Chamber News

Based on April 2016 data releases

This month’s headlines:

• UK GDP growth slowed in Q1 2016, as manufacturing and construction output fell
• The latest QES confirmed that UK growth is slowing with key indicators either static or declining
• IMF downgrades global economic outlook as US and Chinese GDP growth slows

The UK economy grew by 0.4% in Q1 2016. This is the thirteenth successive quarter of growth, but it is slower than the growth in the previous Q4 which was 0.6%. The British Chambers of Commerce is currently forecasting growth of 2.2% for 2016 as a whole.

TheQ1 2016 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES)published 11 April 2016highlighted that the main balances for manufacturing and the service sector were generally weaker in this quarter. The next fieldwork period for Q2 2016 will commence on 23 May 2016.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its outlook for the UK economy. The IMF cut its GDP forecast for 2016 from 2.2% to 1.9%. The downgrade came on the back of the US economy slowing to a 2 year low and China, the world’s second largest economy also slowing.

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

Norfolk Museums Service has received earmarked funding* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Norwich Castle: Gateway to Medieval England project.

An initial development grant of £462,400 will be a major boost to the multi-million pound plan to transform Norwich Castle’s iconic Keep into one of the region’s premier heritage attractions. A further £8.7 million has been earmarked towards the project and a second application for the full grant will be made at a later date.

In the medieval period Norwich Castle was one of the most important buildings across the whole of Europe and, architecturally, it was one of the most elaborate of the great Romanesque keeps. The project aims to re-present the historic Keep as it appeared during its heyday under the great Norman kings. Visitors will be able to engage fully with the building through greater access, exciting new displays and innovative learning and event programmes.

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of King Henry I’s lavish Castle by exploring the recreated Great Hall, complete with a banqueting table and minstrels’ gallery, King’s chamber and chapel. Newly-exposed Norman archaeology and architecture will tell previously untold stories of the Castle’s fascinating past and a unique battlements experience will offer stunning views of medieval and present-day Norwich.

A unique form of partnership with the British Museum will bring national medieval treasures to Norfolk, displayed alongside exquisite artefacts from Norwich Castle’s own medieval collection, in a new British Museum Gallery of the Medieval Period.

The initial grant from the HLF provides development funding to help Norfolk Museums Service progress these ambitious plans and undertake a major public fundraising campaign. This first award will enable a programme of study to record, interpret and understand the Keep fully, as well as identify essential repairs and conservation work. In terms of energy efficiency, the project aims to bring the latest environmentally sustainable technologies into the building ensuring it is fit for the 21st century.

Commenting on the award, Cllr George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is probably the greatest moment in the history of the Castle since it opened as a Museum in 1894.It is the result of many years of work by so many people who struggled to bring this day about. It’s not only about the £462,400 – that’s just the first stage which we hope will unlock another £8.7m that the HLF has already earmarked for this project.

“It fulfils a dream shared by generations of local people to bring the much-loved Castle back to life as it was when it was a young building – the palace of a king.It was the vision of the Museum’s original architect Edward Boardman, at the end of the 19th century, and it now looks like it is becoming a reality.

“It is a huge tribute to Steve Miller and his brilliant team. ‘Jewel in the Crown’ is an overworked term but in their case, and the Castle’s, it’s the only one that does them justice!”

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber and Trustee of the Norfolk Museum Development Foundation said: ” This the news that we have all been waiting for which will put Norwich even more firmly on the map. There is a lot of hard work for us all to do to transform the Keep but I have no doubt together we will be successful”

Cllr Alan Waters, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Norwich City Council is thrilled that this important development will be going forward. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is a treasure for our local schools and communities as well as a major asset in terms of the City’s visitor economy. This project will further establish Norwich as a key cultural tourism destination and we are certain that this project will be a huge success.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Norwich Castle is one of Europe’s most spectacular medieval keeps and home to a wonderful historical collection.

We are recognising its potential by funding a range of plans to enhance the museum’s existing displays and creating a complementary British Museum Gallery of the Medieval Period.We’ve earmarked £9.2m towards the project and will be working closely with Norfolk Museums Service over the coming months to help them produce a first-class visitor attraction.Whilst it’s early days, it’s never too soon to also express our gratitude to National Lottery players for making this work possible.”

Dr Jonathan Williams, Deputy Director of the British Museum, said: “Our partnership with Norfolk Museums Service is one of our most valued relationships. We are particularly pleased that objects from the British Museum collection will form part of the new displays in the rejuvenated Castle Keep. The British Museum Gallery of the Medieval Period will be the first permanent gallery presence for the British Museum in the East of England. The British Museum is committed to working in partnership with museums across the UK to ensure the collection is seen by the widest possible public.”

The revitalised Keep, displayed and interpreted as a Norman royal palace, is expected to open to the public by 2020. It will provide a state of the art events venue alongside a new corporate hire offer.

Educational and skills development programmes are planned to run throughout the duration of the building works (anticipated to start in 2018) and will continue well beyond the lifetime of the project. Training will be provided to volunteers and staff, including apprentices, internship students and trainees, so that they can care for the building and its collections and ensure that they are made as accessible as possible to the local community. Extensive archives relating to the Castle’s long and distinguished history will be fully digitised, allowing online public access for the very first time.

Norwich’s Grade 1 Listed stone Keep was constructed around 1100 during the reign of Henry I. By the 13th century the Castle had lost its importance as a military stronghold and its main function became that of the County Gaol. It continued in use as a prison for 600 years until 1887. The Keep and prison buildings were then purchased by the City and Norwich Castle Museum opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1894.

Today, Norwich Castle remains one of the most visually striking buildings in the City skyline. The range and quality of its Designated collections, together with its specialist staff, reinforce Norwich Castle’s status and role of regional and national pre-eminence. Yet while the impressive exterior views continue to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, the interior fails to convey its original splendour. Norwich Castle: Gateway to Medieval England will address this issue, providing an unforgettable visitor experience worthy of the building’s fascinating 900-year history.

Norfolk Chamber’s speaker line up for the Europe: The Business Debate is nearly complete. In the lead up to the referendum, the Chamber debate has been designed to help outline the business case for staying in or leaving the EU. Both the Vote Leave and the Britain is Stronger in Europe campaigns will be represented and to help businesses decide, there will also be the un-biased views from two neutral speakers.

The speaker line up is:

Neutral:

Stephen Booth, Open Europe – Open Europe is the award-winning EU policy think tank, who are committed to reforming the European Union. Stephen has written on EU regulation, justice and home affairs and EU aid policy. He also holds a degree in political science and was awarded the Jean Monnet Prize for his master’s degree in European studies.

Hussein Kassim, Professor at UEA – Professor Kassim is one of the world’s foremost experts on EU institutions and policies and how they affect the UK. His research interests lie in EU institutions and the relationship between the EU and it’s member states, especially the UK and ‘Europe’.

Vote Leave:

Luke Morris, Business for Britain – Luke is a Partner at Larking Gowen campaigning in his personal capacity only. He is also the Deputy Chairman, Business for Britain, East of England. Business for Britainwas formed in 2013 by 500 business leaders and in 2015 the board unanimously decided to support the Vote Leave campaign. Luke’s expertise lies in finance, corporate governance, energy, sustainability, enterprise, innovation and free-market competition

MEP Stuart Agnew – Stuart is an elected MEP for the East of England. He represents the view and interests of the region to the European Parliament. MEPs have an important role on the big issues of our times as they have the power to approve, amend or reject nearly all EU legislation. Stuart is a Norfolk farmer and an active member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture & Rural Development Committee, he is often speaking up for British farmers, trying to help the Committee understand the practical effects of their proposals on farmers, in the real world.

Stronger In:

MP Chloe Smith – Chloe was elected as Norwich North’s MP in 2009. She has worked hard to tackle Norwich’s problems and takes Norwich North’s needs to the heart of Westminster. Her vote in Parliament has supported improvements in the British economy – the deficit halved, employment up, lower tax for the lowest earners – which have helped thousands back at home in Norwich. Chloe grew up in Norfolk and lives in Norwich

We are just waiting for the official representative for Britain is Stronger In campaign to be confirmed.

The Chamber’s host and facilitator for the debate will be Nick Conrad from BBC Radio Norfolk.

The debate is open to members and non members and promises to be lively and interesting and should answer the business community’s more pressing questions. To book your place click here.

From next Monday, 9 May, drivers using the A1067 Fakenham Road through the Norwich Northern Distributor Road site may encounter temporary traffic lights from as early as 7.15am. The purpose of this trial is to extend the working day, accelerating progress on this section of the NDR.

Currently, temporary traffic lights on the A1067 are only used (when required) from 9.30am, after the morning peak. However, observation of morning traffic flows suggests that it may be possible to use manually controlled traffic lights without seriously holding up the flow of city-bound traffic.

If the trial is a success, this will add more than two hours to working days when these temporary lights are needed. A similar trial will then be carried out on the A1151 Wroxham Road. As now, the temporary lights will not be used every day, only when neededfor safe working close to the road.

If the early start trial causes significant delays, it will be halted, reverting to the current 9.30am start for temporary signals.

At the Plumstead end of the NDR, informal passing places are to be provided on Smee Lane and Low Road. These are both narrow lanes that will carry extra traffic when Middle Road closes on Monday for construction of the Middle Road Bridge over the NDR.

Close to Horsford, the long-term closure of Drayton Lane has put pressure on Holly Lane, and in particular the junction with Reepham Road. Drivers are advised to avoid this route at peak hours if possible. Signs to this effect will be going up on the approaches, and a temporary 30mph speed limit is being considered as a safety measure while the junction is under strain.

In addition, traffic in this area may be affected by non-NDR works. Surface dressing is expected to be carried out on the B1149 Holt Road through Horsford over the next few days (exact timing depends up the weather and progress on other sites), and UK Power Networks will require temporary traffic lights on the B1149 near the Brickmakers pub for ducting works in the verge and pavement.

By this weekend, Marriott’s Way through the site of the bridge over the NDR will be closed, with all users directed on to the short diversion that will remain in place until the bridge opens.

A major survey of businesses across England and Wales has found that more than a third – 36% – of businesses believe that the most important thing the government could do for business is provide grants towards the cost of installing energy efficiency measures.

The BCC and British Gas survey, of over 2,100 businesses of all sizes and sectors, also shows that many of the businesses who rent or lease their premises feel that they have no influence over energy efficiency improvements on their site.

The findings suggest that in addition to financial aid, there is more to do from suppliers and government to promote the wider use of smart meters to help companies reduce their energy costs, while at the same time businesses should review their existing contracts and switch if necessary, in order to feel the benefit of a fall in wholesale prices.

Key results in the survey:

• The largest share – 36% – of the businesses surveyed feel that the most important thing the government could do for business is provide grants towards the cost of installing energy efficiency measures
• Only 8% feel that more information would help them in this aim, while just 4% say that financing options such as lease agreements and low-cost loans would help
• Only 13% of businesses have seen a decrease in their energy costs over the last three years, compared to 35% that have seen prices rise, and 37% with little or no change
• When asked what is preventing businesses from investing in energy efficiency measures, 23% of the largest firms said that other investments were taking priority, compared with 13% overall, and 15% of businesses state that savings would not be worth the cost of investment
• Just over a quarter – 27% – of businesses who rent their premises state that they have no influence on energy efficiency improvements
• Only 6% of businesses say that the wider use of smart meters is the most important thing that government and suppliers could do to help firms

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

“These results demonstrate that getting the economics of investment right for energy efficiency is crucial to promoting take-up. At a time when Norfolk businesses face growing upfront cost pressures from other sources, grants and tax breaks have an important role to play in offsetting the cost of new energy efficiency measures. On its own, more information won’t do the job.

“Commercial landlords also need to do more, to support leaseholders and renters who are looking to save money and make their energy use work for them.”

Gab Barbaro, Managing Director of UK Business at British Gas said:

“It’s clear from this research that businesses in rented and leased premises need more help from their commercial landlords, and new regulations to tackle the least energy-efficient premises can’t come soon enough.

“I’d urge all businesses to seek help from their supplier or landlord, and start with the basics. For example, by applying for a smart meter, businesses could much more accurately work out what’s driving their energy use and make considered decisions about how to reduce it.”

The new rules which come into force on the 1st July 2016 regarding new container weight rules have been causing some confusion among exporters. We have been able to get some further clarification and the links below provide further information.

1) FCL – Full Loads – If you are loading the container at your premises you are advised to register and will be responsible for the declaration of weight. The container weight is always on the back door of the containers so you will be easily able to see what it is to add to your gross weight to give the TARE

2) For LCL – Part Loads – You are not the Shipper – the Consolidator is the Shipper and is responsible for the weight declaration of the total container to the shipping line.

For FCL :

The loader does not need to be shown as the shipper on the Bill of Lading as freight forwarder can also be shown as the shipper (bear mind many of the forwarders are now shifting the onus back on the exporter for FCL cargoes so they don’t attract fines.

FOR LCL :

You would normally only be issued with a House Bill of Lading not a Shipping Line Bill of Lading and it is those that will have the total container weight on them, you would not see that on your House bill issued by a forwarder as you are only a consolidated exporter not responsible for the full load.

Some ports are introducing commercial service to weigh containers.

Further information:

https://www.lloydsloadinglist.com/freight-directory/news/FTA-launches-consultancy-to-help-shippers-manage-new-container-weight-rules/66166.htm#.VxZC5fkrKM8

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/verification-of-the-gross-mass-of-packed-containers-by-sea

https://www.fta.co.uk/media_and_campaigns/press_releases/2016/20160415-FTA-consultancy-helps-shippers-manage-new-container-weight-rules.html

On Thursday 28th April, 80 members attended our Norwich Breakfast to find out how they can be better connected in their business using cloud computing.

Delegates networked over coffee and breakfast, with an incredible view of the groundsat Norwich City Football.

After much success at the Great Yarmouth Breakfast in January, we started the event withatwist on a popular networking activity – ‘Speed’ Safari Networking.

With everyone on their feet in an open space, delegates had 4 safari moves and 5 minutes at each table, allowing them the opportunity to network with up to 28 different people! We once again received fantastic feedback from this activity as it created a real buzz in the room and kept the conversations flowing during breakfast.

After guests were treated to a delicious Full English breakfast, they heard from guest speaker Craig Davies, Target Cloud Consulting. Craig gave an informative and engaging presentation on how cloud computing can revolutionise your business.

Here’s some of the great feedback we recieved on the day:

To take advantage of these great networking opportunities, book now for our next Norwich Business Breakfast.

TechEast was unveiled at a glittering launch, held the BT Tower in London this week. TechEast aim to create ‘one voice’ for technology firms in the East and will link Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge.

Their vision is to be “Recognised as one of the Top 5 clusters in the UK” and their mission is “To accelerate the growth of the digital tech economy in the East, through promotion, excellence and support”

Tech East Manifesto is:

1. To promote digital tech growth and excellence in the East using local tech businesses as examples in order to attract new business and talent from other parts of the UK and internationally.
2. To establish a TechEast ’embassy’; a physical presence in London showcasing businesses and the sector, aiding business development and encouraging inward investment.
3. To galvanise the sector by speaking with one voice to amplify the benefits for tech companies in the East.
4. To excel by sharing best practice between members ad ensure that TechEast companies are amongst the best run tech companies in the UK.
5. To be recognised as the UK’s most open and collaborative digital tech cluster where new companies and entrepreneurs can thrive and grow in a supportive environment.
6. To work with local and national educational partners to develop the relevant sector skills and benefit from cutting edge research.

It is hoped by succeeding with the above manifesto, TechEast will create a further 5,000 jobs, generate an extra £650m GVA of economic growth in the East and be one of the UK’s Top 5 tech clusters by 2020.

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

“The increasing national significance of Norwich as a tech cluster, highlighted in this year’s Tech Nation Report, is very encouraging. We will continue to work with our neighbouring counties, to speak with one voice in the East to investors, business and government about unlocking further growth across the digital tech cluster – which will underpin the great businesses and start-ups already thriving in Norfolk.”

For Norfolk digital tech companies wanting to find out more and how to get involved visit either the TechEast website or email: Angela Silburn on: info@techeast.com.

Exporting is GREAT aims to inspire and support 100,000 additional UK exporters to sell their goods and services overseas by 2020.Launched in November 2015, Exporting is GREAT partners with major UK businesses, to support companies at every stage of their exporting journey – from identifying opportunities to winning contracts overseas.

Atwww.exportingisgreat.gov.ukUK businesses can register their interest for real-time global export opportunities. The site contains thousands of exportopportunities – worth hundreds of millions of pounds and organised by sector and market – which are easily accessible. A thousand new opportunities are being uploaded each month.

At Norfolk Chamber we can assist Norfolk businesses on their export journey from introductions to overseas Chambers, training staff on all aspects of exporting, communicating with clients in their own language through our Translation Service to our Documentation Serviceto get goods through customs.

We are here to assist you -if you have any questions please contact the team on 01603 729715 or e-mailexport@norfolkchamber.co.uk.

Norfolk Chamber and Norse Commercial Services hosted a business leaders dinner last night. The dinner was held at the historic Kimberley Hall and the attendees heard a fascinating talk from Professor Tom Williamson on the history of Kimberley Hall and its links to Capability Brown.

The discussions centred around the challenges faced by the larger Norfolk businesses. Topics included: Devolution; the EU Referendum; how to engage with young people and young entrepreneurs; inward investment; and the perception of Norfolk to the UK and overseas.

The official 10 week countdown to the EU referendum on 23 June begins today. The choice for voters will be to either: Remain in the European Union, or Leave the European Union.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) recently asked the two leading campaigns, ‘Vote Leave’ and ‘Britain is Stronger in Europe’ what businesses could expect from the future under their preferred referendum outcomes.

Questions on issues such as the impact of: trade prospects with, and market access to, the European members states; customs and border management; tax matters, including cross-border VAT; innovation, research and development and science funding; as well as labour, skills and migration.

BCC also queried what specific sectors could expect such as: agriculture, manufacturing, utilities, IT and telecoms, retail, financial services and transport and logistics etc.

Both campaigns have now provided their answers and their full responses can be seen below:

Britain is Stronger in Europe response

Vote Leave response

A BCC survey was conducted in February which highlighted that over two-thirds (69%) of the senior business people in the East of England, confirmed that the outcome of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation was unlikely to change how they will vote. Over the last couple of weeks the Chamber network has once again been conducting a survey of the local business community. The results will be known towards the end of April.

OnFriday, 10 June 2016 from 2.30pm – 5pm, Norfolk Chamber will be holding a debate to give the Norfolk business community clear information on the viewpoint for both sides of the argument to help them make their decision. Click here to book your place.

On Thursday 7th April, over 70 Norfolk Chamber members joined us for a Business Breakfast at the Cliff Hotel in Gorleston. The venue provided us with a great setting in the newly refurbished Music Room. The room was full of buzz as the delegates networked over coffee and breakfast.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive at the Norfolk Chamber kicked off the proceedings by welcoming delegates and thanking the event sponsors, New Anglia Growth Hub.

The first presentation of the morning came from Glen Moore, New Anglia Growth Hub, who explained what support the Growth Hub can provide for businesses. Glen focused his talk on the oil and gas industry as he explained the price of oil has substantially declined over the past year, and the role of the oil and gas sector.

Following Glen’s presentation, Events Coordinator Bryony introduced the networking activity: Table Networking Bingo! So, in true chamber style, delegates were able to network with a twist! The bingo cards were full of interesting activities, such as ‘I own a motorbike’ and ‘I can speak another language’, delegates were then asked to tick off any squares that were true to their table! When the results were in we had a tie between two tables with a score of 19 out of 25!

Once the room had settled down, our main speaker Fred Rogers of Subsea Protection Systems joined us to explain how his company has diversified to avoid the crash in oil prices. He began by giving a brief history of his company and how they have grown to international status. Fred then told delegates how SPS had avoided a previous crisis in 2008 by diversifying into Windfarm Protection, which helped them recognise that price of oil could not be sustained indefinitely and therefore, they needed to adapt further. The presentation finished off by an overview of the various industries they have now grown into, including, coastal and flood protection, offshore tidal turbines, and the farming industry. This subject was of particular interest to many of the members in the room as was shown by the attentive Q+A session.

The event was closed by an update from the Norfolk Chamber’s events team, and thanks were given to our members, the event sponsors: New Anglia Growth Hub, our featured Charity: Independence Matters and to the venue.

Delegates were then able to get in some final networking to make those all important contacts.