Chamber News

With Brexit now seeming more like a reality, everyone is taking their turn to spell out their demands to the Government negotiators with the latest being a joint approach by organisations representing farmers, food and drink manufacturers and retailers.

They want the UK to adopt an approach to Brexit negotiations that will ensure stability and continuity for agri-food and drink businesses.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) set out seven priorities for the food supply chain in the UK’s post-Brexit trade regime.

They are calling for a smooth and orderly Brexit, with transitional arrangements aimed at maintaining frictionless trade in goods between the UK and the EU, avoiding costly and disruptive customs checks, processes and procedures.

A bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) should be negotiated with the EU, their joint statement says, delivering two-way tariff-free trade.

The UK should also establish itself as an independent member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), thereby providing continuity and predictability by adopting the EU’s current schedule of Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) bound tariff rates.

Benefits for UK traders of existing EU preferential trade arrangements should be secured, including the UK’s “fair share” of tariff rate quotas for agricultural imports and any preferential access for UK food and drink exports – at least until they can be replaced with better arrangements.

Once the terms of the UK’s future trading relations with the EU are clear, the statement goes on, the Government should engage in formal trade negotiations with non-EU countries.

Attention should also be given to establishing co-operation with these countries on regulatory equivalence and ensuring that all new trade agreements consider differences in regulations and standards when market access is negotiated.

In addition, the BRC, NFU and FDF want interested parties to be consulted and detailed economic impact assessments undertaken when future trade negotiations start and before any deals are agreed.

Plumstead Road will be closed between Thorpe End and Little Plumstead from 8pm tomorrow (Saturday 8 April) for the lifting of the main beams on to the A1270 Northern Distributor Road bridge over the Norwich to Sheringham railway at Rackheath.

The 1,000 tonne crane has arrived on site and the forecast is for winds speeds to be within the limits for lifting the five braced pairs of 36.7-metre beams, each pair weighing 80 tonnes. Lifting is expected to start in the early hours of Sunday morning and if all goes well could be complete well before the 10pm completion target. The road will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so after the beam lifts and associated works have been completed, but no later than 6am on Monday 10 April. If good progress is made, this could be during the day on Sunday 9 April.

During the closure of Plumstead Road the main diversion will be along Salhouse Road. Access to Thorpe End will be maintained from the west (city direction). On Sunday, Bittern Line trains will be replaced by buses*. The revised timetable can be found on the Service Alterations page of the abellio Greater Anglia website: www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-diversions. *Please note: The bus replacement service operator has changed and will not be provided by Sanders.

Digital skills are increasingly important to the operation of businesses in Norfolk and the rest of the UK but companies are facing a shortage of skills in their workforce which is hampering productivity, according to a new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), released today (Friday).

More than 1,400 business in the UK took part in the survey, including those in Norfolk.  The Norfolk results showed that 83% of firms say digital and IT skills are more important to their business than two years ago, with half (54%) saying these skills are significantly more important.

However, the survey also found that more than three-in-four businesses are facing a shortage of digital skills in their workforce, with 56% reporting a slight shortage, 17% a significant one and 4% a critical shortage.

The Norfolk key findings of the survey are:

• The skills most important to companies are basic computer skills (70%), communicating and connecting through digital channels (74%) and management of digital information (69%)
• Skills shortages are having adverse effects on many firms including, increasing workload on existing staff (53%), higher operating costs (33%), and causing difficulties in meeting customer requirements (18%)
• Businesses regard a lack of time for staff training (29%), difficulty in identifying appropriate training (27%), and the high cost of training (15%), as the leading barriers to rectifying these shortages.

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager of Norfolk Chamber said:

“The evidence is clear: better digital skills make Norfolk firms more productive, and a lack of digital skills holds them back.

“Businesses themselves can do a lot more to tackle the digital skills shortages they face.  They need to be aware that a failure to tackle this issue will ultimately impact on their bottom line. If no action is taken, then firms could get stuck in an unproductive cycle, where a lack of action will have serious consequences.

“Training providers in our region can help by engaging with companies on their digital needs and help them to free up resources for growth.  Equally, the government must help as well, by recognising that some of the high-level digital skills local businesses need will come from overseas, so a pragmatic immigration system needs to be in place to provide Norfolk companies with access to the workers required to fill some of the gaps.”

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Thursday) publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest business survey with over 7,000 responses, including Norfolk businesses.  

The overall UK results show solid growth for both sectors, particularly in relation to domestic and export sales and orders. However the majority of the Norfolk and the East of England results bucked the UK trend.  The exception being the East of England manufacturers, who saw their domestic and export sales and orders reflect those results seen at a national level, which Norfolk didn’t

Key Norfolk findings in the Q1 2017 survey:

• Both sectors reported falling domestic sales (Manufacturing 24% to 9% and Service 24% to 14%)
• Export sales fell in both sectors (Manufacturing 18% to 17% and Services 11% to 6%)
• Reduced employment in the last 3 months was reported by both sectors (Manufacturing 34% to 5% and Service 19% to 12%)
• The number of Norfolk manufacturers intending to increase prices remained static
• In the services sector, the balance of firms expecting prices to rise increased from +32% to +39%
• Both sectors highlighted an increase recruitment difficulties and reduced recruitment intentions

Manufacturing – Q1 2017

The majority of Norfolk manufacturing balances for Q1 showed a loss of confidence and many expressed caution in the current uncertain economic times.  Reduced orders and sales points to more support being needed by Norfolk businesses to help them investigate overseas trading opportunities.

Despite increases in raw material prices, due to a weak pound, many companies have advised that they do not intend to increase their prices to ensure that they remain competitive.

Service Sector – Q1 2017

Norfolk’s service sector was definitely more cautious in the first quarter of 2017 than in the previous quarter.  Current economic uncertainty translated into reduced domestic and export sales and orders.  As with the manufacturing sector Norfolk’s employment expectations dropped.  However, the number of companies within the service sector expecting to raise prices increased.

Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Whilst the national picture is still showing solid growth, the local view is not as optimistic.  The impact of economic uncertainty is starting show.  The rise in inflation seen since last year’s EU referendum is identified as an increasing pressure facing local businesses.

“The myriad of upfront costs imposed by government – including business rates, Apprenticeship Levy, National Living Wage and insurance premium tax – are all adding to the overhead costs of firms and the pressure on prices, which is impacting on our county.   Norfolk businesses need Government to recognise the need to invest in Norfolk to assist business to reverse these negative trends.”

The Engaging People Company has been set up by Michelle Gant to transform employee and customer engagement and increase satisfaction.  Our focus is on helping companies to be people satisfaction-centred as this has a direct correlation to business success: happy employees will feel empowered and enthused to deliver an organisation’s business objectives – which leads to happy customers. 

The Engaging People Company provides engagement services all in one place. This includes developing and delivering bespoke strategies for engagement, communications and wellbeing, providing targeted facilitation and coaching, PR and media relations, and writing. The Engaging People Company is able to identify the drivers of dissatisfaction, and develop plans and deliver activities to transform this discontentment into satisfaction.

As the name suggests, we are engaging people and we work closely with our clients to truly understand their needs and respond to these in a way which aligns with their organisational values.  And in everything we do, we live by our own values. We are authentic, we work creatively, we have fun doing what we do – and we always show kindness: we truly care about others, and ourselves.

We are well placed to do what we do. Michelle has extensive experience in engagement, communications, coaching, facilitation and as a prolific writer. Most recently she was employed as Director of Engagement with a not for profit housing provider, establishing their approach to engagement. Michelle believes in the importance of coaching for people development and is an experienced and qualified coach. She has vast experience of facilitating a wide array of meetings and events.  Michelle is also a writer and contributes to a variety of communication channels, including The Huffington Post.

The Engaging People Company has joined the Chamber of Commerce to access knowledge and learning and to connect with other organisations in a supportive and proactive way. We are keen to tap into the Chamber’s extensive expertise and networks.

We can be found www.engaging-people.co.uk on Twitter @engagepeopleco or email michelle@engaging-people.co.uk

As part of efforts by the Borough Council to make the central area of Great Yarmouth more attractive to shoppers, residents and investors, businesses in the town centre are able to apply for grants to improve their frontages.

Under the Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Scheme, eligible applicants can ask for grants of up to £3,000 each to help fund shopfront renovation, decoration, new signage and/or replacement of historic features including lighting. Businesses must cover 25% of the total cost themselves.  At present there is a funding pot of £60,000.

If an application is approved, the business will have six months to complete the works and submit a claim form, with payments made only once works are complete. Before starting work, applications must have obtained the relevant permissions, including any planning permission and landlord permission required.

All applicants, whether successful or not, will be offered free business guidance, and advice on marketing, branding and visual merchandising, via enterpriseGY, the borough council’s business support service.

The shopfront scheme aims to:

• Improve business frontages, including shops, commercial businesses and social enterprises.
• Enhance the appearance and appeal of the town centre to visitors, customers and local residents.
• Preserve and enhance the special character of the conservation area, its listed buildings and other buildings of public importance.
• Assist towards encouraging further inward investment and stimulate business and consumer confidence.
• Completed applications are assessed on their individual merits by the Town Centre Shop Front Sub Committee, a cross-party sub-committee of the Economic Development Committee.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has already approved its first grants to help businesses improve their town centre frontages, with a total of £8,500 agreed in relation to five successful applicants. The successful applicants are: Gentleman’s Headquarters and the Sock Shop in Regent Street; and Woodcraft, Branded Toys and Wallis’ Wonders in the Victoria Arcade.

Commenting on the town centre improvement scheme, Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber council said:

“We want to see a thriving town centre and these grants will help deliver real change whilst encouraging local businesses to invest in our town and help drive further economic growth for Great Yarmouth.”  

Cllr Barry Coleman, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, said:

“”These first successful applications cover a real diversity of businesses and premises in different parts of the town centre, including some historic premises – and it is particularly great that the borough council is able to further help some of the businesses which were affected by last summer’s fire in Regent Road.

“There is, however, still money in the pot and we would like to hand out more grants in the coming months, so if you are an eligible business or social enterprise then please do follow suit and submit a well thought out application, because now is an ideal time to invest.”

Application forms, guidance and a map showing the area covered by the scheme, are available by visiting https://www.enterprisegy.co.uk/shop-front, emailing enterpriseGY@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or by calling enterpriseGY on 0800 458 0146.

Applications close on 31 March 2018, or sooner if funding is spent before this date.

(Based on March 2017 data releases)

Monthly headlines:

• BCC upgrades its UK economic growth forecast for 2017, but downgrades outlook for 2018.
• Inflation breaches the Bank of England’s 2% target as earnings growth continues to slow.
• Federal Reserve raises US interest rates and more rises are expected this year.

The third official estimate for Q4 2016 UK economic growth (GDP) stood at 0.7%, which was unrevised from the previous estimate.  Household disposable income fell by 0.4%, however consumer spending continues to be a key driver for UK growth.

CPI inflation in the UK stood at 2.3% in February 2017 – up from 1.8% in January.  This is the first time since November 2013 that inflation has been above the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target.

The Federal Reserve has increased US interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to a target range of between 0.75% and 1%.  This is the second time in three months that the US central bank has raised rates.  If the US monetary policy continues to tighten, this will increase the downward pressure on sterling, which is likely to push UK inflation higher.

For full details of this month’s economic review click here.

Right now the world wants quality Norfolk goods and services. There are millions of people across the world looking for the right skills, expertise, goods and services. The demand is out there and your business should be too.

The Department for International Trade’s Export Hub is coming to Norfolk this April.

Scottow Enterprise Park

Date: Wednesday 12 April 2017                                                                   

Time: 10:00 – 13:00 Hrs                                                        

Venue: On-board The Export Hub, Scottow Enterprise Park, Lamas Road,

Baddersfield, Scottow, NR10 5FB

Hethel Engineering Centre

Date: Thursday 13 April 2017

Time: 11:00 – 14:00 Hrs

Venue: On-board The Export Hub, Hethel Engineering Centre, Chapman Way, Hethel, Norwich, NR14 8FB

Trading abroad can boost your company’s profile, credibility and bottom line. And operating in new markets will mean you are more likely to be aware of the emerging needs of that market and the new opportunities that may arise for your business.

This exposure will ensure Norfolk businesses are better able to maintain a competitive position in this sector. Exporting will also enhance your businesses profile, whether for new clients at home or abroad.

Commenting the Export Hubs coming to our county, Julie Austin, International Trade Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:

“With Brexit negotiations now under way, it is important for Norfolk’s innovative firms to consider the opportunities that international trade can offer. With lots of existing and new emerging markets, exporting has never been easier. The Export Hubs offer a unique opportunity to find out how you can profile your business’ skills and services to the rest of the world.”

You do not need to pre-register, please just stop by on the above dates and times to talk about how you can improve or start exporting.

For more information email: eastinfo@mobile.trade.gov.uk

The latest Bank of England Agents’ Summary for Quarter One 2017 has been published.  Key highlights are:

• Overall moderate rates of growth activity have continued
• Investment intentions have picked up with points to modest growth ahead
• The fall in sterling has resulted in higher manufacturing output

Moderate rates of activity growth has continued overall. Retail sales volumes growth had eased. It was expected to slow further during the year ahead as the fall in sterling fed through to higher prices, reducing households’ purchasing power. In contrast, export volume growth had picked up. That was due to the fall in sterling and stronger world growth.

Investment intentions had picked up, pointing to modest growth in spending in the year ahead. That reflected continued moderate demand growth and less uncertainty about economic prospects, particularly in the near term. But a lack of visibility of the United Kingdom’s future trading arrangements was weighing on longer-term plans for some contacts.

The fall in sterling was being passed through into higher manufacturing output and consumer goods price inflation. Business and consumer services price inflation had edged higher.

To read the full report click here.

With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) changes coming May 2018, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce are set to deliver a new event to help Norfolk businesses stay cyber safe. The Cyber Security Conference on Thursday 18 May 2017 will be a key event for the business calendar this year. With news headlines filled with the latest cyber-attack on corporate giants, organisations small and large need to be aware of the danger to their data. In May 2018 a new European regulation will come into effect meaning that businesses will have to completely re-think their data protection regimes. High standards are to be set on the accountability of how data is recorded, kept and processed. One of the biggest threats is the increase in fines from €500,000 to a maximum of €20m or 4% of global turnover. To visit the event webpage and book your place click here Norfolk Chamber’s Chief Executive, Caroline Williams said: “We live in a fast-paced, global economy that relies more and more on data and information carried through cyberspace.  Just as it is important for businesses to protect their physical property from intruders and potential theft, it is as important to guard against cybercrime. “The necessity of strong cybersecurity measures is self-evident and business needs to respond to this increased threat by adopting strict cybersecurity measures to ensure their continued economic growth. This event will give you the tools to help protect your organisation.” Hosted by Paul Maskall, Cybercrime Security Advisor and Coordinator for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, this event is set to help your business avoid the €20m fine by bringing together speakers from a range of businesses and backgrounds; with the event featuring talks and live demonstrations.  Speakers for the event are being sent from both local and national businesses including Birketts, FreeClix and PwC. Talks will cover topics such as the GDPR, inside threats, the Internet of Things, preventing attacks and more. Question and answer, networking opportunities and an exhibition will also feature on this half day conference agenda.  The event is open to all businesses of all sizes and industries to attend to gain vital knowledge on cyber practise. If you’re a business owner, work in IT, Security or Tech, you’ll want to be there. Event sponsorship and stands are available now, as well as event tickets. Full details can be found online here Speakers Include: • Paul Maskall, Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies  • Kitty Rosser, Birketts LLP  • Peter Freeman, FreeClix Ltd  • Rahul Colaco, PwC Media Invitation Date: Thursday 18 May 2017, 9am – 12:30pm Venue: The Space, Norwich Members of press and media are invited to attend the event. An official photographer will be at the event and a selection of photographs will be available for use on request the following working day.  If you would like to attend or arrange an interview with a speaker please email joe.fitzgerald@norfolkchamber.co.uk or phone 01603 729708.

On Tuesday 28th March, over 30 delegates joined us to learn more about the business opportunities in Japan at the Holiday Inn, Norwich. The event proved to be an informative and relaxed introduction to the cultural norms of doing business in Japan as well as the allures of the Japanese market as part of our international event series. The venue provided the attendees with plenty of tea and coffee as well as spacious and comfortable setting on this sunny afternoon.

Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Manager, Julie Austin, welcomed delegates to the event, introducing our four expert presenters from companies: Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Integro Languages and Barclays. First up to speak was Daisaku Yukita, Deputy Director-General of JEtro, who highlighted the draws of the Japanese market and an overall impression of the challenges and solutions to doing Business in Japan.

Next up were Tom Bool and Shohei Yamaguchi from Integro Languages. Tom spoke about how crucial gaining linguistic support was in growing your business internationally. He then introduced Shohei, a Japanese national and head of Integro’s Asian languages division, who provided a crash course on what to expect from interactions with Japanese business community and the pitfalls to avoid.

The delegates were then provided with a delicious range of cakes and refreshments, allowing the opportunity to network with one another and discuss some of the subject matter introduced by our speakers.

Cake and tea consumed, Phil Ball, Director of Trade Sales at Barclays, then took to the podium to indicate some financial tips and issues when trading with Japan.

Julie also gave a short presentation on how the chamber can help your business to expand overseas. If you would like any more information on how we can help, please visit our international page or contact the team: 

T: 01603 729715 E: export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

We closed the event with a Q&A session, after which, many delegates took the chance to talk further with the speakers and get in some final networking to make those all-important contacts. 

Doing Business in Japan Slideshow from Naomi Holmes

Commenting on the Great Repeal Bill White Paper, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk’s business community want certainty from day-one on the rules and regulations they will face when the UK leaves the EU. For that reason, we welcome the premise of stability and continuity at the heart of the Great Repeal Bill.

“A legislative transition of this size and scope has never before been implemented, and Norfolk Chamber and our Westminster office, the British Chambers of Commerce, will be working closely with senior civil servants and Ministers to ensure there are no unintended consequences for individual firms, for sectors or for business communities as a whole.”

Also commenting, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The government must be exceedingly careful in its use of proposed fast-track powers, or risk blighting businesses with additional costs and burdens. As we have seen in the past, it takes only takes one poorly-drafted regulation to spark expensive court cases with wide-reaching consequences – and we are talking here about re-drafting thousands of pieces of the rule-book.

“In the fullness of time, businesses want to work with government to determine areas where maintaining equivalence with EU law is in our national economic interest, and areas where some divergence and change may be required. This will be a complex endeavor – better done right than done quickly.”