Chamber News

Following the Chamber’s October economic breakfast, the organisation then held their Annual General Meeting. It was a busy agenda, with the new board members being ratified; the 2014/15 accounts being signed off; and a new Treasurer, President and Vice President being sworn in.

Ian Hacon, the outgoing President officially handed over his Chain of Office to Jonathan Cage, Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers, who then gave his inaugural presidential address. Ian Hacon remains on the Chamber Board as the Past President.

Norfolk Chamber’s new Vice President is Peter Foster, Managing Director of Hugh J Boswell Ltd; and the new Treasurer is Simon Watson, a Partner at Lovewell Blake.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber thanked Daren Moore, the outgoing Treasurer for all his hard work over the last 5 years. She also gave thanks to Ian Hacon for his support during his Presidency.

Pete Goodrum interviews Jonathan Cage, newly appointed President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

As Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers Jonathan Cage doesn’t exactly have an empty diary. And it’s going to be an even more crowded schedule for him in the coming months. A few days prior to his official appointment he found time to talk about his thoughts and aspirations for his presidency.

We begin with how he will approach the job. He has clear views on what he wants to achieve. ‘My ‘day job’ is in the construction industry and I believe that helps me see what needs to be done. My first, overriding priority is to promote Norfolk. And that goes hand in hand with improving our infrastructure. By which I don’t just mean road and rail – I most certainly mean broadband.’

‘I want to do what I call a ‘tower crane count’ he says. ‘Counting the number of sites on which tower cranes are operating is a good barometer of what’s happening in a region’s economy. There aren’t enough here, and promoting Norfolk will be very much about attracting inward investment.’

He’s forthright in his views. ‘It’s true that Norfolk is in some ways isolated. My opinion is that we can either moan about that – or get on with expressing the positives. Positives that include the facts that this is a good place to live; it has a fast moving commercial lifestyle – but one that’s conducted in an unspoiled and hugely attractive place. A place with a world class cultural life to balance the commercial demands.’

His passionate advocacy of the region is, he says, fueled by attending international construction exhibitions. ‘It’s eye opening. There is business to be done with people who don’t know where we are. We have to make our mark.’

A brief digression into his personal life produces another plank in his presidential platform. ‘I have two teenage children, so I’m acutely aware of the need to build bridges between education and commerce. I believe the Chamber can be a valuable conduit in that.’

Jonathan Cage sees his role as President as an opportunity to make an impact. ‘I want to attract people to the Chamber, and I want to attract business to Norfolk. I want both to be long term relationships.’

Reflecting for a moment he talks about the Chamber itself. ‘We’re a network of people who want to do business with each other. That’s something we must cherish. But more than that we have the drive and opportunity to enhance and promote business in and for Norfolk. We are seeing more promises being delivered, often as a result of Chamber activity. We’re often asked what we think – now I want to take our influence to another level.’

Throughout the interview, in the boardroom of his business, Jonathan Cage has never once looked at notes or hesitated in answering my questions. He’s seized the opportunity to say what he believes in.

There’s a lot of his construction engineer’s terminology in a conversation with Jonathan Cage. He speaks of infrastructure, bridges, conduits and tower cranes. In this enlightening interview he’s certainly laid clear foundations for his new role; they’re inward investment, improved infrastructure, links between education and commerce, attracting business to Norfolk and increasing the Chamber’s influence.

There’s little doubt that he will build on them to create an impactful and exciting presidency.

• The UK trade deficit in goods and services was £3.3bn in August 2015, a narrowing of £1.2bn from July 2015.
• In the three months to August 2015 the UK trade deficit in goods and services was £1.3bn larger than in the previous three months.
• In the three months to August 2015 the trade surplus in services was£0.5bn larger than in the previous three months.
• The combined trade deficit of the first two months of Q3 (July and August) 2015 is already double the total trade deficit in Q2 (April to June) 2015.

Commenting on the latest trade figures for August 2015, published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

The August deficit reduction is welcome, however taking the July and August figures together, they point towards a deterioration in the trade deficit in Q3 2015. Greater efforts are needed to support our region’s exporters and to secure a long-term improvement in our trading positon. The services sector, which recorded a surplus in trade, will be increasingly relied upon to help improve our trade deficit.”

Also commenting on the trade figures, David Kern, Chief Economist of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“While it is welcome that the deficit declined in August, we now know that the July deficit was larger than previously estimated. This confirms our earlier assessment that the significant improvement seen in Q2 was only temporary. The large trade deficit remains a major national problem. This is particularly true when we consider that other areas of our current account, notably the income balance, remain statistically insignificant.”

British firms looking to develop e-commerce sales in China are to get a helping hand from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) after it signed a partnership agreement with the Shanghai Cross-Border e-Commerce Public Platform.

Agreed as part of UKTI’s e-Exporting Programme, the deal will support UK exporters and help promote their online sales in China by helping them to find new customers, build brand awareness and analyse Chinese consumer requirements.

Under the agreement, the Shanghai Cross-Border e-Commerce Public Platform will work with UKTI to provide help to UK companies wishing to sign up to e-commerce platforms registered in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ).

It will also encourage e-commerce platforms registered in the Zone to run a marketing campaign promoting UK brands on their platforms, and will share information to help UK companies understand the opportunities in China and how they can be optimised through e-channels in the SFTZ.

UKTI will help increase the volume of UK online exports to China through the SFTZ e-marketplace by delivering a programme with UK partners to increase the number of companies seeking to export through global e-marketplaces, and promoting opportunities for UK companies to grow their business in China through electronic markets.

In addition, the UK agency will work with partners and private sector experts to provide peer-to-peer mentoring for British companies seeking to export through e-channels, and will deliver a retail and brands campaign across relevant e-commerce platforms in the SFTZ.

Developed by the Shanghai municipal government, the Public Platform aims to share information and jointly solve problems associated with counterfeit products, customs procedures, and cross-border foreign exchange settlement.

It links regulatory bodies such as customs and tax authorities, with sellers, consumers, payment institutions, logistics companies and a China e-Port Data Centre.

A massive trade deal is being negotiated – the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – which involves the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Vietnam, Chile, Brunei, Singapore and New Zealand.

From the US point of view, it will solidify relationships with that country’s allies and firmly establish the United States as a leader in the Pacific.

The European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), an independent and non-profit policy research think tank dedicated to trade policy, has drawn the European Commission’s attention to the implications of the TPP and the need to maintain the EU’s position in the Pacific region.

It has highlighted that, although the EU is now negotiating with all TPP countries except Australia, New Zealand and Brunei, that “blind spot” is worth US$1.5 trillion in GDP.

“The idea of an FTA (free trade agreement) with New Zealand already enjoys the support of key EU Member States,” Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, Director at ECIPE, said. “New Zealand is consistently ranked number one on economic and personal freedom indices and, despite accounting for only 0.2% of EU external trade, New Zealand’s economy is still on par with previous EU FTA partners like Peru and Vietnam.”

Indeed, measured in final consumption, New Zealand is larger than Chile, Malaysia and Singapore. Pointing to the existing duty-free treatments with the Pacific country, he went on: “If an FTA cannot be done with New Zealand, it cannot be done at all.”

A move in that direction is vital, he concluded, as this could very well be Europe’s last chance of overtaking the TPP.

Hear a quick policy update from Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy & External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Adam outlines his thoughts on this week’s surprise announcement by the Chancellor, at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, on changes to the business rates.

Drivers are warned that delays are likely around Broadland Business Park and the new Postwick Hub access roads from Friday 16 October 2015as the A47 Postwick junction improvement shifts into the final phases.

There will also be two overnight closures (see below) to allow traffic management changes to be made and for bridge works.

The latest stageof the project includes the permanent closure of the sub-standard eastbound exit slip-road. This is essential for safety on the 70mph A47 because of a high risk of trafficqueuing back down theshort slip road on to the dual carriageway. It is not possible to lengthen the slip-road or to reduce this significant risk to road users in any other way.

The changes include the temporary closure of the existing bridge over the A47 for essential maintenance and upgrading. The recently constructed new bridge will come into use (under traffic management) for the first time.

At the start of this new stageof works at Postwickthere will be overnight closures of the A47 on Thursday 15 October and Friday 16 October (8pm to no later than 6am). The signed diversion route will be via the A146 from Trowse, the A143 and A12, re-joining the A47 at Vauxhall roundabout, Great Yarmouth.The closuresare taking placeovernight to avoid peak daytime traffic.

The changedroutes (see below) for trafficusing thePostwick junctionwill take effect on Friday 16 October. These alterations to traffic flows are significant and motorists are advised to allow for delays, particularly at peak times and in the period when drivers are getting used to the new arrangements.There is likely to be particular pressure at junctions, such as the Broadland Way/Peachman Way roundabout where temporary traffic lights will be used.

Norfolk County Council have given their apologies for the disruption that this will inevitably cause and their thanks to all drivers for their continued patience while these important improvements continue. Completion is expected by mid-December.

A47 through-traffic. Traffic staying on the A47 through the junction will be largely unaffected, although drivers will need to be aware of traffic management changes.

Changes for traffic using the junction. Eastbound (from the Trowse direction) trafficleaving the A47: the old exit slip road will be closed. Instead, vehicles will be directed up the new slip road to the new roundabout. From there, traffic heading into Thorpe St Andrewand Broadland Business Park will be directed around the new link roads.

Traffic heading towards Postwick village or the park and ride site will be able to cross the new bridge over the A47. Traffic for Postwick village and park and ride using the A1042 Yarmouth Road from Thorpe St Andrew and Norwich will have to go around the new link roads to reach the bridge.

Westbound (from the Acle and Great Yarmouth direction), traffic leaving the A47 heading towards Broadland Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew and Norwich will be directed across the new bridge and around the new link roads. This route goes through the junction at the southern end of the new bridge, where traffic lights will be installed before completion in December 2015.

Park and Ride. Postwick Park and Ride will continue running, but may be subject to route and timetable changes. Please check with the operator, Konectbus, or go to www.norwichparkandride.co.uk .

The improvement of the A47 Postwick junction, at the eastern end of Norwich Southern Bypass, is essential to business and housing growth in the area. Permissions already exist that would create around 5,000 jobs and 1,600 new homes in the area – but the Highways Agency (now Highways England) put a brake on development because of the lack of capacity at the junction.

In addition to the job and housing benefits in the immediate area, the new junction includes connection to the A47 for the now approved Norwich Northern Distributor Road, which will unlock around £1billion in economic benefits for Norfolk.

Postwick junction improvement: Frequently Asked Questions:

Why does the existing slip road off the eastbound A47 have to be closed? One of the main problemswith the old junction is this below-standard slip-road. It takes eastbound traffic off the A47 towards Broadland Business Park and other expanding business areas in and around Thorpe St Andrew, butit is too short and increased use of the junction wouldfurther increase the risk of traffic queuing back on to the A47 at peak times. This would cause a very serious hazard to high speed traffic on the 70mph dual carriageway.

The closure of the existing slip road and alternative options were considered in some detail by the Inspector during the public inquiry held in 2013. Since then, approval has also been given to Norwich Northern Distributor Road, underlining the need to improve junction capacity.

Why not simply extend the existing slip road, providing more capacity in that way? Extending the existing slip road back along the A47 towards Trowse is not viable because it is too close to the bridge carrying the A47 over the river and railway. Ways of retaining the original eastbound slip road were considered at the 2013public inquiry into the junction improvement, but were ruled out.

The old junction seemed to be coping, so did it really need to be changed? The old junction was suffering from significant peak time traffic queues and delays on the westbound exit slip road. Trying to resolve this issue placed pressure on the existing eastbound exit slip road (discussed above). It was also only functioning adequately because the Highways Agency put a brake on any further housing and business park expansion in the area. Permissions already exist that would create around 5,000 jobs and 1,600 new homes, but the junction has to be improved first.

Why does traffic have to follow a longer route? The layout is the only one that provides the increase in capacity while meeting national design standards. The scope for different layouts is severely limited by the nearby A47 bridge over the River Yare, the railway line, a high pressure gas main, land topography, the current road layout and the existing bridge over the A47.

Were any other layouts tried? Over a dozen designs and a range of variants were looked at, but only the current layout could provide the increase in capacity and meet national design standards. This was confirmed at the public inquiry in 2013, when other options put forward by objectors were looked at but were rejected. The Inspector at the inquiry, having considered all options, was satisfied that the proposed solution is the only viable option.

Regional & City Airports (RCA), the leading UK regional airport operator, has strengthened its strategic relationship with Flybe to introduce year-round scheduled holiday flights at Norwich Airport with seats available for booking from early November following the release of Flybe’s 2016 Summer schedule.

The partnership, which involves significant investment from both parties, will see the return of scheduled sunshine flights to Norwich for the first time in almost a decade. Year round services from Norwich Airport to Alicante and Malaga will start in March 2016 in time for the Easter getaway, with the addition of Geneva expected later in 2016.

The initial destinations will be available for booking next month, and RCA plans to investigate the possibility of adding additional routes, where there is sustainable demand.

Commenting on the introduction of the additional flights from Norwich Airport, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“This is very good news for Norfolk, it is great to see Norwich Airport continuing to develop and position itself as a major regional airport. Continued commitment for expansion from the Rigby Group is very welcome as Norwich Airport is a key resource for our region.

Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman and Founder of RCA owners Rigby Group, said:

“Since taking ownership of Norwich Airport a year ago we have been firm on our commitment to invest in the future of the site. Today, with a milestone agreement guaranteeing the continued operation of scheduled winter and summer holiday routes from the airport, we have underlined that determination with some very concrete results.”

Andrew Bell, who heads up RCA (Regional and City Airports) the airport management division of Rigby Group PLC and owners of Norwich, said:

“This is a tremendously exciting time. For nine years the issue of reviving scheduled sunshine flights from Norwich has been the number one priority issue raised by our customers, and to see them return from 2016 will be hugely welcomed across the region.”

Richard Pace, General Manager at Norwich International commented:

“Ever since Rigby Group acquired Norwich Airport it has been our stated aim to protect existing routes while establishing new ones, and today’s announcement underlines that commitment. Not only does this partnership secure scheduled holiday flights from Norwich, but it also provides a firm foundation from which to build for future expansion.”

Earlier this year Norwich was recognised as aTechCity Clusteron the national stage. Work continues to help support not only the creative, digital and design companies, but any organisation that uses technology. In September 2015 the Chamber held its ‘FUTURE IS HERE’ event and now it is the turn of Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network. (KTN).

On Thursday 15 October 2015, they will jointly be holding a regional event at Proxama in Norwich. The event is part of their regional coverage visiting different parts of the country, which have a digital cluster and talking the business community through the funding that is available. This will be the first time such an event has been held in Norwich.

As a starting point, KTN and Innovate UK are aiming at the creative, digital and design companies, looking to access funding and support to grow. There will be presentations from both Innovate UK and KTN on the types of support and funding available, and also be a chance to meet with and discuss your business over a networking reception. However this event is not just for those companies in the digital/creative sectors, but all technology based companies, such as those in advance engineering.

Help chart the development of Norwich’s digital economy

As part of the work to make our region more successful as a vibrant technology cluster, Tech City UK is aiming to gain an even deeper insight into the technology startup landscape to discover what digital companiesneed in order to grow and scale.

Just a few reasons why should you complete the survey:

• You can help chart the development of Norwich and Norfolks digital economy
• £1000 worth of tickets for this year’s Web Summit are up for grabs
• Take part in#TechNationand you could be 1 of 10 companies off to#SxSW! Details
• International exposure with the chance to be featured in the Tech Nation report

Commenting on the forthcoming event, Tom Fiddian is one of the Lead Technologists at Innovate UK, said:

“Every year we award over £400m of grants to innovative projects in the UK. As well as national competitions, we also run regional activities such as engagement pieces (like the event on the 15th) and funding to clusters which we call Launchpads (our latest one was in Edinburgh ).”

“We’re visiting Norwich as part of a regional engagement programme where every month we visit a city and give a brief presentation of what we do and upcoming competitions. I’m originally from the area and I’ve been pushing for a visit to Norwich for some time. I’m acutely aware of both the potential of the area and the lack of applications we get from Norwich. Attendance and engagement will be used as

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“It is fantastic news that both Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network are finally coming to Norwich. The event on 15 October will be used an unofficial barometer by Innovate UK and KTN, with regard to possible future activities in Norfolk. The better the participation of the Norfolk’s business community at this event, the stronger Norwich’s position will be when our region is being considered by these organisations for future regional funding or a centre of excellence.”

To book your place on this exciting event click here.

Working grandparents will be allowed to take time off and share parental leave pay to help care for their grandchildren, the government has said.

The plan would extend the current system, which allows parents to share leave and statutory parental pay.

It was announced by Chancellor George Osborne as the Conservative conference began in Manchester. Labour’s Harriet Harman had proposed a similar policy in amanifesto for women.

Mr Osborne’s plan involves extending the current system ofshared parental leave– which allows a total of 52 weeks off – to cover grandparents as well as a child’s mother and father.

Families will also be allowed to split statutory shared parental pay – which is £139.58 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

The Conservatives say the policy will particularly benefit single mothers who, without a partner to share leave with, will now be able to do so with one of their child’s grandparents.

Mr Osborne also hopes the option will allow parents to return to work more quickly if they want to. He said more than half of mothers rely on grandparents for childcare when they first return to work after having a baby. He said: “Research shows two million grandparents have either given up a job, reduced their hours or taken time off work to look after their grandchildren. Allowing them instead to share leave with their children will keep thousands more in the workplace, which is good for our economy.”

Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Although fine in principle, another change to parental leave policy is the last thing businesses need after a decade of upheaval. The last set of changes hasn’t even bedded in yet, and many firms will be astonished that the government has decided to intervene yet again.

“Most employers are sympathetic when parents or grandparents need flexibility to help with caring duties, and many go out of their way to accommodate affected staff. But adding new legislation – and increasing the administrative headache and uncertainty businesses already face – is not the way to go.”

Commenting on Chancellor George Osborne’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Chancellor could have delivered his conference speech in a hard hat and hi-vis. ‘George the Builder’ set out to demonstrate his commitment to improving Britain’s infrastructure and competitiveness. He now needs to demonstrate that he can, indeed, fix the problems that still hold our businesses back.

“George Osborne is right to say that Britain needs to be better prepared in the event of a future global slowdown. Yet the UK remains under-prepared for an economic shock. We have more to do to fix the fundamentals here at home, from training and infrastructure through to access to finance and export. The achievement of the Chancellor’s deficit and debt targets is essential. Otherwise, future governments will lack the headroom needed to support the economy when times are tougher.

“The Chancellor talks of a ‘new settlement with businesses. For too many companies, though, it feels like a set of impositions rather than a grand partnership. Governments must not forget their responsibility to deliver high-quality education, so that businesses can then invest in training, skills and higher wages – rather than constantly make up for the deficiencies of the system.”

Concerning news of business rate pilots Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“The business community have been calling for business rates reform for some time. However we need to ensure that the process is thorough and planned with the business community at the heart of any decision.

The positives could be that the rates are spent to develop local business stock and encourage inward investment with the business community thoroughly involved.

The negative could be that the money is used to plug holes and neighbouring local authorities could start to compete with each other rather than working collaboratively

The devil is always in the detail and we await to see what the detail looks like.”

On the announcement of a National Infrastructure Commission, Caroline Williams added:

“The announcement of a new National Infrastructure Commission is an ambitious move to get key transport and energy projects built – rather than just debated. Norfolk businesses will welcome the appointment of Lord Adonis to build cross-party consensus and drive key projects forward.

“However, the new Commission isn’t worth setting up if politicians block its decisions. We will be watching closely to ensure that the Commission is able to achieve the goal of getting roads laid, railways improved, runways built, new houses delivered and our energy security ensured.”

In his round up at the end of the week, Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce summed up his thoughts on the Chancellor’s announcement on business rates.

The Norfolk Chamber Board and members of the Representation Council, together with senior Chamber staff recently spent the morning at Barnham Broom Hotel looking at the Chamber’s aspirations for the next 3 years.

The brainstorming session was held to kick off the start of the Chamber’s business planning process and the meeting was facilitated by the Chamber President, Ian Hacon. The group reviewed the future aims and aspirations of the Membership, Events, International and Policy Departments.

There was some fantastic feedback and ideas raised by the new Chamber Board members and the Representation Council. Each Chamber department manager will now start to draft their business plans for 2015/2016 and beyond, which will be presented to the Board later in the year for approval.