Chamber News

The EU is proposing stronger controls on exports of certain goods and technologies that – in addition to legitimate civilian applications – may also be misused for human rights violations, terrorist acts or the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström explained: “We are living in turbulent times. Preserving peace and protecting human rights are core objectives of the EU and our trade policy is essential to that aim. That’s why we are proposing a set of modern rules to make sure that exports are not misused to threaten international security or undermine human rights.”

A main element of the Commission’s proposal is a new “human security” dimension in export controls, to prevent human rights violations associated with certain cyber-surveillance technologies.

With the emergence of, for example, specifically designed surveillance technology such as monitoring centres and data retention systems, it is considered essential to ensure that regulations allow EU authorities to stop exports in cases where they could be misused for human rights violations, for repression or in armed conflict.

The proposal also aims to simplify and harmonise the existing export control rules in order to save time and money for EU exporters and national authorities.

As well as being a significant actor in the fight against proliferation of WMD, the EU is a major producer and exporter of dual-use items with a control regime in place since the late 1990s.

A common EU list of controlled dual-use items is included in the annex to EC Regulation 428/2009. The new proposal can be foundhere.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is passionate about supporting young people to help them to develop their talents and achieve their aspirations. To tie in with the Chamber’s ongoing campaign encouraging the growth and advancement of Norfolk’s young people, it has established a Fund to support young people locally, creating opportunities and helping them flourish. This is a key priority for the Chamberwith its120 year anniversary in 2016.

The aim of the Norfolk Chamber Community Fund is to provide grant awards to charitable organisations working within Norfolk with young people aged up to 25. The main goal of these grants will be to increase access to employment and training, and so improve the opportunities and career options open to young people across the county.

Grants of up to£2,000are available to support projects focused on championing young people by working with those who are facing particular challenges in accessing employment or training, or developing their skills. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Eligible projects may include:

• Providing training, leadership or volunteering opportunities for young people.
• Projects that support young people who are NEET or at risk of exclusion to access training and develop skills.
• Jobs clubs and careers support aimed at young people.

Deadline for applications 5pm, Friday 4 November 2016.

For more information about the grant and how to apply visit:https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/norfolk-chamber-anniversary-fund/

On Friday 30 September over 50 Norfolk Chamber Members from across the region joined us at BEST WESTERN PLUS: Knights Hill Hotel for an informative morning with Listers BMW King’s Lynn.

Delegates arrived early to get started on making new connections. Host Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council introduced our featured charity RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve and our first networking ice breaker of the morning. Delegates grouped together on their tables to name famous cars from cropped images, some even got full marks!

Following on from this delegates tucked into a delicious breakfast provided by Knights Hill Hotel, continuing to network on their tables. Once finished we proceeded to mix our delegates up with our Safari Move, changing their tables around to enable them to make even more contacts in the room.

James Martin, new Corporate Sales Manager for Listers King’s Lynn took the stage next, ready to give delegates an in-depth overview of their plans for the next 100 years of BMW. He highlighted how far BMW have come in the last 100 years and showed delegates the plans for the BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce, as well as the advanced technology behind them.

The event drew to a close with all delegates amazed by the prospects of the future of automotive technology, from the self-driving to the contact recognition all from a vehicle. Many stayed at the venue to visit our exhibition stands from RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve, WLP and DD Health & Safety Supplies, as well as continuing to network with even more delegates, and have a play in the cars brought along by Listers King’s Lynn.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published a survey of businesses, which shows that just over a third of companies (34%) have had to increase their wage bills since the introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2016.

The survey of more than 1,600 business leaders across the UK, undertaken in August 2016 and supported by Middlesex University, revealed that many companies affected by the introduction of the NLW have already changed their recruitment plans or planned to do so in the future. A quarter of affected firms (25%) have reduced recruitment in response, and 34% plan to do so if the NLW rises to £9 per hour by 2020. Others are looking at changes to staff hours, benefits or pay growth.

These changes reflect the rising cost burden on many companies. Although the majority (65%) of firms pay their staff above the NLW of £7.20 per hour and have not been affected, 25% of those that were affected have increased their wage bill slightly, and 9% have increased their wage bill significantly.

The businesses most exposed to the NLW have largely absorbed the increase in costs for now, but plan to pursue cost reduction measures if the NLW increases to £9 per hour. The BCC urges the government to use caution with future NLW increases.

Key findings in the survey:

• Most businesses pay their staff above the NLW, but more than a third have increased their wage bills since it was introduced in April 2016
• Of the firms whose wage bill increased because of the NLW, most have not yet made major changes, but more of these firms expect to do so if the NLW rises to £9 by 2020
• Only 34% of businesses affected by the NLW raised prices to offset the cost, but 63% would do so if it rose to £9 by 2020
• Of the businesses affected by the introduction of the NLW, 25% reduced recruitment in response, 18% reduced staff hours, 18% reduced pay growth, 24% reduced staff benefits, 25% reduced recruitment, and 37% made no changes
• If the NLW increases to £9 per hour by 2020, 25% would reduce staff hours, 29% would reduce pay growth, 33% would reduce staff benefits, 34% would reduce recruitment, and 13% would make no changes

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

“A decent wage can make a huge impact on employees’ lives and their performance at work, and many Norfolk businesses are able to pay above the NLW.

“However, a significant number of Norfolk firms have already had to re-balance their books to meet the cost of the NLW, which can have a knock-on effect on recruitment or growth plans. Many firms would have to change their business models, by increasing prices and reducing staff, if the NLW increases to £9 per hour by 2020.

“Norfolk Chamber believes that the government needs to take an evidence-based approach to setting the NLW. The rate should be set by the Low Pay Commission and be determined by the state of the economy, weighing up the various pressures businesses face. Further NLW increases need to be proportionate, reflecting business uncertainty, slowing growth and high input costs, to avoid having a negative effect on employment.”

David Williams, Director Corporate Engagement at Middlesex University, added:

“While our research has captured the current sentiments of business around the NLW, the potential rise to £9 per hour is still three years away. This means that businesses have an opportunity to adjust their strategies, as they are having to do with other initiatives such as the apprenticeships programme.

“It is important that Government supports business through these transitions so that employees in the UK can earn a fair wage for their work and businesses benefit from a satisfied and motivated workforce.”

We are inviting a select number of business owners to take part inroundtable event that Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is hosting in partnership with Heathrow Airport.

This event will be held on Friday 21 October 2016, 08:00-10:00 at Holiday Inn, Ipswich Road, Norwich.

The objective of the roundtable is to gather local business representatives together to discuss the opportunities that exist within the Heathrow Airport supply chain and how you can be more involved in their future expansion plans. Heathrow are keen to engage with local business leaders to further understand the business capabilities in your region and hear your views.

By taking part in the roundtable, you will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss the challenges that businesses face in joining Heathrow Airport’s supply chain;
• Contribute to Heathrow Airport’s intelligence on business capabilities in your region;
• Ask your questions about the expansion of Heathrow Airport;
• Learn more about how you could become a supplier.

To confirm your FREE placeat this event please email philippa.bindley@norfolkchamber.co.uk, places are limited to four.

Vattenfall launches campaign to register business interest in major offshore wind farm

Vattenfall, the developer of one of Norfolk’s largest wind farms, has called on local businesses to register their interest online with the company, advising “it’s important to start early”.

The Swedish company is at the early stages of developing the 1.8 gigawatt Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm. The project, if consented, is scheduled to start construction and operation in the 2020s.

Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Senior Project Development Manager for the Norfolk Vanguard scheme, said: “Our experience building wind farms in the UK tells us that if we want to maximise local business opportunities it’s important to start engagement early. Companies can benefit from early awareness of the opportunities, especially by understanding how and when to get involved in the procurement of a wide range of services.”

The energy firm, which is a member of the East of England Energy Group, recently joined the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber said it is keen to help the region secure business from projects like Norfolk Vanguard.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important to the UK and it is great that Norfolk is going to be at the forefront of this new technological solution. We will be working closely with Vattenfall to ensure that local businesses take advantage of the supply chain opportunities this project will bring to the local economy.

“We will also be working together to ensure that Norfolk’s young people understand the long term career opportunities this project will bring.”

Businesses in East Anglia are invited to register their interest in Norfolk Vanguard at norfolkvanguard.vattenfall.co.uk/contactus

In March this year, Vattenfall launched the Norfolk Vanguard project after agreeing a lease with The Crown Estate, the manager of the seabed. A second development area, Norfolk Boreas, was also agreed with The Crown Estate. Norfolk Boreas, with a target capacity of 1.8 gigawatts, is currently at the very earliest stages of development.

(Story also featured on EDP Business)

For further information, please contact: Jason Ormiston, Media Relations; jason.ormiston@vattenfall.com; 07794524801

You can get more information on Norfolk Vanguard here>>> https://norfolkvanguard.vattenfall.co.uk/

You can follow Vattenfall on twitter>>> @VattenfallUK

You can get more information on the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce here>>> https://sandbox.norfolkchambers.co.uk/

Last week was a successful one for Norfolk businesses that took part in the Eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016.

In the same year that they celebrate their 50th anniversary, we were ecstatic to hear that MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting had been victorious in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ Eastern heat!

Loma Kanu, MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting, said: “Our Norwich Office entered the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards and we were delighted to have been awarded Regional winners of the ‘Best Use of Technology Award’. We found out there were over 500 entries for the awards and over 186 entries in this category alone, so were thrilled to have won.

Our application was based around our completed BIM Level 1 projects and what we are doing to implement what is required to achieve BIM Level 2, through the internal groups and training in place.

We also touched on our 50th Anniversary, our plans for growth, use of technology to support marketing and communication objectives and how our company implemented cyber strategy to protect our business, our customers and data.”

Formed in 1966, MLM is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy and corporate approved inspector, they provide professional services in all aspects of Environment Planning and Development, Buildings and Infrastructure, Compliance and Sustainability.

MLM Multidisciplinary Consulting will now be put forward for the national award that will be announced at the Chamber Business Awards 2016 ceremony in November.

Last week we were delighted to learn that Chamber member Finn Geotherm had won ‘Small Business of the Year’ in the Chamber Business Awards 2016 Eastern heat.

This accolade comes in Finn Geotherm’s 10th anniversary year and now qualifies them for the national award at the annual Chamber Business Awards 2016 ceremony in November.

Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. We have been proud members of Norfolk Chamber for many years and it was an honour to be crowned Small Business of the Year in the east, particularly as Finn Geotherm is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To win such a prestigious award is the icing on our birthday cake!”

David Alston, technical director at Finn Geotherm, added: “This award is testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the entire team at Finn Geotherm, who have enabled the company to grow and expand over the past ten years. We are pleased to accept this award from Norfolk Chamber and very much look forward to the next ten years of installing more, great heat pump systems across the region.”

Finn Geotherm are one of the UK’s longest established renewable heating companies and in the ten years since their incorporation, have developed an extremely high level of expertise in ground and air source heat pumps.

Their business is going from strength to strength and it is no wonder they have been victorious in the Eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016.

Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty are warning people living in and around Horsford, or who travel through Horsford on their way to Norwich, that travel will be disrupted by closures of the B1149 Holt Road from Monday 3 October to Friday 14 October 2016.

The closures, one either side of the Holly Lane junction with Holt Road, are needed to divert a gas main, water main and irrigation pipe. Attempts to carry out the work under traffic lights in August were unsuccessful because of the depth of the gas main – over 2 metres deep – and the presence of a fragile asbestos cement water main within the road. The scale of excavation needed can only be carried out under full road closures, which will take place as follows:

Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October

Holt Road closed between Horsford village and Holly Lane.

Long peak hour delays are possible on Church Street from its junction with the A140 Cromer Road. Traffic control will be in place at the Church Street/Cromer Road junction to help drivers make the right turn towards Norwich safely. However, A-road traffic will be given priority so delays on Church Street are unavoidable.

Temporary traffic lights will also be used at the Holt Road junction with Church Street. This is mainly to ensure that buses and other large vehicles can make the turn without causing a log-jam. Bus users are advised to check with bus companies for changes in timetables and routes.

Provided works are on schedule, the closure will be lifted for the weekend of 8/9 October.

Monday 10 October to Friday 14 October

Holt Road closed between Holly Lane and the Holt Road/A140 Cromer Road roundabout.

Holly Lane will be available as well as Church Street, but delays are likely on both routes. The right turn out of Church Street into Holt Road will be more difficult in the evenings because northbound traffic will be coming up Holt Road from Holly Lane.

John Birchall, NDR public liaison officer, said: “This road closure is the most difficult we’ve faced. Unfortunately, when we dug down, we found that the gas main was more than two metres deep and very close to a fragile water main. After looking at a number of options our engineers were forced to accept that much bigger excavations, under road closures, were unavoidable.

“It’s not possible to reopen the old Drayton Lane again. We delayed sewer diversion work in August to keep the lane open, but specialist contractors are scheduled to start sewer diversions in the next few days, and any further delay could cause access problems for Horsford later in the contract by holding up construction of the realigned Drayton Lane.

“This leaves Church Street as the only route available to the south of Horsford during the first week. We will have traffic control at the junction with the A140, but it’s bound to be under pressure, particularly during the morning peak.

“We would urge all users of the B1149 Holt Road to allow extra time for journeys, avoid peak hours and use alternative routes if possible.”

Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty apologise for the disruption these unavoidable closures will cause.

The latest Bank of England Agents’ Summary for Quarter 3, 2016 has been published. Key highlights are:

• The annual rate of activity growth had slowed overall as uncertainty rose following the EU referendum
• Consumer spending growth and confidence had been more resilient
• Companies’ investment and employment intentions had fallen

The annual rate of activity growth had slowed overall as uncertainty rose following the EU referendum, although it remained positive. However, business sentiment improved slightly in August following a marked dip in the immediate aftermath of the referendum.

Consumer spending growth and confidence had been more resilient. Although housing market activity had fallen markedly in London and in parts of the surrounding area, it had held up relatively well in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Companies’ investment and employment intentions had fallen, and were consistent with broadly flat levels of capital spending and employment over the coming six to twelve months.

To read the full report click here.

The Norfolk Chamber is delighted that two of its members Finn Geotherm&MLM have been crowned winners in the eastern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016. Now in their 13th year, the Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, and they pay tribute to the key role that local businesses play in driving the UK economy.

Winners of the Small Business of the Year Award,Finn Geotherm are a specialist heat pump and heat recovery company based in East Anglia, but with installations teams covering the whole of England and Wales.

Winners of the Best Used of TechnologyAward,MLM is an innovativeengineering and environmental consultancyand corporate approved inspector.

They will both now go forward to the national finals, which take place in London in November.

Jason Williams, Business Manager of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“It is great that we have two Norfolk regional winners at this years Chamber awards.

“We are always trying to ensure that Norfolk is seen as a great place to do business and that the companies here are great examples of innovation and success, I am just glad that this year the BCC judges were able to see what we have been seeing”

Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Businesses are the driving force of the UK economy. Their creativity, hard work and acumen are what makes us one of the world’s strongest and most resilient economies, and they deserve recognition for the crucial role that they play.

“Our judging teams across the country are consistently impressed by the number of high calibre entrants in the awards, and this year’s competitors are no different.

“The Chamber Business Awards are the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate our business community’s achievements, to take stock of the outstanding performances of UK businesses over the past year, and to encourage and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

At the Chamber’s Bank of England Lunch, held at the Norwich City Football Club, attendees highlighted that at present they were seeing very little impact from Brexit. Tim Pike, the East of England Agent for the Bank of England asked for feedback on whether the businesses had seen a change in demand following the EU Referendum; whether they had altered their investment and recruitment plans; and if those importing raw materials had seen an increase in costs?

Overall,the consensus of the businesses who attended the lunch was that it was ‘business as usual’. However they did express caution for the future, due to the lack of clarity on Brexit.

Peter Foster, Vice President of Norfolk Chamber, who hosted the lunch said: “It is always fascinating to hear from Tim Pike and the feedback from the businesses in the room was positive. It is clear from the discussions that more clarity is needed from the Government in relation to Brexit before businesses can make any major investment decisions. I am looking forward to seeing the next QESresults as to whether the wider business community has similar thoughts.”

The Quarterly Economic Survey results for Quarter 3are due to be published week commencing 10 October 2016.