Chamber News

Our newly launched Focus Groups are enabling us to have groups in many cities, towns, market towns, and villages across Norfolk, to connect, support, and give voice to every business in Norfolk. This week saw our first ‘towns’ Focus Group on Tuesday at the beautiful, but chilly Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Aylsham with Andrea Wilson, AKA The Connector. With thanks to Upp, for being event sponsors and for their valuable contributions to the mornings discussions. To Redwings for hosting our attendees, and to our Vice President, Lizzy Dring from Huxley Events for representing the Norfolk Chambers board. Ageing infrastructure The first topic discussed was on ageing infrastructure and the current needs for technology in the workplace. Key points raised were on the impact of data management, and the importance of data transfer. From slow working connections impacting productivity to tech not keeping up with larger file sizes. The pandemic highlighted the success of zoom and the potential of being able to utilise elements of this tech into in-person events. There was a discussion around GDPR and security and that perhaps businesses and individuals working from home were not considering the impact of this. Recruitment Key points on recruitment were on the difficulty of employing people particularly in the visitor and tourism industry, and that many candidates lost confidence during the pandemic. With hybrid working patterns. Employees within the visitor attraction sector can’t be offered working from home options. LSIP (Local Skills Improvement Plan) Our next topic covered LSIP – a new initiative from the Department for Education (DfE) that will set out the key priorities needed to make technical education and skills provision more responsive to the changing needs of employers and the local economy One particular member described an issue with only having training facilities in Chelmsford for his profession meaning the added cost of getting a student to and from the training facility was both expensive and not helping with carbon footprint. There was an overall feeling that there was a real need for practical skills training and the real need for investing time into employees to see the benefits for retention. It was felt communication skills were lacking and needed to be part of the curriculum in schools and colleges, and bringing back work experience for students was needed. Training is needed to combat the shortage of plumbers, builders and trades people. A feeling that students were very driven by YouTube influencers – could we create some influencers who are in the trades to make this look more appealing? A lot of conversations came back to the effects of the pandemic which are affecting many areas of business particularly with skills, wellbeing and recruitment. It was felt that if we can encourage a workforce back into offices and places of work, this would help with seclusion and anxiety.   If you would like to join us at another Focus Group in the future, the next upcoming event is Thursday 26^th January in Fleggburgh – you can register via the link below: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/engagement-focus-group-fleggburgh-tickets-474154929157  

As we continue the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 here are four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics. Infrastructure and transport Passengers are being advised to avoid travelling with Greater Anglia, and to check before they do travel, if they do need to make a rail journey on 1 and 3 February, when strike action will affect train services. Members of the train drivers’ union ASLEF and train drivers who are members of the RMT union, who work for Greater Anglia are striking on Wednesday 1 and Friday 3 February. https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-news/industrial-action-affecting-greater-anglia-train-services-on-1-and-3-february/ People, skills and Wellbeing Do you want to bring the best energy to your workplace, enhance creativity, fuel purpose and develop communication skills? With colleague turnover at an all-time high isn’t it imperative that you attract the best, and retain all those brilliant people? https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/new-corporate-boost-you-programme-wellbeing-international/ Net zero & sustainability I feel lucky because my job is helping businesses become more sustainable and encouraging everyone to live more sustainably – and it’s also my passion. https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/dont-just-think-about-going-greener-start-doing-it/ Cost of Living Crisis Times are tough at the moment for many businesses, to say the least. The current UK inflation rate is sitting at 11.1%, so employers are under a lot of pressure to increase salaries and keep up with the rising cost of materials and products they require. https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/cutting-your-training-budget-in-tough-times-could-be-a-costly-mistake/

• Most Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) exporters report no improvement to exports, with 27% reporting decreased export sales in the quarter and 47% reporting no change. 

• Only 26% of SME exporters saw increased export sales 

• The picture for future orders is even weaker with 28% reporting a decrease against 24% an increase 

• Three biggest cost pressures for SME exporters are energy (72%), labour (67%) and raw materials (61%). 

  A survey of more than 2,300 UK SME exporters has revealed UK overseas trade continues to languish as the global economy heads into another difficult year.  More SME exporters are continuing to report falling export sales (27%) than are reporting an increase (26%)  Just over a third of SME exporters (36%) expect to see increased profitability in the next 12 months, while an almost equal number (35%) expect a decrease. The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook for Q4 2022 also showed the squeeze on SMEs exporters operating margins remains, with 64% expecting to raise their prices. Three main cost pressures continue to dominate as utilities, labour costs and raw materials are again the biggest concerns cited by exporters. Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said: “Last autumn the World Trade Organisation forecast global trade growth of just 1% in 2023, down from 3% in 2022. This is creating huge headwinds for smaller UK firms battered by the pandemic, Brexit and energy price shocks. “China’s sudden full reopening may also create additional supply chain turbulence this year, should the Covid pandemic continue to impact health and economic output. “Against this background it could be sometime before the global shipping and trading systems returns to anything approaching normality. “The UK government cannot afford to sit idly by as we head into such uncertain trading conditions. “It must throw a lifeline to our struggling exporters who are desperately trying to keep their heads above water. “Despite recent very welcome progress on data sharing, the unresolved Northern Ireland protocol situation is still influencing the UK’s relationship with the EU and the US. “Resolving the remaining protocol issues unlocks the potential for benefits for UK businesses in both east and west directions, as well as for Northern Ireland. “Outside of the EU, the US is our biggest trading partner, and the one that BCC members are most interested in, yet progress on free trade talks are stalled. “As the Good Friday Agreement anniversary looms the UK has a golden opportunity to transform our trading relationship with our two biggest export markets in one fell swoop. “Other measures Government should consider include providing effective end-to-end trade finance and setting up a trade accelerator – by working alongside our global network to help firms enter new markets and maximise sales.”

Since the 1st of January 2022, traders have been asked to pre-notify all plants and plant products arriving to the UK either on IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animal, Food and Feed System) or on PEACH (Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate). The PEACH system is due to be phased out at the end of the year – this is due to be confirmed by DEFRA – and all pre-notification will need to be done in IPAFFS. To register to use the IPAFFS system, you will need to set-up a DEFRA account on your Government Gateway. The pre-notification must be made at least four hours before it arrives into the UK. When bringing the shipment into the UK, the number provided will need to be declared on your Customs Declarations for the goods to be able to clear the border. The codes to be used on the Customs Declarations will vary depending on which system you are using but your customs broker/agent should be able to advise and do it on your behalf and you should always provide it as part of your instructions to them. We will provide more information as and when we receive it. Norfolk Chambers can do import and export customs clearance on your behalf and we work with traders to ensure they are compliant with all customs requirements. For more information, please contact chambercustoms@norfolkchambers.co.uk Image – Chamber Canva Pro 2023  

Reacting to the latest ONS Labour Market figures, Nova Fairbank, CEO of Norfolk Chambers, said:      “Today’s figures will come as no surprise to businesses across Norfolk and the rest of the UK who are desperately trying to fill record numbers of vacant roles. “With over 1.16 million UK job vacancies, businesses are still experiencing a relentlessly tight labour market. If firms can’t hire the staff to fulfil their order books, any room for growth is extremely limited. “Government is heading in the right direction with its plans to help bring economically inactive workers back into the labour force, especially older workers who left in their droves when lockdown ended. “But we need to see more action. There must be carefully tailored careers advice, job seeker support and rapid re-training opportunities to help employers harness the skills and experience of older workers. “Businesses also need to play their part, by engaging with local skills and employment opportunities, adopting flexible working policies where possible and helping older workers develop their skills for the changing workforce. “Finally, Government must hear our calls to urgently reform the Shortage Occupation List to help businesses fill urgent job vacancies when they cannot recruit locally. The List should include job roles below RQF Level 3 for sectors where there is clear evidence of a national shortage. “The UK’s tight labour market is one of the top challenges preventing our businesses and economy from growing. It’s no use simply talking about growth if we are not prepared to take action on it. “With an anaemic economy and low productivity, Government must take immediate steps to ease the considerable labour pressures on businesses – we can’t afford to wait any longer.”  

Reacting to the publication of the Net Zero Review by Chris Skidmore MP, Alex Veitch Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the BCC said:      “The review published by Chris Skidmore MP is a significant document and provides us with a substantive overview of the progress to date on meeting the UK’s Net Zero ambition. “Importantly, it includes recommendations on what must be done. Many of these measures are pragmatic and realistic, which will be welcomed by businesses. “The British Chambers of Commerce has long campaigned for the Government to provide SMEs with energy saving support and advice. It is good to see this action included in today’s report. “We also welcome the focus on the importance of decentralised decision making in the fight against climate change. More and more Net Zero action will have to take place locally and regionally over the coming years. This report emphasises how power must be put into the hands of local communities in order to achieve our 2050 target. “Chambers of Commerce across the UK were heavily involved in COP26, and they are proud of the role they are playing in making the UK a world leader in environmental sustainability. This review stresses the importance of retaining our global standing and Chambers of Commerce will continue to work hard to ensure the UK is a global pioneer in green innovation, technology and enterprise. “There remains a long way to go. For example, the report acknowledges pressures on SMEs to move to Net Zero, but more ambitious tax incentives than those proposed, and additional funding support, will be required to help address this. “We will be continuing to work with Government to ensure we meet the UK’s Net Zero target, and ensure businesses reap the many benefits along the way.” Find our more about the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Climate Leaders here Image – Chamber Canva Pro 2023

As we start the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 we’ll be sharing four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics. Infrastructure and Transport The Norfolk-based road safety technology firm Westcotec is advising local authorities of the importance of understanding and using good data before committing to potentially significant road safety investments. Effective collection and expert analysis of data helps to ensure that resources can be targeted where they are most needed, and avoids the risk of paying large sums on interventions that may not be appropriate, Westcotec says. Read the full article here https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/addressing-road-safety-issues-westcotec/ People, Skills and Wellbeing Watch Dr Helen Fitzhugh, Professor Colin Lindsay and Professor Kevin Daniels as they share insights on how organisations can build wellbeing and engagement into the new normal for businesses. https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/job-quality-matters-building-workplace-wellbeing-and-engagement-into-the-new-normal/  Net zero and Sustainability There is no one right solution to tackling the threats of climate change – start small and you could still make a difference. 10 steps you can take now to be a greener business https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/natwest-be-informed-sustainability-business/ Cost of Living Crisis in Norfolk Many businesses have been fighting for their survival for months, and rising energy costs have fast become the tipping point. Alongside an energy support package, we need an energy support strategy to get businesses on the right track to longer-term efficiency. https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/new-energy-support-package-falls-short-for-struggling-norfolk-businesses/ Book your ticket to The Big Debate 2023 here. 

Reacting to the ONS Trade figures for November, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  “UK trade performance improved in November, led by a 6.1% increase in goods imports (adjusted for inflation). Goods exports also picked up, rising by 1.7%, but concerns about the impact of the Brexit deal continue – due to a 1.2% fall in goods exports to the EU. “Early estimates of trade in services in November showed a flat picture – with exports down by 0.2%, and imports by 0.6%, adjusted for inflation. “Looking at a comparison over the three months to the end of November with the three months to the end of August, goods exports to the EU were 4.9% lower over that period. “While the UK did better than its peers in overall trade in November, the Export Strategy needs to deliver in 2023 given the global economic headwinds UK goods and services exports are currently facing.” Detailed analysis of data: Goods  Imports  In November 2022, UK goods imports rose by 6.1% after removing effects of inflation (values were 3.5% less before this removal). The rise in goods imports from the EU was led by higher machinery and transport equipment imports (ship imports from Finland were particularly noteworthy). Non-EU goods imports were boosted by higher sales of cars from China and aircraft from the US. Fuel imports from Qatar and Norway continued to fall in November. Goods  Exports  Falls in EU goods exports values were driven by lower sales of fuels for the fourth consecutive month. The rise in non-EU goods export values was largely down to increases in machinery and transport equipment sales, including aircraft to Qatar and motor vehicles to the US and China. Services   On services, excluding inflation, imports fell to £17.8bn  in November and exports to £29.5bn – a reduction of 0.6% and 0.2% respectively from October. Three-month trend  Looking at the 3 months to the end of November, total UK goods imports from both the EU and outside the EU fell by 3.2%, compared with the 3 months to end of August. The fall in EU goods exports over that period was 4.9%. Over the same timescale overall goods exports fell by 1.5%. The services picture was better with  a rise of 2.0% in exports  over that period offset by a 1.2% decline in imports. Total trade values over that period increased by 0.3% in exports but were 2.6% lower in imports. Trade Deficit  Excluding inflationary factors, the total trade deficit narrowed by £3.8bn  in the three months to the end of November.

Reacting to the ONS GDP figures for November, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said:     “Today’s GDP figures for November provide further evidence that UK economic growth is heading in the wrong direction, despite this period normally being among the busiest for the retail sector. “While month-on-month GDP grew by 0.1%, this is a volatile measure. The three-month average, standing at –0.3%, sends a clearer signal of the current trajectory of the economy. “Unprecedented energy costs, new trade barriers with the EU, and lasting damage caused by Covid lockdowns have created the hardest trading conditions for small businesses in recent history. “Our latest Quarterly Economic Forecast expects five consecutive quarters of recession lasting until the end of 2023, and our most recent business survey points to significant falls in longer-term business confidence. “To get back to growth in the long-term, firms will need to see the removal of trade barriers, particularly with the EU, investment in public infrastructure, and measures to improve their access to appropriately skilled staff.”

Trade statistics show that UK businesses are missing out on duty waivers for their customers, negotiated by the UK Government in over 70 trade deals. Rules of Origin (RoO) can be complex, so join us to understand how to benefit from trade deal preferences, how to be more profitable and how to make your exports even more competitive. This webinar is co-hosted with the DIT Export Support Service (ESS) who have been working across government departments to make RoO as easy to navigate as possible, despite their inherent complexities. HMRC RoO experts will offer their expertise in a Q&A session and attendees will have a chance to seek clarity on any pain points they might be encountering. DIT Export Champions will share their personal experience with RoO during their export journeys. This is an opportunity for you to hear from other businesses on the tangible benefits that come from taking advantage of RoO preferences. Finally, ESS will be there to signpost attendees to new business resources and explain how they can be fully utilised. Book your place here  | Tuesday February 7th 3pm

Trade statistics show that UK businesses are missing out on duty waivers for their customers, negotiated by the UK Government in over 70 trade deals. Rules of Origin (RoO) can be complex, so join us to understand how to benefit from trade deal preferences, how to be more profitable and how to make your exports even more competitive. This webinar is co-hosted with the DIT Export Support Service (ESS) who have been working across government departments to make RoO as easy to navigate as possible, despite their inherent complexities. HMRC RoO experts will offer their expertise in a Q&A session and attendees will have a chance to seek clarity on any pain points they might be encountering. DIT Export Champions will share their personal experience with RoO during their export journeys. This is an opportunity for you to hear from other businesses on the tangible benefits that come from taking advantage of RoO preferences. Finally, ESS will be there to signpost attendees to new business resources and explain how they can be fully utilised. Book your place here  | Friday January 20th 10am  

Trade statistics show that UK businesses are missing out on duty waivers for their customers, negotiated by the UK Government in over 70 trade deals. Rules of Origin (RoO) can be complex, so join us to understand how to benefit from trade deal preferences, how to be more profitable and how to make your exports even more competitive. This webinar is co-hosted with the DIT Export Support Service (ESS) who have been working across government departments to make RoO as easy to navigate as possible, despite their inherent complexities. HMRC RoO experts will offer their expertise in a Q&A session and attendees will have a chance to seek clarity on any pain points they might be encountering. DIT Export Champions will share their personal experience with RoO during their export journeys. This is an opportunity for you to hear from other businesses on the tangible benefits that come from taking advantage of RoO preferences. Finally, ESS will be there to signpost attendees to new business resources and explain how they can be fully utilised. Book your place here  | Thursday January 26th 2pm