Chamber News

The B2B Exhibition 2017 is the region’s premier business to business exhibition taking place on Thursday 12 October 2017. 

Jake Humphrey, Sport Presenter was our special guest in 2016 with over 750+ business people attending the exhibition at Norwich City Football Club.

This year we are delighted to announce Steve Stone, Managing Director at Norwich City Football Club as our special guest who will officially open the exhibition and judge the best stand award. Steve was appointed as Managing Director in March 2017, having previously worked as the Club’s Director of Finance while also serving as interim Chief Executive on two occasions.

Steve will be officially opening the region’s premier business to business exhibition with over 750+ attendees. Steve will meet all 100+ exhibitors as he judges the prestigious Best Stand Award.

About Steve Stone

Steve was appointed as Managing Director in March 2017, having previously worked as the Club’s Director of Finance while also serving as interim Chief Executive on two occasions.First joining Norwich City in 2015, Steve previously held financial roles at Spirit Pub Company and Gala Bingo from 2005 onwards and is responsible for leading the business side of the Club.

Come along 

There are limited exhibition stands remaining across the two floors of the exhibition with rates from £325+VAT. The event is FREE to attend. To find out more about The B2B Exhibition 2017 click here. 

The Arab British Chamber of Commerce, London have issued new regulations received from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq for exempted goods or deferred payment goods that will be exported to Iraq.  

The new regulations require that the Consignors should have the following:

• The Goods & Commodities is under the consignee name.
• The Goods & Commodities that are exempted from the duty taxes and customs tariffs should have the name of the Consignee witht he phrase “Not for Sale” printed in clear label for each item.
• The Goods & Commodities should be related to the Consignee type of business.

Notification has been received from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq that Companies exporting hazardous chemcial materials to Iraq will now require an import license before exporting to the Republic.

The Arab British Chamber of Commece in London has issued an up-to-date list of the chemicals that need an import licence, which are:

Nitric Acid Sulfuric Acid Potassium nitrate Sodium nitrate Ammonium nitrate Lead (II) nitrate   Urea nitrate

2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-Tricarbxylic acid

Acetic Acid Hydrochloric acid Copper (II) sulfate Sodium sulfate Ammonium chloride and Potassium chloride Sodium hydrogen sulfite Mercury Iodine Sodium hydroxide  Propanone Urea Potassium hydroxide Aluminium powder Magnesium powder Sulfur powder Coal powder Sodium metal Metal phosphorus Zinc metal Ethylene Methylbenzene Ferrous oxide Ferric oxide Ethyl alcohol Phenol Propane-1,2,3-triol Ethylene glycol Potassium permangane Sodium Bicarbonate Praveen Silver nitrate Naphthalene

Norfolk Chamber’s Planning & Development Group, recently invited Julian Munson, the new Head of Enterprise Zones and Innovation for New Anglia LEP to present his perception of economic growth for Norfolk and Suffolk. 

Also in attendance were the economic development officers from the majority of Norfolk’s local authorities.  The group then debated how to best bring forward economic growth.  Skills was noted as one of the top issues affecting growth in all areas. 

All agreed that more work needed to be done to raise the profile of Norfolk and that it is fundamental to broadcast a positive message that is relevant to all businesses.  The group concluded that a suite of marketing messages/tools was needed, which could then be used to target specific audiences. 

The discussion closed with agreement to work together to create the right messages and help target greater economic growth for Norfolk.

Norfolk Chamber recently hosted a visit to Norwich by representatives from HM Treasury. 

Charles Roxburgh, Second Permanent Secretary, Clare Lombardelli, Director of Strategy, Planning and Budget, and Beth Russell, Director of Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions met with a cross-section of businesses at the Chamber office. 

Among the topics discussed was consumer spending; the challenge of accessing a skilled workforce and delivering skills, including the impact of the apprenticeship levy on businesses.  As well as broadband difficulties in relation to online filing; the need to review the business rates system; and potential impact on customs tariffs from Brexit.  Members also aired their views on changes to personal tax/National Insurance for the self-employed. 

In addition, Norfolk Chamber arranged for HM Treasury to visit the premises of Start-Rite Shoes Ltd.

Ship Shape IMO is part of Ship Shape World LTD based in Wroxham, Norfolk. We are Off-Shore Cabin Equipment Suppliers, specialising in IMO/SOLAS and MED WheelMarked Compliant products for Offshore and High Risk Applications. With our production facilities, we produce a comprehensive range of products including Beds, Mattresses, Bedding, DRY-Mat® (Anti-Condensation Mattress Ventilation Underlay), Furniture, Curtains, Flooring and many more products which meet the stringent safety standards required for an Off-Shore Vessel / Rig. What is ideal for life at home isn’t always suitable for life at sea. Here at Ship Shape IMO our aim is to supply our customers with fully compliant products to reduce the potential disruptions and unnecessary expense to corporations.

“Surveyors and port officials have the power to fine or block movements of vessels for failure to comply with the required legislation” Our aim is to make sure this doesn’t happen, we are here to give advice and make sure your heading in the right direction.

We supply products to Commercial Cargo Shipping Vessels, Off Shore Energy Rigs, Ferries, Passenger Vessels and Military Vessels from all corners of the globe. We have decided to join the chamber of commerce to aid us with our Local and International growth objectives, Network and take advantage of the great training courses available. With the Advice and Documentation services we feel that becoming a member will dramatically improve our global operations and services.

Being based in Norfolk with busy Ports such as Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Great Yarmouth the membership will open doors to new networks of communication on a local level. We are here to help assist ship Operators, Owners and Suppliers by supplying good quality compliant products suitable to Marine and Rig usage. The Marine industry can be a tricky one when it comes to legislation and here at Ship Shape IMO we look to make the process simple and easier for our customers.

As Members of the British Association of Ship Suppliers (BASS), International Association of Ship Suppliers (IASS), The Ship Suppliers Association (SSA), ISO 9001 Certified amongst many others you can be guaranteed Great Customer Service, Quality Products and Competitive Prices it would be silly if we were not your go too company when it comes to Marine / Offshore Commercial Cabin Supplies.

Check out the directory listing here: 

Ship Shape World Ltd

What is happening?

GCSEs in England are changing with the most obvious change being a new grading system. Starting this summer with GCSEs English language, English literature and maths, students will receive numbers instead of letters as grades.

GCSEs will be graded 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade.  There are more grades in the new system than the previous one (9 compared to 8) so it will allow employers to better differentiate between student attainment in each subject.

The four highest grades of A* to C are being replaced by six numerical grades from 9 to 4. Grade 9 will be awarded to the very highest achievers: fewer students will get a grade 9 than used to get an A*.  Grades 4 and 5 are the equivalent of a C or low B.

By 2020 all students taking GCSEs in England will receive only numbered grades. But before then, students will receive both letters and numbers in different subjects.  

Why has this been introduced?

The GCSE system was introduced in 1988, and while there have been changes and adaptations, there hasn’t been a major overhaul for a long time. In 2013, the government announced its intention to reform and redevelop GCSEs to match the best systems in the world and keep pace with university and employer demands. It said GCSE content should be more challenging, but still be suitable for all abilities.

When a new qualification is introduced it’s a good idea to differentiate it from the qualification it’s replacing.  The new grading scale will make it easier for employers to see those who have studied new GCSEs.

With more grades at the top end of the scale (6 grades instead of 4), students are better able to demonstrate their achievements and employers should also be able to match candidates’ abilities to available jobs more easily.  As an HR professional or employer, you’ll be better informed how a student has performed in all their subjects, ensuring they have the most appropriate training, support and challenge in their role.

In contrast to GCSEs, the existing AS and A level grading systems will remain as now.

What do you need to know?

From this summer, GCSEs will be graded 9 to 1 in English language, English literature and maths (schools have been teaching these since Sept 2015); all other GCSEs will be graded A* to G. 

Over the next two years, most other subjects will move over to the numerical system and by 2020 everyone taking GCSEs in England will receive only numerical grades. Until then, students will receive a mixture of letters and numbers.

Broadly the same proportions of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as previously achieved grade C and above, other things being equal. This is also the same for grade 1 and above as previously achieved a grade G and above, and for grades 7 and A and above.  

The subject content of new GCSEs is more challenging than before and assessed mainly by exams at the end of the course.  The amount of coursework has diminished and reflects the balance and nature of the new subject content: in most subjects it has gone down, but in some it has stayed the same.

Note, however, that this is just in England.  Wales and Northern Ireland are not introducing the new 9 to 1 grading scale as part of the changes to GCSEs in their jurisdictions. And Scotland will retain its existing systems.

What do you need to do? 

Soon you’ll be receiving CVs with the new numbers and it’s important to understand how these correspond to the old system and how they differ.

All businesses need to be familiar with the new system regardless of whether yours is a small family firm or a multinational with access to HR professional expertise, and regardless of sector.  If you take on students doing work experience, apprentices or those wanting summer jobs this year, you’ll need to know they will have new grades. 

You may need to update your IT systems so that your recruitment forms can accept numbers as well as letters. 

You need to know that any candidate who gets a grade 4 or above has the equivalent of a current grade C or above.  Candidates with 7s, 8s or 9s are the highest achievers.

Of course, there are many other factors to take into consideration when selecting candidates for employment, but the broader range of GCSE grades will help guide you to the best candidates for your roles.  

An updated Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing prospectus has been created to support the bid for financial backing from central government. 

A new third river crossing will provide much needed connections between the strategic road network and the fast growing energy related Enterprise Zone and is crucial in providing linkages across the River Yare to the economic growth hub in the South Denes peninsula.

The river crossing would join Harfreys Roundabout in Great Yarmouth and over the river to South Denes Road. There has been extensive technical work carried out, including a best route alignment and cost benefit analysis. This route was adopted by Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet in 2010.

If our region is successful in securing funding, construction could start as early as 2021 and be completed by 2023.

A third river crossing would deliver numerous benefits to the area and solve a number of existing problems, including the current lack of connectivity, which severely restricts movement in Great Yarmouth. This results in congestion and ultimately limits the economic potential of the Enterprise Zone, Energy Park, South Denes Business Park and the deep water outer harbour.

Commenting on the release of the new prospectus, Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said:

“The prospectus is another step forward in realising the potential of Great Yarmouth.  A new crossing would not only reduce congestion and provide connections between the strategic road network and the fast growing energy related Enterprise Zone.  It will also support regeneration in the town and help the visitor and retail economy by making shopping and tourism much more accessible.  

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) wants to hear the views of traders and other interested parties on its plans to provide more detailed estimates of UK trade data, particularly for sub-national breakdowns with regard to the export of services.

As part of the UK trade development plan, and the Supporting Devolution programme, the ONS has carried out experimental analysis analysing sub-national trade.

In July 2016, it published the first estimated values of service exports from each region and country of the UK covering the period 2011-2014. Then, in May 2017, it followed this with figures for 2015 and finally, in July, it published additional analysis breaking down by country of destination of exports.

“This new set of statistical outputs is designed to support local-level decision and policy-making,” the ONS explains, “particularly in light of recent events including the UK’s declaration to leave the EU, the publication of the consultation on the Industrial Strategy, and continued devolution negotiations.”

This is the first time estimates of service exports at sub-national level have been created and feedback is wanted to determine whether the outputs are meeting users’ requirements, whether the methodology is appropriate and to consider the future development of the estimates.

Details of the consultation, including access to supporting documents can be found at consultations.ons.gov.uk; the deadline for submitting comments is 8 September 2017.

DP World London Gateway, which has been described as the UK’s most integrated logistics facility, has now added Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) West Africa Service to its list of weekly services.

This provides a fast link for shippers between the UK and Northern Europe and Senegal, Ivory Coast and Nigeria, with transit times of under 22 days to ports of call in those countries, including Dakar, Abidjan, Lagos and Tema.

James Leeson, the DP World London Gateway’s Head of Port Commercial, said: “Shippers using this MSC service to export to West Africa can be assured of the very best in port service, with access to our Where’s My Container application, class-leading resilience and reliability and use of the very best port technology, all of which ensure we’re well placed to offer greater speed, visibility and improved supply chain certainty.”

The port now has 15 weekly services calling into the terminal, with direct, deep-sea access available to and from more of the world’s locations than any other UK container port.

Michael Collins, UK Commercial Director at MSC, explained that, following the reconfiguration of its West African services it has decided that its UK link to West Africa should DP World London Gateway.

“This will enable us to offer market-leading, direct transits and enhance our nationwide coverage while improving our London and South-East services,” he went on.

Located just 10 miles from the M25 and with a rail terminal providing direct services daily to all of the UK’s major rail freight hubs, the terminal, which opened in November 2013, is already handling cargo from across the globe.

Since the financial crisis, exports have grown at a disappointingly slow rate, with trade volumes globally running at over 20% below their pre-crisis trend.

That represents a much weaker recovery than in the wake of previous economic downturns according to a new report from the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation: Global Trade – Run Aground or Structurally Sound? (available via www.eef.org.uk).

This reveals that export volumes have grown at an annual average rate of 1.3% per year, compared with growth of 5.1% in the decade leading up to the financial crash.

Sluggish demand is only partly responsible for the low growth rate, the EEF suggests, citing international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for evidence supporting that view.

These organisations have highlighted protectionism, lack of trade finance, and interventions by national governments in support of local businesses as factors which are holding back the recovery of world trade flows.

This perspective is at odds with many short-term business surveys hailing the benefits of a recovering global economy, the EEF points out.

In reality, it claims, many export destinations are not as open to trade as they were before the financial crisis.

Examples cited include: some 17% of exporters to China have seen their trade affected by moves to support local businesses while 10% of companies selling to the USA have experienced an increase in tariffs.

Such protectionist policies may have been justified in the wake of the crisis, the EEF accepts, but their ongoing impact – and the potential for them to be further ramped up – raises questions about trade growth potential in the UK.

A new initiative, the EuroMed Trade Helpdesk, has been launched by the European Commission and the International Trade Centre (ITC) aiming to provide businesses with essential information about markets, tariffs and import requirements.

The intention is to strengthen economic ties between the Union and its nine Mediterranean partners, as well as between Mediterranean countries themselves.

The online portal will provide exporters with information about potential markets, such as customs duties and product requirements. As well as covering the EU, its searchable database includes Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Turkey.

Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström explained that the portal will provide an online one-stop-shop for country and product-specific information on tariffs and duties, import and export procedures, and market requirements.

In addition, a network of national focal points in each participating Mediterranean country will respond to enquiries on intra-regional trade issues and ensure information is kept up to date.

“The EuroMed Helpdesk is good news for businesses and consumers around the Mediterranean,” the Commissioner said. “And by making it easier to trade it’ll help the region’s economy and integration.”

The new online tool is modelled on the EU Export Helpdesk and provides information in English, French, Arabic and Turkish. It differs from the main Helpdesk by also giving company-specific information.

See euromed.macmap.org for access to the Helpdesk and for full details.