A new system of electronic certification (e-certification) is being used to monitor organic products imported into the EU. Describing the e-certification system as pioneering, the European Commission said it will help enhance food safety provisions and reduce potential fraud.
In addition, the Commission said, it will reduce the administrative burden for operators and authorities while providing more comprehensive data on organic imports.
The electronic system entered into force in 19 April and will run in parallel with the existing paper-based system for six months. From 19 October 2017, organic imports will be covered only by e-certification.
Following recommendations from the European Court of Auditors and a request from Member States to address concerns about monitoring the movements of organic products and the consistency of import checks, the new rules are intended to improve the traceability of organic products and tackle fraud.
The e-certification system will be integrated into the existing electronic Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) which is used to track movements of food products across the EU.
Commenting on the new system, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, stressed the Union’s commitment to stringent certification and inspection measures as an important part of the EU’s food safety standards.
He added that the new rules will improve the traceability of organic products, which is an important growing market.
The legal basis of the new system is EU Regulation 2016/1842, which amends EC Regulation 1235/2008 as regards the electronic certificate of inspection for imported organic products and EC Regulation 889/2008 as regards the requirements for preserved or processed organic products and the transmission of information.
A new agreement aims to help promote trade opportunities for engineering and manufacturing companies in the UK and USA.
Signed by the manufacturers’ organisation EEF and its US counterpart, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the deal is being heralded as a bid to boost cross-Atlantic trade for firms in the manufacturing sector.
The agreement – which initially spans three years – will focus on promoting and raising awareness of the possibilities of trade in both countries.
Focusing specifically on opportunities for engineering and manufacturing companies, the agreement will include the sharing of market intelligence data. The two organisations will also help facilitate visits and economic delegations aimed at promoting trade and investment, as well as sharing promotional opportunities at trade fairs and other events.
The EEF and NAM say they intend to provide opportunities to meet both UK and US politicians, as well as senior manufacturing leaders from both countries.
Under the agreement, the EEF will have an associate member of staff in Washington to help co-ordinate and manage day-to-day activities, including creating an EEF-NAM Policy Forum.
Announcing the move, EEF Chief Executive Terry Scuoler said that the USA is a vital market for UK industry and is likely to assume even more importance in the wake of Brexit, as the UK seeks to extend its trade links across the globe.
“I am delighted to sign this agreement with our US counterpart, which will hopefully provide mutually beneficial opportunities for manufacturers in both countries,” he concluded.
Ahead of the general election, Norfolk Chamber is setting out the key Norfolk business asks for any future government and is calling for improvements to mobile signal coverage throughout Norfolk.
Overall greater mobile coverage is needed to provide better reliability. This include erecting more mobile signal masts and creating a simplified planning process to gain the necessary permissions. Another simple solution to improve existing coverage would be to allow mobile roaming across the existing network providers.
Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Norfolk Chamber wants to ensure that our business community is able to take advantage of new technology developments as they evolve and one of those key areas is the rise in the mobile office and the need by more business people to do business on the move. To do this we need more investment in our mobile signal infrastructure and changes in how the service providers operate i.e. roaming signals.”
A network of providers ensures that the majority of Norfolk receives mobile signal coverage. But no one provider can deliver a high percentage of overall signal coverage across the county. At present the providers do not allow seamless roaming between their networks – so every business user, no matter which network provides their service, suffers from unreliable mobile signal coverage in Norfolk. This effectively means that overseas visitors to Norfolk can expect better mobile coverage than local businesses and residents.
A recent British Chambers of Commerce survey showed that 83% of Norfolk business users experienced ‘not spots’; 43% had access to 4G; and more concerning, 11% of business users still only had access to 2G – voice calls only with no internet or data.
Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council and Partner at Lovewell Blake said:
“Nearly every Norfolk business person can give examples of the difficulties they have faced when trying to make business calls on their mobiles. We all know of local dead spots in and around commercial and residential areas and try to plan our mobile business calls accordingly. If we wish to be seen as a place to do business, we must continue to press for improvement in the service provided.”
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Tuesday) launched ‘Brexit and Beyond’, the Chamber Network manifesto for General Election 2017.
The Chamber manifesto calls for the new government, which will be responsible for negotiating the terms of the UK’s departure from the European Union, to provide business communities with clear answers to the pragmatic and practical questions around how Brexit will affect their day-to-day operations, including hiring, customs procedures and regulation.
However, business communities across the UK, including Norfolk, send a very strong message that the election cannot – and must not – be about Brexit alone.
The next government must deliver a bold and clear strategy to support economic growth across all regions and nations of the UK. Action is needed on a range of domestic fronts, including improving the competitiveness of the UK’s business environment, upgrading physical and digital infrastructure across the country, and supporting local growth.
The Norfolk Chamber business community will judge the next government against five key criteria:
Infrastructure – revolutionise Norfolk’s physical and digital infrastructure. Ensure that the whole of Norfolk has access to super-fast broadband, better mobile connectivity, and delivering investments in the strategic schemes such as the A47 improvements, the Western Link of the NDR and the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, all of which will unlock the economic potential of the region.
Business Environment – deliver a globally competitive business environment. Ensure the best business environment possible with a relentless drive to improve the skills set of tomorrow’s workforce, without clobbering firms with ever-higher upfront costs.
Local Growth – unlock the potential of the local business community and maintain the place-based focus of the Industrial Strategy to ensure Norfolk’s key sectors can thrive and grow.
Trade – support Norfolk exporters to drive economic growth. Expand trade support programmes, secure continued access to existing Free Trade Agreements, develop trade policy with business, and leverage Chambers of Commerce, which are best placed to provide stable export support in all regions of the UK.
Brexit – work with businesses to secure the best possible deal with the EU. Protect the status of EU nationals in the UK, develop future customs procedures in partnership with business, create a future UK immigration system that is responsive to economic needs and skills shortages at all levels, and ensure that there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber said:
“While businesses all across Norfolk want a good Brexit deal, they are very clear that decisions taken here at home matter as much – if not more – to our future growth prospects. The best possible Brexit deal won’t be worth the paper it’s written on if firms cannot recruit and train the right people, get decent digital connectivity, or get their goods to their market.
“At this election, the Norfolk business community wants a clear commitment from all parties to create the best possible conditions for growth. Westminster must stop and reverse the relentless increases in the up-front cost of doing business in Britain, and give local businesses the confidence to drive investment, job growth and exports through the Brexit transition and beyond.”
Norfolk Chamber’s priorities for the next UK government include:
Deliver frictionless future trade arrangements with the EU, and ensure that business continues to benefit from existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
No new upfront taxes on businesses for the duration of the next Parliament.
Develop a new UK regional funding system with maximum local autonomy, a strong voice for business and focus on economic growth.
Deliver promised investment in road and rail infrastructure, and ensure businesses in Norfolk have access to world-class digital infrastructure.
Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The key to a successful Brexit – and future economic growth – is to do everything to unlock the growth potential in our towns, cities and counties. Implementing an Industrial Strategy which harnesses the power of local areas should be a priority for the new government, alongside a commitment to secure the appropriate support and funding for its implementation.”
Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Locally
Norwich based Topic Biosciences have secured a £60,000 Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative grant to develop new varieties of coffee plant at Norwich Research Park
According to a ManpowerGroup survey, employers in the East of England are ‘most likely to hire’ for the second quarter running
Business activity at firms in the East of England grew at a slower rate, although firms are still more optimistic about their growth prospects in the coming year
Average house price in Norwich grew by 0.4%. the average house price in Norwich currently stands at £192,080
Nationally
UK construction sector growth slowed in March, led by a weaker rise in residential building activity
The UK manufacturing sector had a solid finish to the first quarter. The boost to export competitiveness from the weak sterling exchange rate contributed to this
Britain’s retailers saw falling sales in March, according the BRC, takings were down by 1%
According to the ONS, average weekly earnings for employees rose by 2.3%, including bonuses, when compared with a year earlier
In October 2016 the Government announced the expansion of Heathrow Airport. An expanded Heathrow will double the airport’s cargo capacity and increase the number of domestic connections, boosting Britain’s exporters and ensuring every region and nation of the UK can get to global markets. With up to 40 more long haul destinations, the project will make Britain the best-connected country in the world.
Heathrow has committed to maximising opportunities for British businesses, including those in Norfolk, of all sizes who could benefit from being involved in the building one of the largest privately-funded infrastructure projects in Europe.
Interested applicants should visit https://procurement.heathrow.com to register their interest and complete an Expression of Interest questionnaire before 31st July 2017. All applications will be considered by Heathrow and a list of potential sites is expected to be announced later this year.
Drivers are warned to expect delays on the A1151 Wroxham Road, with temporary signals at the site of the new Green Lane West junction tomorrow (Thurs) and Friday, and a longer stretch under 24-hour traffic lights from Tuesday (2 May).
Tomorrow (27 April) and Friday the traffic lights will be in use after the morning peak, and will be removed as early as possible in the evening. The road will be clear of signals through the bank holiday weekend.
From Tuesday (2 May) for up to two weeks, a long stretch of the A1151 close to the main NDR construction site will be reduced to one lane controlled by traffic lights. This is to allow Anglian Water to complete the diversion of a water main. The active work sites will be at either end of the coned-off carriageway, but too close to run two sets of temporary lights efficiently.
Salhouse Road closure
Temporary traffic lights will remain in use on Salhouse Road at the NDR roundabout construction site until the road is closed for up to two weeks from Monday 8 May to allow completion of the roundabout and tie-in to the existing carriageway.
Reepham Road closure
The current closure of Reepham Road during construction of the roundabout with Drayton Lane is scheduled to continue until Friday 5 May, when Drayton Lane between Reepham Road and Hall Lane (Drayton) will also be reopened. This will reduce pressure on Hall Lane and School Road, Drayton, which are being used as unofficial diversion routes.
Buxton Road closure – new dates
The closure of Buxton Road, Spixworth, originally scheduled for May, has been put back until Monday 5 June and reduced from three to two weeks. This is for the completion and tie-in of the bridge over the NDR. Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained.
The Norfolk Chamber Board has appointed successful Norfolk entrepreneur Chris Sargisson as the new Chief Executive to succeed Caroline Williams, who is stepping down after 17 years in the role.
Commenting on the changeover of Chief Executive, Jonathan Cage, Norfolk Chamber President said: “We wish our current Chief Executive Caroline all the best in her new career. She has played a key role in the success of the Norfolk Chamber since 2000 so it’s been an extremely important exercise to select the right candidate both to build on Caroline’s many achievements and take this important organisation forward.”
Chris Sargisson will head Norfolk’s premier biggest business membership organisation starting in June. “He strikes the right balance of proven business experience and successful entrepreneurial behaviour” said Jonathan Cage.
Chris was educated and lives in Norwich with his wife and two children. He worked in the 1990s shaping Norwich Union Direct before leaving to set up and launch its4me plc, one of the UK’s most successful online car insurance brokers and major Norwich employer. Chris also created House Revolution, one of the UK’s first online estate agencies, alongside running his own business consultancy practice which has helped organisations of all sizes across the UK.
Two meetings to be held in London in May will focus on the trade opportunities offered by countries in Africa.
Organised by the Business Council for Africa and British Expertise International, the meetings will bring together British diplomats stationed in both East and West Africa.
Both meetings will take place on 10 May. In the morning, a panel discussion at the Business Council for Africa (Lavington Street, London) will feature three Heads of Mission from East Africa: Susanna Moorehead, Nic Hailey and Sarah Cooke.
Susanna Moorehead, British Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, is the Permanent Representative to the African Union and UN Economic Commission for Africa. She has also served as the Director for Southern and West Africa at the Department for International Development (DFID).
Nic Hailey has been British High Commissioner to Kenya since December 2015. Prior to taking up his current position, he was Director for Africa at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), where he had responsibility for all UK policy towards, and operations in, 48 countries across Africa.
The High Commissioner to Tanzania, Sarah Cooke, was previously representative for DFID in Bangladesh.
Starting at 17.00 on 10 May, the second meeting will be held at the premises of Addleshaw Goddard (Chiswell Street, London) and will include five Heads of Mission from West Africa.
Among them will be the UK’s current High Commissioner to Cameroon, Brian Olley, who has previously served in Cyprus, Afghanistan and Finland.
George Hodgson, Ambassador to Senegal and non-resident Ambassador to Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau, will also participate in the panel discussion, as will the High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin.
In addition to the panel discussions, both events will also provide opportunities for networking. Further information can be found at www.britishexpertise.org.
Heathrow Airport has confirmed that China Southern Airlines will be operating a second daily departure between the UK hub and the Chinese port of Guangzhou with effect from 1 June this year.
It said that the airline’s twice-daily service, the only direct connection between the UK and the southern Chinese city, is strategically important for “a global, outward-looking Britain”.
Using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the new service will lower transfer times to China Southern Airlines’ network of over 120 destinations in China, Japan and Korea, southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Located just 75 miles up the Pearl River bay from Hong Kong, Guangzhou is described as one of China’s most vibrant business markets as well as being its biggest port.
The addition of the new daily service will boost trade capacity to this booming city, by doubling the space for British exports to up to 8760 metric tonnes a year, Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said.
Welcoming the addition of the second service, he highlighted the benefits of increased connectivity to Guangzhou for Heathrow passengers and for British business generally.
“Direct connections to thriving markets like these are essential to keeping our country a global, outward looking, trading nation,” Mr Holland-Kaye concluded.
In 2016, more than 1.1 million passengers used Heathrow to fly to and from Chinese destinations, an increase of 7.3% over the previous year.
Global Village is a one-of-a-kind, multi-cultural festival park that operates seasonally, showcasing different cultures from around the world, in a lively, outdoor atmosphere. Global Village is renowned for it’s shopping experience showcasing authentic products from around the world. Total transactions at Global Village exceeded € 590 million (AED 2.3 billion) last season. This will be Global Villages 22nd Season and is proud to have attracted 5.6 million visitors last season and been voted the No 1 Leisure attraction in the Middle East (You Gov). Our Vision is to be one of the top ten international brands for family entertainment and cultural experiences by 2020.
We are looking for new and exciting product s and retailers to fill our European Pavilion
We believe the following products sell extremely well:
HANDICRAFTS
WELLNESS PRODUCTS
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FASHION
GIFTS
ACCESSORIES
But open to all products especially in new in the market. Global Village is excited about working with European Exhibitors and looks forward to them showcasing and retailing unique and authentic products during the next season. Global Village will work closely with exhibitors on all logistic elements from shipping, storage, to accommodation and visa’s to ensure an easy process for our exhibitors.
The Flat Rate VAT Scheme (FRS) was set up by HMRC as a means to simplify and reduce the costs of compliance for small businesses. This meant that such businesses could apply a fixed percentage dependent upon the specific trade or profession they were involved in.
Under the FRS the business would charge full VAT rates to their clients when invoicing and therefore receive VAT at 20%. The business would then only pay the fixed percentage to HMRC i.e. if they fell within management consultancy they would pay only 14% of their invoiced value to HMRC.
The scheme does not permit recovery of input VAT other than in specific circumstances normally in relation to purchases of capital equipment with a value of more than £2,000.
Legislation
HMRC issued draft legislation in early December 2016 which introduced a new rate of 16.5% for ‘Limited Cost Traders’ (LCT) to take affect from 1st April 2017. A LCT is one whose VAT inclusive expenditure on goods is either:-
less than 2% of their VAT inclusive turnover in a prescribed accounting period
greater than 2% of their VAT inclusive turnover but less than £1,000 per annum if the prescribed accounting period is one year (if it is not one year, the figure is the relevant proportion of £1,000
Goods, for the purpose of LCT, must be used exclusively for the purposes of the business but exclude the following items:-
capital expenditure
food or drink for consumption by the FRS business or its employees
vehicles, vehicle parts and fuel (except where the business is one that carries out transport services -eg. a taxi business, and uses its own or a leased vehicle to carry out these services).
An additional downside to this test is that if you have goods that are used part for business and part private use should be totally excluded and not apportioned between business and private.
April onwards
From 1st April 2017 a LCT will have a choice to either remain as part of FRS and pay VAT to HMRC based on 16.5% or to be part of standard treatment VAT i.e. pay net VAT to HMRC having taken into account VAT on outputs at 20% and recover VAT on inputs where charged.
Under the anti-forestalling provisions HMRC have restricted any possibility of a LCT continuing to use any lower FRS rates from 1st April 2017 therefore action if not already taken should be taken now to avoid potential penalties.
If you are still within the first 12 months of VAT registration you will be able to continue with the 1% first year discount so would pay only 15.5% for the remainder of the 12 month period.
If under the legislation you are a LCT then you need to go through the numbers and consider which is the best direction for you. The potential impact on a small business may not be significant and the additional costs involved in fully accounting for VAT under the standard rate may well be more than the VAT involved especially as you will need to provide evidence of any expenditure on which you make a reclaim.
All such businesses will have their own unique situation and we would recommend you speak with your accountant or call the VAT advice line should you need help making a decision.