight, with three abstentions, to accept offers by the Department for Transport and New Anglia LEP of £10m each towards a £29.9m increase in the cost of the NDR, and for Norfolk County Council to find the remaining £9.9m.
However, on 1 October a representative of the Wensum Valley Alliance announced a legal challenge to the way the Council reached this decision, and subsequently lodged an application for permission to seek Judicial Review on the basis that councillors were given ‘misleading information’.
Rather than contest this challenge, which could delay and increase the cost of the NDR, the Chairman of the Council, Cllr Rex Parkinson-Hare, has agreed to a further Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, which will be heldon 6 November. This will bring back the matter to members of the Council, to confirm they are taking the decisions with the requisite information before them.
At the meeting of the Council on Monday, 19 October, Council Leader George Nobbs warned Members that this further meeting might be necessary. He said the estimated cost of delay in construction of the Northern Distributor Road was around £0.5m a month.
Hear a quick policy update from Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy & External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). He outlines his disappointment at the Competition and Markets Authority investigation report who appear to have ‘pulled their punches’ on the investigation into the SME banking market.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce attended Norfolk Constabulary’s eighth annual Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs) last night.
As part of the Chamber’s partnership working with the Constabulary, it sponsors the Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award. This year there were two sets of deserved winners for this award: Tony and Chris Callaghan, who survived the Tunisia shootings; and Detective Constable Sarah Mortimer and Police Constable Neil Smith, who had both supported the Witheridge family from Hemsby, following the murder of their daughter, Hannah in Thailand last year.
Nova Fairbank from Norfolk Chamber said: “Norfolk Chamber is proud to support these awards. All the winners and nominees should be congratulated for the contributions they have made and their continual efforts in ensuring Norfolk is a safe place to live and work.”
Commenting on the European Commission’s Single Market Strategy, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“At present the EU single market in services exists in name only – to the particular detriment of the UK, Europe’s services powerhouse.
So whilst the European Commission’s drive to make the overall market a more flexible and fairer place to operate is welcomed, Mr Juncker’s plan will be judged on whether a true single market in services and e-commerce emerges.
The European Commission’s new internal market strategy is heavy on measures, many of which appear more cosmetic than substantive. At first glance, it seems less than revolutionary. Firms in Norfolk, the UK and across Europe will hope it is not as light on real actions that make doing business easier.
Business enthusiasm depends entirely on whether these proposals make it easier to trade freely across borders.”
The State Visit to the UK of China’s President Xi Jinping is set to see the completion of a number of wide-ranging trade and investment deals.
Said to be worth £30 billion and credited with creating nearly 4000 jobs across the UK, the latest agreements are in addition to £14 billion worth of deals signed at the UK-China Business Summit last year.
Sectors set to benefit from deals being signed during the visit of the Chinese President include retail, energy, health and technology, financial services, aerospace, the creative industries and education.
It is also anticipated that agreements on commercial opportunities will see British and Chinese businesses forge stronger links.
UK companies looking to expand into China are expected to benefit from new export opportunities, with the retail sector alone said to be in for a £1 billion boost in export deals which will see British companies expanding into the Chinese market.
At home, the UK’s regions will benefit from Chinese investment, according to Ministers. Prior to the State Visit, Chancellor George Osborne showcased a selection of £24 billion worth of investment opportunities in the North of England.
The Northern Powerhouse will enjoy Chinese backing for infrastructure and regeneration investment projects such as the Atlantic Gateway (a series of projects connecting the Port of Liverpool to the City of Manchester) and Science Central (a cutting-edge development in Newcastle).
The State Visit will also provide an opportunity for the UK and China to discuss how they can better work together on global issues such as terrorism and extremism.