Chamber News

Gee-Force Hydraulics is a privately owned business offering a wide range of equipment and servicing to the Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Renewables, Marine and Civil Engineering industries.

Gee-Force Hydraulics specialises in the sale and hire of hydraulic torque wrench equipment and other bolting equipment including hydraulic bolt tensioners, pneumatic and electronic torque wrenches, hand torque multipliers and manual wrenches. We also sell and hire mechanical and hydraulic flange spreading and flange alignment equipment, hydraulic nut splitters, hydraulic vertical lifting wedges and hydraulic lifting cylinders.

Through our rental partnership with industry leader HTL we enjoy access to the widest range of bolting and ancillary equipment available in the UK including portable machines, cutting equipment, flushing equipment, test instrumentation, subsea equipment and maintenance equipment.

We operate from premises in Great Yarmouth and Burnley, and in addition to equipment sales and hire we also provide ECITB accredited Mechanical Joint Integrity (MJI) training and testing out of our Great Yarmouth premises in conjunction with HTL’s Training Services Division. We are a distributor for SPX Bolting Systems, SPX Power Team and UK manufacturer Norbar Torque Tools ,as well as a wide range of equipment from other manufacturers. In addition to equipment sales and hire we offer full service, repair and calibration capabilities.

We are looking to expand the company’s activities beyond our Great Yarmouth base, across the whole of Norfolk and the wider South East. By joining the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, we hope this will play an important part in building our knowledge of and relationships with the County’s business community and by doing so fast-tracking both our profile and growth.

The region’s premier business to business exhibition was back for its 18th opening at Norwich City Football Club (NCFC) on Thursday 13 October.

The day brought together over 100 businesses exhibiting across two floors of NCFC and over 700 attendees for a day committed to business.

The event begun with a welcome from special guest television presenter and Break Patron Jake Humphrey where he told our businesses to ‘believe in yourself and be as ambitious as possible’. Following this Norfolk Chamber CEO Caroline Williams took Jake on a tour of the exhibition to meet our exhibitors and judge the Best Stand Award. This year we are pleased to announce Mayday were judged the winners, doing caricatures of visitors to their stand and printing them as souvenirs of the day on their printer.

In addition, we this year offered attendees the chance to take a break from the busy exhibition floors in our Networking Lounge. Busy throughout the day, we’re sure plenty of business connections were made here. We also hosted four workshops during the event for attendees to brush up their knowledge on networking, digital marketing, business growth and LinkedIn.

Overall the exhibition had a real buzz throughout the day with a variety of great stands on offers from the VR driving simulation from Innershed, to the photograph famous Hazel the eagle and Flint the owl with NBC Environment.

This year’s event was sponsored by osbornenash, Archant, Computer Service Centre, inVoke Marketing, Norse and HEAD | HUNTED Recruitment.

You can already register your name for priority booking for 2017 stands. Don’t forget to add Thursday 12 October 2017 to your diary for a day of doing business.

Did you visit or exhibit at B2B this October? Complete our short survey below:

Visitor Survey

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Major improvements planned, plus special ticket offer to herald the new era

A new era for the railway in East Anglia was launched across our region yesterday. Abellio subisidiary company Greater Anglia is starting a new nine-year franchise to provide passenger rail services to and from London across Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

People in East Anglia can now look forward to a £2 billion package of improvements to transform rail travel in the region.

Highlights include a complete fleet of brand new trains (replacing every single train in the current fleet with a larger fleet of new trains during 2019/2020 – up from 933 carriages to 1043 carriages); more services; faster journey times; 55 per cent more seats into London in the morning peak period; initiatives to improve punctuality from 89% to almost 93%; £60 million of improvements in stations and new ticket options offering even better value for money.

The majority of major upgrades, linked to the new trains, will be delivered in 2019/2020, but there are a number of other improvements delivered over the first three years of the franchise including 72 additional carriages to provide more seats from summer 2017; free wi-fi; automatic delay repay compensation for season ticket holders and advance ticket holders from early in 2017; ticket vending machines at every station; new customer information screens and help points at every station; at least 1800 additional car parking spaces and 4000 extra cycle parking places at stations around the network; a refresh and deep clean for all stations; significant investment in reliability modifications and interior refreshes for the existing fleet of trains and more investment in customer service and the Community Rail Partnerships.

To mark the start of the new franchise, Greater Anglia is running a “Wake up to Weekdays” offer with special adult return fares – £10, £15 or £20 for off-peak travel. Children can travel for just £2 return. Tickets are available to purchase until 30 October for travel up to 30 November, including the autumn half-term period.

After attending a special franchise launch event at Liverpool Street station, London, with Rail Minister Paul Maynard, there will be events at Chelmsford, Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge to mark the start of the franchise with regional stakeholders.

Jamie Burles, Managing Director for Greater Anglia said: “This is an exciting time for the railway in our region. This is the first franchise renewal to see a train operator replace its entire fleet with brand new trains. I’m looking forward to leading Greater Anglia as we transform the railway.

“We have a huge programme of improvements planned for trains, stations, timetables, journey times, ticketing, performance and wider customer service standards. Today really is the start of a period of major investment and improvement to upgrade services for customers and communities across the region.”

Stakeholders across the region have welcomed the new franchise and the planned upgrades. At Norwich station, Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia Customer Services Director, and Michelle Smart, Human Resources Director, marked the new franchise with James Mason, Board member for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Ted Gadsden, Chairman of the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Ian Dinmore, Chairman of the Wherry Lines CRP.

James Mason said: “I was delighted to represent Norfolk Chamber at Norwich railway station to mark the commencement of the new Greater Anglia rail franchise. The Chamber has worked very hard to promote great infrastructure for the benefit of the Norfolk economy and the developments expected through this franchise will be most beneficial to business in our region.”

Proposals to improve traffic flow in two busy areas ofNorwich are now open for public comment and feedback.

Both Dereham Road and the centre of Eaton and Cringleford are due for investment through Transport for Norwich, with Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council calling for feedback on the details of the schemes.

The aims of changes in Eaton and Cringleford include reducing traffic speeds to 20mph, installing traffic signals either side of Cringleford bridge that respond to the flow of traffic in each direction, and simplifying pedestrian crossings in the centre of Eaton. The project is designed to address the needs of general traffic while improving journey times for buses and providing better infrastructure for cyclists and those on foot.

Across the city at the Dereham Road/Sweet Briar Road roundabout, changes are being proposed that will reduce congestion for all traffic, improve pedestrian crossing facilities and provide a better environment for cyclists. By increasing the efficiency of the junction, proposed work also aims to improve the reliability and journey times for bus services in the area.

Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber said: “It is just as important that businesses have their say with regard to these consultations and I would encourage any business that could be affected by the plans to ensure that they make their views heard.”

Councillor Bert Bremner, city and county councillor and vice chair of Norwich Highways Agency Committee (NHAC), said: “An important part of finalising proposals on these schemes is to get feedback on them from those using the area, whether they’re drivers, cyclists, pedestrians or bus passengers.

“Information and comments received through the consultations can then help us fine tune the plans and hopefully iron out potential issues to make them the best possible solution that balances the needs of all road users.”

To find out more about the projects, how to comment and to view the associated plans, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/derehamroad and www.norfolk.gov.uk/eatoncringleford.

The deadline for responses on Eaton and Cringleford is Friday 4 November, while the Dereham Road/Sweet Briar Road consultation runs until Monday 7 November.

Following any amends to the plans as a result of the consultations, the final proposals for both schemes will be submitted to NHAC to seek approval for construction.

Norfolk Chamber welcomed a trade delegation from Exeter to their flagship business to business exhibition. B2B 2016 was an all-day event, held at Norwich City Football Club.

The delegation from Exeter were exploring how the new daily flight to and from Norwich airport could help foster closer commercial relationships between the two regions. There are many similarities between Norwich and Exeter – both are university cities and have a history in finance and insurance industries, as well as a strong tourism offering.

The Exeter delegation included Exeter Chamber, the Devon Hotels and Restaurant Association, Signs Express (whose headquarters are based in Norwich), Exeter Airport and Flybe. Norfolk Chamber arranged for them to meet their Norfolk counterparts, together with lots of other local businesses.

Vice President of Exeter Chamber, Derek Phillips said: “Exeter and Norwich are both the urban centres of rural areas. Tourism is important: Norfolk has the Broads and we have Dartmoor.”

Caroline Williams, Chief executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “Our two regions are looking for common ground. We hope to organise a follow up trip to Exeter before Christmas to continue to forge stronger business links and ensure that the new flight can boost tourism and business.”

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday November 23, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to use its ‘reset’ of fiscal policy to pursue measures that incentivise business investment, improve infrastructure, and demonstrate the UK government’s continued support for business.

Pre-existing concerns over a slowing economy have been intensified by the political and economic uncertainty that followed the electorate’s historic vote to leave the European Union. The recent Quarterly Economic Survey showed that businesses have lowered their expectations for hiring, turnover, and investment in plant, machinery, and training in the coming year.

The Chamber network believes that the Autumn Statement can create the foundations for the UK to successfully navigate the coming transition period, and remain a great place to do business for firms of all sizes.

The BCC submission, which was handed to the Chancellor when the BCC took a delegation of businesses to meet him at Number 11 in September, proposes seven key measures:

• A pledge to introduce no new input taxes or other significant costs on businesses for the remainder of this Parliament – matching the pledge made to voters on income tax, NICs and VAT during the 2015 General Election campaign
• Further fundamental reform of business rates – exclusion of plant and machinery from valuations; and bringing forward the switch of the annual uprating from RPI to CPI to 2017, from 2020
• Temporary widening of the Annual Investment Allowance – to include business premises improvements for a period of five years, alongside investments in plant and machinery
• Improving the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy – levy-paying businesses should be able to support high-quality workplace and vocational training, in addition to apprenticeships
• Direct investment in ‘quick-start’ infrastructure projects such as housing and broadband – to ‘crowd-in’ private sector investment in infrastructure, regeneration and growth. The Chancellor has already responded in part to this with a new housebuilding programme
• Increased resources to directly support SME export plans – direct monetary support for firms to explore new markets or deepen sales abroad
• Creation of an indirect tax road map – to give businesses much needed clarity to invest with confidence

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Autumn Statement gives the government a great chance to set the tone for its relationship with British business, by pulling out all the stops to support investment, infrastructure improvements, and business confidence.

“The Chancellor made the right move when he signaled his willingness to use historically-low interest rates to invest prudently to support growth, and he has a golden opportunity now to use this fiscal flexibility to ‘crowd in’ business investment.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Plans to lower business costs and support investment would help firms take risks and seize opportunities in spite of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process. Westminster must do everything in its gift to improve the business environment – and firms will repay that backing with investment, hiring, training and export growth.”

The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce B2B Exhibition is back for 2016, and it’s quite a year for the consistently successful business event.

This, the 18th B2B, coincides with The Norfolk Chamber’s 120th Anniversary. Philippa Bindley, Events Manager of the Chamber said today: “We’re thrilled to mark these two milestones in the same year. The Chamber has been committed to local business for 120 years, and although B2B is a little younger it now has a track record of eighteen years consistent growth and development, becoming an essential event for local companies to exhibit at, and visit, to see the latest ideas and products coming out of our region.”

B2B 2016 takes place on October 13, at Norwich City Football Club, delivered in partnership with Archant. Special guest, TV Presenter and local celebrity, Jake Humphrey will open the event and will be there to judge the best stand award.

He’ll have quite a task as there are more stands than ever in 2016, breaking even last year’s record. With over 100 exhibitors the 2016 B2B Exhibition is a sell-out, and visitor numbers are already set to exceed the 2015 total.

Speaking before the event Jake Humphrey said, “The B2B exhibition is the showcase of the year for Norfolk businesses to engage with new customers.”

In an exciting new development, demonstrating The Chamber’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and commerce, 11 students from Sprowston High School are volunteering on the day, as part of national work experience week.

And flying in for B2B 2016 is a trade delegation from the Exeter Chamber who are bringing a number of businesses to the event. They’re taking advantage of the Flybe direct flights now running daily to and from Norwich to Exeter, allowing companies from different sides of the country to do business.

B2B 2016 is bursting with new ideas. There’s a new Networking Lounge, and stands have been taken out of the previous ‘zones’ to add variety and scope for visitors. New digital signage is another innovation, enhancing the visitors’ experience. To mark the year’s two milestones the overall event has been spread across the Business Boulevard, on floor 1, and the Anniversary Avenue, on floor 2.

Bite size training sessions are on offer throughout the day. The ‘Chamber Sessions’ are five 20 minute, expert led, sessions designed to help visitors do better business.

This year sees the return of the hugely popular Loka app allowing visitors to access exclusive offers and discounts from their phone.

Speaking before the event Jake Humphrey said, “The B2B exhibition is the showcase of the year for Norfolk businesses to engage with new customers.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “Our founders, 120 years ago, had great foresight, but they could never have imagined what B2B 2016 would look like today. This is a truly cutting edge business event, brimming with technology and techniques to give exhibitors and visitors alike a really productive day. Most of all though it’s an opportunity for businesses to get face to face, to do business.”

B2B Exhibition is FREE to attend on Thursday 13 October, between 10am-5pm at Norwich City Football Club and no booking is required. For more information visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/b2b

Happy birthday to Norfolk Chamber! We are officiallycelebrating our 120 years anniversary today, since being incorporated on this date 7 October in 1896.

This morning over 100 members gathered to help celebrate with us at our annual Norwich Economic Business Breakfast at OPEN followed by our AGM. Celebrations were underway early with a special toast led by Caroline Williams, Chief Executive with guests enjoying bucks fizz at 8am!

At midday ourmembers of staff gathered in the boardroom of our offices to toast this amazing achievement, with balloons, blow up guitars and mustaches on sticks.

Over the last year we have received special messages of congratulations from Her Majesty, The Queen; Theresa May, Prime Minister; Adam Marshall, Acting Director General at British Chambers of Commerce and local MPs. Read the messages below.

Also don’t forget to find out about our rich history which spans over a century here

Her Majesty, The Queen “The Queen was pleased to receive your kind message sent on behalf of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of your One-Hundred and Twentieth Anniversary, which is being marked at your Annual General Meeting. As Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, Her Majesty much appreciated your thoughtfulness in writing as you did and, in return, sends her warm good wishes to all concerned as you mark this notable anniversary.”

Theresa May, Prime Minister “It is my pleasure to send congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 120th anniversary.The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is an excellent voice for the business community in Norfolk and the Chamber’s important work around bettering opportunities for young people is particularly commendable. The Chamber should celebrate these achievements as it looks forward to continuing its important work in the years to come.I am sure that this milestone will further encourage the young people and local businesses in the area to mark the Chamber’s incredible legacy.Please accept my best wishes on this special occasion.”

Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General, British Chambers of Commerce “For a business to survive for more than a century is no mean feat, but to have grown and expanded over a period spanning three centuries of unprecedented national change is an achievement worthy of special congratulations.In its 120 years, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has supported businesses across the county through world wars, economic booms and recessions, an ever-changing economy and the emergence of a global and digital marketplace.Norfolk Chamber’s longevity demonstrates its continued relevance to its members, as well as its team’s hard work and business acumen.

“Chambers of Commerce are now more important than ever as a key point of contact between local businesses in the UK and export markets overseas. As Chambers, we will at the forefront of providing our members with the information and contacts that they need to continue expanding into overseas markets.

“So on this landmark occasion, let me on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce, offer my congratulations to yourself and the whole Norfolk Chamber team, and express my appreciation and admiration for your team’s consistent and unfailing professionalism and dedication to the businesses they work hard to champion, and wish you all the very best of success for the years to come.”

Henry Bellingham, MP for North West Norfolk “This really is a very important anniversary for the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, who have been serving Norfolk’s businesses in such a professional and energetic way for the whole of the last century, the closing years of the 19th century, and of course, the opening years of this current century. I have had the chance to see for myself the really quite superb work carried out by the Chamber, because not only have they successfully supported numerous countywide campaigns, but they have also been unstinting in their support of individual businesses.”

Rt Hon Keith Simpson, MP Broadland “Congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on celebrating an anniversary of 120 years. I know from my experience as a Norfolk MP for nearly twenty years what an important role the Chamber performs at bringing together businesses, local government and education providers and in lobbying on behalf of Norfolk’s wider commercial interests.”

George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk “I am delighted to send my congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on your 120th Anniversary. Having spent fifteen years working as an entrepreneur before coming to Parliament, and having served in Government as a Business Minister, I know from my own experience how important the Chamber is for businesses to contribute to the debate on national and local issues, providing the opportunity for members to engage with Government policy and acting as a champion of enterprise and innovation in our region. Norfolk led the agricultural revolution, and our businesses and entrepreneurs are now leading the digital revolution. The future for Norfolk enterprise is brighter than ever. Thank you for all your work in our area, and congratulations again on celebrating your 120th anniversary!”

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Norfolk “Sincere congratulations to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for meeting this incredible milestone. It is really important for the economy of Norfolk that we have an effective membership organisation representing local businesses. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provides important advocacy for businesses and employment in our county. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the NCC.”

Elizabeth Truss MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice “Congratulations to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on the 120 year anniversary. Over many years of operation, the organisation has worked hard to represent business not only in the UK but also overseas. It continues to support our entrepreneurs, provide networking opportunities, celebrate Norfolk successes and act as the voice for business; I wish the chamber every success in the years ahead.”

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – Britain’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey, based on more than 7,000 responses from firms in Q3 2016 – shows a mixed picture, with an improved short-term performance in the manufacturing sector set against a further slowdown ingrowth in the services sector.

The survey – the first covering the period after the EU referendum – shows that Norfolk manufacturers enjoyed improved domestic and export sales compared with the previous quarter, with many benefitting from sterling’s recent fall. Meanwhile, the balance of Norfolk’s service sector firms reporting improved domestic and export sales was at a low level with export balances falling into negative territory.

The survey’s results suggest that the Norfolk and UK economy is still growing – albeit at a lower level than before the referendum – and supports the BCC’s forecast for growth of 1% in 2017.

The survey suggests that near-term uncertainty following the vote to leave the European Union has led Norfolk businesses to lower their expectations for hiring, turnover, and investment in plant, machinery, and training.

Given this mixed picture, and muted business investment intentions, the BCC is urging the government to use next month’s Autumn Statement to boost business confidence – by giving the green light to key infrastructure projects, and by introducingmeasures that ‘crowd in’ business investment and job creation.

Key Norfolk findings in the Q3 2016 survey:

• Overall, the figures for both the Norfolk manufacturing and services firms indicate growth, but at a slower pace than before the referendum
• In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting improved export sales rose to +13, from -11 in Q2 2016.
• The balance of Norfolk firms reporting an increase in advance export orders is +13, up from 0. One factor may be the fall in sterling, which has made some UK manufacturers more competitive.
• Domestically, the balance of Norfolk manufacturers reporting increased sales increased dramatically from to +7 from -15, although those reporting increased advance orders fell somewhat, to +0 from +19
• In the last three months, the balance of manufacturers hiring more staff rose thirty two points to +0 from +32, although in the services sector the number fell seven points to +9 from +16
• Fewer firms in both sectors expect to take on staff in the next quarter. For services the balance for firms (+18, down 5) is the lowest since Q2 2013
• In the services sector, many balances saw a decrease on the previous quarter
• The balance of Norfolk services firms reporting improved domestic sales fell sharply to +10 from +21, while the advance orders balance fell from +19 to +0 – indicating a significant slowing of growth. This was reflected in the results for the East of England and nationally
• On services exports, the balance offirms reporting improved sales remained in negative territory and fell from -9 in Q2 to -12 in Q3 2016, while the balance of firms reporting an increase in advance orders fell further, from -9 to -14
• Norfolk’s manufacturers gained considerable confidence in both their expected turnover and profitability. However those in the Norfolk service sector reported that their confidence in those areas was waining.
• Norfolk firms in both sectors have reported that the exchange rate is a greater concern to their business than three months ago, with 38% of services businesses (up from 12%) and 68% of manufacturers (up from 19%).

Commenting, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“While many Norfolk manufacturers have seen something of a bounce this summer, Norfolk’s services sector has slowed significantly, and our data suggests that slower growth is likely in the months ahead.

“Although it is important not to take one quarter’s figures in isolation, the BCC survey does show that growth in Norfolk has slowed further since the EU referendum. However I am confident that businesses in Norfolk are resilient and innovative. They will continue to strive towards delivering greater economic growth and jobs for our region.”

Also commencing on the results, Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Boosting business must be a key task forgovernment in the months ahead, particularly as forward confidence on turnover and profitability has flagged for firms across the UK.

“The Prime Minister has given businesses some clarity on the timetable for Article 50, and on short-term regulatory and legal issues. This is helpful, but needs to be followed up by a firm demonstration that the government has a clear and coherent strategyto defend the UK’s economic and business interests in the negotiations that lie ahead.

“Firms are concerned over investment, hiring, and profitability. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement is a crucial opportunity to incentivise business investment and overseas trade. Final and irrevocable decisions on infrastructure projects, both big and small, would also boost business confidence and support investment all across the UK.”

The B1149 Holt Road will reopen at3.29pm today (Thursday 6 October) after the early completion of service diversion and tree clearance work for construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road.

This first phase of Holt Road service diversion work involved the insertion of a sleeve for the diversion of a water main and irrigation pipe. The second phase (see below) will be to insert a sleeve for the diversion of a major gas main. Attempts to carry out the work in August under two-way traffic lights had to be abandoned because the depth of the gas main and position of the fragile asbestos cement water main required deeper excavations under full closures of the B1149 Holt Road.

This week’s phase one road closure was also used for tree felling and site clearance at the site of a new roundabout that will connect Holt Road to a realigned Drayton Lane. Once complete, the new Drayton Lane will provide the main route south from Horsford for all B1149 traffic.

Phase two of service diversions will begin on Monday 10 October, with Holt Road closing between Holly Lane and the Holt Road/Cromer Road roundabout at 9.30am, after the morning peak. The new point of closure will allow access in and out of Horsford via Holly Lane, as well as Church Street.

During this second phase, the traffic lights that have been in use at each end of Church Street will be withdrawn.

Although Holly Lane will provide an additional route in and out of Horsford, both Church Street and Holly Lane will be under pressure at morning and evening peak. Traffic from further afield should avoid using the B1149 through Horsford. There are number of points where congestion or queues could build up:

Morning peak. Norwich-bound traffic using Church Street will have a right turn across the busy A140. Traffic choosing Holly Lane will have an easy right turn from Holt Road (the closure stopping traffic from the south), and a left turn on to Reepham Road towards Norwich, or across the staggered junction into Hall Lane towards Drayton and the A1067.

Traffic heading east along Holly Lane to join the A140 Cromer Road will have to divert via Church Street.

Evening peak. Traffic returning to Horsford from Norwich on Reepham Road will have a right turn into Holly Lane, and will have to contend with traffic crossing from Hall Lane.

Access from Holly Lane to Horsford also means that the route from Norwich using the A140 and Church Street includes a live junction where it meets Holt Road (this is not the case under the phase 1 closure).

Bus services. First 36 will return to its normal route. Sanders services will continue as during the phase 1 closure of Holt Road.

Today we received a very special message from 10 Downing Street. Theresa May, Prime Minister sent a message of congratulations ahead of our 120th year anniversary. The official date of our anniversary is being marked on Friday 7 October, as we were incorporated as Norfolk Chamber of Commerceon this date in 1896.

Theresa May, Prime Minister

“It is my pleasure to send congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 120th anniversary.

“The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is an excellent voice for the business community in Norfolk and the Chamber’s important work around bettering opportunities for young people is particularly commendable. The Chamber should celebrate these achievements as it looks forward to continuing its important work in the years to come.

“I am sure that this milestone will further encourage the young people and local businesses in the area to mark the Chamber’s incredible legacy.

“Please accept my best wishes on this special occasion.”

With effect from 1 July 2016, amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export.

A three-month settling-in period was suggested by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to its Member States in which competent authorities were urged to adopt a “practical and pragmatic” approach to the enforcement of the SOLAS revision.

That grace period came to an end on 1 October and seems to have been effective as a recent declaration by the liner shipping association, the World Shipping Council (WSC), together with feedback from various container terminals, indicates that the compliance rate has risen steadily from 1 July and is now about 95%.

However, according to leading insurer of the international freight industry, TT Club, anecdotal evidence suggests that shippers are, in the main, simply adding the tare mass of the container to the previously declared weight of the cargo to arrive at a VGM.

TT Club’s Risk Management Director Peregrine Storrs-Fox said: “While it is positive that shippers recognise the difference between bill of lading or customs declaration weights and VGM, it is insufficient just to add the container mass.”

The industry needs the comfort of authenticated VGMs comparing the actual mass of packed containers obtained by check-weighing in order to have a true picture of compliance, he argued.

Industry guidelines issued by TT Club, in partnership with WSC, the cargo handler’s association ICHCA and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) can be found atwww.ttclub.com.