Chamber News

We’re thrilled to become a part of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce – not only are we proudly locally based but we also share the vision of the CoC in inspiring others to improve business performance.

Small business owners of course already know that to stay ahead of the game, spearhead innovation, grow and increase profitability, then you must continually improve your business. Nationally, small businesses also know that staying in good shape is vital – Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs contributed £1.8 trillion to the economy during 2016.

When you set up your business, it’s likely you had a really clear set of objectives: business plan, start-up finance, marketing, premises etc. But when you’ve been trading a year or two and got used to the day-to-day expectations of running your business, you may realise that those initial goals aren’t quite in step with the way you operate now. If you’re involved in the everyday activities your enterprise requires, it can be really tough to find time to stop and work out where you should focus your energies to look for areas where you might improve.

These concerns were at the heart of our thinking when we formulated CneqtDNA – it’s a business diagnostic that helps you make the most of your business. It’s also reassuringly simple to use and takes no longer than 20 minutes out of your day, so you can continue to focus on the other vital tasks on your plate.

Designed by business consultants specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, the CneqtDNA diagnostic uses a carefully crafted question set to highlight areas in which your business could improve. When creating CneqtDNA, our team of business experts focused on the idea of breaking down business activity into the various aspects of running a business from finance and premises to marketing and future vision.

After completing the CneqtDNA diagnostic, you will receive a personal assessment providing you with an overview of every aspect of your business so you can easily see where you could make improvements. In addition, you have the option to take a FREE 15-minute coaching session with an expert to discuss your assessment, identify the vital improvements you could make and formulate further action plans.

We’re really looking forward to working with other members of the Chamber, helping to put in place business improvements that will benefit the local, regional and national economies. We’ve come up with an exclusive offer for the Norfolk CoC, offering specially priced access to CneqtDNA for CoC members. Following the link below and using the discount code “NORFOLKCOC75”, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members will get £24 off the standard price (all prices plus VAT).

Like the CoC we are passionate about business improvement. Take the first step today to improve your business by completing the CneqtDNA Diagnostic https://www.cneqtdna.com/start-my-business-review

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has warned that ongoing industrial action problems in Calais give some idea of how easily cross-Channel traffic could be disrupted after Brexit.

Citing the recent blockade of the Port of Calais by French fishermen, the FTA claims that the incident highlights how disruption to cross-Channel traffic could have a serious impact on the UK’s trading relationships.

The Association fears that, post-Brexit, those disruptions could also include customs checks – something that it believes could significantly slow the movement of traffic between the UK and France.

“Under current trading arrangements, trucks can roll onto and off ferries without delays,” the FTA’s Pauline Bastidon pointed out, “but even the shortest of stops, to undertake customs checks or declarations, could generate knock-on delays and disruptions and have a serious impact on traffic and trading relationships.”

Taking just two minutes to process a lorry would, the FTA has calculated, cause queues stretching for more than 17 miles out of Dover.

From raw materials to food products, finished goods and even medicines, Calais is the gateway to Europe for many UK businesses and vice versa, Ms Bastidon argued.

With 2.6 million vehicles passing through the Port of Dover every year (representing almost 20% of the UK’s total trade), the FTA wants post-Brexit controls to take place away from the borders.

That, it suggests, would help protect the current frictionless trading arrangements.

Moving away from disruptions at the ports, the Association also expressed concern over how queuing freight vehicles are dealt with.

Operation Stack (when lorries are parked on the M20) should only be used as a temporary fix for traffic delayed at the coast, Ms Bastidon concluded, and should not be a full-time answer to ease congestion in and around Dover.

The MPs Event 2018 drew over 150 local businesses to debate the key issues affecting businesses with local politicians.  Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Dr Adam Marshall hosted the event and chaired the afternoon’s debate with Richard Bacon, MP for South Norfolk, George Freeman MP for Mid Norfolk, Sir Henry Bellingham, MP for North West Norfolk and Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North. Norfolk Chamber’s Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson began the afternoon conference by introducing the themes for the morning; celebrating business success in Norfolk and outlining the challenges and barriers to success in the region. Chris highlighted the importance of promoting Norfolk as a leading destination and explained to the audience that “We all know that Norfolk is a great place to live and work and we want to promote that message regionally, nationally and beyond.” To make the event more interactive and encourage more engagement with the audience this event saw the introduction of the online software, Slido, which enabled the audience to participate in polls, submit their questions to the MPs panel and feedback what the greatest challenges their businesses are facing. When asked which issue was of greatest interest to Norfolk businesses ‘Visibility and perception of Norfolk’ was highlighted as most significant. This was closely followed by both ‘Infrastructure’ and ‘skills gap’ which the MPs identified as perennial issues facing the region. George Freeman said that “I think we should celebrate what all of us here in Norfolk have achieved. I wouldn’t have dreamt within 7 years we’d have the A11 dualled, 300 million (pounds funding) for the A47, an apprenticeship programme introduced and 95% broadband coverage.  We’ve made progress during a period of austerity.”  George added that he’d observed a shift in the main challenge identified by Norfolk businesses 7 or 8 years ago, from Infrastructure to Skills. Addressing the audience, George stated, “The fact that you’re now saying skills tells me we’ve made great progress and this is the issue now, the thing that’s holding us back.”  Adam Marshall identified recruiting skilled staff as a national issue, stating “I think there is a huge aspiration amongst Chamber businesses around the country and we do some survey work with them to ask about their recruitment and the overwhelming majority, actually 97% always try to recruit locally and recruit from their communities before they would ever turn to recruiting someone perhaps from overseas. The effort is being made. The mismatch perhaps is that the supply may be 5 – 10 years away.” Chloe Smith MP agreed the skills gap is a significant issue but that it has been a longstanding one. She quipped that one of the oldest documents stored in the parliament archives is written by Norfolk businesses in the Middle Ages who were struggling to find apprentices. Although Chloe agreed that changes are necessary to address the challenges facing Norfolk Businesses, she warned against continuous changes and disruption that don’t allow the government’s efforts and schemes to fully flourish.  Chloe stated, “Things have already begun to shift, good things are happening, I would like to see those continue to be allowed to blossom rather than going to Westminster and change again. The only thing I would change in Westminster and I will go and do is more on transport and infrastructure that is the really most practical thing that I think we can all get our teeth into and continue to finish the job.” Richard Bacon welcomed the opportunity to engage with businesses at the conference, saying “One of the reasons I love attending this event is because one gets exposure to more businesses in one afternoon than in half a year in your constituency and it’s great to hear from business across Norfolk.” Sir Henry Bellingham called for a thorough debrief of the issues raised during the debate and promoted collaborative working with the Chamber, local businesses, the LEP and local authorities to achieve results. Sir Henry stated, “We want action now and we want real leadership and I think the MPs are receptive to that and we want to work with you (businesses).” There were a large number of questions submitted before and after the event, which we unfortunately didn’t have time to debate. All unanswered questions will now be submitted to the MPs and we aim to share the responses with Norfolk Chamber members when available. Take a look at the highlights on Twitter here. Tag yourself and your colleagues in the event photo album here.

Nearly 80 businesses from around the Norwich area attended the latest in a series on consultation events held with Norfolk Chamber and New Anglia LEP to help shape the delivery plans for the new economic strategy for our region.

Hayley Mace, Head of Communications at the New Anglia LEP, brought businesses up to speed on the strategy so far and presented the vision for the future of the region, which includes ambitious new targets such as creating 88,000 new jobs; seeing 30,000 new businesses created; and increasing GVA to £39 per hour by 2036.

Delegates then took part in lively group discussions to report which activities they are currently undertaking to support business development, what changes they wish to see in our region and how these will impact on their organisations.

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager at Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk Chamber believes it is vitally important that local businesses understand the part they play in helping to deliver the new Economic Strategy.  The consultations events help to capture what is already being delivered in all areas of Norfolk and what else businesses are planning for the future.  This feedback will ensure that there is no duplication of activity and will allow other areas to benefit from best practice.  Even more essentially the feedback will show where the gaps are and what is needed to help support economic growth and jobs in those areas.”

The strategy consultations events have proven to be very popular with Norfolk businesses that are keen to share their experiences and contribute to shaping future economic developments.

There are still places available for the Great Yarmouth event, which takes place on 19 February 2018. Find out more and book your place here.

British businesses are being offered the chance to make their views known when it comes to international trade visits.

In an effort to stimulate additional interest among existing and prospective exporters, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has made a list of scheduled ministerial visits available online.

The idea is that businesses will then have the opportunity to have their say on “in market” issues relevant to any of the countries which the International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, will be visiting.

Launched as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to encourage more UK companies to export, the initiative is seen as a way of involving businesses in discussions aimed at boosting the country’s post-Brexit trade and investment relationships.

Mr Fox and his DIT team are currently scheduled to visit nine countries during the first three months of this year. Available at www.events.trade.gov.uk, the full list includes both EU and non-EU countries.

The former include Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Bulgaria (plus Switzerland) with trade talks also due to take place further afield in Hong Kong, India, Japan and the USA.

Businesses that have reason to believe that ministerial assistance might help their cause in any of the countries concerned are invited to contact the DIT (contact details and additional information can be found by clicking the link shown above).

The list currently shows countries to be visited over a three-month period, but will presumably be updated in the coming weeks. No dates or locations of the visits are given – just the month and country.

In the words of the International Trade Secretary, the move “is responding to requests from UK businesses and putting them at the heart of trade policy, by getting their input into international trade visits ahead of time”.

30 local West Norfolk businesses attended the first in a series of consultation events held with Norfolk Chamber and New Anglia LEP to help shape the delivery plans for the new economic strategy for our region. Hayley Mace, Head of Communications at the New Anglia LEP, brought businesses up to speed on the strategy so far and presented the vision for the future of the region, which includes creating 88,000 new jobs and seeing 30,000 new businesses by 2036. Delegates then took part in lively group discussions to report which activities they are currently undertaking to support business development, what changes they wish to see in our region and how these will impact on their organisations. Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager at Norfolk Chamber said: “It is vitally important that we help capture what is already being delivered in all areas of Norfolk and that this information is then fed into the new Economic Strategy.  This feedback will ensure that there is no duplication of activity and will allow other areas to benefit from best practice.  Even more essentially the feedback will show where the gaps are and what is needed to help support economic growth and jobs in those areas.”  The strategy consultations events have proven to be very popular with Norfolk businesses that are keen to share their experiences and contribute to shaping future economic developments.  The Norwich event on Mon 29 January is fully booked, although there are still places available for the Great Yarmouth event, which takes place on 19 February 2018. Find out more and book your place here.

As you may know, Norwich has featured in the nationally important #TechNation report for the last three years.  Government ministers, policy makers and international business leaders read this report when making investment decisions. It’s vital for the region’s economy that we maintain our high profile.

However, the report is changing. The NEW Tech Nation Survey from Tech City UK is looking at the strength and diversity of regional clusters. If we don’t generate enough responses in the next 7 days, we won’t be included.

What can you do to help ensure Norwich and Norfolk feature in this year’s #TechNation report?

It’s simple – just take the 5-minute survey – and then encourage everyone in your network to do the same. That includes people in your organisation like app developers, website builders and digital designers. You might not think of your business as a ‘tech company’ but if it depends on digital skills, this survey is for you and your team.

In fact, Tech City UK wants to hear from people across the industry. They want to know about the opportunities for high growth businesses, and the quality of education and training. They want to hear from anyone who

• Works in a tech business
• Founded or leads a tech business
• Works in an organisation that supports the tech sector (local government, charity, not for profit organisation)
• Provides services for tech businesses (consulting, legal, accounting, finance etc.)
• Invests in tech businesses
• Teaches digital skills
• Runs a start-up incubator or accelerator.

But hurry – the survey closes Friday 2 February. Have your say now!

The #TechNation reports have transformed the way people see the UK’s digital ecosystem. They have captured the strength, depth and breadth of tech activity across the UK. Crucially – they have revealed the talent in communities such as ours.

The people at Tech City UK tell us that Norfolk returns the most survey responses outside London. Let’s not disappoint them this year. Together, we can make this #TechNation 2018 the best report yet.

Commenting on the preliminary UK GDP figures for Q4 2017, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The preliminary estimate of UK GDP growth indicates that the UK economy picked-up pace in the final quarter, with growth at its highest since the second half of 2016. That said, the yearly figure of 1.8% UK GDP growth is below historic trends – a particular disappointment given the rapidly improving global economy.

“Despite the improvement recorded at the end of 2017, UK economic growth is likely to become more sluggish over the coming quarters with household spending, a key determinant of UK growth, likely to remain stifled by falling real wages and weakening consumer confidence.

“Business investment is likely to remain weighed down by Brexit uncertainty and the cost of doing business in the UK. While the outlook for UK exporters is for solid growth this year, the contribution of trade to UK GDP growth is expected to remain limited by similarly solid growth in imports, with little evidence of import substitution despite their rising cost.

“With the UK economy in a more subdued period, more needs done to stimulate economic activity, including addressing the chronic skills shortages, our creaking physical and digital infrastructure and the burden of upfront business costs, that continue to weigh on the UK’s long-term growth prospects.”

The National Infrastructure Commission has issued a Call for Evidence on improving the infrastructure supporting the UK’s freight networks.   

The Chancellor has asked the National Infrastructure Commission to conduct a study into the role that freight plays in the economy and identify how future infrastructure investments can support better freight connectivity and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.

Questions in the Call for Evidence include:

• What are the key constraints to the effective and efficient movement of freight in the Norfolk and the rest of the UK and how do we overcome them?
• How might the demand for freight develop and change over the next 20-30 years?
• What effect does congestion have on the efficiency of freight movements and emissions?
• How can freight reduce its carbon and air quality impacts?
• How could new technologies increase the efficiency and productivity of Norfolk and the rest of the UK freight?
• What international experiences can the UK learn from to improve freight and reduce its carbon footprint

An interim report in the autumn will assess the economic impact of a more efficient, low-carbon freight sector and solutions to achieve that.  A final report in 2019 will recommend changes in infrastructure planning and investment to meet the UK’s freight needs over the next 30 years.

The deadline for submitting your views and comments is Monday 5 March 2018.

Have your say now.

Commenting on the labour market figures for January 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The rise in employment and continued decline in unemployment is further evidence that the UK labour market remains a key source of strength for the UK economy.

“It is possible that UK labour market conditions may cool over the next year, as sluggish economic growth and Brexit uncertainty take their toll on firm’s recruitment intentions. However, we expect that while the UK unemployment rate will drift up to a peak of 4.7% this year, it will remain significantly below the long-run average.

“The continued rise in the number of vacancies to a new record high is further evidence that skills shortages are at critical levels. The BCC’s own Quarterly Economic Survey confirms that the growing skills gap is a major drag on business activity, hitting investment and productivity.

“While it is encouraging that regular earnings growth picked up slightly, subdued economic conditions are likely to weigh on wage growth over the next year. As a consequence, pay growth is likely to remain stubbornly below price growth over the near term, dampening consumer spending, a key driver of UK GDP growth.

“More must be done to close the UK’s skills gap, including easing upfront business costs to help firms recruit and train staff, and deliver a future immigration regime that supports the needs of the UK economy.”

As you will be aware, a winding-up order was made against Carillion Plc on Monday 15th January, and the court appointed the Official Receiver as the liquidator. The collapse of Carillion raises challenges across a number of areas, from system-wide impacts on the availability of finance; the status of contracts where Carillion was a partner in joint ventures; the future of its employees and those of its sub-contractors; and monies owed to companies in the supply chain.

Commenting on the collapse, Jonathan Cage, Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers, President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber’s Planning and Development Group said:

“With Carillion being the UK’s second largest construction company, the news will send shockwaves throughout the construction sector.   It is essential that government acts to ensure that the collapse of this construction giant does not significantly impact the supply chain and that support is given to many of the SMEs that make up this complex structure.

“Infrastructure investment is essential for the future success of the country especially during Brexit and situations like this will materially set back the delivery of this investment if immediate financial support is not provided. It is not right that many companies will no doubt face major financial right offs due to miss management of this major firm, at a time when UK Plc needs its construction industry to be confident and efficient.”

PwC have been appointed as Special Advisors to the Official Receiver and they have published a webpage with further official information for employees, customers, suppliers and other parties. 

We have four GDPR experts joining us from a variety of sectors at the morning conference that will highlight the key issues facing businesses when the General Data Protection Regulation act takes effect in May 2018.

Our speakers will endeavour to diffuse any confusion or nerves surrounding the act, which is set to alter how businesses operate and communicate with both their current and potential customers, in order to make sure you know the steps you’ll need to carry out to comply with the new regulations.

We have Alex Saunders joining us from Leathes Prior who will focus on the legal framework of the regulations, providing a brief bulletin of the key steps businesses to take, particularly focusing on how to acquire consent from your customers to hold their data.

Emily Marchant, a marketing professional from Selesti will address the challenges of marketing out to customers but also how it should be considered an opportunity to be creative with communicating with customers.

We will also be hearing from Darren Chapman from Cyberscale. Darren is a Cyber Security expert and will be cover the practical steps businesses need to take in order to ensure they are compliant with GDPR principles, stressing the importance of a robust Cyber Security strategy.

Speaking on behalf of Breakwater IT, John Gostling will explore how to ensure any data a business holds is stored securely in order to prevent a breach which could put customer data at risk.

For more information on any of our speakers, please click here to go to the event page on our website. 

Join us to hear from these expert speakers and to network with fellow Norfolk businesses who will be coming together at the Space, Norwich on Tuesday 13th March to discuss all things GDPR. Click here to book your place. If you are interesting in having an exhibition stand at the conference please email naomi.holmes@norfolkchamber.co.uk to discuss.