The House of Lords Digital Skills Committee published their report ‘Make or Break: The UK’s Digital Future’ today. The Select Committee on Digital Skills was appointed by the House of Lords on 12 June 2014 ‘to consider and report on information and communications technology, competitiveness and skills in the United Kingdom’.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) provided evidence last year to this Select Committee and cited the work being done locally by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce which was specifically referenced within the report.
The report refers to Chambers of Commerce a number of times and supports the BCC manifesto which highlights the need for more business governors on school boards. Norfolk Chamber was mentioned on p75 where it states “We heard the example of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, which ran a series of events on digital skills bringing in some of its local businesses to deliver workshops and talks on the latest technological and digital advances. This provided the rest of the local business community the opportunity to exploit those advances and grow.” To read the full report click here.
Many companies who export to Saudi Arabia may be aware of an email being circulated by “Exportal” (a company based in Saudi Arabia) informing exporters of the new Import procedures and asking them to register for the service.
Following investigations by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Commerce we can categorically say that this system is not applicable here in the UK and will not be for the foreseeable future.
The ABCC’s current advice and that of the BCC is “DO NOT REGISTER” or sign up to this system as it does not apply to the UK.
The Norfolk Chamber’s high profile policy event that focused on the theme of ‘Look at Norfolk. See Success’ was an overwhelming success on Friday, with over 160 people taking part.
Expertly hosted by Adam Marshall from the British Chamber of Commerce, local Members of Parliament Chloe Smith, Simon Wright, Henry Bellingham and George Freeman focusing on their personal areas of expertise with topics ranging from young people, international trade, business growth and mobile and broadband.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith gave an update on Norwich For Jobs, the drive she has led to cut youth unemployment, and also outlined the ways the coalition government has helped young people, from improving the county’s schools’ funding formula to “revitalising an old currency” in fostering apprentices.
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman gave a progress report on improving broadband and mobile phone coverage but admitted there was still a lot of work to do to deliver adequate speeds for businesses to function in the countryside “to make a much more vibrant rural economy”.
Norwich South MP Simon Wright told the conference that SMEs were an important driver of the growth now taking place in the UK economy. And he highlighted all the ways in which the government had aided business from supporting skills and investing in infrastructure to cutting red tape and freeing lending through such initiatives as the British Business Bank.
West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham raised the importance of exports in cutting the budget deficit – and highlighted the fact only 20pc of SMEs in the UK exported compared to 25pc in France and Germany.
Richard Bacon MP was unfortunately unable to attend on the day, Jonathan Cage from Create Consulting took to the floor to update delegates on the topic of growth corridors with an update on plans for the A47 and Jamie Burles, Abellio Greater Anglia talked about the local improvements to the rail network.
The event was very well received with plenty of delegates taking the opportunity to comment on twitter:
Listening to @ChloeSmithMP talking about the talent of the young people of #norfolk @norfolkchamber – The Space
Today’s @norfolkchamber #WellConnected event expertly hosted by @BCCAdam – and good hospitality by team @Dunston_Hall. – Huw Sayer – Writer
Great turnout today for the MPs Event 2015 @norfolkchamber #wellconnected – Ingrid Wrathall
For photos of the event please visit ourfacebook page.
Over 130 members took over Hollywood Bowl after work on a frosty Thursday evening in January for our annual Super Bowl Challenge 2015. Delegates took advantage of the friendly free networking before getting into the competitive mood as they fought to win the Super Bowl Trophy.
In the end after all 25 teams had finished bowling, it was announced that Price Bailey had managed to retain the status of top bowling team in the membership by winning the trophy for the second year with a score of 728. In second place was Hugh J Boswell with a score of 684 and in third place was Cooper Lomas Recruitment with a score of 663.
We also had a few other achievements that were up for grabs during the evening. Sebastian from Price Bailey scored the highest score of 163 across all delegates competing with Matt from Hugh J Boswell coming in a close second with 159. Also Norfolk Chambers very own Jack Edwards was awarded the funniest bowler for falling twice and a curtsey to finish it off.
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce ‘Expanding Overseas’ events continue in 2015 with the next event covering ‘Exporting into the Czech Republic’. These FREE TO ATTEND events offer essential insights into exporting to a country with identified potential.
Sponsored by Lovewell Blake, who will provide help with taxation issues when trading with the countries, the events will give exporters a valuable opportunity to hear from speakers who can help them enter these important markets.
The next event take place at the King’s Centre Norwich on 24 February, 3.45pm – 6.45pm, and is aimed at both the experienced exporter and those new to it. Companies looking to enter the Czech Republic will be connected to British Business Centres Overseas, through which they will be able to access support and services, complementing those already offered by the overseas UKTI posts.
Exporting into the Czech Republic
This high income country represents an exciting opportunity for UK exporters. British products are well received, especially in sectors such as food & drink, consumer goods, retail, science & technology and advanced engineering.
One of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states, the Czech Republic has shifted from a centrally planned economy to a functioning market ethos. However, certain social traditions remain and exporters need to be aware of issues such as the need for punctuality, the decision making processes and important details of conducting oneself in social gatherings.
The Czech Republic is the UK’s 30th largest export market, with two way trade representing some £5bn. Its open economy, widespread use of English as a language and relatively straightforward importing processes make it an attractive option for the informed exporter. Learning the details of how to trade there will prove invaluable.
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce series ‘Expanding Overseas’ events are geared to helping our region’s businesses maximise their export potential by providing practical, informed, guidance for reaching out to overseas markets.. Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber said, ‘We are dedicated to helping our members do better business. This free to attend event will provide real help for doing better business abroad. It is a great opportunity to hear from experts and take away knowledge that can be applied immediately.’
A further event, to be held at Barnham Broom Hotel, and focussing on Kuwait, is planned for March 17th 2015
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) came into force in April 2010. It allows local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects. The money can be used to contribute to; ‘pump prime’; or help lever in investment for a wide range of infrastructure that is needed to support new development. In order to be considered capable of being implemented a CIL must not have a detrimental effect on development (taken as a whole) in the King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough area.
Preliminary consultation took place with the development industry and other interested parties in January 2013, and the consultant used the information and comment as input for the Viability Assessment. The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk has now drawn up a Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule and is consulting on this. This document outlines the possible rates of CIL that could be applied in the Borough.
Park Farm Hotel was the venue for Norfolk Chamber’s ‘The Future of Aviation, Connecting Britain. Faster’ breakfast. Businesses heard from Piers Warburton from Gatwick Airport about their expansion plans for a second runway. Gatwick currently provides access to 193 worldwide destinations, handles 38 million passengers and is used by 70 airlines.
The plans for the second runway, will help accommodate the rapidly increasing growth in the Middle Eastern market and will help relieve some of the pressure on London Heathrow’s short and long haul capacity. Crucially Gatwick has said they would look at accommodating slots for aircraft from regional airports, such as Norwich International. Should Gatwick get the go ahead to build a second runway, it could be operational by 2025 and could help generate £90 billion of economic benefits and create 120,000 jobs.
Nova Fairbank from Norfolk Chamber said: “Expansion at Gatwick Airport will help provide more choice for Norfolk’s business and tourism travellers. However it is crucial that our regional airports, such as Norwich International are able to benefit from Gatwick’s expansion, with opportunities to acquire aircraft slots, which will help provide better connectivity in our region and boost economic growth.”
Commenting on the GDP figures for Q4 2014, published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“The national slowdown in Q4 growth was larger than we had predicted, at 0.5% down from 0.7% in Q3, mainly due to a significant fall in construction by 1.8%. However the GDP in Q4 2014 was 2.7% higher than a year earlier and 3.4% higher than its pre-recession peak in Q1 2008. Although business confidence remains high, there is no doubt that the pace of expansion is easing, reflecting a general slowdown in the global economy, particularly in the eurozone.
“While there is ongoing debate about the possibility of a prolonged slowdown, we must reject the defeatist view that this is unavoidable. If the incoming government fosters the growth aspirations of businesses, the economy can regain its dynamism and achieve sustained growth. Norfolk businesses are very astute but no need to look at wider markets particularly overseas as an option for their growth. Improved broadband is key and the news today of an extra £18m to be spent on broadband infrastructure is very welcome”
On a chilly January Morning around 70 delegates joined the Norfolk Chamber at the Comfort Hotel Great Yarmouth for a morning of business networking.
The morning started off with a networking ice breaker that got the delegates laughing and created a really positive, buzzing atmosphere. It was explained to them how the way drew a pig reflected some of their personality traits. It was then onto breakfast followed by safari networking and the ice breaker One Truth, One Lie.
Delegates then heard from key note speaker Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road on his 7 top tips to keep them more effective when at work and how to work to your full potential. Ian said we should spend the majority if our time in the ‘non urgent, important stuff’ as this is where the growth in business happens. This was followed by a short Q&A and then some more free networking at the end of the breakfast.
To view photos of the event, visit ourFacebookpage orGoogle+page
Commenting ahead of the introduction of the Scotland Bill – which would see a range of new powers devolved from Westminster to Holyrood – John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“As Westminster debates legislation to enshrine new powers for Scotland, business communities across the UK are paying close attention.
“Businesses want transfers of power away from Westminster to be clearly tied to delivering growth and prosperity for the nations and regions, through meaningful consultation and careful consideration of the impact on business.
“Greater tax differences between the nations and regions of the UK may create challenges for business, a fact that has so far been absent from the UK political debate. Administrative boundaries must not become barriers to trade and competition, for the sake of political expediency.
“Businesses in all parts of the UK want their voice heard before sweeping changes to the constitutional settlement are made.”
Commenting on the government’s response to the consultation on apprenticeship funding reform, Caroline Williams, CEO at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:
“We have long argued that businesses want a bigger say over how training funds are spent, but not all companies are ready to take full control over apprenticeship funding. Ministers have listened – and recognised that different companies have different needs when it comes to apprenticeships. It is now important for them to clarify how apprenticeship funding will work in future, with a focus on keeping the system simple. At the same time, they must work to give companies who are ready a greater say in how apprenticeships are designed, delivered and paid for.”
“It is important that the government provides clear direction to businesses on funding reform as soon as possible, so that firms have the security to invest in developing and training their workforce. We are concerned that this has already been an 11 month consultation, with an unclear outcome, and the general election could prolong uncertainty, potentially discouraging some firms from investing in apprenticeships.”