Chamber News

At a recent meeting of the Norwich Chamber Council, the feedback from members highlighted that overall the Norwich business community is buoyant. Many companies reported increased staff recruitment and overall growth of their businesses. The retail sector also reported improved sales.

The members also heard from Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport. Andrew outlined their plans for the airport, including the proposed aeropark and the Aviation Academy. He advised that the airport was now the second largest heliport in the UK with four offshore operators based there. Between them they accommodate over 100,000 offshore workers flying out of Norwich each year.

The plans for the aeropark were highlighted. The 100 acre site will be to the north of the runway and will be aimed at aviation related industries. A link from the A140 will be constructed, however it was noted that the airport and the aeropark would strongly benefit from the development of the Northern Distributor Road.

The Aviation Academy is a unique concept, backed by both the airport and the University of East Anglia. It will help create skilled aviation engineers by offering a work based skills academy that is university backed. Students who complete their training, will graduate with a degree and a Civil Aviation Authority Licence, which is necessary to work on and maintain commercial aircraft.

At a recent meeting of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, the members had the opportunity to hear from Jonathan Newman, the Town Centre Manager. Jonathan provided an update of what was being done in the town centre to try to encourage more shoppers and more retailers to Great Yarmouth. The cost of parking was discussed and it was noted that there are currently 1,200 free parking spaces in Great Yarmouth as long as you are prepared to walk for a few minutes to get to the main attractions.

The threat to the town centre from the retail parks on the outskirts of Great Yarmouth was also debated. Many of the national retailers require a large retail footprint and the buildings in the centre of Great Yarmouth cannot physically accommodate this. It was agreed that Great Yarmouth town centre needed to look to provide an alternative and unique offering, which the larger out of town retailers cannot offer, to ensure the continued survival of the town centre.

At a recent West Norfolk Chamber Council meeting, held at the Bank House Hotel, the members welcomed another new member, David Guyatt from Lloyds. The round table update showed the mood was very positive, with all the area council members reporting a buoyant business environment. The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk identified that progress was being made in bringing forward housing schemes – with 20 units now sold in the housing development on the NORA site and a further housing scheme would shortly be going to Cabinet for approval.

West Norfolk Chamber Council also took an initial look at the key priorities for West Norfolk that should be included in the Chamber’s Business Plan for Norfolk, which is currently being drafted. Some of the schemes/projects identified were: the Construction Industry Innovation Facility at Bircham Newton; the creation of a Centre for Advanced Knowledge Engineering at Downham Market; additional onsite NORA infrastructure to accelerate development of the site; and improvements the A47.

It was noted that many of these projects were being highlighted to the Local Enterprise Partnerships for inclusion in the next round of bid funding.

Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council said: “It is important to maximise the growth potential of the West Norfolk business community and the Area Council are confident that these types of schemes and projects will deliver economic benefits and jobs to our region.”

On 18 September Norfolk Businesses joined us at John Lewis for a relaxed evening of networking with an interactive technology element.

Delegates heard from Richard Marks Head of Branch at John Lewis on how the recent innovations in technology have helped them to develop as a company and constantly look at how they are working.

It was then onto the main part of the event; Sony were the first to stand up and they talked about the recent developments in technology, in particular there new Sony Z2 tablet which can survive under water up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes and the attendees got to have a go with some of their latest innovations.

Google then talked to the delegates about how their Google Apps can be used across your company and customised specifically to each businesses needs. Delegates had the opportunity to edit one document all at the same time using one of Google most recent tablets.

The event finished with a prize draw with some great gifts, including a brand new Sony Z2 tablet. There was a great buzz with delegates getting to try out our sponor, customised’s lighting display and tweeting throughout. See some of the tweets below

To view more photo’s from this event visit ourFacebookorGoogle+page.

Our next After Hours event is our Super Bowl Challenge on 29 January at Hollywood Bowl. To book your place or for more detailsclick here.

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In September 2013, the UKIBC unveiled its Launchpad market entry service to help UK companies and organisations enter India. Tushar Chaudhary, who heads the initiative and also leads its client relations activities, discusses what UK companies need to know about entering India and outlines the first year’s progress.

We were confident that the UKIBC – backed by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) – had a strong brand in the UK, and that there was a need for such a bespoke initiative around market entry.

Avoid onerous and long term contracts The Launchpad concept was based on two core elements; to provide a low-risk and low-cost market-entry model, and to remove all the time-consuming hassle – such as company incorporation, hiring staff, understanding local tax and legal issues – so clients could concentrate on their core business.

Both aspects have proved very popular. It is a low cost service and more importantly, clients know in advance how much their first-year’s market entry strategy will cost, and because the service is tailored to their specific needs, they receive advice and guidance which they could not gain via generic market research or online platforms.

The beauty of Launchpad is that it can be applied to almost any sector and any size of company. We have, for example, clients from Higher and Further Education, from Manufacturing, and from Infrastructure all using the service.

Find the right people to work for you The key to its success has been the quality of Launchpad consultants, which UKIBC have recruited to spend that crucial first year working with each client.

We work with specialist HR agencies to identify potential specialists, according to the sector in which the client works, and typically, we’ll interview four or five before making our final selection.

In each case, they have to demonstrate the correct skill-set, good local contacts in India and between 10 and 15 years’ experience in the target sector. Such knowledge allows them to both take critical decisions, and act as brand ambassadors for their clients in India.

The client-consultant relationship is very flexible, so they might work on specialist market research activities, identify potential partners, distributors and suppliers, gather market data, or discuss such key issues as branding and positioning of the company’s products or services.

Feedback from our UK clients has confirmed our belief that there is no substitute for having a specialist consultant on the ground, to represent your business as it looks to enter the Indian market.

I and my colleagues in the UKIBC also manage both the performance of each consultant, and their market-entry project, to ensure they are achieving the client’s objectives.

In turn, the client and their consultant are supported by a strong and sophisticated eco-system; including UKIBC members in India, the British Business Groups, UKTI, and such national trade bodies as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Assess the Indian market’s potential for your business In the coming year, we expect demand for Launchpad to continue to increase. I think the mind-set among UK companies has evolved from ‘Why India?’ to ‘How India?’, and over the coming months and years we are going to see a lot more UK companies active in the market.

India’s potential as a market and a trading partner is well understood, and the new government has stressed its desire to make the country a global hub for international business, across all sectors.

I am confident UK companies will be a key driver in the next phase of India’s development, attracted by new business opportunities, the size of our domestic market, the abundant availability of skills, and the aspirations of our ever-growing middle class.

Tushar Chaudhary Head of Launchpad and Client Relations UK India Business Council

If you are interested in making India an export destination for your company, please contact the UKIBC Team:

UK India Business Council 12th Floor, Millbank Tower 21-24 Millbank London SW1P 4QP T: 020 7592 3040 E: enquiries@ukibc.com

Reacting to the speech by Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:

On local growth:

“Norfolk businesses will support Chuka Umunna’s commitment to further devolution of economic development in England. There is no such thing as national prosperity without boosting the growth prospects of the UK cities such as Norwich and counties such as Norfolk. Decisions on local growth are best taken when businesses and councils decide what arrangements work best for their areas, and deliver these accordingly.

“Government must ensure businesses are placed at the heart of local growth. In the British Chambers of Commerce Business Manifesto , which the Norfolk Chamber supports, we are calling for a ratepayers vote on local economic development strategy and funding decisions, to ensure that plans for an area’s future have the support and input of the whole of the business community.”

On skills:

“Norfolk business will find much to agree with in Labour’s focus on delivering more apprenticeships and technical degrees. We must support all talent pools in the economy to maximise economic growth in a knowledge based economy. Education, training and skills at all levels are as important to the infrastructure of the nation as our roads, railways and airports.”

On the national minimum wage:

“There is no doubt that the widening pay gap and a lack of social mobility is detrimental to the UK economy. This is not a phenomenon born during the recent recession, but a trend that has been developing over decades. As the economy continues to improve, businesses agree that the minimum wage must rise. However, businesses are in favour of an evidence-based approach to wages legislation. Politicians should focus on implementing policies to raise productivity and improve skills in the workplace – which are key to higher wages for all in the future.”

On zero hours contracts:

“Zero hours contracts are vital for a successful jobs market, but they must be fair and work for all parties. Much of the negativity surrounding zero hours contracts misunderstands the vital role they can play in creating jobs. For example, they can be beneficial for students, older workers or those with caring duties who don’t want to be constrained by a fixed contract. And they allow employers to experiment with new services or markets. The UK’s flexible labour market has prevented unemployment from increasing to the levels economists expected during and following the recession.”

On Europe:

“While the majority of our members want to remain in the European Union, they want to see a renegotiated settlement that works for business. This includes securing safeguards for the UK and other non-eurozone countries in future EU decision-making, so that as eurozone countries look to integrate further, non-eurozone states are not disadvantaged in the future governance of the Single Market.”

Commenting on the speech by Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls MP, John Longworth BCC Director General said:

“Businesses will welcome Ed Balls’ emphasis on embedding fiscal responsibility in government decision making. The proposal to task the OBR with objectively analysing the costings of party manifestos is a good one. Though arguably a gimmick, the proposal to cut, then freeze ministers pay until the budget deficit is eliminated mirrors the kind of action that the best businesses would take when managing their own finances.

“We are pleased that the shadow chancellor has addressed in his speech some of the key asks from our Business Manifesto – establishing a fit for purpose and properly financed British Investment Bank; infrastructure development; expanding airport capacity; and building the number of new homes Britain needs.

“Businesses will also support his announcement to commission an independent review into British export support. Growing the UK’s export sector is essential to rebalancing the economy and putting it on a long-term sustainable footing. Ensuring we have the best possible support mechanisms for export businesses will be necessary if we are to compete with the world’s best. The voice of the business community must be heard loudly in this review.

“While we welcome Labour’s recognition that child care costs are now a major issue for both employees and employers, we believe the best way to address this is through a Childcare Contribution Scheme, as outlined in our Business Manifesto. Under our proposal all working parents with a child under school-age would be eligible, and would be given the funding upfront through the government’s existing childcare voucher scheme. The scheme would provide financial support from government of up to £10,000 and would be cost neutral for the tax payer.

“It is also heartening to hear that the shadow chancellor recognises the impact of taxation on business investment. However, businesses will be dismayed at the reintroduction of the 50p tax rate. Businesses have long said that the 50p top rate of income tax is a disincentive to enterprise, to wealth creation, and to investment here in the UK. There is little evidence it will raise additional tax.”

Commenting on the outcome of the Scottish Referendum that Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“The people of Scotland have spoken. Their historic decision to remain part of the United Kingdom will be a relief to many businesspeople and a disappointment to others, but it was a decision for the Scottish peoplealone to make.

“The companies I speak to are clear that this cannot simply be the first in a series of referenda, until one side or the other gets the result that it wants. Business and investment prospects across the UK would be deeply hurt by a Quebec-style ‘neverendum’ – a lesson that politicians must heed.

“Yet businesspeople all across the UK have long known that the referendum would be the start, rather than the end, of a process of change. Businesses will now expect Westminster and Holyrood to reach a devolution settlement that is clear, fair to both sides, and swiftly executed.

“Businesses want greater devolution of power to be accompanied by greater devolution of finance, so that Scotland, and the rest of the United Kingdom, take responsibility for their respective tax and spending decisions. English, Welsh and Northern Irish businesses and taxpayers should not be subsidising support or incentives for their Scottish counterparts – nor the other way around.

“Any devolution deal for Scotland should trigger a new debate on local autonomy in England, where businesspeople in many areas want more freedom from Westminster and more influences over how their taxes are spent. Local businesses deserve a say in how a new, less centralized UK is governed in future.

“We have been through a period of disruption. Creative disruption can be galvanizing to countries, just as it is to businesses. It is up to the leaders of our nations now to make sure this is the result. Our United Kingdomnow has the opportunity to define a future direction that stimulates growth and prosperity as never before – and for us together to make our way in the world, firmly on our own two feet.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is changing and it is vital that the Great Yarmouth business community have their say as well – this is your chance to get involved in this important undertaking right from the very start.

The consultation allows you the opportunity to have your say on the vision and priorities for the borough and how it should be shaped moving forward. It includes how the borough council will work in the future and the proposed income and savings options for 2015/16.

The Great Yarmouth business community need to take part in the consultation to ensure your opinions on the proposals being made on future spends and visions are taken into account. You will also be able to share your own priorities, aspirations, views and ideas before any decisions are made.

Everyone is urged to take part by completing this official consultation survey. The last day for completion is Monday, October 20, 2014.

Click here to have your say now.

• Annual CPI inflation in August 2014 was 1.5%, down from 1.6% in July
• The largest contributions to the fall in inflation came from motor fuels, food and non alcoholic drinks
• These were partly offset by upward contributions from clothing, transport services and alcohol
• Goods price inflation in August 2014 was 0.6%, while services inflation was 2.7%

Commenting on the CPI inflation figures for August 2014, published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:

“These figures highlight that inflationary pressures in the economy are easing and remain well below the 2% target. The drop in inflation alongside the recent stagnation in wage growth will relieve pressure on the Bank of England. While the UK recovery remains on track, this is clearly not the time to put the recovery at risk with premature interest rate rises.

“The main priority for the MPC must be to nurture business confidence by offering the stability of working in a low interest rate environment. To secure a lasting recovery the government should continue to provide further measures in key areas such as improving access to finance for growing firms, and supporting UK exporters.”

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is currently drafting a ‘Norfolk Business Plan’. The Plan will highlight what the Norfolk business community feel they need to ensure their businesses thrive and the Norfolk economy grows. West Norfolk businesses are the first to be surveyed and the results will be highlighted and debated at the West Norfolk Business Breakfast on 03 October 2014, which will be attended by Henry Bellingham, MP for West Norfolk.

The results of all the business surveys will be incorporated into the finalised Norfolk Business Plan. If you are based in West Norfolk and want to take part in the survey, click here.

On a Thursday 11 September over 70 members from across Norfolk joined us at the beautiful venue of Great Yarmouth Town Hall for a breakfast on the topic of sell responsibly, get results.

There was a really positive atmosphere in the room from the delegates networking and making new connections. This followed throughout the morning during the networking icebreaker, breakfast & safari move.

Host, John Morse, president of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council started the morning off and introduced the sponsor Business in the Community who said a few words about their mentoring scheme for new business and entrepreneurs.

This followed through to breakfast and networking and delegates got to meet a whole new table of contacts through our safari move.

It was then time to hear from Nicola Badley, Environment and Procurement Officer of Blue Sky Leisure who told the delegates how Blue Sky Leisure ensured they used only local suppliers and gave back to the community. This has lead to them winning a multitude of awards including EDP Business of the Year Award 2013.

To conclude the event we heard from NBC Bird & Pest Solutions Managing Director, John Dickson who used his business as a case study of how being a responsible business and community support can help to build strong successful businesses.

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