The government outlined a series of energy related reforms this week in order to introduce stability into the market. On Tuesday, a draft energy bill was brought before Parliament. The bill will extend feed-in tariffs to large scale energy projects, introduce emission performance targets for power stations and measures to ensure there is excess capacity in the system to provide security of supply. The draft bill will now be examined by a Parliamentary Select Committee and a full bill is expected later this year. Read more on this in British Chamber of Commerce blog here.
On Thursday it was announced that the next wave of cuts to solar feed-in tariff incentives will come into effect from August 1. The tariffs will be set to decrease on a three month basis thereafter, with pauses if the market slows down. All tariffs will continue to be index-linked to inflation. The new tariffs should give a return on investment (ROIs) of over six percent. The measures have been broadly welcomed by the solar industry.
The Rt. Hon John Hayes MP, the Minister of state for Skills, Further Education & Lifelong Learning, delivered an inspirational speech at the Norfolk Chamber’s High Five Lunch held on Friday 18 May.
The Minister provided an insightful review of his hard work and successes since coming into office in 2010. He has rejuvenated the apprenticeship system and put employers back in the driving seat. There are now almost 500,000 apprenticeship starts a year and the number of apprenticeships have increased across all sectors, in all age categories and in every region in Britain since 2010. The Minister advised that the key was to make the system more demand based, and to highlight how the Apprenticeship system could provide businesses with what they need.
Speaking to an audience of West Norfolk businesses at the High Five Lunch, held in King’s Lynn Town Hall, the Minister highlighted the importance of apprenticeships to Norfolk;
“Apprenticeships should be the vehicle of choice to up-skill the existing workforce in Norfolk and 88% of businesses that take on an apprentice said that they added value to their business. I see working with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as a way to increase the profile and the take up of apprenticeships, so that we can create the skilled workforce needed to ensure that the Norfolk economy grows and prospers”.
The Minister was introduced to the delegates attending the lunch by Henry Bellingham MP, who highlighted that “The local economy is remarkably resilient, but the whole skills agenda is absolutely pivotal to its future. That is why today’s event is so important. It will allow the Minister to see what we are doing in West Norfolk, together with the Norfolk Chamber, to ensure that we have the right skills in place for when the economy picks up”.
The High Five Lunch is a successful series of business networking events based in West Norfolk. The event was sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial and the National Apprenticeship Service. The next event in the series will take place on Thursday 5 July.
Commenting on the draft energy bill, published today, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“If the UK is going to attract the tens of billions of pounds of investment that is required to update the country’s ageing energy infrastructure, the electricity market must be predictable and stable for both businesses and investors. As the energy market moves towards a decarbonised future, we need to ensure that reforms don’t mean more costs piled on business. That’s why we’re encouraged to see proposed measures that will allow the government to consult with firms, and consider their needs in any changes.
“The UK needs a balanced energy mix to guarantee future security of supply. New nuclear plants have to be a key part of the mix, but plans for the next generation of nuclear power stations are behind schedule. We welcome incentives that would encourage investment in new nuclear, and urge the government to stick firmly to these proposals to avoid further delays. We need to see action to guarantee energy supply for the long-term, as a prerequisite for inward investment and growth.”
How is your business is doing in these challenging economic times – have the events in Europe affected you, or are you managing to grow your business in spite of everything that is happening?
The last QES survey reported that Norfolk businesses were planning to invest in plant, machinery and training and they were cautiously optimistic and hoping for a better quarter. Let us know how your business is doing and what you think about the future and possible economic growth.
The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor to plan the future of the UK economy. The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete, so please take the time to input into this important survey to ensure Norfolk has a voice. The survey needs to be completed online by Monday 11 June 2012.
Please click here. The Password is economy and your Chamber ID number is 75. If you prefer a hard copy please print the attached form and fax back to 01603 633032.
Commenting on the proposals outlined in the Beecroft Report, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:
“Adrian Beecroft is right to point out that at a time when millions of people are unemployed, ministers should be looking for ways to make it easier and less costly to employ people, not the other way around. Of course employment rights are important, but should be weighed against opportunities for the unemployed who are looking for work.
“Ministers should consider and progress all proposals that would give businesses greater confidence to hire – an outcome that would benefit companies, individuals and the UK economy as a whole.”
Commenting on the proposal for a new compensated no-fault dismissal route:
“Employers tell us that hiring staff is expensive, so dismissing someone is always a last resort. We are not saying that businesses should be able to ‘fire at will’, but the fear of not being able to dismiss a troublesome employee prevents many businesses from recruiting.
“A compensated no-fault dismissal route would be more favourable financially for an employee than if they were managed out of the business on performance grounds. Both parties would also avoid the emotional distress, uncertainty and reputational damage of an employment tribunal. However, this system would be costly and would not provide the full protection offered by compromise agreements, so would only be used in extreme cases. Furthermore, the impact on employment rights is minimal and vastly outweighed by the boost to employer confidence and the number of jobs it help to generate.
“Compensated no-fault dismissal should accompany proposals to make compromise agreements easier for employers to use. This will help businesses create jobs for the large number of talented, hard-working people that are unemployed in the UK.”
Commenting on flexible working and shared parental leave proposals:
“Businesses are not against flexible working or shared parental leave as concepts, but face real problems when it comes to implementation. Most businesses cannot accommodate unlimited flexible working and are concerned by the potential damage to employee relationships if they grant one request and have to turn down a more worthy request later.
“Shared parental leave introduces new and serious complexity to the relationship between an employer and member of staff. For the first time the employer-employee relationship will be contingent on a third party – the employee’s partner’s boss. Employers should be able to focus on the day to day running of their business and creating jobs and growth, rather than managing the family matters of employees.”
Only one in five eats five a day, poll suggests Just one in five Britons eats the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a poll for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests.
Record number of staff spurn sick days A record number of workers are taking no days off sick, but long-term absences are growing because of rising stress and back pain, according to a new workplace survey.
Face-to-face consultations by GPs ‘no longer sustainable’ General practice is ‘no longer sustainable’ in its current form, with a squeezed workforce, increasingly complex demands and a shifting financial landscape requiring GPs to radically alter way they work, a new report has claimed.
Facebook and Twitter liked for health One in three people are now using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for health related issues according to a study by management consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Now in its third year, the Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability Conference was held at the John Innes Centre on Thursday 10 May and was superbly attended and supported both by the local business community and by a range of national companies that travelled into Norwich specifically for the event.
Photos from the conference can be viewed on Facebook or Google+
Here you can find a number of the presentations used by the speakers:
Visit England has published the results of its ‘Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2011‘. Norwich is listed as one of the top ten city destinations in the UK, with only London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool ahead.
Caroline Williams, CEO, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “As Norwich has a great deal to offer its day visitors, from culture to retail activities, both indoors and outdoors, it is t not surprising that we are the sixth most popular city to visit in the UK. With over 17 million day visitors last year, spending well in excess of £572,000 in the city, this recognition is welcome news to retailers, leisure and tourism businesses alike.
Tourism day visits are an important element of tourism demand, estimated to account for around half of total tourism spend in the UK. Tourism is an integral part of Norfolk’s economy and day trippers help contribute towards Norfolk’s economic growth.”
The findings of a survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that businesses, smaller firms in particular, need more support to trade with high-growth markets. The survey of more than 8,000 businesses, including Norfolk Chamber members, suggests that UK exports are held back by a focus on traditional or mature markets at the expense of larger, faster-growing economies.
The EU remains the most popular destination for exports. When asked where they export to, 88% of respondents sell their products or services to the EU. This compares to 47% of businesses that export to BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), and 55% to other Asian and Middle-Eastern markets such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia. However, while nearly three-quarters (73%) of large firms trade with BRIC countries, only a third (32%) of micro firms do business in these fast-growing markets.
The survey also asked exporters where they see the greatest opportunities for growth in the next twelve months. Two-thirds (67%) of large exporters see the BRIC economies as providing the most export growth, but this falls to around half (49%) among medium-sized firms, and a third (33%) of micros. More smaller businesses believed that the EU offers the greatest opportunities for export growth (56%).
The results showed businesses that belong to an international group or supply chain are 50% more likely to see growth opportunities in the fastest-growing, emerging economies, than those that don’t. The transport, manufacturing and education sectors are the most enthusiastic about opportunities for growth in developing economies.
Export sales among UK firms are hindered by several barriers, from languages and cultural differences to overseas public sector procurement rules. Overall, regulation and export tariffs top the list of barriers for exporters. Those trading in Africa quote political risk as the biggest concern.
Commenting, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said:
“More and more Norfolk businesses are exporting their goods and services overseas, but many still face obstacles when trading internationally. Smaller firms in particular can find it difficult to break into newer, emerging markets, such as Brazil, India and China. These countries are growing more than traditional export partners like those in the eurozone, and so present real opportunities for businesses. However, small firms often lack the resource of larger firms, which is why they need more support to break into new markets. The government must provide more targeted help and advice for smaller firms to help them take their first step in trading with these fast-growing economies. Norfolk Chamber has created a dedicated Export Zone within its new website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk giving help and advice and links to a large amount of information”
“Britain has the potential to be a great exporting nation. The government must work together with business to unlock the potential of Britain’s exporters, who will in turn help to drive the economic recovery.”
BCC recommendations
Better targeted support for exporters to access the fastest-growing markets: Businesses that export to the fastest-growing markets are the most likely to encounter barriers that hold back sales. This partly explains why there is a size divide in these markets – smaller businesses have fewer resources to overcome these obstacles. As it seeks to expand its reach from 25,000 to 50,000 SMEs over the coming months, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and its partners must work to address the reticence of some sectors and size groups to consider trading in new markets. Targeted support, such as sharing practice on foreign bureaucracy and introductions into new markets, is crucial in helping companies access high-growth BRIC countries.
Open up new markets through free trade agreements: There is a clear relationship between the volume of UK exports to overseas markets, and the formal legal agreements that underpin trade. SMEs in particular, which lack the resources of larger companies, would benefit from breaking down the tariffs and bureaucracy of markets that are not currently covered by free trade agreements with the EU. The government should look to create bilateral free trade agreements with India and Japan and further liberalise trade with the United States.
Re-establish foreign languages as core subjects within the UK national curriculum and in workplace training: Differences in language and culture are seen as important barriers to entering fast-growing markets like the BRICs, Asia and the Middle East. The National Curriculum must be revised so that studying a foreign language is compulsory until AS level, and incentives such as tax credits for small and medium-sized businesses introduced for those firms that make a significant investment in language training.
Now in its third year, the Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability Conference, sponsored by adapt+, Create Consulting Engineer Ltd and EDF Energy, was held at the John Innes Centre on Thursday 10 May and was superbly attended and supported both by the local business community and by a range of national companies that travelled into Norwich specifically for the event.
The conference got off to a great start when Andy Wood, Chief Executive of Adnams and Chair of New Anglia LEP, gave a fascinating presentation on Adnams sustainable credentials. Adnams won the Queens award for sustainability just a couple of weeks earlier and it was clear to see why. Tom McGarry, Communications Manager at Sizewell C from EDF Energy told the 200 delegates attending the conference of the opportunities available to companies through the sustainable supply chain portal www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk.
George Padelopoulos, Senior Sustainability Manager at B&Q provided a practical insight into the Green Deal and Dr John French and Benedict Binns, both from Adapt Low Carbon Group provided a detailed overview of the sustainable development of the Centre for the Built Environment at the UEA. Attendees also had to opportunity to hear about the Green Economy Pathfinder, a project initiated by the New Anglia LEP, from the Group Director of Anglian Water, Mark Pendlington.
The conference climaxed with a rare opportunity to hear from a truly inspirational speaker with big ideas and a great presence. Gunter Pauli an entrepreneur in the true sense of the word really blew the audience away with his dynamism and pure business drive.
Gunter feels that it is not enough to protect our environment but to regenerate. His ideas relate to what he calls the ‘Blue Economy’ and he is looking to change the rules, encourage local entrepreneurship, create jobs and change the business model to achieve competitiveness. This is one of those occasions where you really needed to be there to get the full effect, trying to write this down just demonstrates to me the power of presentation. Gunter’s thoughts and examples of his fantastic work are illustrated in his books about the Blue Economy and his children’s fables will be given to every primary school child in china and they have asked him to write 365 – one for each day of the year.
There was a great selection of companies exhibiting at the event ranging from energy companies to construction consultants, print and technology companies to transport solutions all showing how they could help businesses to become more sustainable.
The workshops bought up some interesting points. Paul Bourgeois, Zero Carbon Britain explained the bigger picture on Renewable Heat Incentives while Damian Baker, Ren Energy gave practical examples of how you can achieve this and gain the subsidy. Jonathan Cage, Create Consulting Engineers threw away sustainability rulebook and explained the variety of ways in which businesses could become more sustainable.
There were also some interesting workshops on Passivhaus in which Mark Lumley, Architype and Andrew Savage, Broadland Housing explained their particular projects and the benefits and challenges that they involved. This was drawn to a close by a debate on passivhaus and whether it should be the Norfolk standard which covered some very interesting points from both sides of the argument and the vote, although not unanimous, was that it should be.
The Highways Agency haspublished its Business Plan, which sets out how it will operate,maintain and improve the 4,300-mile network of motorwaysand trunk roads in England in the year ahead. For the comingfinancial year, key highlights in the Highways Agency’sBusiness Plan include:
Continuing to deliver the programme of major road improvement schemes efficiently, bringing significant benefits to road usersand the national and regional economies. Subject to statutory processes, they plan to start work on four major road schemes:in 2012/13: M6 J5 to J8 managed motorway; dualling of the A11between Fiveways and Thetford in Norfolk; M1 J32 to 35a managedmotorway; and widening of the A453 in Nottinghamshire. The first of the new Asset Support Contracts (ASCs), which will deliver increased value for money in operating and maintaining the strategic road network, going live in mid-2012.
Commencement of the procurement process for free-flow chargingat Dartford.
Taking forward investment on the A14, to reduce congestion andincrease resilience, including junction improvements.
Staffing a dedicated, full-time Olympic command centre for theGames.
Leading the delivery of a number of elements of the joint CLEAR(Collision, Lead, Evaluate, Act and Reopen) initiative to reduce theinconvenience caused by motorway incidents.
Delivering the first elements of an integrated asset managementsystem, which will provide better information for decision-making formaintenance and renewal activity. The first of the new Asset Support Contracts (ASCs), which willdeliver increased value for money in operating and maintaining thestrategic road network, going live in mid-2012.
Please note that from 20 April 2012, the Iraqi Embassy have stated that you will need to provide extra documents when applying for legalised ArabCertificates of Origin.
For more details, please see Circular 722 issued by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce which was received on 11.05.12