Chamber News

Representatives of the key Norfolk business groups (Norfolk Chamber, FSB, IoD, NWES, FIG, and the NFU) met with Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North and Simon Wright, MP for Norwich South to highlight issues affecting local businesses. Among the topics for discussion was how to improve mobile phone coverage across Norfolk, an update on the newly formed federation, Transforming Education in Norfolk (TEN) and a progress report from New Anglia LEP on the Enterprise Zone in Great Yarmouth and their Going Places Fund.

(Photo courtesy of Marjorie Eade, FIG)

The UK petrol and diesel sector is being put under the microscope by the fair trading watchdog amid rising prices at the pumps.The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will spend six weeks gathering evidence about whether competition is being curtailed. The watchdog will also consider whether falling costs of crude oil are reflected in prices paid by motorists.It will publish its findings in January.

The OFT said that the UK retail road fuels sector was estimated to be worth about £32bn.Petrol prices rose by 38% between June 2007 and June this year, and diesel prices went up by 43% over the same period.In June, the government announced it would postpone its 3p-a-litre rise in fuel duty from August until January.

‘Widespread concern’ The OFT said the review, which is not a full-scale investigation by the watchdog at this stage, would study whether the action of supermarkets and oil companies made it difficult for independent retailers to compete in the market.The review would also look into whether there was a lack of competition at the pumps in rural areas.

Claire Hart, of the OFT said“We are keenly aware of continuing widespread concern about the pump price of petrol and diesel and we have heard a number of different claims about how the market is operating.We have therefore decided to take a broad based look at this sector, to provide an opportunity for people to share their concerns and evidence with us.This will help us determine whether claims about competition problems are well-founded and whether any further action is warranted.”

A significant chunk of the price paid by consumers on petrol is tax, which will not be covered by the review. The Department for Transport has previously suggested that industry should come up with a voluntary code of conduct to ensure wholesale price falls were passed on within a fortnight to the motorist.

International concern The latest figures from Experian Catalist show that the average cost of a litre of unleaded was 138.99 pence on Tuesday. The average price of a litre of diesel was 143.52 pence.Earlier this year, the Retail Motor Industry Federation raised concerns with the OFT about the ability of independent traders to compete in the market.Similar concerns about prices at the pumps have led to investigations from regulators in Germany, Spain and Australia.

Commenting on the release of the independent SME Finance Monitor, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:

“The latest statistics from the SME Finance Monitor demonstrate that there are still serious obstacles for many companies seeking external finance. The figures strengthen the case for the creation of a British Business Bank, which would help address some of the problems in business lending.

“It is striking that the number of successful applications has fallen. Many companies still say they feel discouraged from applying or are put off by the process. Despite claims that financial institutions are open for business, only a minority of first-time applicants are being approved for loans and overdrafts by their banks.

“While it is good to see that most existing bank customers get the facilities they need when they ask for them, lenders’ low risk appetite means that too many young and fast-growing companies aren’t getting access to the capital they require. With companies less confident of a successful application for finance in the future, there is more to be done to restore relationships, improve transparency and rebuild trust between businesses and banks.

“The Norfolk Chamber’s Business and Finance group (BFG) which includes all the major banks repeatedly say that they are very much open for business and are willing for us to challenge them with any cases from our members who feel they are not getting a positive response. The BFG group are working on putting together an event which will pull together all types of finance opportunities to try to get more finance to the businesses who need it to grow”

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has published the report of an independent review of apprenticeships and their accessibility to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by business owner and social entrepreneur Jason Holt.

The Education and Business Secretaries commissioned Mr Holt’s report in February 2012 to advise them on what more could be done to help SMEs take on apprentices. Drawing on his discussions with small firms, in this report Mr Holt identifies why the take-up of apprenticeships amongst SMEs is comparatively low. It goes on to review potential barriers and difficulties, and makes recommendations as to how SMEs can more easily offer apprenticeships and how to make apprenticeships more rewarding for SMEs.

Key measures include recommendations to:

• Work with the people that SMEs look to for advice, including lawyers and accountants, to promote apprenticeships to their SME customers.
• Enable SMEs to get their apprentices the training they need, by providing better information on availability and investigating how to give them a greater say in developing the skills they need.
• Improve the performance of providers of training to SMEs by agreeing standards and the consequences of not meeting them.
• Improve the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers by making it simpler and more accessible to more employers.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Only a small minority of SMEs currently employ apprentices. Many of the rest are missing out on an effective way of growing and up-skilling their businesses. “We hope that the measures announced today will make a difference by raising awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships amongst SMEs and making it as easy as possible for these businesses to take on an apprentice.”

The Government has already taken a number of steps to help small companies recruit apprentices, including reducing the burden on training providers and employers by removing all health and safety requirements that go beyond what health and safety legislation demands, and establishing a dedicated Small Business Team within the National Apprenticeship Service providing a bespoke service to employers with fewer than 250 employees.

The full report of the Holt Review is available to download at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website

The economic round robin debate at the Norfolk Chamber Planning & Development Group meeting last night highlighted that the development, planning and construction sectors are quiet at present.

The Group are looking at ways to boost growth in Norfolk and want to build upon the success of their National Planning Policy Framework debate with the local authorities in July and continue to keep the dialogue going with the local authorities and their planners. They also want to establish good relationships with the utility companies, the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency. Jonathan Cage, M.D. of Create Consulting Engineers and the chair of the Chamber Planning & Development Group said “We are keen to engage with these organisations to establish what their perceived barriers are to bringing forward growth and to work together to boost the economy and growth in Norfolk.”

Matt Wood from the Lucas Hickman Smith Group presented his ‘white paper’ on ‘Self-Build Norfolk’ to the Chamber Planning & Development Group. He highlighted the opportunities and benefits of self build homes. It was discussed that if more homes in Norfolk were self builds, this would also benefit local building contractors, suppliers and architects who were involved in these projects.

The Planning & Development Group also welcomed the news that £3.5m has been made available by Norfolk County Council for groups such as parish councils, voluntary groups and charities to apply for funding for community projects i.e. sports facilities, play areas etc.

Norfolk’s construction industry and community-led building projects are set to get a huge boost thanks to a new £3.5million fund from Norfolk County Council announced today (Monday 3 September).

Local community led organisations will be able to apply for a share of the new investment fund created to help with new construction schemes such as: – village hall extensions, sports facilities, play areas and other community facilities.

The aim of the Norfolk County Council Community Construction Fund is to help to turn community projects which require new construction works into reality. The Fund intends to inject economic activity within the construction sector of the Norfolk economy by hopefully employing local workers and contractors, whilst simultaneously enhancing community facilities.

One-off grants for new construction projects will be available to a wide range of community led organisations. Those eligible to apply for a share of the fund will need to be formally constituted bodies such as: – parish, town and district councils, charities, sports clubs, neighbourhood boards and churches.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, commented on the announcement: “The funding from Norfolk County Council will provide a real boost in the current economic climate as we are continuously hearing about how small businesses are struggling particularly in the construction sector. I very much hope that this investment fund will go some way to creating a number of sustainable projects in the county, which will also be good for the local economy and good for jobs.”

Ian Mackie, Deputy Leader of Norfolk County Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, proposed the plan at today’s Cabinet meeting as it was reported that the council is meeting its efficiency targets for the year. Ian Mackie said: “Through continued effective management of our budget and through better, smarter working and income from our investment strategy, I am pleased to say that we have been able to allocate funding from one-off underspend. I take a very cautious approach to in-year use of underspend because of financial pressures we can encounter, but I am confident of our financial projections for 2012-2013. I believe that this investment will be a lifeline to an important sector of Norfolk’s economy whilst building capacity in Norfolk’s social infrastructure.

“Construction traditionally requires higher levels of employment and for every pound spent a further two pounds is generated from economic activity in the supply chain, often by small and medium sized businesses. This Fund is a part of a sustained and determined attempt by the county council to practically support both short and longer term economic growth in Norfolk. The county council has a considerable capital programme for 2012-13 (£135m) through its investments in schools, highways and development projects, however this Fund will further enable communities to develop facilities by enabling swift construction activity, just when the economy most needs direct support. This will be a win-win for Norfolk.

“We know from our discussions with communities across the county that this sort of investment makes a real difference to local life, and I am delighted to announce that we will be accepting applications from [date to be inserted], which means we will have approved the first round of funding decisions before Christmas.”

Ann Steward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “We hope that this project will kick start more local businesses and provide new opportunities for craftsmen and women. At the same time the money will benefit local organisations enabling them to provide better facilities within their community. It further evidences the council’s role in supporting the local economy as set out in our ‘Delivering Economic Growth in Norfolk’ strategy.

“Often local residents may have ideas but there is a lack of funding for the ideas to be realised. The county council hopes to bridge that gap and inspire people to think about how they can improve where they live and create employment in the process.”

The Phoenix Pool in Bradwell, Great Yarmouth is the type of organisation the Fund hopes to support, after previously expressing an interest in gaining funding from the county council. xxx from there says: “Creating the opportunity for facilities, such as ourselves, to apply for funding is fantastic news. The building is starting to look dated and it is time to bring the facilities up to the standard we would like especially following the great success of the London Olympics, this could be part of the Olympic legacy.

“We would be able to make the changes we have been striving to do for some time. We provide a much-needed swimming service to all ages within the local community and this money could potentially help us to attract even more people to come and use the facilities.”

The West Acre Theatre near Swaffham is another Norfolk organisation looking to apply for funding after contacting Norfolk County Council earlier this year. Xxxx from the theatre explains what the money would be used for: “The aim would be to revamp and extend our current building and provide better facilities during the summer months by upgrading our marquee.

“We currently provide a wonderful range of programmes and are well supported by people in the area. However, with an injection of cash, we believe we could provide an even better and more enjoyable experience.”

Applications submitted by Norfolk organisations will be coordinated by the Norfolk Community Foundation and a shortlist will be considered by a cross-party panel of Norfolk County Councillors.

Norfolk Community Foundation Chief Executive Graham Tuttle said: “The Fund is a fantastic way for local community groups and organisations to get a real boost financially. It is exciting that we hope to be able to announce some of the successful bids before Christmas, meaning a very bright start for them in 2013.”

Notice is hereby given that the 116th Annual General Meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be held at the Dunston Hall Hotel, Ipswich Road, Norwich on Friday 5th October 2012, with registration at 9.30am for commencement of the meeting at 9.45am, for the purpose of transacting the following business:

By order of the Board September 2012

Increasing the amount of UK international trade is a key target for the UK Government and the Norfolk Chamber has been working hard to support companies seeking to break into new markets.

To underline that support, Norfolk Chamber will host an International trade show, ‘The Global Marketplace’, which is being held in Norwich on 27 September supported by Barclays, UKTI and PWC.

The free event, which will run from 8am until 2.30pm at Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA), Duke Street Building, Duke Street, will include country specialists from foreign Chambers, Embassies and Business Councils as well as national key speakers and Norfolk businesses.

Tracey Howard, Norfolk Chambers’ International Trade Director, said: “There are many new opportunities open to businesses, whether they are a seasoned exporter or looking at trading internationally for the first time.

“The Global Marketplace will be an exciting event and we have lined up a host of expert speakers who will explain why trading overseas is so important for both the UK economy as a whole, as well as the region.

“At least eleven countries will be represented and those attending will be able to talk directly with the experts as to what opportunities exist for their business. A series of workshops will provide key information to help expand your business overseas.

“If you have not traded overseas before, this event will bring together in one place, key experts to help to get you started and show you what the opportunities are for your business.”

Speakers will include:

• Lesley Batchelor, Director General of the Institute of Export – who will be delivering the keynote speech about the importance of building relationships, professionalism and accessing expertise
• • David Riches, Operations Director of the British Chambers of Commerce
• • Victoria Martin, Short Term Products Manager of UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD), the UK Government’s export credit agency
• • Simon Nicholson, Head of International and Trade, Barclays

There will be a series of workshops and a showcase covering countries classed as high-growth markets, where export is being actively supported by the UK Government. Some of the countries included, cover China, India, Russia, Turkey, Libya, Angola and many more. The Norfolk Chamber will also be holding smaller, country focussed seminars relating to a selection of these countries from October.

One businessman who knows the benefits of trading internationally is Tony Stevens, who owns Tower Scaffolding Supplies, of King’s Lynn.

He has worked globally for more than a decade, including supplying materials to companies operating in the Middle East, South Africa, Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Tony, who runs the business on his own, said: “Small companies can trade internationally and I have worked for companies involved in everything from gold mining to oil and gas.

“From my point of view, it helps that companies working in Africa like to have UK products, which have high safety standards. They know that the equipment we send out to them will be safe.”

He believes that developing contacts is crucial and for him that has included a good relationship with the Construction Industry Training Board, through whom his name became known internationally.

Tony said: “It helped that I was working with CITB because I was able to develop contacts through them. A lot of it is word of mouth. People get to know you then tell other people about you. In construction, you often get people moving from job to job and telling people about you.

“It is crucial to have a decent website so that people can find you and know what you do. I also make sure I know what is happening in various sectors. I go on oil and gas websites and look at magazines to see where the contracts are.”

He also acknowledges that trading internationally has to be a team effort, saying: “I see myself as the middle man. I source the work for international clients and work with a UK company that will organise all the shipping for me.

“It also helps working with the Norfolk Chamber. They have provided me with useful training and support. “

More details here

• Business group downgrades 2012 growth forecast from +0.1% to -0.4%
• Growth forecast for 2013 is revised down from 1.9% to 1.2%
• Headwinds from slowing global economy, crisis in the eurozone, and domestic austerity measures complicating UK recovery prospects
• Continued reports of growth by many Chamber members suggests there is a reserve of business confidence and strong performance in the UK that can be harnessed
• BCC calls for action to create a new model economy for the UK, with immediate measures to support business confidence and investment, a radical long-term growth plan, and a continued commitment to deficit reduction

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Friday) published its Q3 economic forecast. The business group has downgraded its predictions for UK growth in 2012 from +0.1% to -0.4%, and its predictions for 2013 from 1.9% to 1.2%. While many Norfolk Chamber members have continued to report positive trading conditions and growth intentions in recent months, the deteriorating global environment has meant that the UK economy as a whole is now likely to shrink in 2012. The Norfolk Chamber and BCC both believe that UK businesses have got what it takes to help the UK return to growth, but they can only do this if the government acts quickly and radically to introduce both short-term stimulus measures and radical long-term policies for growth.

Commenting, Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said: “A new model economy for Britain cannot be summed up as ‘Plan A’ or ‘Plan B’. Instead, it is about actively supporting the aspirations of the thousands of growing businesses across Norfolk and the UK, as well as our future economic prospects as a nation.

“Since the election of the Coalition Government, the Norfolk Chamber and BCC have supported deficit reduction, and a relentless focus on creating the conditions for businesses to thrive. Two years on though, the UK economy is stagnating, with headwinds from a slowing global economy, difficulties in the eurozone, pressure from domestic austerity measures, low business investment and volatile commodity prices all bearing down on our growth prospects.

“While many businesses out there are growing exports, seeking investment, and creating jobs, more needs to be done so the economy can move from a vicious cycle of stagnation to a virtuous cycle of higher growth and reduced borrowing. Companies now accept they are operating in a tougher and more uncertain environment, but they need an enterprise-friendly government with bold policies if they are to drive recovery.

“That’s why we are adding new calls for immediate and decisive action to our existing recommendations for long-term growth.

“Business wants a hybrid strategy that delivers both deficit-reduction and growth. This means a continued commitment to public spending cuts, support for the economy without a new and damaging consumer credit bubble, as well as a strong push to improve business access to finance and unlock massive private funding to renew Britain’s infrastructure. Success will require both the government and the Bank of England to use their balance sheets – both to invest and for securitisation – at a time when Britain has both market credibility and rock-bottom borrowing costs.

“Politicians need to show leadership. We need an economic action programme so that Britain can excel, and make its way in the world. We are a great country, as we demonstrated during the Olympics. We have the talent and the energy, but we need the political will to focus relentlessly on economic growth. It’s not that nothing else matters, it’s that without it, nothing else is possible.”

One trillion pounds by 2020 – that is the chancellor’s target for the value of the UK’s exports – and if he’s right the opportunities for businesses to cash in on this figure are huge.

One businessman who knows the benefits of trading internationally is Tony Stevens, who owns Tower Scaffolding Supplies, of King’s Lynn. He has worked globally for more than a decade, including supplying materials to companies operating in the Middle East, South Africa, Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Tony, who runs the business on his own, said: “Small companies can trade internationally and I have worked for companies involved in everything from gold mining to oil and gas. From my point of view, it helps that companies working in Africa like to have UK products, which have high safety standards. They know that the equipment we send out to them will be safe.”

He believes that developing contacts is crucial and for him that has included a good relationship with the Construction Industry Training Board, through which his name became known internationally.

Tony said: “It helped that I was working with CITB because I was able to develop contacts through them. A lot of it is word of mouth. People get to know you then tell other people about you. In construction, you often get people moving from job to job and telling people about you.

“It is crucial to have a decent website so that people can find you and know what you do. I also make sure I know what is happening in various sectors. I go on oil and gas websites and look at magazines to see where the contracts are.”

He also acknowledges that trading internationally has to be a team effort, saying: “I see myself as the middle man. I source the work for international clients and work with a UK company that will organise all the shipping for me.

“It also helps working with the Norfolk Chamber. They have provided me with useful training and support.”

This exciting event is designed to help businesses to unlock growth by tapping into the massive opportunities that exist for trading overseas.

Norfolk Chamber has recognised the power of export as a route to business growth and will be staging a free to attend, half-day event called The Global Marketplace, on 27 September at Norwich University College of the Arts, sponsored by Barclays, UKTI and PwC.

Tracey Howard, Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Director, commented: “The Global Marketplace is the first of its kind in the region. This exciting event is designed to help businesses to unlock growth by tapping into the massive opportunities that exist for trading overseas.

“Whether you are a seasoned exporter, or looking at trading internationally for the first time, it is the ideal place to find new ideas and help you find out about exciting growth markets in a wide range of countries.”

The show features an exhibition of country specialists – consisting of foreign Chambers of Commerce, embassies and business councils – from countries including China, Egypt, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Brazil, India, Russia, Turkey, Libya and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

“This means businesses can talk face-to-face with the experts about a number of high growth markets, the business opportunities and how to access them whilst making great connections and building those essential relationships,” explains Tracey Howard. “There will also be a series of workshops will provide key information to help expand your business overseas.”

A host of industry experts will be speaking at the event. They includes Lesley Batchelor, Director General of the Institute of Export, who will be delivering a keynote speech about building relationships and accessing expertise entitled ‘What is the key to export success?’

Also speaking at The Global Marketplace will be David Riches, Operations Director of the British Chambers of Commerce; Victoria Martin, Short Term Products Manager of UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD), the UK Government’s export credit agency; and Simon Nicholson, Head of International and Trade, Barclays.

Commenting on the Holt Review into apprenticeships, which has been published today (Wednesday), Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:

“Norfolk employers will expect swift implementation of the practical recommendations contained in the Holt Review. Apprenticeships offer a valuable route for young people to earn a wage while developing skills that are valued by employers. Businesses want to support the transition from education to work, but they also want a skills system that is more responsive to their needs.

“Norfolk Chamber of Commerce will build on our work with local schools and the National Apprenticeship Service to ensure young people are able to make informed decisions about their future. Apprenticeships can often offer a more reliable route into a good job than continued academic study, but too many young people don’t get the information and guidance they need to make the right choice for their own future.

“The government’s decision to widen the eligibility criteria for the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers will encourage more employers to take on an apprentice in the 16-24 age bracket. Ministers should go one step further though, and encourage businesses to invest in apprenticeship training for young people who are eligible for Youth Contract wage incentives, by allowing apprenticeship grants and Youth Contract incentives to be combined. Providing the most vulnerable young people with valued skills and a respected qualification that will serve them in the long-term would really be something to celebrate.”

Commenting after the release of the GCSE grades for 2012, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:

“We congratulate all Norfolk GCSE students today who are reaping the rewards of their hard work . Nationally, the number of pupils achieving top grades has fallen for the first time since the exam was introduced in 1988 although many schools in Norfolk are bucking that trend to report some of their best-ever results.

Young people have a lot to offer, and businesses are keen to employ them. Unfortunately, in recent years too many new employees have lacked basic skills and required remedial training for inadequate literacy and numeracy. Employers must be assured that qualifications reliably reflect a given level of skill, and will welcome an end to artificial grade inflation and planned changes to increase rigour.

“We know that teachers and pupils are working hard to raise genuine skill levels, particularly in English and Maths, and this must remain a top priority. Employers will reject any measure of success that focuses exclusively on the most capable half of students, without supporting other young people in reaching high levels of literacy and numeracy. Norfolk Chamber members are working with schools and their young people to help them understand what is needed from the world of work as they are our employees of the future

“The increase in entries to science exams this summer is good news for business. Young people with strong qualifications in the sciences remain sought-after by employers, and they can expect to succeed in exciting and rewarding careers.

“Chamber research shows that a lack of language skills has been a barrier for Norfolk businesses looking to sell their products and services overseas. One swallow doesn’t make a summer, but we hope the slight rise in entries for modern languages this year is a signal that more students will study a language in future years.”