Chamber News

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce “Today’s budget will put pressure on many businesses.   Whilst the Chancellor has provided clarity on the Government’s manifesto, from an average business perspective, the significant increase in employers national insurance contributions, combined with the reduction on the employers secondary threshold from £9,000 to £5,000 will be challenging for many firms to be able to absorb the additional costs. Whilst, the smallest firms will welcome the additional help that increasing the employer allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which will offset some of the tax pain, any business, with effectively more than 15 employees, will still face greater financial burden.  There will be large number of businesses looking at the increased employer costs and seeing no option but to consider increasing their own prices to their customers. One such business is a Norfolk-based family pub operator, with multiple sites and employing circa 50 people.  They commented: “Hospitality has never fully recovered from the adverse economic and consumer behaviour impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and following the energy crisis and the current cost of living crisis, the announcement that the national minimum age is to increase for apprentices and 16-17 and 18-20 year olds is a further swingeing blow to an already fragile industry in Norfolk and across the UK as a whole. “Pubs and restaurants rely upon young people to perform important customer service roles and with disposable incomes reduced and consumer spending already being suppressed by the cost-of-living crisis, the adverse impact of a labour overhead increase of this magnitude will invariably result in increased prices for consumers and a reluctance for hospitality operators to hire and create employment.” On the more positive side, the announcement that business rates for 2026/2027 will have two lower tax rate bands for retail, hospitality and leisure will be welcomed by these businesses. As a region, businesses will be looking carefully at how to capitalise on the government’s proposed investment plans for sectors such as life sciences, creative and engineering.  We also welcome Ms Reeves announcement on the investment in broadband for rural areas. Norfolk businesses and residents alike are aware of the pothole challenges in this region, so further investment for roads maintenance will be welcomed by all, but it was disappointing to not hear of any further infrastructure investments in the East, apart from East/West rail for Cambridge.  To help the sustainability agenda and to progress economic growth, we really need to see the Ely/Haughley rail junctions be delivered as soon as possible.”

Nova Fairbank Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce “As the voice of business in our county, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce constantly engages with our business community and we are consistently hearing the need for certainty and clarity.  Both are vital for any business, in order for them to have the confidence to commit to making their own investments for growth. Since the general election in July, businesses have been holding their breath to see what new Labour government will prioritise, after 14 years in opposition.  This is reflected in the recent results of our Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) – the largest independent business survey in the UK –  which showed 70% of Norfolk businesses are not increasing investment and 54% are seriously concerned about taxation. Our business community has shown remarkable resilience, patience and pragmatism, but the uncertainty of a change of government has led to a reduction in business investment.  Businesses are calling for clarity, so it is hoped that this week’s budget will end much of the uncertainty around key policy decisions. The potential, and indeed, likely increase in employer national insurance contributions in this week’s budget has resulted in a swathe of comments from our employers across the county.  86% of our members are classed as SMEs and will be disproportionately impacted by this.  Leaving less to invest in their staff, recruitment, or growth. Here are just a few of their comments: Sara Docwra from this This is Effective in Great Yarmouth said: “With the added pressure on small businesses, any increase to NI contributions, along with any increase to employer pension contributions would have a detrimental effect on small businesses who are the lifeblood of the UK economy.” Charlotte Notley from Taylor Investigations in Norwich said: “It would be great to see support for SMEs in Norfolk, without it being of detriment to the businesses who employ staff. A possible increase of the employer contribution to NI and to levy NI on employers’ pension contributions could be the difference between growth and recruitment or preventing further opportunities to employ.  I would also like to see funding and grant opportunities for businesses to train and retain staff.” James Fowler from Uptech Ltd in King’s Lynn said: “How does any raise on Tax or NI for a business help the economy or an employee?  This is likely to be a huge hindrance on SME’s, as it will reduce availability of pay rises and investment.  In a digital era, businesses need to be able to invest in tech in order to create growth and to support its people.” Rachel Reeves’ first budget as Chancellor must clearly show Norfolk businesses that this government is on their side. To that end, they are also calling for: An Effective Industrial Strategy –  that focuses more on green and digital innovation, especially for our offshore renewables sector and the digitisation of foundational sectors like agriculture, hospitality and tourism. Improvements in our Infrastructure – Norfolk has one of the lowest levels of infrastructure investment in the country.  To unlock further growth we need to see improvements to the likes of the A47, our main east / west trunk road.  The delivery of the Ely and Haughley rail junction improvements to enable more freight capacity and to get more HGVs off our roads.  And digital and mobile connectivity improvements – there are still far too many not spots across our rural county and broadband for everyone which would allow our businesses to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK. Greater Support to Improve Skills – Norfolk businesses are keen to see what help can be put in place to help support those on long-term sick or those who are struggling to access the workforce.  They would like to see the gaps in local training provision being plugged and for support for helping the long-term sick back into work, plug the gaps in local training provision and critically, longer-term funding for LSIPs and greater flexibility in Apprenticeship Levy use. Employment Rights – businesses are seeking greater clarity on the secondary legislation that will make the Employment Rights Bill a reality.  Businesses all support better working conditions for their employees, but a balance is needed to ensure that the policy doesn’t inadvertently push people out of work. Other areas businesses would like to see the Chancellor address, include a more workable R&D Tax Credit System and significant reform of the Business Rates system, which penalises any business before they have even made a profit.

Thank you to everyone who made B2B 2024 at the Norfolk Showground our biggest and best yet! With the most exhibitors we’ve ever had and nearly 1,200 attendees, the energy throughout the day was absolutely electric. The Norfolk business community once again came together to make this event truly special, and we couldn’t have done it without your enthusiasm and support.

Thank you again to Uptech for being our headline sponsor this year.

We’re already prepping for #B2B25 so mark your calendars for Thursday 9th October 2025! To secure your stand at the early bird rate, click here!

A few words from Nova Fairbank – Chief Executive  B2B 2024 was our biggest and best yet.  With a record breaking number of visitors and exhibitors, there was something for everyone.  As the largest business to business exhibition in the East of England, we went totally viral across the social media channels.  So thank you to all of the brilliant businesses who gave our amazing event a shout out.  With an exhibitor breakfast, a brand new exhibition layout, loads of truly creative exhibition stands and an ‘It’s a Wrap’ drinks reception to finish it all off – why wouldn’t you book now for 2025?!

A few words from Jack Weaver – Chief Operating Officer  Our B2B Exhibition is probably my favourite large event we put on, and 2025 did not disappoint! We had more stands, more visitors and more networking than ever and the feedback I am getting from you the business community about how brilliant it was is non-stop. From doors opening, throughout the day, and even over the following weekend social media was awash with great conversations, new client relationships and huge positivity all centred on B2B. By any measure this was the best one yet and the work to make B2B26 even better starts now!

A few words from Shelley Rudling – Events Manager The B2B 24 Exhibition was our biggest and best yet, and it was an honour to lead the event for the first time. We had more stands, more visitors, and more networking opportunities than ever before, with a fresh layout and structure to the day’s events. The overwhelming positive feedback across social media, especially on LinkedIn, was incredible to see. The energy and connections made were unmatched. Next year, we’re aiming even higher and promise to deliver an even greater experience at B2B 25

A few words from Rick Notley – Marketing & Communications Manager B2B 2024 truly set a new standard! With a brand-new layout and upgraded shell scheme, the event space looked more dynamic and inviting than ever. Our improved schedule of events kept the energy high and the footfall steady throughout the day. B2B dominated social media in the days that followed, with attendees and exhibitors sharing their highlights, new connections, and success stories. It’s this momentum we are looking forward to taking forward to a bigger and better B2B again in 2025!

View the official photos from the day here.

• BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q3 2024 shows a dip in SME exporters already poor performance on overseas sales.
• Under a quarter of exporting SME firms (22%) saw their overseas sales rise in Q3, compared to 27% in Q2.
• More than half of all SME exporters (54%) saw no change in overseas sales, and 24% reported a decrease.
• BCC’s SME export sales indicator has consistently underperformed compared to domestic sales indicators since the pandemic.

The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the BCC’s Insights Unit, is a survey of just under 2,000 UK SME exporters. It shows the percentage of SME exporters reporting increased exports has fallen back in Q3 by five percentage points after an uptick in Q2. Overall, 22% of SME exporters reported an increase in export sales, while 24% reported a decrease and 54% reported no change. The position for advance orders is even less optimistic with 19% of SMEs reporting an increase, 56% no change, and 25% a decrease. SME exporters are consistently more likely to report decreased exports compared to before the pandemic and Brexit. In Q2 2018, only 14% of SME exporters reported a decrease in overseas sales, in Q3 2024 it stands at 24%. By contrast, domestic demand for SME exporters remains consistently more buoyant, with 32% reporting an increase in domestic sales in Q3 2024, against 22% for overseas sales. SME manufacturers are slightly more likely to report increased overseas sales, with 26% reporting a rise in exports. This compares to SME services exporters supplying end customers (B2C), where 20% saw an increase, while 20% of firms supplying services to other businesses (B2B) saw a rise. However, the picture for advance orders showed no improvement, with 24% of SME manufacturers reporting an increase, 16% of B2C firms and 17% of B2B businesses. William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:   “While the UK economy made a brighter start in 2024, it’s an increasing concern that this is not translating into a better performance on exports for our SMEs. “It’s also alarming that our research shows the services sector is experiencing a harder time than manufacturers, as it has been the UK success story since the pandemic. “The Government’s forthcoming Trade Strategy needs to be laser focused on addressing the issues which are holding back exporters of both goods and services. “There are some positive actions already underway. These include significant trade negotiations restarting, the UK’s imminent accession to the Pacific region’s largest trade bloc, more focus on digital trade and a commitment to an improved EU trading relationship. “But business will want to work with Government at pace, to put in place a framework that makes use of all the UK’s advantages to unleash our exporting potential. “The Government’s recent announcement of a new supply chain taskforce, to increase resilience, is also an essential step.”

A Norfolk Business Board tasked with developing a vibrant economy, helping local companies to succeed and ensuring the region has the necessary skills and infrastructure has met for the first time. Representing a wide range of backgrounds, including agri-food, clean energy, creative industries and financial services, the board’s members were chosen from almost 70 applications and will help oversee an ambitious, evidence-based economic strategy for Norfolk. Meeting four to six times a year, they will give their time to deliver the board’s vision for inclusive economic growth, in partnership with business, education, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The first meeting was held on Thursday 26 September at Hethel Engineering, near Norwich. Norfolk Business Board was set up earlier this year following the integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership into Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council. This resulted from a central government decision in April 2023. Cllr Kay Mason-Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk’s economy has huge potential for growth, and we need to provide the right growing conditions with an environment that is vibrant, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable. “The Board will collaborate with partners to support the economy with the right jobs, skills, training, and infrastructure, and work well for our businesses and people, giving everyone the best opportunities to succeed.” Nick Steven-Jones, CEO of Jarrold and who was appointed chairman at the meeting, said: “I am very pleased and proud to be elected chair of the newly formed Norfolk Business Board. It is a great opportunity for representation of businesses and councils in driving the Norfolk economy forward in a way its vibrancy and entrepreneurial nature deserves. We look forward to delivering tangible progress on the plans and achieving a real impact and benefit for the whole of Norfolk.” Norfolk Business Board’s members are: Charlie Wright, Chief Customer Officer, Epos Now Prof David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor, UEA Denise Hone, Senior Stakeholder Manager, RWE Mark Gorton, Managing Director, Traditional Norfolk Poultry Nick Steven-Jones, CEO, Jarrold Nova Fairbank, CEO, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Paul Padda, Principal and CEO, East Coast College Robin Milton, Founder, Fairer Games Stephen Crocker, CEO & Creative Director, Norwich Theatre Amy Griffiths, CEO, Diss & Thetford District, Citizens Advice Candy Richards, Development Manager (East Anglia), Federation of Small Businesses (alternate) Lucy Hogg, Director of Voluntary Infrastructure, Voluntary Norfolk (alternate) The board also includes the leaders or appointed representatives of all eight local authorities. To find out more about the work of Norfolk Business Board, visit www.norfolkbusinessboard.co.uk

Chambers East was one of the speakers lobbying for greater infrastructure investment in the East of England at yesterday’s Labour Party Conference fringe event in Liverpool. Chambers East brings together the four Chambers of Commerce in the East of England.  Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk to lobby with one strong voice on behalf of businesses across the East.  Jointly Chambers East has over 485 years of combined experience in supporting businesses and represents 3,550+ business members, employing over 300,000 people. The event was arranged by the East of England All Parliamentary Group and Transport East.  Nova Fairbank, the Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers was representing Chambers East and sat on a panel of speakers along with Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge, the CEO of Transport East, CEO of England’s Economic Heartland, the CEO of Freeports East and the Leader of West Suffolk Council.  The discussion was facilitated by Andrew Sinclair, Political Editor from the BBC. Among the key asks were the Ely and Haughley rail junctions, further dualling of the A47, investment in the Orwell Bridge and the Lower Thames Crossing. Commenting on the need for greater infrastructure investment, Nova Fairbank said: “Chambers East understands the frustrations being felt across our region, as a result of historic under-investment in our infrastructure.  Businesses need certainty and stability in order to create long term investment plans of their own.   As outlined in the recent Opportunities East Report, with the right infrastructure investments, we can unlock an East of England economy worth over £220 billion. “At present our region is a net contributor to UK PLC – even with the current under-investment. Imagine how much more we could achieve if we were allocated some much needed targeted funding to help galvanise our ambitions, productivity and ultimately economic growth.  That uplift would feed investment across the whole of the UK – far beyond just the East.

The British Chambers of Commerce has endorsed the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) focus on services and digital trade as key priorities. The BCC was part of a record-size UK delegation to the WTO Public Forum in Geneva, last week. It met with the UK Ambassador to the WTO, the wider UK Mission team, and businesses and other stakeholders from across the globe. Speaking after the event, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: “Business voices need to be heard at events like the WTO Public Forum, but also in its work all year-round. The BCC agrees with the priorities of the WTO Secretariat for the next 12 months.  Services are a UK, and global trade success story, and expanding markets for tradeable services will increase prosperity for UK businesses and the rest of the world. “On digital trade, we want to build a wider take up of the agreement on Electronic Commerce – currently accepted by 91 countries. This will cut costs and expand opportunities for both developing and developed nations. We need to do more to get other states into the tent on this agreement. “A major theme of the week was the effect of regulations and subsidies policies on openness to exports. Countries need to ensure that measures with good intentions on climate do not become overly protectionist in how they are applied. “We look forward to engaging further with the important work on these issues going on at the WTO. A strong rules-based global trading system matters to business in the UK, and we must make sure our voices are heard. “We share their aim of putting better trade and growth at the heart of the WTO staff and delegations’ agenda for the coming 12 months.” The BCC participated in a roundtable on carbon border adjustment mechanisms across the world, and future regulatory and subsidies policy decisions key to the future of the global trading system. It also heard from WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the WTO’s priorities for the year ahead and the publication of the World Trade Report, focusing on the need to green up supply chains, bolster services trade and e-commerce, look pragmatically at subsidies reform, and expand gender equality and inclusivity in global trade.

The report for the second phase of the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has been endorsed by the Minister for Skills at the Department for Education. Commenting on the report, the Skills Minister, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern said: “I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for Norfolk and Suffolk.  These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers. As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.” The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP outlines key skills required across our region’s vital sectors and offers a strategic roadmap to tackle skill shortages.  As the Employer Representative Body (ERB), Norfolk Chambers, in partnership with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, has successfully united employers, education and training providers, and local authorities to ensure that businesses are at the forefront of our regional skills agenda. In Phase 1, the LSIP identified that the key priorities were:

1. Skills provision mapping needed to be easy to navigate.
2. There need to be a region-wide offer for Soft and Digital skills training.
3. Private sector funding was needed for Net-Zero training.
4. A common language was needed between providers and employers to address the perceived barriers.

Having identified the key challenges, in  Phase 1 of the LSIP, this resulted in an invitation from the Department for Education (DfE), for our region’s colleges to bid for £4.7m via the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to help address them.   The bid was successful and a whole range of projects are now underway across Suffolk and Norfolk, addressing priorities outlined in the LSIP. This work is being led by Suffolk New College. Commenting on the success of a fully approved Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP for Phase 2, Nova Fairbank, CEO of Norfolk Chambers and Chair of the LSIP Board said: “Collaborating with local businesses and training providers is essential for truly understanding and meeting the skill demands of our region. The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP has made significant progress this year, fostering relationships which support the development of training to meet the needs of employers.   Norfolk Chambers has proudly led the work of the LSIP regionally and supported local businesses to position themselves for enhancing workforce development and remaining competitive.” Also commenting on progress of the LSIP and the importance of ongoing employer engagement, John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the LSIP Board said: “It is good to see the progress that the LSIP has made and in particular the catalytic impact of improved employer engagement.  We look forward to Chambers of Commerce continuing to use their convening expertise to enable further improvement in local skills for Norfolk and Suffolk.” Collectively, the Chambers have had a busy year since Phase 2 of the LSIP commenced in August 2023.  Success has included: A Signed MOU – between Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce and the Norfolk and Suffolk County Council’s Skills Hub, who have jointly agreed a set of common goals and the process for collaboratively achieving them – something completely new and unique for Norfolk and Suffolk that will shape the local skills eco-system and provide a catalyst for change. Training Provision has been Mapped – Initial mapping of training provision across Norfolk and Suffolk has been completed and an ongoing review is underway with Further Education, Higher Education and the independent training providers to ensure as much as possible is captured. Delivery of a Programme Digital & Soft Skills Courses – Working with the providers, there is now consistent delivery of a programme of bite-sized courses in digital and soft skills across all five of the Norfolk and Suffolk colleges and via independent training providers with over 50 courses to choose from.  LSIP employer feedback has also helped shape Skills Bootcamps. Many independent training providers (ITPs) are involved with both the sector groups across the counties and the ongoing LSIP delivery – one of these ITPs is WS Training Ltd.   Kirstie Wright, their Chief Executive commented on the ongoing importance of the LSIP findings, she said:  “Being a local independent training provider, we want to support the growth and expansion of the LSIP priorities across Norfolk and Suffolk and we can clearly see that there are skills deficiencies in certain industry areas which need to be addressed.  The LSIP really helped identify those gaps, it has provided evidence behind why investment in training in these crucial areas is so important, and from this perspective, it has been a pivotal report, in terms of supporting the development and growth initiatives for WS Training.” Above all, both Chambers have been doing what they do best, engaging employers across Suffolk and Norfolk, from micro businesses to the large corporates, gathering case studies and feedback and embedding that employer voice across the whole skills landscape. On employer engagement, the LSIP Engagement Manager, Dean Pierpoint said: “As we present our yearly progress report, it’s clear that empowering our local businesses with the right skills is crucial for driving growth and innovation in Norfolk and Suffolk. By collaborating closely with employers, local training providers, and key stakeholders, the LSIP is a key part of bringing businesses and education closer together, targeting the specific needs of our workforce.  This collaborative approach, which includes active involvement from FE and HE colleges and independent training providers, ensures employees gain valuable skills whilst strengthening our local businesses.” So what’s next for the LSIP and Chambers of Commerce?  The LSIP will continue to be delivered by the Chambers of Commerce until mid-2025 and we are already looking at what comes next to build upon the success so far.   There will be continued employer engagement across a wide range of sectors, not just the original priority areas. The LSIP will highlight employer ‘skills champions’ – these will be the LSIP Keystone Employers and will be the vocal advocates for their particular sectors.  Many of these have already been identified, but the LSIP is keen to engage as many employers as possible.  For more information and to find out how to get involved click here. Work on the four key priority areas will be ongoing, with more research and analysis of skills need to be undertaken, as will work with education providers on curriculum development.  The LSIP will continue to advocate for policies to support the alignment of the local skills system with the ongoing needs of the employers. Click here to read the Phase 2 Annual LSIP Progress Report.

The third QES of the year is now LIVE and this draw, you have the opportunity to win a lunch/dinner at Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouh for 4 with a bottle of wine. QES is the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth. The QES, accessible to companies of every scale, gauges trends in sales, exports, employment numbers, investment, and overall business optimism. Completing the survey online should take 3-5 minutes and can be found here. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Responding to the latest trade figures published by the ONS, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “June was a strong month for UK trade, with goods exports to the EU experiencing a double-digit rise. Services growth was steady for the month, and throughout the last quarter. “The data reflects the strengths of the UK’s export portfolio in professional, travel, financial and business services as well as manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport goods. “To keep up this momentum, we want to work with the Government on its forthcoming Trade Strategy. It must ensure the UK has the right framework in place to increase exports and improve the efficiency and security of its supply chains. “This must include a focus on improving trading terms with the EU, to cut the costs of doing trade and sustain June’s welcome sales growth in our largest export market.” The UK Trade Picture In Detail UK trade data reveals a strong goods trading month in June, rounding off the second quarter of 2024 with growing exports and imports. Goods Trade in June The volume of goods exports (excluding inflation) rose by 11% in June, with substantial increases in both EU exports (up by 12.7%) and non-EU trade (up 9.4%). Imports also saw a significant upswing in volumes for June with an overall increase of 7.8%. EU goods imports rose by 9.9% and non-EU goods by 9.4%. Drivers for the rise in exports to the EU were machinery and transport equipment. This included aircraft and electrical machinery to Germany, mechanical machinery to France, and pharmaceutical and medicinal products to the Republic of Ireland. For rest of the world, the main drivers were higher chemicals exports, particularly to the USA. Sales of medicinal products to the US were also up. For imports, the rise in EU goods was led by machinery and transport equipment – including aircraft from France. There was also an increase in imports of various manufactured goods from Germany. With non-EU imports, machinery and transport equipment sales played a key role in the increase – particularly aircraft from the USA and cars from China. Services On services trade, imports were estimated to have fallen by 2.6% in volume terms (excluding inflation), while exports continued on a steady path with a rise of 0.5%. Q2 2024 performance Goods  Imports from the EU across Q2 rose by 3.6%, in seasonally adjusted value terms, principally through stronger trade in machinery and transport equipment (cars, ships and mechanical machinery). On non-EU goods imports, there was a larger rise of 10.4%, driven by higher fuel (refined oil from India), and machinery and transport equipment (aircraft from the US and ships from China). Exports growth was smaller across the quarter than imports, with EU goods rising by 1.1% in seasonally adjusted value terms (driven by higher chemicals and manufactured materials). Non-EU goods rose by 1.5% (due to chemicals, machinery and transport equipment). Services Services imports rose by 3.3% compared with the first three months of the year, on the seasonally adjusted values basis, with strong performance from business, intellectual property and construction services. Exports grew by 2.8%, with business services, travel, telecoms and IT services doing particularly well. More detail on the ONS data can be found here.