Delegates turned up to this Session ready to be inspired into selling in a tough climate from Nial Adams of The PUSH Academy. Nial stated that he feels his delegates have gained a “wake up call” from the Session, and his highlight was the way the delegates interacted with him by asking different questions. If Nial could give his delegates one top tip, it would be to “try new ideas and focus on value”.
Richard Willner of Further arrived prepared to give the delegates an enlightening presentation on engaging content. Richard’s presentation was full of impact and strong content and he even stated that he felt the delegates seemed fully engaged throughout. Richard felt his highlight from the Session was the interaction between himself and his delegates. He particularly enjoyed the fact that the delegates asked him questions, showing great interest into the subject. Richard’s top tip to take away from the Session would be to “set objectives within that plan and measure those constantly” and to “plan, plan, plan”.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber reacting to the Budget said:
“Our Norfolk business members are feeling quietly confident about the economic future but what they were looking for an acknowledgment from the Chancellor that he understood the needs of business in the form of investment and employment.
We have been lobbying hard to ensure that the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers was extended and it as good to see that was included, as was our call for an extension of the Annual Investment Allowance.
Norfolk exporters are beating all records month on month but more businesses need to be encouraged to take that all important step. Support for exports has never been more important”
Giving his reaction to the Budget 2014, John Longworth Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Business wanted a Budget that was disciplined, focused, and geared towards the creation of wealth and jobs – and that’s what the Chancellor has delivered.
“With a huge confidence gap still separating employers from young job-seekers, we are very pleased to see the Chancellor heed our call to help firms take on and train tomorrow’s workforce. Overcoming that confidence gap means more investment in young people, more apprenticeships, and more jobs, which are critical with more than 900,000 16-to-24-year-olds still out of work.
“Osborne’s focus on investment, exports, house-building and economic resilience passes the business test. By making a better business environment his top priority, the Chancellor has recognised that successful and confident companies are the key to transforming Britain’s growing economic recovery into one that is felt in homes and on high streets.
“As with any Budget, there were some populist measures that were not at the top of business’s wish list. Luckily, these were far outweighed by considered measures to support business growth and wealth creation.
“Many of these measures are excellent for now, and for the future. Yet the nurturing of a truly great economy requires more action than one Budget can deliver. At the upcoming General Election, Britain’s entire political class must commit to a long-term programme that delivers better infrastructure, a stronger skills base, access to finance for growing companies, even more export support and a clear, consistent tax environment. Otherwise some of the Chancellor’s welcome moves might not have the desired effect in years to come.”
Commenting on the new forecasts published today by the Office for Budget Responsibility in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Budget, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“The OBR’s upgrading of its December economic forecasts was widely expected. Our own economic forecast – released just last week – tells a similar story. The pace of growth over the coming years will be satisfactory, but slightly below the pre-recession historical average.
“On the public finances, we agree that there will be gradual falls in the budget deficit, but we believe that the pace of the reduction will be slightly slower than the OBR envisages. It is too ambitious to take the view that the UK will generate a budget surplus in 2018. We believe it will take one or two additional years to eradicate the deficit, because tax receipts have suffered from a fall in oil and gas production and problems in the financial sector.
“The government must continue with its plans to streamline current public spending, to ensure that the public finances improve over the medium term, and the private sector can generate a lasting recovery.”
Commenting on specific announcements within the Budget, BCC Director General John Longworth added:
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
“We told the Chancellor very bluntly that he needed to extend the Apprenticeships Grant for Employers if he wanted to see companies creating enough apprenticeship places to meet demand. His actions demonstrate that he was listening, to the benefit of businesses and young people alike. Helping companies take on apprentices is one of the best ways for a Chancellor to invest limited resources in Britain’s future.”
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
“Consistent allowances help companies invest with confidence. Given that business investment remains far below its pre-recession level, it is fantastic that the Chancellor has responded to our call to extend the Annual Investment Allowance, and that he has doubled the amount covered to £500,000 from 2015. That will give many growing and medium-sized companies the confidence to push ahead with investments they’ve long wanted to get off the drawing board.”
SUPPORT FOR EXPORTERS
“Export finance problems stop many companies from getting their goods and services into new markets. To support our exporters, Britain’s export finance support must match that of our global competitors. The moves made by the Chancellor to increase the support available, and to lower the interest rates charged to companies, are a big step in the right direction. Ensuring awareness of this support amongst the growing and medium-sized firms that stand to benefit is crucial, however, to this policy’s success. Chambers of Commerce will continue to work closely with UKEF to help businesses get their goods into market with the best possible finance support.
“While finance for international transactions is important, so is the level of support for businesses looking to expand into new and fast-growing markets. Moves to improve international transport connections through regional airports, and to simplify Air Passenger Duty, are a good start. Yet we could do even more, particularly through the Overseas British Chambers and business groups that BCC and UKTI are linking together to form the first-ever global British business network.”
ENERGY
“The Chancellor’s Budget clearly recognises the damage that unilateral measures can do to the competiveness of British businesses. Our members will welcome the cap in the Carbon Price Floor, which will help all companies, and the extension of compensation for energy intensive industries.
“Furthermore, by taking forward all the recommendations contained in the Wood Review of Offshore Oil & Gas, the Chancellor has made a significant step toward maximising oilandgasrecovery in the UK as part of a diverse energy mix.
“Looking ahead, it is crucial to ensure that energy does not contribute ever further to the rising cost of doing business in the UK – so continued attention and investment are required.”
INFRASTRUCTURE
“The BCC has long called for more funding for road maintenance – a key bugbear for so many businesses – and welcomes the new pothole fund announced in the budget. Incremental support for other capital projects and flood defences are also positive. Yet, as ever, infrastructure projects both large and small are judged on how quickly they are delivered on the ground. Infrastructure delivery is the key business priority, so the government must move swiftly from announcement to action, on road repairs, house-building, flood defences and more.”
PENSIONS AND SAVING
“The unexpected and radical modernisation of pension rules and ISAs will be welcome news for many businesspeople and their employees. Greater flexibility and choice, combined with an end to some of the arbitrary and punitive tax rules that undercut prudent savers, favour aspiration, enterprise and long-term planning.”
The Highways Agency (HA) is developing Route-Based Strategies for the strategic road network as the basis for the infrastructure investment plans heralded by the Government after the last Budget in Investing in Britain’s Future.
The HA is producing evidence reports for each of the 18 routes that make up the strategic road network. These are available at https://www.highways.gov.uk/route-based-strategies
One of the routes of particular importance to businesses in Norfolk is the ‘East of England’ route, which covers the A47, A11, A12 and A120.
In connection with that route the Department for Transport is currently conducting a feasibility study into the A12/A47 corridor from Lowestoft to Peterborough with a view to establishing the economic and employment benefits to prioritise further investment. To provide evidence for the feasibility study, Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce have been asked to survey their members about their use of the route.
If you are a regular business user of the A12/A47 between Norwich and Lowestoft or beyond, we would therefore very much value your responses to a few questions by Wednesday 26 March 2014.
The road use survey will only take a few minutes of your time and can be completed here.
From local standout to national champion: Chamber Awards to put best of British business on the map.
This year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) are inviting businesses from across the country to take part and showcase their talents and achievements through a series of regional heats, culminating in the national final, which takes place in London on November 27th 2014. Companies can enter nine categories, covering people development; manufacturing; sustainability; international business; innovation; technology; young people; and entrepreneurship.
The Awards will be demonstrating the very best of British business, highlighting the positive contribution that businesses make to the UK economy and to society as a whole. The categories are:
The deadline for entries is Friday 27 June 2014, the regional winners will be announced on 22 September, with the national winners being announced on 27 November 2014 at an awards ceremony in London. To enter online click here
At a recent meeting of Norwich Chamber Council, members received an infrastructure update from Tom McCabe, Interim Director for Environment, Transport and Development for Norfolk County Council. He outlined the progress on the NDR, the A47 improvement campaign, Better Broadband for Norfolk’s improvement project and the Norwich in Ninety campaign.
Council members also provided an overview of how the economy was starting to improve in Norwich. RG Carters advised that they were seeing an upturn in construction with a mix of residential and public spending. Arnold Keys said that the commercial property market was performing well and they were seeing investors starting to review their property investment portfolios. The residential market was also picking up.
Hugh J Boswell were cautiously optimistic, trading well, and seeing growth of 6%. Similarly, Naked Marketing were also doing well, their turnover for the year was up and they had a long order book. They also advised that they would be looking to recruit another member of staff as well as an apprentice this year.
Birketts provided an update on employment regulations. Since new regulations came into effect in November 2013, introducing fees for bringing an employment tribunal, there has been a significant drop in employment tribunal cases of between 60% – 70%. They also noted that as of 1 April 2014 there would be mandatory ACAS conciliation requirements for employment disputes.
John Lewis, Norwich advised that they had not seen the traditional drop in sales in January. As a result, they had retained six of the temporary Christmas staff on permanent contracts. Their online sales were also up by 20% and their fashion sales were also picking up.
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber confirmed that Chamber members’ overall feedback was that they were beginning to feel more optimistic, although still cautious. Businesses were still not investing heavily, but there were signs of more confidence in recruiting staff.
Delegates turned up to this Session ready to be engaged by Sarah Daniels of RedCat Partnership. She gave an enthusiastic presentation to the delegates for her top tips to presenting well. Sarah said she “really enjoyed the Session” and that “every delegate was friendly and keen to learn and discuss.” Sarah got delegates interacting throughout the Session and she feels her delegates have gained “more confidence and the skills to make their presentations more effective.” Her top tip to take away would be to prepare for presentations as thoroughly as possible.
The A11 will be closed from Fiveways to the B1106 traffic lights at Elveden from 10pm on Saturday 22 March until 8am on Sunday 23 March.
The closure is to allow bridge beams to be installed over the A11 for Gibson’s Bridge. The diversion will be via the A1065 to Brandon and the B1107 to Thetford.
If bad weather prevents this taking place, the closure will take place the following night (Sunday 23 March-Monday 24 March) instead.
See the Highways Agency website for further information on the A11 Fiveways to Thetford improvement.
The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NA LEP) is establishing a Norfolk and Suffolk Growth Hub with finance from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
The Growth Hub will provide Norfolk and Suffolk businesses with a ‘no wrong door’ route for accessing local and national business support, ensuring that businesses in these 2 counties maximize the advice and guidance and support available to help them grow and to help in new job creation.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding agreed between NA LEP, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber will be responsible for the management of the Growth Hub, with other elements provided by delivery organisations in the project including Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, enterprise agencies NWES and MENTA, Finance East, University of East Anglia, University Campus Suffolk and Norwich University for the Arts.
As this is a Norfolk and Suffolk wide partnership the Growth Hub will be supported by many other partners including FSB, Institute of Directors, Eastern Enterprise Hub and the Norfolk and Suffolk Norfolk Local Authorities.
The Growth Hub team will provide a first point of contact for any business seeking business support and assistance. The Growth Hub will also give easier access to both local and national business support programmes and initiatives, as well as direct access to several new business support programmes, including: a Small Grants Fund; an Innovation Readiness Programme; Innovation Vouchers; and a Business Start-up.
Andy Wood, Chairman of the New Anglia LEP, said: “We know that business support is complex and often businesses aren’t able to find the help and support they require. Our aim is to break down the barriers caused by this uncertainty and guide businesses to help and support to enable them grow to their full potential.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be a partner in this exciting new initiative to coordinate business advice and support across Norfolk and Suffolk. The launch of Norfolk and Suffolk Growth Hub comes at a time when positive economic recovery is starting to be seen. We are confident that the Growth Hub will help facilitate opportunities to allow more local businesses to reach their full potential, which in turn will be good for continuing economic and employment growth across our two counties.”
Brenda Arthur, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve secured funding for the business support element of our City Deal, which is a huge boost for the Greater Norwich economy. It will allow us to improve help available to local businesses for innovation and enterprise, which will in turn generate sustainable growth in quality local job opportunities.”
George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is the news we’ve been waiting for, for a long time. It will unlock even more business potential within our region. I can’t exaggerate how important this news is, not just for Norwich but for the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk. I want to thank all the people who’ve been working so hard for so long to achieve this fantastic outcome for us all. Any support to help boost business growth can only be a good thing and it appears that the Growth Hubs will allow the creation and development of business growth opportunities using practical and tangible means.”
Peter Funnell, President of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The main barrier to businesses small and large taking up business advice and support is that the business community often finds the current landscape complex, opaque and difficult to engage with. The Chambers in Suffolk and Norfolk, and all our partners including NWES, Menta, Enterprise Hub, FSB and IoD, will introduce a ‘no wrong door’ service that will improve access and at the same time broaden the range of services on offer. This is the grass rooted support that businesses in Suffolk and Norfolk need and we are delighted to be leading such an exciting initiative working with our key partners.”
Councillor Mark Bee, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Nationally, less than 50% of SMEs seek advice, but those that do are twice as likely to grow. The provision and promotion of business support programmes that help local businesses to thrive is therefore a vital part of supporting our economy to grow. The securing of this funding will help to enhance and coordinate business support across Suffolk and Norfolk, helping businesses to access the most effective support to help them grow and create jobs.”
David Ellsmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: ”This is very welcome news. The success of our City Deal bid has enabled the creation of a growth hub for Ipswich and surrounding area which complements the work the Council is doing with its own business support programmes through the Jobs & Skills Fund, Apprenticeship Brokerage and other schemes.”
Chris Soule, Policy Lead at the East Anglia Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The programme will bring real and tangible support to our members and will transform this region. The growth fund is for people like our members, it is about government putting its trust in Small and Medium businesses to deliver where others have failed.”
A recent meeting of the Chamber’s Planning & Development Group (CPDG) highlighted that the property market appears to be booming. New build residential house prices and sales are very positive, possibly as a result of the Help to Buy scheme.
The industrial property sector is also strengthening, especially as prices are becoming more realistic, however the office market is not faring as well. There is a depletion of Grade A office space in Norwich and a glut of old office stock, the majority of which is outdated and not what most modern businesses are looking for. A change in the planning regulations means that a ‘change of use’ may be possible for some of this old stock and this may result in the office market improving going forward.
The retail property sector is also ‘holding its own’ however market towns continue to stagnate as a result of supermarkets and competition from Norwich itself.
The letting market is also experience a steady upturn. A recent national survey highlighted a strong shift towards the private rental market, particularly for the younger generations, who simply cannot afford to get onto the property ladder.
Jonathan Cage, Chair of the CPDG said: “It is encouraging to see the upturn in the property market. We need to stay focussed and help drive forward growth to make the most of the opportunities in terms of both housing and the commercial sectors to boost economic growth in Norfolk.”
Disraeli once said “The Youth of a Nation are the trustees of posterity” ,”You can get your money and you put it in the bank, or you can put it in the youth. You can put it into our future” Will i Am.
From the 1800’s Victorian society to the modern world of the celebrity, the importance of investing in young people has and will be ingrained in the fabric our society and politics. It’s true then that this principle can be applied to business as the young are indeed our business of tomorrow but they can also help your business in the here and now.
As the nation steps forward finally into economic growth, after battening down the hatches businesses will be ready to grasp new opportunities available to them with both hands but many don’t have the time or the resource to do so. In the last two years of talking to our members I have been repeatedly told that the biggest challenge to our small businesses is that they are time poor and can’t afford to recruit just yet. The solution that continues to help give a huge boost to a small business is to take the leap of faith that is investing in our young people as young apprentices. Over the last 12 months Norfolk Chamber has helped dozens of our members large and small to take their first steps in taking on their first ever apprentice and start reaping the rewards. The key has been that having a young apprentice supporting your business has given the mangers and owners of businesses an economically viable way to spend more time to concentrate on growing their business rather than in the office or out on the site with the smaller yet vital tasks.
Robert Ashton, the Barefoot Entrepreneur said: “As I get busier, I find myself with less time to do the smaller tasks within my business, such as research or social media marketing – the tasks that ultimately help keep my business running. With Apprenticeships, I found a way that I could take on an extra pair of hands and through them met my apprentice, Chris Reeve. Now I can focus on what I do best and Chris has taken over the bits I don’t have time for while he works towards gaining a qualification and actually works on projects that fit his skills set, not folding and sending letters all day!” To the surprise of many a business leader, investing in a young person had rewarded them tenfold as what they may lack in general work experience they more than make up in enthusiasm, boundless spirit and ‘out of the box’ thinking.
Graham Footer CEO of Disabled Motoring UK comments on the impact of young minds in his business. “I am delighted that Disabled Motoring UK has once again had the opportunity to offer two young people the chance to join the organisation on an apprenticeship scheme. We know from previous experience that apprentices benefit the organisation in so many ways. Their enthusiasm, hunger to learn new skills and desire to prove themselves all add an extra dimension and gives the rest of the team here a real boost. On a personal note, I get a huge amount of satisfaction that we have given a young person an opportunity to begin their work career, gain valuable experience and develop their skills.
The Norfolk Chamber has made a commitment to support businesses by setting up the Apprenticeship Broker Service which is designed to help them consider all the implications of taking on a young apprentices, support them with finding the right qualification andOne of the first businesses we helped was Lamberts in Norwich who ever since have not looked back.
Trina Beare Director of Lamberts comments on the support received by the Chamber. “I have Chris to thank for introducing Lamberts to Apprentices. During one of his visits 12 months ago, the topic arose. Having little knowledge of the training schemes available to young people, i was very interested to find out what it involved and how it worked. Chris spoke at great length of the advantages and benefits of employing a younger member of staff on such an Apprenticeship programme. In March, Jordan joined us as an Apprentice Warehouse Assistant. I have to say, it’s been a very positive experience for all of us. Jordan’s enthusiasm and commitment to the company has been unfailing from the start, and he’s become an extremely valuable member of our team here at Lamberts. We are extremely proud of him for what he has achieved so far, and look forward to being an integral part of his future career”.
Jane Mccall from High Way to training has been actively engaged with training of Norfolk young people throughout her career and after using the Chamber Broker service, went the extra mile in taking on young apprentices and has a total of 8 apprentices working at bother of her new sites.
Jane comments. “We have watched our apprentices grow in confidence and ability during their first few months, developing their skills and identifying a career progression. From their perspective, they are learning and earning; as they grow and develop in our business, we see the growth from their commitment within our operations and the excellent repeat customer service their involvement is bringing. We have eight apprentices currently across hospitality, business administration, retail and warehouse working in our cafe’ at Saints, 23 St John Maddermarket and Ecogreen Store Unit 19a St Mary’s Works Duke Street. Our apprentices now effectively assist in daily operations and are actively promoting our products and services within the local community; they have quickly become assets to our businesses.”
These are just a few of the recent success stories of young people being brought into a business and really having a measurable impact in helping the business grow.
At the Chamber we started our apprenticeship journey over 18 months ago with Katie joining us here in the membership team. Since then she has gone from strength to strength and now is a key member of the events team taking lead on her very own events. Due to the success of Katie, we now have two other apprentices here who have become vital members of the team and with them we have been able to grow.
If you want to look into how you too can benefit from taking on a young apprentice then let the Norfolk Chamber Apprenticeship Brokerage Service help you by contacting Chris Perry on: 01603 625977 or e-mailing chris.perry@norfolkchamber.co.uk
Chris Perry- Business Manager Norfolk Chamber
Many smart business owners and managers are waking up to the advantages of Vehicle Tracking and Telematics as a way of saving money and increasing business profits.
Whether you have 3 or 300 vehicles in your fleet it pays to manage and control your vehicle costs. Increasing efficiency is a fast way to reduce costs and add bigger profits to your bottom line.
We specialise in working with business owners, fleet and transport managers to use advanced technology that can help –
Reduce fuel costs significantly – one of our recent clients enjoyed a 27% saving in less than one year.
Reduce vehicle damage, wear and tear – by monitoring driving styles and behaviour, with positive feedback to drivers.
Control Job-Flow Management – our systems and support enable you to increase efficiency, cutting down on wasted travel time and delivery schedules.
Safety & Security – now you can monitor where drivers and, more importantly, your loads are. Also reduce the risk of fraudulent accident claims.
Finance & Tax Savings – vehicle tracking meets HMRC’s strict rules on fuel and mileage evidence, helping you to recover costs.
Communications – enjoy increased efficiency through real-time communications with drivers and agents, cutting down wasted transport costs.
More than just ‘little black boxes’ –
At Independent Tracking we deliver a full consultancy and advisory service to our clients, helping them to access the range of benefits that cutting-edge telematics can deliver.
A comprehensive approach means that first we analyse your business transport requirements and usage, enabling us to create a powerful solutions that will produce fast benefits and savings.
Our comprehensive approach to working with you isn’t limited to basics like fuel savings; we also help you to reduce issues like accidents and fraudulent collision claims. Our systems are also crucial in enabling you to satisfy the increasingly strict rules for tax reclaims on vehicle use and fuel costs.
By maintaining a close relationship with you we can help to monitor how best to apply our Cost-Savings Recommendations and Solutions Packages. On-going support and full training ensure that you’ll see benefits quickly as you adopt these.
What we’re known for –
We’re very proud of the reputation we’ve gain in just a few years for practical and effective solutions that meet our clients’ specific needs.
But it’s more than that; it’s about helping others understand the real benefits that new technology can deliver, and quickly. Our case studies demonstrate this clearly.
In a no nonsense manner we will work with you, to find out what you need, what will give your business the greatest benefit and most importantly, what really works for you.
As a smaller and effective team, we deliver on our promise of real customer service and at the same time carry the weight and pedigree of representing a leading global brand through our partnership with TomTom.
At Independent Tracking we serve the needs of clients at any size or scale. If your fleet is three, or three hundred vehicles, we believe that all of our customers should speak to someone familiar and reliable when they need help or advice.
From advising on products to arranging purchase finance we are with you every step of the way on your journey into the world of telematics. And when you are ready to expand your fleet, change vehicles or upgrade your system we are there to offer help, advice and support.
Right from the beginning we very carefully selected our partner companies when we started trading. We are only happy to recommend and sell products that we are happy to use, so we don’t have to offer a huge number of companies products, preferring to build a reputation as selecting and offering the best.
We know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident when using new technology, that’s why we will offer you free initial training and if required, are happy to arrange further instruction for you and your team. Our aim is to drive your best result.
Working as we do as official partners of TomTom we know we have all the backing required to be able to deal with any requirement and on any scale.
Talk to us to day and find out why the smart people choose Independent Tracking.
www.independenttracking.co.uk0845 459 4998TwitterGoogle+