Chamber News

The round table discussions at the Bank of England Lunch highlighted that, whilst Norfolk businesses are operating in the current challenging economic climate, there are many positive stories. The agricultural sector advised that they are doing well at present and, with confidence improving, many businesses are planning for the future by investing in new plant, machinery and training.

Many determined businesses are diversifying to take advantage of new opportunities and are looking for new markets, including overseas. Norfolk exports continued to go from strength to strength, however there are still some challenges, such as the need for the banks to be less risk averse in their approach to lending to enable exporters to access new overseas markets more easily.

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “In the current challenging times, exporting is a key aspect to prosperity for many local businesses. Norfolk exporters continue to show resilience and will help drive economic growth. June was a record month for the Chamber processing export documentation, reaching the highest number we have ever recorded in one month”

Norse Catering has just finished running a series of roadshows, aimed at talking directly to it’s team of cook managers, dining assistants and mobile staffworking in Primary Schools across the county.

Eight events, entitled the’ Norse Primary Catering Roadshows’, addressed a wide range of opportunities and challenges affecting the company’s staff who are employed at Primary Schools across the county, as part the contract with Norfolk County Council.

A total of over 330 staff attended the two-hour long presentations and discussions, covering topics that included new menu plans, changes to account management structure, new uniform options, updates to the quality manual to reflect the revised standards set by Environmental Health and an open forum on ‘wish lists’ and ‘ideas exchanges’ from attendees.

“We have a great team of really hard-working staff out there in Primary School kitchens,” said Terrance Issac-Griffiths, Head of Catering Operations at Norse Commercial Services. “We wanted a chance to let them know first-hand about some of the exciting plans we’ve got for Primary School meals, and to hear their views and feedback on a wide range of issues that affect their working day and environment.”

“Because we’ve got over 300 schools spread all across the county, a series of roadshows at different locations looked to be the best was to give as many as possible the chance to attend, and the feedback we’ve had confirms this. “

Part of the feedback process involved building an ‘ideas wall’: participants wrote actions they would like taken, and ideas that have worked for them, onto sheets of paper that were attached to boxes which were then built into a wall for all to see and discuss.

“This worked really well,” commented Commercial Director Mark Emms, “there were some great ideas that staff have found to work well and they wanted to share with others, and some clearly thought out suggestions for improving and developing various aspects of our service.”

The catering team are also looking at ways of engaging more with the schools children and parents by introducing cooking related activities and displays. “We are planning recipe cards that they can take home, displays of fresh food and herbs at the serving areas to stimulate questions, and incentives that will reward the children for taking an interest in food,” said Senior Account Manager Linda Bufton.

Norse helps schools aiming for Food for Life Awards with skill development and food education; currently there are 55 Primary Schools in Norfolk with the Bronze Award and six who have achieved Silver status.

Joshua Davies from FXhome talks about why his company is well connected by being a Member of the Norfolk Chamber

The village of Croxton near Thetford, has today (Friday July 5) become the first community in the county to get connected to high-speed fibre broadband under a partnership between Norfolk County Council and BT.

Dozens of homes and businesses in the village can now access the new broadband technology, which provides download speeds of up to 80Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20Mbps , with the potential for even faster speeds in the future.

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, said: “Access to superfast broadband will play a key factor in driving growth and boosting local economies around the UK. Norfolk was one of the first local authorities to bid successfully for funding under the framework contract, and I’m delighted that they’re also one of the first counties to be enjoying much faster speeds as a result.”

George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “We announced only last month that around 3,500 homes and businesses at about 30 locations in Norfolk will be able to access better broadband earlier than anticipated. There will be more and more of these announcements in the coming months and by the end of 2013 we will be well on our way to transforming our broadband landscape forever.”

Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, added: “It really is great to see this important milestone towards the Norfolk business community getting the faster broadband they need to the drive Norfolk’s economy forward.”

Bill Murphy, BT’s managing director for next generation access, said: “It is a fantastic achievement that people in Norfolk are already seeing the benefits of this programme. This investment in fibre broadband will boost the local economy and help to create or protect local jobs both in communities like Croxton village and across the whole of Norfolk. It will be of enormous benefit to local businesses which can use the faster speeds to improve their competitiveness both within the UK and abroad.”

George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk who has led for Norfolk MPs on broadband issues, commented: “It is excellent news that the first area to receive fibre broadband services in the UK under the BDUK framework is in Norfolk. This, alongside further investment in our communications and transport infrastructure, will enable Norfolk’s economy to thrive.”

The Better Broadband for Norfolk programme was launched to help large parts of Norfolk that currently suffer from slow or no broadband access. In 2011 the council pledged £15 million to the scheme, and this was matched by central Government as it became one of the first local authorities in the UK to be successful in bidding for BDUK funding under the framework contract.

In addition to covering the ongoing costs of supporting and maintaining the network, BT is making an £11 million contribution towards the cost of installing the fibre infrastructure, bringing the total capital investment in the project to £41 million. The deal between BT and the County Council means that more than 80 per cent of Norfolk’s homes and businesses are expected to be able to access high-speed fibre broadband services by the end of 2015. The programme also aims to provide all homes and businesses with a minimum broadband speed of 2Mbps within the same timescale.

For more information about the Better Broadband for Norfolk programme and to view the full list of the first 30 communities to benefit from the intial tranche of the Better Broadband programme, visit www.betterbroadbandnorfolk.co.uk.

A Public Inquiry begins tomorrow (Wednesday 3 July) into the Slip Road and Side Road Orders for a planned improvement of the Postwick interchange at the eastern end of the A47 Norwich Southern Bypass.

The junction proposals are being put forward at the Inquiry by Norfolk County Council and the Highways Agency*. The proposals received planning consent from Broadland District Council in October 2011 but also require the approval of the Slip Road and Side Road Orders before the project can proceed.

The Inspector, Mr David Wildsmith, will open the Inquiry at 10am tomorrow (Wed) at the Kings Centre, King Street, Norwich. He will hear the case for the promoters, the supporters, the objections and otherrepresentations.

The Inquiry is currently scheduled to sit for 12 days, closing on Thursday 25 July**. (It will not be sitting on Mondays, or Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 July.)

After closing the Inquiry the Inspector will submit a report to the Secretaries of State for Transport and for Communities & Local Government, together with his conclusions and recommendations. The Secretaries of State will then decide whether the Orders should be made.

Norfolk exporters will have the opportunity to discuss the economic climate in Norfolk and the export opportunities that are available to local businesses with Tim Pike, the Bank of England’s Agent for the East of England at the Norfolk Chamber’s Bank of England Lunch on Friday 5 July 2013.

This is on the back of the recent BCC Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Quarter 2, which highlighted that both the Norfolk manufacturing and service sector export levels continued to be robust. Norfolk’s manufacturing export levels exceeded both the national and East of England results. Whilst the Norfolk service sector export results matched those of the East of England region and surpassed the national totals.

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Despite the tough economic climate, Norfolk exporters continue to gain strength and are demonstrating the necessary resilience and confidence to invest and increase their export potential.”

Norfolk exporters will have the opportunity to discuss the economic climate in Norfolk and the export opportunities that are available to local businesses with Tim Pike, the Bank of England’s Agent for the East of England at the Norfolk Chamber’s Bank of England Lunch on Friday 5 July 2013.

This is on the back of the recent BCC Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Quarter 2, which highlighted that both the Norfolk manufacturing and service sector export levels continued to be robust. Norfolk’s manufacturing export levels exceeded both the national and East of England results. Whilst the Norfolk service sector export results matched those of the East of England region and surpassed the national totals.

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Despite the tough economic climate, Norfolk exporters continue to gain strength and are demonstrating the necessary resilience and confidence to invest and increase their export potential.”

• BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2013 shows further progress, with many of the key balances in Norfolk stronger than in Q1 2013.
• Manufacturing export orders figure in Norfolk exceeded the balances of both the East of England and the overall national figure.
• Service export orders, despite a small drop is still showing a strong balance, which continues to be higher than the national level.
• Norfolk business remains resilient, and confidence is rising, despite most balances remaining below their pre-recession levels in 2007
• Caroline Williams: “The sheer strength of our export balances shows that companies have untapped potential to expand. It must be recognised that recovery will only be turbo-charged if we can create a truly enterprise-friendly economy in Norfolk.”

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) released today (Tuesday) shows that the economy has made further progress, but that there are still some risks at home and abroad that could derail the recovery. The new survey, made up of responses from over 7,400 businesses, shows that many key balances strengthened in Q2 2013 compared with the previous quarter.

The export levels remain strong, with manufacturing export orders figures showing a strong increase which exceeds not only the East of England levels, but the national figures as well. The service export orders, despite a small drop, still showed a strong balance, which was matched by the East of England figures and exceeded the national total. It is encouraging that, despite the dip in employment levels from the last quarter, both sectors are expecting to recruit more staff over the next 3 months. Despite these welcome improvements, it is disappointing that cashflow remains weak and the service investment balances fell in the quarter.

The findings suggest that the economy will continue to strengthen gradually over the next year, with growth slowly improving. The results also demonstrate resilience among Norfolk businesses, who continue to feel confident and are looking to invest and increase exports this year.

Key Norfolk findings in the Q2 2013 BCC survey:

• Norfolk manufacturing export figures remain strong, with both sales and orders increasing this quarter.
• Service sector export balances in Norfolk dipped but are still showing robust figures, which are considerably higher than the national levels.
• Both sectors have tried to recruit over the last 3 months and both are forecasting more recruitment over the next 3 months.
• The manufacturing sector’s business confidence in both their turnover and profitability has increased and they are investing in plant and machinery and training.
• The service sector’s business confidence has dipped, which is also reflected in their lack of investment in plant, machinery and training.
• Cashflow remained weak for both sectors, with the negative figure for manufacturing falling still further from a negative position of -7% to -17%. The service sector fell from 0% to -11%.
• Overall, the Q2 results support our view that the economy will gradually strengthen over the next year, but many challenges remain.

Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Despite gloomy media headlines in recent months, our economic survey once again shows increased, but cautious business confidence. Norfolk firms are determined to make progress.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see export deliveries reach high levels, and the expected upturn in employment balances is reassuring in spite of the risks at home and abroad. However the falls in the service investment balances and the weak cashflow balances in both sectors are a warning that economic growth could be slow, and a reminder that a sustained upturn cannot be taken for granted. For these reasons, business access to finance, and working capital in particular, must be assured.

“Norfolk firms are doing their utmost to drive recovery. The sheer strength of our export balances shows that companies have untapped potential to expand. It must be recognised that recovery will only be turbo-charged if we can create a truly enterprise-friendly economy here in the Norfolk. That, in turn, requires more support for exporters seeking to enter new markets, far more action on finance for growing companies, and support and commitment from the government to enabling the private sector to generate wealth and prosperity.

A series of exhibitions is being launched on Monday 8 July to give local communities the chance to see and comment upon the latest refinements in Norfolk County Council’s plans for the proposed Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR).

The NDR features in the Government’s ‘Investing in Britain’s future’ document, published today (Thurs) and its strategic importance to greater Norwich, Broadland and north Norfolk has been recognised through an allocation of £86.5m in Government funding. This is for the A47 (Postwick) to A140 (Airport) section. Norfolk County Council has agreed in principle to underwrite the cost of continuing the road to the A1067 Norwich to Fakenham road.

The revised plans include an extra roundabout on the A140 to A1067 section to take account of local views following earlier changes. The new roundabout is on Fir Covert Road (between a roundabout where the NDR leaves the A1067 and a Reepham Road roundabout), added in response to concerns raised by local businesses. This is the second change in the junction arrangements in that section of the NDR. A previous alteration had deleted Fir Covert Road roundabout and moved it to the point at which the NDR leaves the A1067. Both roundabouts are included in the latest proposals.

“These exhibitions show the most recent changes made in response to local views,” said David Harrison. “We are now nearing the point where the plans will be ready for submission as part of the development consent application, but we are still listening and ready to take on board any comments made on these latest proposals. I hope people will take the opportunity to view the plans at the exhibitions and make their views known. Members of the NDR team will be able to help answer questions, and there are a number of ways in which people can submit comments.”

The exhibitions (details below) mark the launch of the formal consultation with the local community ahead of the submission of a development consent application to the Planning Inspectorate, using the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process. Copies of the consultation documents are being made available in *libraries, council offices and online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/tfn.

Comments, which should be submitted by 20 September 2013, can be made at the exhibitions on printed questionnaires, at any time by letter**, email or telephone (office hours), or via an online survey form at www.norfolk.gov.uk/tfn.

Exhibition Dates and Venues:

Mon 8 July 1pm to 8pm Rackheath Holy Trinity Church Hall, Salhouse Road, Rackheath, NR13 6PD

Fri 12 July 1pm to 8pm The Dussindale Community Centre, Thorpe St Andrew, Pound Lane, Norwich, NR7 0SR

Sat 13 July 1pm to 8pm Old Catton Village Hall, Church Street, Hall Drive, Old Catton, NR6 7DW

Mon 15 July1pm to 8pm Postwick Village Hall, Ferry Lane, Postwick, NR13 5HL

Tue 16 July 1pm to 8pm Spixworth Village Hall, Crostwick Lane, Spixworth, NR10 3NQ

Thu 18 July 1pm to 8pm Easton Village Hall, Marlingford Road, Easton, NR9 5AD

Sat 20 July 1pm to 8pm Drayton Village Hall, Pond Lane, Drayton, NR8 6PP

Mon 22 July 1pm to 8pm Hellesdon Community Centre, Middleton Lane, Norwich NR6 5SR

Wed 24 July 1pm to 8pm Sprowston Diamond Centre, School Lane, Sprowston, NR7 8TR

Thu 25 July 1pm to 8pm Horsford Village Hall, Holt Road, Horsford, NR10 3DN

Sat 27 July 1pm to 8pm Breckland Hall, Breckland Road, New Costessey NR5 0RW

Tue 30 July 1pm to 8pm St Faiths Centre, Manor Road, Horsham, Norwich, NR10 3LF

Fri 2 August 1pm to 8pm Taverham Village Hall, Sandy Lane, Norwich, NR8 6JR

Sat 3 August 1pm to 8pm Great Plumstead Village Hall, Church Street, Great Plumstead, NR13 5AB

Tue 6 August 9am to 4pm The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF

Fri 9 August 1pm to 8pm Norman Centre, Bignold Road, Norwich, NR3 2QZ

Norfolk Chamber was delighted to welcome HRH Prince Michael of Kent, to our China Business Networking event which was kindly hosted by Anglia Farmers at their marquee at the Royal Norfolk Show. The event was organised with Norfolk County Council and China-Britain Business Council, not only to promote China as an excellent market to trade with, but also to raise awareness of the Norfolk-based Care for Children charity which works to help orphaned children in China and increasingly other Asian countries. Prince Michael, who is a Patron of the charity, gave a presentation to the delegates and said that he was encouraged by the links that already exist between Norfolk firms and China. Prince Michael said: “I am keen to encourage local businesses here in Norfolk to consider business opportunities as well as supporting this local charity. The relationship between Britain and China is growing and has much potential. “It doesn’t matter if it’s charities or businesses which lead the way, they must both open doors for the other.” Those that attended found the event very interesting and were very pleased with the exchange of business contacts that were made Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said she would like to see more businesses with links to China sharing their expertise with other firms. “Norfolk is really starting to drive the economy now and as far as local businesses are concerned, exporting to China is a really good opportunity.” Chris Cotton, Director of the China-Britain Business Council said, “We very much appreciate the work done by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Norfolk County Council to organise the China Networking Reception at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show and, of course, our thanks also go to Anglia Farmers for hosting the event. We were privileged to have HRH Prince Michael of Kent join us and for him to say a few words about the work of the charity, Care for Children, of which he is patron and which carries out such good work in China. We look forward to continuing to work with partners such as Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Norfolk County Council to support Norfolk companies through the various stages of the development of their business with China.” Robert Glover, Founder and Executive Direct of Care for Children said, “The China-Britain business networking event at the Royal Norfolk Show provided a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic combination of Royalty, charity, local government and local business to showcase the best of Norfolk, and the impact we can have on the rest of the world! We were delighted to work with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to help organise the event. The future is brimming with potential for mutually beneficial relationships between Norfolk and some of the world’s most exciting emerging economies in Asia, and I am convinced Care for Children’s existing positive relationships with Asian governments is a big asset for the county. As HRH Prince Michael of Kent commented in his speech at the event; it doesn’t matter if business or charity leads the way, as both can open doors for the other. We are proud to be a Norfolk-based charity operating in Asia, and we look to developing our relationship with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.”

In an open letter to Mark Carney, who takes over as Bank of England Governor today (Monday), BCC Director General, John Longworth, urges him to do more to ensure a stable business environment, which will help to secure the UK’s future competitiveness. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Network, John Longworth calls on Dr Carney to capitalise the British Business Bank and ensure that existing schemes, such as the QE programme and the Funding for Lending Scheme, go further to support real businesses.

Here is a copy of the letter in full:

Dear Dr Carney,

On behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce – representing 53 accredited Chambers, who in turn have thousands of member companies with millions of employees across the UK – we offer our congratulations as you take up your new role as Governor of the Bank of England.

There is no doubt that the economic situation today is better than when your appointment was first announced. Yet while we are seeing signs of a stronger recovery across the business community, we have no illusions about the challenges ahead for the UK economy, nor the complexity that you and your colleagues on the MPC will face in shaping monetary policy.

That said, we believe that the Bank of England can take real action under your leadership to help entrench that recovery and secure our future competitiveness – by helping to secure the flow of finance to the new, growing and dynamic businesses that need it most.

We urge you to use the Bank of England’s influence and balance sheet to:

• Capitalise the Business Bank as a major new player in SME finance, working with and alongside private financial institutions to unlock new sources of patient growth capital and risk capital. We are struck by the success and importance of the Business Development Bank of Canada in your native country, and hope that you can help the Business Bank to develop a similar vision and remit.
• Ensure existing programmes better support the ‘real economy’. We believe you can help stimulate lending to businesses by making the Funding for Lending Scheme more effective and by widening the existing Quantitative Easing programme to include the purchase private-sector assets including securitised SME debt (rather than just gilts).
• Lever in private investment in UK infrastructure, working together with the Treasury.

Finally, we would also ask that you focus on ensuring a stable business environment. This can be done by giving business as much certainty as possible on low interest rates, which have played a critical role in underpinning both business and consumer demand. At the same time, BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey shows that inflation is a significant concern for companies across the economy. The MPC’s decision-making must take both of these important business concerns into account.

From Chamber members across the UK, we wish you success in your new post, and look forward to working with you intensively to entrench a business-led recovery and higher rates of economic growth and prosperity.

We look forward to meeting with you soon, as our accredited Chambers of Commerce do with Bank of England Agents in all parts of the UK.

Yours sincerely

John Longworth Director General

Painfully slow broadband in the two villages has caused a group of frustrated residents to come together and ask how do we get better broadband now?

Clearly disappointed that Dickleburgh & Rushall are not included in the first phase of the County Council’s Better Broadband for Norfolk project has lead the residents to take the initiative.

“Broadband is not a luxury any more it is essential to rural communities such as ours, it connects families, is a vital resource for learning, provides access to a range of services, and increases the competitiveness of local business” was the response from one resident.

With the full support of the Parish Council the group looked at options and began working with WiSpire, a Norfolk company, who specialise in bringing better broadband to rural communities. The technology involves using the local church to broadcast a high speed wireless signal to local residents.

In order to make better broadband a reality the group needs the support of other residents who might be interested in making slow downloads a thing of the past. A friendly informative informal meeting is being held on 10 July at the Dickleburgh & Rushall Village Centre at 7:30pm. Everyone is invited to come along and find out more from WiSpire, the group themselves and find out how we can get better broadband now.