Chamber News

We love our International Team! They’re an incredibly hard working bunch and they’ve supported Norfolk businesses throughout the intracies of Brexit and the difficulties of the pandemic, and all with complete calm and reassurance (and lots of tea and hobnobs)! We grabbed five minutes with our new apprentice Ethan Saunders-Johnson to chat about his apprenticeship… What were you doing before you joined the Norfolk Chambers? My last job before joining the International team at the Norfolk Chambers was working as a First Responder for a Private Ambulance Service, which Provided me with a vast array of skills I can put to use here and further develop at the Norfolk Chambers. However, between these jobs I had a 2 month period of unemployment. The first month was for me to recuperate from the non-stop hours I was working at my previous job to prepare myself for my next venture into a new career, as I believe avoiding burnout and knowing your own limitations are key to success. The second month was to ensure that I only took a job offer if I believed that it was the perfect fit for me, and not to compromise on my future. During these months off I further studied Business fundamentals, Market structure, NFT’s & NFT marketplaces and Interpreting balance sheets to aid in my stocks, shares and cryptocurrency trading which I used, and continue to use, to avoid using savings to cover bills. What was interesting/attractive to you about working within the International Trade department? The International Trade Department piqued my interest due to the level of attention to detail required for the role, and as a perfectionist I am excited for the challenge to keep my skills sharp. It’s a complicated area with a huge amount of training needed – what do you think will make you great for the role? I’m an ambitious person, sometimes too ambitious, but I believe that if we all strive for perfection we can achieve greatness. I am keen to face this challenge head on to further develop my skills and knowledge in my repertoire. Every Chamber Member has their own Trading Card and ‘name’  –  yours will be created soon and your photos booked, is there a name you’d love to have? This is something I have to think about – I love the idea and I will have to ask the team for their input! What will be your Christmas party tipple? Either a sweet and refreshing fruity cider or a warming rioja. What are you looking forward to in 2022? I am looking forward to achieving my BCC Certification, completing my apprenticeship and continuing my personal and professional development to establish a secure foundation upon which to build my career. Ethan will be in expert hands, as he joins Julie Austin,our International Quality Manager and Sam Martin, who recently passed his own apprenticeship and is now our International trade Co-ordinator. We are all really looking forward to working with Ethan, and watching him get stuck in to his apprenticeship! Best of luck to you Ethan!

Pupils from Mile Cross Primary School entered the Dragons’ Den this week, in the finale of a project aimed at inspiring young business minds and raising aspirations. Teams pitched their business ideas to the real-life dragons from Norwich’s business community, with the overall winners receiving a virtual investment into their idea. Pupils were mentored by the current Norwich School Lower Sixth, and were tasked with creating business plans, marketing strategies and financial projections for their business. Ideas ranged from customised key chains, detachable football boot studs to panic alarm jewellery and solar boosted roller boots!  All pitches impressed the judges with their clear purpose, marketing strategies and professional pitches on the day.  The runners up were ‘ACDM Sport’ with their waterproof and washable football boots and the winners were ‘We Are ElectroAbs’ for their indoor/outdoor cycle, made with sustainable materials, that will charge your laptop/mobile phone while you ride! Norwich School received the support of the Business Dragons, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Caroline Jarrold, the Sheriff of Norwich and Tom White, Head of Economics and Business at Norwich school. Commenting on the finale, Nova Fairbank said: “The students pitching in the Dragon’s Den have done an amazing job.  Their presentations were well thought out and they had clearly done lots of work and research before presenting enthusiastic and interesting pitches.  The Dragons had a truly difficult decision to select the winning bid and congratulations to ‘We Are ElectroAbs’ on their winning pitch.  The talent and energy in the room was brilliant and I think we may have seen several future entrepreneurs!  Well done to all the teams.” Fellow Dragon, Caroline Jarrold said: “It was so impressive to see the pitches from the students and the creativity of their ideas. It must have been quite a daunting situation for them and they did incredibly well in presenting their proposals and business plans. It is heartening to see a collaboration of this nature between the two schools and all of the pupils should be very proud of their achievements. I felt that we saw some really good signs of enterprise and imagination and hope that the students will look back on a day which gave them a great opportunity to work together, develop ideas and skills and build their confidence for the future.”

Our International Training dates for 2022 are here – so make sure you book your places early to avoid disappointment. If you would like to book a place or you have any questions then please get in touch with the International team on: export@norfolkchambers.co.uk  

Covid Co.nfidence for Face-To-Face Events We are conscious that many people will be concerned about attending face-to-face events in a ‘pre-pandemic’ way. We have therefore introduced our COVID Co.nfidence policy which will be adhered to for each event we host.

• Cancellation – If you have to cancel your ticket at short notice due to testing positive for Covid, having Covid symptoms, or having to self-isolate we will swap your ticket to a future event of your choice with no cancellation fees
• We do not require you to wear a mask, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask then we totally understand
• We ask that you refrain from shaking hands as not everyone feels comfortable with doing so
• We highly recommend that you take a Lateral Flow Test prior to attending any of our events, and if you do test positive or show any Covid symptoms, please do not attend.
• In order for us to deliver events safely, we ask that you book with confidence and book early – due to the nature of the pandemic we are having to put orders in for catering much earlier than normal to adhere to attendee numbers. This may result in ticket sales ending early
• If you feel uncomfortable attending face-to-face networking events, we are still running our Chamber Co.nnect Virtual networking event once a month for members only, along with webinars and other virtual events for the whole business community

For further information on the new restrictions from the Government please visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

The new export strategy kickstarts ‘Race to a Trillion’ as DIT publishes 12-point plan to help UK businesses hit £1 trillion in exports.The Government today launches an ambitious new ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ plan to help businesses across the UK double exports and sell their world-class products around the globe. The 12-point export strategy – published today (Wednesday 17 November) by the Department for International Trade – will give businesses the tools they need to become a nation of exporters and reap the benefits of our free trade deals. It includes an Export Support Service that offers a one-stop shop for exporting advice, and the launch of a new UK Tradeshow Programme better-tailored to help businesses, particularly those outside London and the South East, to attend and promote their products around the world. DIT will also be expanding its Export Academy – launched in October – to roll it out across all of the UK including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The academy will invite owners and managers of SMEs to access masterclasses, roundtables and networking events that help them overcome common challenges first-time exporters face. The UK exported £600 billion in goods and services last year (1), but only around one in ten GB businesses currently export (2) – with the number of goods exporters falling behind continental competitors like Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands (3). Unlocking the UK’s exporting potential will help level up the country and boost the UK’s economy, with government commissioned research estimating that exports supported 6.5 million jobs across the UK in 2016, and showing that exporters pay higher wages. Separate analysis shows that goods exporting businesses are on average 21 percent more productive. International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan is calling on businesses to ‘Race to a Trillion’ by seizing huge untapped opportunities on offer in the world’s fast-growing markets. Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, said:

This is a defining moment in our national trading story. As we agree ambitious new trade deals around the world, it is more vital than ever that businesses across the UK take advantage of these opportunities and unleash their full exporting potential. Our export strategy will help more businesses start exporting and help those who already export to sell more products to more countries. Reaching £1 trillion worth of exports by the end of this decade means more jobs, more opportunities and higher wages helping the UK to level up and build back better.

This week, DIT is running the inaugural International Trade Week, featuring a series of over 100 events and workshops across the country hosted by expert trade advisers aimed to help businesses to take advantage of the export support available to them. Minister for Exports, Mike Freer MP, said:

We know businesses are at different points on their exporting journey. Some are already successful exporters but want to sell more products or reach new markets. Others are yet to take the leap and export for the first time. Whatever your story, our tailored support, expertise and international network is here and ready to help you maximise your ambitions and sell to the world.

The strategy – titled ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ – will see government work hand-in-hand with business to help them to succeed in the global marketplace through a first-class export support framework. It will help replicate higher levels of exporting seen in the South East of England across all parts of the country to deliver on the Prime Minister’s ambition to level up the UK, and transform the country into a high-wage, high-skill, high-productivity economy. The 12-point strategy includes:

• Launching the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign, championing the UK’s priority sectors through an innovative, localised marketing campaign that will promote the best of British goods and services in our towns and cities.
• The Export Support Service provides a single point of contact for exporters to Europe. Since launching in October the new export hotline and online service has helped hundreds of businesses to get exporting (4).
• UK Export Academy expansion to offer SMEs in all parts of the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the chance to learn how to navigate the technicalities of exporting and how to find new opportunities in overseas markets.
• A new UK Tradeshow Programme will be bigger and better targeted to give UK companies, especially SMEs, a leg-up to exhibit their first-class products at the world’s biggest tradeshows.
• UK Export Finance – our world-leading export credit agency – will expand its offer with new products and a wider delivery network that will make it easier for UK exporters to secure business from overseas buyers.
• Export Champions, ensuring businesses can build and learn from exporting successes through business-to-business networking and peer-to-peer learning
• Internationalisation Fund, open to SMEs in England, will aim to grow international sales, and has facilitated £4 million of support to SMEs attending Trade Fairs.

British Chambers of Commerce Director-General, Shevaun Haviland said:

More than 60% of Chamber members export overseas compared to just 10% of all businesses UK-wide. To turn the UK into the global economic powerhouse it deserves to be that has to change, and the launch of the DIT’s export strategy is a really positive step toward making that happen. We are keen to work with Government to lift export-led growth in sustainable goods, services and technologies for companies the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. We are uniquely placed to help with our unrivalled expertise in trade facilitation, the advice, training and brokerage services of Chamber Customs and the extensive market access provided by our 76 international chambers. Once you open the door to international trade the possibilities for expansion are endless.

Further information

• Those who are interested in exporting or wish to maximise business growth via exporting can sign up to a local International Trade Week event

Sources

1. Source: ONS UK Trade September 2021
2. Source (data is for 2019): ONS Annual Business Survey
3. Sources (data is for 2017): OECD Trade by enterprise characteristics and OECD Structural and Demographic Business Statistics
4. Source: DIT Management Information collected from ESS telephone and digital systems. Since operational to 5 November, the telephone helpline (operational 1 October) received 786 enquiries and the digital enquiry service (operational 22 July) received 785 enquiries. Data has had basic quality assurance checks and is subject to revision

You can view this original Department of International Trade article here Photo credit: Pixabay/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022

What You Need Is What We Do. Last Thursday, we were delighted to co-host our second Co.llaboration with the incredible Stokely Howard, Founder of Trendy Grandad and his GEN-E young professionals networking event in Norwich. These have taken off spectacularly, selling out in just 24 hours – one week before the event itself. 86 young professionals met at Bar & Beyond in norwich to Co.nnect and network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Attendees joined from across Norfolk’s thriving business Co.mmunity; from solicitors, accountants, HR professionals, to marketing specialists, entrepreneurs and even a magician! A networking event created for young professionals to have engaging Co.nversations, opportunities and Co.nnections with their fellow peers. GEN-E was launched as part of Co.next, a brand new concept from the Norfolk Chambers where we aim to provide dynamic events and learnings for the next generation. This is just the beginning of our journey, our first Co.next board meeting will take place this week, where we will gather a range of inspirational business leaders who will help us to shape the future and growth of this concept. Watch this space!  We have only just started on the Norfolk Chambers Co.next programme! See you soon!

We are very proud of Sam Martin, our brilliant International Trade Apprentice. Sam has passed his British Chambers training courses with flying colours and is now very capable of offering a wide range of advice and support to the Norfolk business community. He is also fully qualified on standard international documentation, including certificates of origin, carnets and EUR1s and import/export Customs documentation. We grabbed five minutes with Sam to chat about his apprenticeship… When did you start your apprenticeship at the Norfolk Chambers? I started my apprenticeship at the chamber in March 2020, it was then postponed until around July later on in the year because of Covid ☹. What interested you about working within the International Trade department – it was a completely new direction for you wasn’t it? You’re right, it was something I had never experienced before. Since Sixth form I had wanted to find some experience in the business world and the opportunity of working in International trade was one I could not miss. International trade is an ever-changing Industry and having the chance to engage in such an extensive market was really attractive for me. International Trade is a complicated area with an incredible amount of training needed – was it daunting to begin with? I would not describe it as daunting but more exciting. I had only ever worked within hospitality, and so the opportunity to learn so much and really get stuck into a specialised role was something I could only look forward to. Of course, as with any new job it is going to be a bit nerve wracking at times but with time things can only get easier and more comfortable. What did you find helpful within your apprenticeship with such a steep learning curve? I think a main help with the apprenticeship, was the support with working in a business environment and especially the admin side. I had never worked in an office before and the constant help with understanding my role within the company really aided me along the way. Was the practical training on documentation helpful with your studying and online work? The training here at the chamber has definitely helped with my studying! By continuing to learn and develop my skills in online working and computers, I am able to learn more efficiently every day. Co.ngratulations! You’re fully qualified on standard international documentation, including certificates of origin, carnets and EUR1s, and on import/export Customs documentation  – this is an incredible achievement Sam! Is there an area you particularly enjoy? At the moment I have really been enjoying the customs side of the role. I have only been involved in the customs role for a few months, and every day you are dealing with different clients sending new and strange goods abroad which is always entertaining to experience. Not only this, but there is so much still to learn as we move over to new and improved systems so no days are ever the same as the last! What has been the most challenging aspect of your role?  I would say the most challenging part of the role is the ability to adapt to new regulations or new rules especially within documentation. It’s hard work with so many different rules for individual countries or documents, when new ones are implemented, especially in everyday work. At times, it can be hard to keep up and remember to apply the knowledge where it needs to be, but I have our International Trade expert Julie Austin on hand to support me whenever I need her advice. What has been the most positive aspect of your role? I have to absolutely say the most positive outcome of my role would be the ability to overcome a problem, and my confidence when helping others. A pivotal part of my role is offering support to clients in and around Norfolk, as each new call is usually different from the last, having the ability to stay calm and try and help in any way we can has been something I have really been able to improve on and develop! Every Chamber Member has their own Chambers Trading Card. Your name is ‘The Prodigy’, with skills as Precision, Discipline, versatility and determination –  and your motto; ‘Don’t be busy, be productive’ – how do you apply these skills to your work? By applying these skills to my work I take each task one step at a time and not trying to juggle a hundred things at once. In this role it can be very easy to suddenly have five things to do at once, but by keeping calm under pressure and taking each task as it comes you can complete them with precision and confidently to a workable  timescale at the same time – easy! You have excellent qualities to work in International as you are a very calm member of the team – ‘unflappable’. How do you keep calm when the pressure is on? The main way to stay calm under pressure is usually to shout for a quick answer from Julie! However, Julie may be busy with another client so usually I think the key is to not panic, as realistically the problem will always have some form of solution whether it takes a bit of time or not. As I have gained experience in the role I now have alot of resources around me that can help in situations under pressure –  so the solution is always there! What will be your Christmas party drink this year? Without doubt, it has to be a Pornstar martini! What are you looking forward to in 2022?  The main thing I am looking forward to in 2022 in my role at the chamber is developing as an individual and hopefully progressing higher and higher if I can. My aim is to try and get involved in as many projects as I can, as well as helping with any events to try and meet some of the clients we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Outside of work I would say I am mainly looking forward to travelling as much as possible, I already have a few trips lined up so hopefully, covid-pending, so I can get out of the country a bit as well! Well done Sam on your hard work and determination and passing your apprenticeship with a Distinction.  From everyone here at Team Chambers, we’re really looking forward to working with you and supporting you in 2022 and beyond!

Transport for Norwich are currently proposing two schemes out for public consultation to improve transport links and access for pedestrian/cyclists within Norwich. The resutls of a recent consultation on St Williams Way have also been published. A quick overview of each are below along with links for you to follow to find more information and have your say on each scheme.   One of the proposals is to look at upgrading and replacing the existing Toucan crossing on Heartsease Lane which serves both the pink and purple pedalway routes in the Norwich cycling network with a fully segregated modern crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the existing carriageway will be resurfaced. This project aims to provide a safer environment by providing a wider segregated crossing which will provide separation between pedestrians and cyclists. More info. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Transport Hub – The aim of this project is to provide a new bus interchange close to the outpatients entrance that increases the capacity for buses, resolves congestion and reduces conflict with vulnerable users of the disabled car parking area. In addition, there is a proposal to introduce a bike share facility to strengthen the hub’s provision and increase passenger capacity. More info. St Williams Way consultation summary response – proposing to introduce a mandatory cycle lane with light segregation and double yellow lines along the length of St Williams Way (just west of Thor Loke to Margetson Avenue) to improve safety and encourage more people to cycle. Find out the results.

• 80% of firms in new survey saw an increase to their prices in the past year, with nearly half (46%) categorising these as ‘significant’. Only 2% saw a decrease
• The proportion reporting increased prices rose to 92% for manufacturers
• 75% of businesses with more than 50 employees said they had skills shortages within either their own business or those in their supply chain

New BCC data released today from a survey of over 1,000 businesses has thrown sharp focus on the impact of skills and commodities shortages for UK firms, with spiralling prices in evidence. The data show an overwhelming majority of businesses are raising prices as they face acute shortages and cost pressures – with vehicle fuel, shipping containers and utilities cited as the top areas of concern. When asked if they had seen a change in the price of their goods or services in the past year, 80% of respondents in total reported increases, with 46% reporting significant increases and 34% reporting slight increases. 15% reported no change with only 2% reporting any kind of decrease. For manufacturers the above question drew an even starker answer – 92% had seen an increase in the price of their good and services. When asked whether they, or any business in their supply chain, had experienced either increased costs or shortages of a variety of commodities over the past 12 months the results were striking:

• Of all respondents: 52% cited vehicle fuel, 34% shipping containers and 30% utilities such as gas or electricity
• Of manufacturers: 50% cited steel, 47% shipping containers, 45% vehicle fuel, 39% paper or cardboard, 38% plastics or rubber, 29% chemicals, 19% semiconductors. Only 2% of manufacturers reported that they had not faced increased costs or shortages from the items listed.

Half (50%) of businesses surveyed reported that either they, or others within their supply chains, had experienced skills shortages in the past 12 months. This figure rose to 75% for larger firms with over 50 employees and was least prevalent among firms employing less than 10 people at 31%. Roles commonly mentioned included HGV drivers, engineers, warehouse staff, accountants, chefs and IT technicians. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “These figures present a deeply worrying picture of the difficulties that businesses are currently facing, across multiple fronts as supply chain disruption persists. “Firms are facing huge pressures as they battle to keep on track for Christmas and provide the goods and services the UK needs, but we have yet to see any concrete steps to address these issues. “Unless action is taken soon, firms could be forced to cut back on their capacity or limit the range of products they offer. “The huge number of unfilled vacancies is placing further strain on staff having to cover, and Covid is also still with us. With more than 30,000 people a day having to isolate, it presents another on-going disruption to the workforce which businesses must grapple with. “While there are some global issues at play, there are levers that the Government can pull to improve current business conditions, for example, the introduction of an energy price cap for SMEs and providing more temporary visas in the hardest hit sectors through expansion of the Shortage Occupation List. “The new Supply Chain Advisory Group must look carefully at these and other solutions to the immediate and longer-term challenges. “Firms also want to see a moratorium on all policy measures that increase upfront business costs for the remainder of this Parliament.”

We are reaching the end of our first full trading year, and this brings further changes in customs procedures so the British Chambers of Commerce has created a series of Webinars designed to help and support traders with the new rules and regulations. Join us and register below to these free and informative webinars

Monday 6th December, 2pm – International Trade Survey Results

Against a backdrop of Brexit and Covid disruption, manufacturers are experiencing huge increases in the cost of labour, energy and raw materials.

This session will present the results of our latest International Trade Survey and reveal the impact that the past year has had on trader confidence, investment plans, new markets and getting goods into and out of the UK.

Just what impact has the TCA had on exports to the EU and what confidence have traders gained in expanding their global reach under the UK Free Trade Agreements?

Thursday 9th December, 11am – Brexit, what Brexit?

With the ending of ‘Staged Customs Controls’ on 31st December, what impact will a fully controlled UK border have on traders.

For lots of traders, the UK departure from the EU customs union has brought little change. Supplies have continued to arrive at their business, there has been no real increase in paperwork and their EU suppliers seem happy to keep delivering.

If this is your business, our webinar will cover what records you should have kept but didn’t. What customs entries you should have made but missed. And more importantly, what action you can take now to avoid future fines and penalties.

Tuesday 14th December, 2pm – Full on Brexit!

Staged Customs Controls’ end on 31st December, meaning that the free flow of goods that has prevailed since Brexit Day will soon come to an end.  All EU imports will need to be accounted for with a full customs declaration.

There will be new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) arrangements, new pre-notification deadlines and a new inspection regime. This will apply to all EU exports and imports.

This week the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is launching its Business Climate Leaders (BCL) programme. With the World Leaders Summit coming to a close at COP26 and the messages coming out cementing the necessity to prioritise our own climate change activity, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s programme is firmly in-line with its mission: to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk. The business sustainability support space for SME’s is noisy and it takes time to correctly navigate through the many brilliant ideas, organisations and programmes designed to support on a carbon reduction journey that either already exist or are frequently launching . This may go some way to explain why, following a national business survey of SME’s, commissioned in 2021 by the British Chambers, when asked about measuring their carbon footprint, only 11% of respondents said yes, despite half of the respondents acknowledging that their customers are worried about the environment. 22% claimed they did not fully understand the term Net Zero and almost a third had yet to seek any advice. Chris Sargisson, CEO of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: “Every business we speak with is aware of the need to allocate time and investment to understand, devise and apply its approach to an effective carbon reduction program. Chambers support plans to help them to do just that. A dynamic, hands-on and far-reaching programme is being created that will firstly help understand what’s required; then confidently connect them to those many existing ideas, organisations and programs; and then support them to engage with an ever-evolving and adaptable programme of continued support.” This initial launch phase will see the Norfolk Chambers build the Advisory Board and actively cultivate a register of businesses, ideas, organisations and programmes that can support the programme delivery. Following this, the Chambers will develop varied events and free to access digital engagement mechanisms to ensure the programme resources are widely accessible and relevant for every business across the county. The objective of the Business Climate Leaders approach is simple; a free to access programme for every business, designed to educate, enable and support SMEs to seek, understand and apply appropriate, tested actions and activities that will put them on the path to Net Zero. The process will be governed by an Advisory Board, made up of influential exemplar business leaders to govern the work of the Business Climate Leaders programme. A programme that starts with each Net Zero engaged business electing their own Business Climate Leader. That person will act as the organisation’s key point of contact and will work directly with the BCL Programme to get them on their Net Zero journey and help keep them on track. From there the Chambers will apply a scalable support mechanism to deliver the program and create some effective success measurement tools. If you want to be involved in the program, please do get in touch bcleaders@norfolkchambers.co.uk

International Trade Update The US and EU reached a deal for the US to lift the risk of tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports late last week. Both sides also launched a Global Sustainable Steel Arrangement which they are inviting other countries to join. The arrangement is a joint commitment by the EU and US to use trade policy to confront climate change and global market distortions. The Department for International Trade (DIT) welcomed the tariffs deal but did not comment on the Arrangement. The BCC will engage with DIT on its approach to the Arrangement and its implications for UK manufacturers. DIT has announced that it will be taking new powers to call-in certain transition review decisions on trade remedies taken by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). This will not apply to new decisions taken, only to transition review decisions. It follows the controversy over the decisions taken on trade remedies applicable to steel in June. DIT is still considering the case for a wider review of the TRA’s remit. The BCC will monitor this situation carefully given issues with raw material costs currently being faced by businesses. BCC’s Head of Trade Policy William Bain gave evidence last week to the House of Lords European Affairs Committee on the operation of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA). William described the position faced by SMEs and others as “very challenging” across a range of issues from rules of origin compliance to VAT to agri-food exports to CE marking to labour mobility. Photo Credit: Pixabay/Chamber Canva Pro 2022