Chamber News

A European Commission initiative to promote greater transparency in shipping line prices has been welcomed by the UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The Commission has invited comments from interested parties on commitments offered by 15 container liner shipping companies.

The move is intended to address EU concerns that the practice of container liner shipping companies of publishing their future price increase intentions may harm competition and breach the Union’s antitrust rules.

Container shipping accounts for the vast majority of non-bulk freight carried by sea and 15 carriers have regularly announced their intended future increases for freight prices in various ways, including by notices on their websites and in the press.

Those carriers are: China Shipping (China), CMA CGM (France), COSCO (China), Evergreen (Taiwan), Hamburg Süd (Germany), Hanjin (South Korea), Hapag Lloyd (Germany), HMM (South Korea), Maersk (Denmark), MOL (Japan), MSC (Switzerland), NYK (Japan), OOCL (Hong Kong), UASC (UAE), and ZIM (Israel).

Known as General Rate Increase (GRI) announcements, the notices do not indicate the fixed final price for the service concerned, but only the amount of the increase in US-Dollars per transported container unit (TEU), the affected trade route, and the planned date of implementation.

The Commission is concerned that GRI announcements do not provide customers with the full details of new prices, but simply allow carriers to explore each other’s pricing intentions and then coordinate their behaviour.

If that were the case, carriers would be in breach of EU competition rules, which ban concerted practices between companies.

In response to the Commission’s concerns, the carriers have offered a number of commitments which would change the way price increases are announced and applied.

Welcoming the move, the FTA said the Commission’s action will introduce a degree of transparency into maritime transport pricing for the first time.

Commenting on the announcement of a deal by the Prime Minister – following months of intense negotiation on the future of the UK’s relationship with the European Union – John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses across Britain will be relieved that the horse-trading between Westminster and Brussels is now concluded, and that the hard work of recent months could potentially deliver some benefits for the UK.

“The real test for the Prime Minister’s deal is whether it can deliver tangible benefits.

“On competitiveness, much relies on the Commission’s commitment to deregulation and to concluding meaningful free trade agreements. The necessary widening and deepening of the Single Market remains to be tackled. It is notable that there is no UK-specific opt-out from regulations that are not directly related to trade.

“On sovereignty, success depends on whether the UK opt-out from ‘ever closer union’ actually curbs the expansive jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, whose activism hamstrings British businesses. Ensuring national parliaments, including our own, can actually stop EU proposals they deem damaging, is crucial.

“Safeguards for non-Eurozone countries will only feel real when all our firms – not just those in the City of London – believe that their access to markets and capital is secure. It is not clear if these vital safeguards are guaranteed.

“And on the complex and emotive issue of migration, what really matters is whether the UK has tools that allow it to balance the business need for labour and skills with the need for social cohesion. Given that its focus has been restricted just to benefits, the deal cannot substantially address this balance, or the consequent impacts on the UK economy and public policy.

“There is no certainty at this stage whether the deal’s outcomes are legally enforceable and irreversible. What’s more, the deal falls well short of the business expectations we set out nearly a year ago*.

“If delivered, this deal would change some aspects of the UK’s relationship with the EU. Yet it is inescapable that, deal or no deal, the EU itself remains largely unreformed.

“The choice facing businesses and businesspeople across Britain is now becoming clearer. For business, it is a choice between remaining in a largely unchanged EU, albeit with some potential new safeguards for the UK, or a future outside the EU, with the near-term uncertainty and disruption of leaving.”

On the UK Chamber network’s approach to the referendum campaign, Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk Chamber and the BCC will not be campaigning for either Remain or Leave, given the very real divisions that exist in business communities across the UK.

“In the months leading up to the referendum, we will actively survey business opinion and inform the debate without fear or favour. Additionally, we will be demanding clear information and facts from both the Remain and Leave campaigns so that businesspeople can make an informed choice at the ballot box.”

A recentBritish Chambers of Commerce survey has revealed that the outcome of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation is unlikely to change how businesses will vote.

The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor to plan the future of the UK economy and over 7,000 businesses across the UK take part.

The last Norfolk QES results showed that growth in both the service and the manufacturing sectors in Norfolk had slowed over the last quarter. In particular, nearly all the key Norfolk manufacturing balances remained stagnant or fell, which painted a picture of prolonged, slow manufacturing growth.

Businesses completing the previous Q4 survey, who represented 37% of the total East of England responses, reported positive economic growth, despite another tough quarter for the manufacturing sector with most balances falling. Norfolk’s export manufacturing balances were worst hit as they declined almost to the point of stagnation. You can see the full results for Q4 here.

Has your business recruited more new employees? Are you expecting your exports to increase? Let us know by taking part in this important economic survey.

The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete, so please take the time to input into this survey to ensure Norfolk has a voice. The survey deadline is 5pm on Monday 14 March 2016.

Complete the Online Survey now.

In a world geared to more, how can we learn to stress less?

The problem for many of us today is that we live our lives in our heads. Continually judging, comparing and analysing, constantly distracted by emails, phone calls and texts, obsessed with updating our social media profiles. We bring work home, we bring home to work. There just doesn’t seem to be time in the day to find space for anything else.

It’s a stressful, anxious way of life, but what’s the solution?

Open your mind to the Power of a Pause

We believe the secret to putting stress on hold is to introduce the Power of a Pause into your everyday life. Two minutes in every hour when we stop, step back and clear the mental clutter.

Because when we open our minds to the Power of a Pause, we open new paths to personal happiness, improved health and a better way of life.

Meet the Human Business

The Human Business is a leading provider of Mindfulness training for individuals and organisations across the UK and Europe. Through our Intelligent Body Agile Mind (IBAM) programs, we address your physical, mental and emotional health by incorporating Qigong or Mindful Movement in our program.

Specifically designed for the office environment, the Power of a Pause is an IBAM program that teaches you how to combat stress and musculoskeletal pain in the workplace. Improving the quality of your life now, tomorrow and long into the future.

Recognise the Power of a Pause?You’re not aloneWith the world on permanent fast forward, it’s little wonder that many now recognise the benefits of pausing for thought with organisations such as Apple, Google, Virgin and the Deutsche Bank all becoming increasingly mindful of their employees needs.

Why not join them?

If you too can recognise the value of learning the Power of a Pause, why not take a moment to get in touch. The sooner you do, the longer you’ll have to enjoy the benefits of a healthier, less stressful way of living.

For more details and to book an introductory session, simply contact Deniz Paradot on 03330 118999 or connect@thehumanbusiness.co.uk

China‘s economy is in the media every day, but what is the reality for UK companies in 2016?

The China-Britain Business Council will be hosting the 4th Annual China Business Conference on 22 March 2016 at the QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London. the Conferencewill analyse the key business issues affecting UK companies in 2016. From macro policies to the day-to-day business environment on the ground, expert speakers – drawn from business, academia and government – will equip you to make the right China business decisions.

The conference for 2016 will focus on:

• The 13th Five Year Plan & The New Normal
• Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ – China to a wider Asia market
• Innovation through Technology
• Healthy China’? The Challenges and Opportunities
• Belt and Road: Partnering in Third Markets
• Made in China 2025: Sustainable Industrial Transformation
• Reaching China’s Digital Consumer

For more information and to register please click here.

ITV is looking for a business that feels strongly about the growing debate over companies such as Google paying little tax. This is for a News at 10 feature on Wednesday 10 February, ahead of Google and HMRC appearing before the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Thursday 11 February.

If you are comfortable speaking about this issue please get in touch with Allan Williams, Senior Press & Communications Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce. 020 7654 5812a.williams@britishchambers.org.uk

The British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco is hosting a webinar about vocational training in the Moroccan market. The webinar will take place on Wednesday 24 February 11.30am – 12.30pm (UK Time).

Vocational training is a top priority in Morocco. This webinar will help UK companies/organisations enter the vocational training market in Morocco by raising awareness of existing new opportunities in a discussion with key local players.

Demand for vocational trianing is high in Morocco and keeps increasing as Morocco become aware of the necessity to improve its compeititveness and positioning worldwide.

There is an important need for training at all levels (initial, continuous and qualifying). Training of trainers is also a key issue in Morocco.

The webinar will cover the following points:

• Overview of the Moroccan market
• Moroccan government’s strategy for vocational training
• Opportunities for UK organisations in vocational training in Morocco

UK companies will be able to ask questions of the invited specialists about Vocational Training in Morocco and the services offerd by the British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco to UK Companies.

To register for the webinar please click here.

This month’s headlines:

• GDP growth in the UK weakened in 2015, with the construction sector back in recession
• UK unemployment drops to ten-year low, but earnings growth continues to weaken
• GDP growth in the world’s two largest economies slows, as IMF cuts global outlook

UK GDP growth slowed in 2015. Despite a slight improvement in Q4 the overall annual growth was 1.9%, down from the growth of 2.1%.

The service sector remained the dominant sector in the UK, whilst construction slipped back into recession. This highlights the Chambers’ view that the UK’s economy is becoming even more unbalanced.

China, the world’s second-largest economy grew by 6.9% in 2015 – this is the lowest rate since 1990.

Forfull details of this month’s economic review click here.

Norfolk Chamber’s Events Assistant Samantha Brown will be taking to the skies to join domestic violence charity Leeway in a 13,000ft charity Tandem Skydive.

Leeway is a local charity that support over 8000 adults, children and young people every year. “I believe the work they do is vital for people in Norfolk. It’s a charity very close to my heart who I’ve even had the pleasure of working with through my current job role.”

After making the jump, Sam will be falling at about 120mph, descending to 5,000 feet in around 40 seconds. The skydive will be taking place at Beccles airfield on Sunday 20th March.

To read more about Sam’s skydive or to sponsor her, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SammySkydives

Downing Street sources have said that National parliaments will get new powers to block “unwanted” EU law as part of the UK’s renegotiations with Brussels. To trigger the so-called “red card”, at least 55% of the EU’s national parliaments would have to join forces.

The measure is expected to be included in the draft deal being presented by EU Council president Donald Tusk later today.

Downing Street sources said David Cameron had “delivered on a manifesto commitment” to secure the “explicit agreement”, which could be activated up to 12 weeks after a new law had been proposed. But the Vote Leave campaign said it was a “trivial” proposal which would do little to restore power to the UK.

Mr Tusk’s draft agreement, to be put forward on today (Tuesday 2 February 2016), follows months of talks between UK and EU officials. It has not received final agreement from other EU leaders, who will gather for a summit on 18 and 19 February. If agreement is secured at the summit, it could pave the way for the UK’s in-out referendum to be held in June.

But Mr Tusk warned of “outstanding issues” as he announced his plan to circulate the draft “new settlement”.

These are thought to include objections to Mr Cameron’s bid to curb the welfare entitlement of EU migrants.

He has proposed denying in-work benefits to all EU migrants until they have been in the UK for four years, saying this would reduce high levels of immigration to the UK.

Commenting on the draft EU deal announced today by European Council President Donald Tusk, John Longworth, BCC Director General, said:

“While Brussels-watchers will pore over every draft and every statement, most business people will want to wait to see a final UK-EU deal before assessing carefully the impact on their businesses and their vote. A lot can change in the weeks ahead. Like others, we will be evaluating these proposals against the Prime Minister’s initial letter to Mr Tusk, and against the business priorities we have articulated.”

As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s ongoing research programme into business sentiment towards the upcoming referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, the BCC is running amajor poll to measure business attitudes and impacts. The fieldwork for this survey is open until 5February.

Chamber members are strongly encouraged to have their say here. The survey should take 3-5 minutes to complete.

The New Anglia Skills Deal Programme is an opportunity for employers, alongside training providers, to seek funding for project proposals that address a gap in – or barrier to accessing – training provision. Skills Deals funding is available to co-fund projects that will raise skill levels, create jobs and drive enterprise and economic growth in Norfolk and Suffolk. Expressions of Interest in this funding are now being invited.

Full details of the fund including a prospectus and guidance on applying click here

Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:

Nationally

The Government’s borrowing figure in December 2015 was £4.3bn lower than the year before ONS figures highlighted that UK firms cur their foreign investment by the largest amount in a decade Businesses race more than £1bn in costs from the introduction of the Government-set national living wage UK new car sales hit an all-time record in 2015.

East of England

53% of manufacturers in the East of England have invested in automation and robotics according to a Barclays survey Confidence in this region’s commercial property market remains strong and rents are expected to rise across all sectors Our region’s reputation as one of the country’s most entrepreneurial regions has been bolstered by a recent report by Barclays and BGF Entrepreneurs Index.

Norwich

Shoppers and businesses were handed a major digital boost after free wi-fi was rolled out across Norwich city centre Aviva started 2016 by employing 65 new employees at it claims handling operation at Broadland Business Park Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral joined forces with Visit Norwich to promote the city as a tourism destination Norwich International Airport launched new routes from Norwich to Exeter and Newcastle.

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here.