The first tying-in of existing roads to new roundabouts on Norwich Northern Distributor Road is scheduled to take place under night-time road closures from tomorrow(Friday 16September). The aim isto cut down disruption and achieve a longer-lasting road surface.
Subject to final approval for night working*, Fir Covert Road will be closed for one night from 8pm on Friday 16 September until no later than 6am on Saturday 17th. To complete the tie-in, a further night closure is planned for Friday 30 September. Traffic will be diverted via Drayton High Road,Boundary Road (Norwich ring road) and Reepham Road.
The tie-in of A1067 Fakenham Road to the new roundabout and road realignment will be carried overnight from Tuesday 20 September to Friday 23rd. The road will close at 8pm each night, reopening no later than 6am the next morning. Light vehicles will be diverted (north to south) via the B1145 through Reepham, Reepham Road and Fir Covert Road. HGVs will be diverted (north to south) via the B1535 Weston Hall Road to the Wood Lane junction with the A47, then into Norwich, using Sweet Briar Road (Norwich ring road) to return to Drayton High Road (A1067).
Once complete, A1067 traffic will be moved on to the realigned section and the old road will be broken up, with the material re-used on the NDR.
If carried out under the NDR project’snormal 7am to 7pm working hours* without road closures, the work on these two roundabout tie-ins would take several weeks and have an extended impact upon traffic. Working alongside traffic under lane closures would also lead to multiple joints in the road surface, reducing durability, and would have safety implications for construction workers and road users.
*The working hours on Norwich Northern Distributor Road are set by the Development Consent Order. Any variation has to go through a formal assessment and approval process. This is expected to be concluded today (Thurs), allowing night working as set out above.
Brexit’s long term impact on Norfolk businesses and the rest of the UK is still far from clear. The Prime Minister, Teresa May says “Brexit means Brexit” but what does that really mean for Norfolk businesses?
At present there are no clear answers from the Government. Chamber members are – rightly – focused on the impact of this transition on their own business models and prospects. They also want the Government and Bank of England to deliver stability of markets, clarity on the political timetable for transition, and firm action on those matters that are entirely within Westminster’s gift.
The Chamber network is working hard on behalf of our members to influence the new Department of International trade, and other Ministers, to ensure that the voice of business is clearly heard in these negotiations.
We are calling for 5 key principles to guide the work of the Government in its negotiations on Brexit – as well as any future new trade arrangement – to ensure the best possible outcome for the Norfolk business community and the rest of the UK. These key areas are:
Trade – getting the best possible terms with the EU-27
Labour Market – certainty on the right of their EU workforce
EU Funding – maintain UK access to the European Investment Bank
Regulation – short term stability
Taxation & Customs – a clear transition period and a new UK origin model
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The majority of Norfolk businesses will be impacted by Brexit in some way. Even if your company does not do business with EU countries, there is a high chance that you have suppliers or partners who do, so there will be a knock-on effect to your business.
“Norfolk Chamber is calling for local businesses to provide case studies and feedback on how Brexit is impacting your organisation, and whether you are having to make changes as a result of Brexit.
“This is also your chance to have your opinion heard on Brexit where it matters – send us your questions and we will ensure, through the Chamber network, they are heard by the people in Westminster who can make a difference.”
On Thursday 8th September, over 70 members joined us for a Business Breakfast based on the tourism industry, at the Great Yarmouth Town Hall. The venue provided an impressive setting in the grand Assembly Room where delegates networked over coffee and breakfast, followed by a presentation from Rebecca Harris, Hoseasons.
We kicked off the morning with a brief talk from our event sponsors, Santander. They provided an overview of their services in the sector and explained that they are happy to sponsor Norfolk Chamber events and gain brand exposure. Following this we tested how awake our guests were with a bit of Speed Networking! Guests were split randomly into groups and were given 4 minutes to network with their group before being hurried onto their next group. Guests commented that the activity gave them lots of new contacts and made networking a lot swifter overall.
After a delicious breakfast was served we heard from our guest speaker, Rebecca Harris, Communications Manager, Hoseasons. Rebecca discussed how she has used a range of techniques and innovations to help make Hoseasons as successful as it is. Customer service was a key message throughout her presentation, along with the use of technology and keeping up to date with it. In the Q+A, guests questioned the use of Live Chat on websites and the benefits of it, to which Rebecca provided impressive usage figures since they installed the software, proving the Live Chat a success.
We finished the event with some time for free networking, in which many guests took this opportunity to talk further with the speakers and get in some final business card exchanges.
Does this sound like something you’d like to attend? Book now for our next Business Breakfast in Norwich on Friday 7th October. Click here for more details.
Notice is hereby given that the 120th Annual General Meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be held at OPEN, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich on Friday 07 October 2016. Registration will be at 10.00am, for meeting commencement at 10:15am. Please see attached for all papers relevant to the meeting.
All members are welcome to attend the Norfolk Chamber AGM. We would ask that members wishing to attendcomplete the attached RSVP and return it by email to:nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk to ensure that we can accommodate everyone.
The outcomes of the Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution consultation will be considered by council leaders tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 September) ahead of submission to the Secretary of State.
Throughout the consultation period, councils and the New Anglia LEP engaged with a wide range of people including town and parish councils, councillors, businesses, and members of the public and partner organisations, such as health and higher education.
More than 10,000 responses were received via a range of channels. The majority of responses, 6080, were received via a telephone survey carried out by Ipsos-Mori. The survey gained views from a cross section of people, reflecting the population of the two counties.
53% supported the principle of devolution
There was strong support for more decisions to be taken locally across a range of issues with decisions relating toroad maintenance funding coming out on top
There was 52% support for a Mayor and 58% support for councils to come together as a Combined Authority. 29% Oppose election of a Mayor 25% oppose establishing a Combined Authority
Job creation and young people either earning or learning came out as top priorities for the Combined Authority to invest in
250 businesses of various sizes across the two counties were also surveyed by Mori:
54% supported the principle of devolution
Strong support for more decisions to be taken locally across a range of issues with decisions relating to road maintenance funding coming out on top
59% supported councils joining together as a Combined Authority and 47% supportive of a mayor, with 27% opposed
Young people earning or learning was businesses top priority for the Combined Authority to invest in
In addition, the New Anglia LEP, in conjunction with the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce held a series of breakfast briefings during July and the Chambers of Commerce also produced their own e-newsletters. This activity has resulted in a number of business leaders sending letters to Government supporting devolution.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“We would encourage all Norfolk local councillors to take notice of these results and the strong positive feedback for devolution from the business community when they vote later in the year. Norfolk needs to be seen as a dynamic community open for business, willing and able to make decisions on its own future whenever it is given that opportunity. We acknowledge that the devolution offer is not perfect but it is the deal on the table and Norfolk Chamber wants to see it happen for the overall benefit of Norfolk’s economy.”
Whilst there was less support for a mayor or combined authority through the self-service survey, more than 50% of people responding supported the principle of devolution. Strong support for more decisions to be taken locally, with road maintenance coming out top and investment by the Combined Authority in transport and broadband infrastructure ranked highest.
It is important to be clear that a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor would not be an ‘all powerful’ figure, making decisions without regard to the views of others. The Mayor would need support from other members of the Combined Authority for plans to progress.
Andy Wood, Independent Chair of the East Anglia Leaders Group said:
“Devolution is about improving people’s lives and the places they live. It’s great that those responding to the consultation recognise that and support more decisions being taken locally. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.
“Leaders are committed to building on all the success and positives of the two counties to make Norfolk and Suffolk as successful as possible for the future. Devolution will help to achieve this commitment by delivering some 95,000 new jobs, 200,000 new homes and 10,000 new businesses by 2036.”
A summary of all responses will be reported to the Secretary of State later this week once it has been considered signed off by Leaders on Wednesday. If the Secretary of State thinks that the necessary statutory tests have been met, he will lay a draft order before Parliament. However, only if all the local councils and the LEP that endorsed the proposed deal in June approve the order will plans progress.
We are providing an exclusive opportunity for businesses to hear from global entrepreneur Carl Bates, who is visiting the UK for one week only!
Carl Bates is a global speaker, author, mentor and director. Currently based in South Africa, he is a dynamic entrepreneur from New Zealand who guides small to medium businesses and privately-held companies to achieve extreme business success.
In this one-off event, Carl, author of ‘Laws of Extreme Business Success’ will talk through his ground-breaking game rules for small to medium enterprises. With laws that range from treating your business as an investment, to leadership and building effective teams. His presentations inspire business audiences across the board to take their business or organisation’s success to the next level.
Carl is visiting the UK for only one week and is looking to share his knowledge with businesses in the country, when asked Carl said: “I’m looking forward connecting with shareholder-managers and engaging with business owners in Norfolk and seeing what their challenges are so we can support them. My book is based on stories about my dad and grandparents, who lived and worked in the Lake District. And so sharing with businesses that are close by brings the journey back full circle.”
The evening event takes place on Monday 12th September, 5pm – 7pm at Duke Street Lecture Theatre, Norwich.For further details and how to book your place click here.
Carl is also delivering a half-day training workshop on Friday 16 September, 09;00-12:30 in Norwich. Find out how tomaximise contribution and maximise return on your business.This workshop is an outcomes-focused half-day event that aims to equip the attendee with a deeper understanding of the Contribution Compass and its eight natural energy profiles. To find out more click here.
Between October 2020 and April 2021 more than 180 nations and an international audience of 25 million visitors will visit the UAE for one of the greatest shows on Earth.
Whilst the Expo itself will last for six months, there are three distinct stages to the project: the build (2016- 2020), the event (2020 – 2021) and the legacy (2021 onwards) so opportunities for UK companies be involved are manifold, massive & multi-year.
They are already talking to a number of UK firms who are looking at setting up in the UAE in order to access and service opportunities around Expo 2020 Dubai; the Department of International Trade has a dedicated senior project lead at the Dubai Embassy who is making sure that British interests are front and centre. So, whether it’s Tokyo or Dubai, 2020 promises to be a golden year for the UK – just remember that in Dubai it’s already started!
If you want to participate, all procurement opportunities are being openly tendered through the Expo 2020 Dubai online portal and companies must register there in order to access any tender or spend. Find out more on theirblog.
The British Chambers of CommerceBusiness and Education Summit is an inspirational and interactive forum to exploreissues and will provide the opportunity for delegates to make new connections and engage with latest best practice through expert speakers, panel debates and informative breakout sessions. The programme will focus on three key themes:
21st Century Skills and Education
Technology and Education
Higher Level Skills and Apprenticeships
Nova, Elinor and representatives of the Young Chamber Board hope to see you there!
Norfolk Chamber members can purchase tickets at a 25% discountwith a special promotional code – email membership@norfolkchamber.co.uk to access this members-only code.
After a great year for the Norfolk Chamber, we are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for this year’s ‘Excellence in Membership Services’ award at the 2016 Chamber Awards.
The Chamber Awards, now in its 13th year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.
Business Manager Jason Williams said; “It’s great that the Norfolk Chamber has been recognised for all the hard work that the team has put in over the last year. We will build on this success going forward to ensure that our members get the best possible service from us.”
We are delighted to be sponsoring themorning networkingevent at The National Landlord Investment Show in Norwich.Taking place onWednesday 28th September 2016,9am – 3.30pm atNorwich City Football Club, it’s free to attend as a visitor.
Come and meet Landlords, Investors and Property Professionals along with other like minded Industry Leaders to meet new contacts and widen your own network of customers and suppliers.This networking event is designed to give you an opportunity to meet and discuss local issues, share best practice and experiences, with decision makersand experts in the property industry.
The morning networking event starts at9am, with the exhibition opening at9.30am.When you register to get your free tickets to the East Anglian Landlord Investment Show there is an option for you to confirm your place for the complimentary morning networking event, including complimentary tea and coffee.
It’s a great way to start the day and meet new people. After, you are invited to explore the main exhibition and attend the industry specific seminars.Come and meet over 40+ companies exhibiting on the day plus over 10 seminars in two seminar rooms delivered by leading industry experts on subject such as Legal/Evictions, Finance, Buying at Auction, Investment Opportunities plus much more.
The National Landlord Investment ShowLocation:Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JEDate: Wednesday 28th September 2016Time:9am – 3.30pm (FREE Entry – FREE Parking).
Devolution is about giving our region greater control over key areas of our economy such as spending on roads and transport links, housing, skills and social care.
The Norfolk Chamber Board strongly believes that the devolution deal offers our region a prime opportunity to secure thefunding to enable the local business community to deliver greater economic growth, jobs and a better future for Norfolk, whilst having the ability to make decisions at a local level.
Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber said: “We acknowledge that the deal on the table is not ideal, however we appreciate that this is the deal we must work with right now. The deal is only the starting point to help bring additional investment into our county – and we believe that this may lead to more opportunities in the future. It is therefore imperative that we take advantage of this opportunity to claim greater powers for our region and the ability to shape our own future.”
The first formal public consultation period ends on 23 August, so there is still time to get your opinion heard – click here to have your say.
However continued support from businesses is still needed to ensure that the business voice is clearly heard and this golden opportunity becomes a reality. In addition to completing the consultation survey it would help the business case if you added your business voice to that of the Norfolk Chamber by submitting your own letter of support to Andy Wood, the Independent Chair of the East Anglia Leaders Group, to be sent to the Secretary of State. Click here for a suggested outline template for your letter.
Norfolk needs additional funding – this is a route to get that funding and it is on the table now. Let’s grab it with both hands.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is preparing the Local Plan Part 2: Detailed Policies and Site Allocations, which, once finalised, will allocate land for new development and apply policies to meet local needs in the Borough up to 2030.
As part of this process the Council is seeking suggestions from the business community of what should be included in the plan.
This is an opportunity for developers, landowners, individuals or other interested parties to suggest sites for allocation for development for housing (including gypsy and traveller sites), employment, retail, tourism, community facilities, green infrastructure or other types of development.
Sites or localities/areas may also be suggested for special policy treatment (e.g. protection, designation or particular requirements for their development, etc.), and other matters suggested for inclusion in the Detailed Policies and Site Allocations document.