Chamber News

Department for International Trade (DIT) have launched a new Q&A service for exporters: https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team 

There is also a new checking tool on GOV.UK to assist with how to import or export goods:  https://www.gov.uk/check-how-to-import-export  

Intrastat Declarations - There will be no Intrastat requirement for the movement of goods exported from GB to the EU or goods imported from EU to GB, from 1 January 2022.  For NI imports from EU and NI exports to the EU, Intrastat will continue to be required for the lifetime of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which will be at least 4 years:  https://www.uktradeinfo.com/news/intrastat-declaration-requirements-for-2021/  

HMRC’s latest Trader Email is attached, as discussed yesterday, this leads on the topic of the Importing One Stop Shop (IOSS) with some helpful links within; to sign-up for HMRC’s Trader Email please follow this link: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHMRCED/subscriber/new?topic_id=EU_Exit  

Trading and moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland - this guidance has been recently updated and can be found here:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trading-and-moving-goods-in-and-out-of-northern-ireland 

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce International Department 01603 729 707 

The Chambers Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), the UK’s largest independent business survey, is open from (Monday 23 August 2021) for three weeks.

In the last quarter significantly more Norfolk firms reported improvements in domestic sales and business confidence but manufacturers advised that they were expecting to increase their prices and  many businesses cited concerns around inflation. 

The county is now predominantly unlocked – so how are businesses faring?  It is now more important than ever that your voice is heard by Government, the Chancellor and the Bank of England.

How has your business performed in the last quarter, where do you see the challenges and opportunities going forwards?  How confident are you about your financial position, your workforce and your future orderbook?

Without this vital local and regional knowledge they cannot make the right decisions and put relevant support mechanisms in place that will ultimately impact on you and your company.

The QES is anonymous, open to anyone and only takes a couple of minutes to complete online. 

We need your input, if you only take one survey, then please make it the QES.

Take Part Now.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXTENSION OF CE MARKING EASEMENT – BCC REACTION

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, 

“The British Chambers of Commerce has led business calls for an extension of at least a year on the easement for CE markings on imported industrial goods, spare parts, and components.   

“Businesses will welcome this reprieve until 1 January 2023, which will protect supply chains and make a huge difference to consumers on the availability of items such as phones and laptops. 

“There is currently a lack of testing capacity to enable the retesting of decades worth of CE marked items for the new UKCA specification, so this measure will be hugely important in allowing time for that capacity to be built and for retesting to take place. 

“A wider problem does still exist however – complex supply chains such as those in the automotive industry still face having to duplicate markings on certain components and incurring large costs for testing as a result. This could compromise the output of these industries, limit availability of goods for consumers and create mounting cost pressures on British businesses. 

“The Government needs to work now with businesses to ensure full consideration to the impacts are given before any decision to completely pull the plug on CE-marked goods, risking incurring costs to our economy that we may come to regret.” 

Digital connectivity, digital funding and innovations in LoRaWan connections across Norfolk are all part of Norfolk County Council’s strategy to make Norfolk the best-connected rural county in the UK.

How can better digital connectivity help your business? This is the question that Norfolk County Council plans to answer with an all-encompassing digital strategy for Norfolk that can help businesses save money, lessen their impact on the environment, achieve business growth and future proof their business.

The digital strategy is in three parts: Making sure that the whole of Norfolk (including rural areas) has digital connectivity with superfast broadband and 5G; the launch of the Go Digital project that helps provide SMEs with funding for digital transformation to increase productivity, recover from the pandemic and grow their business, plus access digital training for their employees; and finally by developing the Norfolk and Suffolk Innovation Network, the largest free-to-use public sector Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) in the UK, which delivers dual county connectivity to support Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. The network is an innovation network designed so business, public sector, schools and the general public can all experiment with the technology.

Norfolk businesses are now being asked What could your business do? when it comes to having better digital connectivity and an innovation network of digital sensors that can make almost anything possible.

Businesses who are already seeing what IoT sensors can do for their business include Unitec, Ben Burgess and Gressenhall. The technology network has helped Uniotec kickstart innovation in Norfolk and has helped with their business growth. IoT sensors have also helped Ben Burgess support their Norfolk clients in making cost savings and smart decisions, by helping them monitor crops and livestock. LoRaWAN has also enabled Gressenhall use GPS technology to conduct visitor analysis to improve visitor experience.

Cllr Tom FitzPatrick, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Innovation, Transformations & Performance, said: “It is important that our Strategy is not just for the County Council, so we want to make sure that everyone in Norfolk whether residents, businesses or visitors, is able to be given the opportunity to take full advantage of the opportunities and benefits offered by digital technology.

“Digital technology, accessed through fast data or mobile phones is not just something which is nice to have, but is now vital in keeping our essentially rural county at the forefront in terms of both the wider economy, learning and day to day activities.

“Good digital connection is vital and this Strategy, developed by Norfolk County Council is a step towards making Norfolk prosperous and inclusive. This Strategy will help tackle Digital exclusion in Norfolk.

“Our Innovation Network has gone from nothing to the largest in the UK in less than three years and offers existing businesses, entrepreneurs, the care and educational sectors the opportunity to harness a free to use network, which is growing globally.”

The official launch of Norfolk County Council’s digital strategy will take place on 22 September on the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council’s Norfolk Knowledge Hub platform. The Norfolk Knowledge Hub is the place for businesses to find resources on how to implement everything from digital, marketing and brand awareness, through to leadership, finance and environmental strategies.

Cllr Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: “Norfolk businesses have an invaluable opportunity to use our new Norfolk Knowledge Hub. Curated by the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, this platform offers a wealth of free information and advice with a wide range of support programmes and learning resources in a secure, virtual environment.

“It’s a great way to exchange and share knowledge and experiences, new ideas and to create new connections. As we recover from the pandemic, this will complement traditional but currently unavailable physical support.  I urge businesses to visit and take advantage of this innovative platform.”

Norfolk businesses who are interested in finding out more about how digital connectivity can benefit their business, including trialing LoRaWAN technology for their business can find more information at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/digital

The official launch of Norfolk County Council’s digital strategy will take place on Wednesday 22 September, 2021 across Social @NorfolkChamber and online on the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council’s Norfolk Knowledge Hub platform at https://norfolkknowledgehub.co.uk

Businesses can also get involved right now on social media @NorfolkChamber #ArtOfThePossible

Commenting on ONS Trade figures for June 2021, published today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“There has been a slight decrease in overall exports (by £0.6bn) which has been matched by a slight increase in imports (by £1bn).

“The export data has been driven by increased sales to the EU (by 1.2%) as demand picked up following the release of lockdowns and the unbundling of pre-Brexit stockpiles – as firms begin to reorder. By contrast non-EU exports fell by 5.6% between May and June this year.

“The rise in EU imports was largely down to more cars coming into the UK. By contrast car exports to non-EU countries saw falls over the last few months, partly explained by staff and semiconductor shortages.

“Although most goods sectors saw rises in EU orders, the UK chemicals sector was a notable benefactor from the rise in EU exports due to the pickup in vaccination levels in the EU since Q1.

“Compared with Q1 exports/imports of goods were up by 12% in second quarter of 2021. For EU trade exports were up 26% over that period and imports by 12%.

“However, the overall trade deficit widened in Q2 2021 to £5.7bn, showing more action is needed to promote export-led growth.

“Compared with Q2 2018, the last stable period before EU exit, total exports, including the EU, were down by 4.4% and imports by 2%. Comparing June 2021 with June 2018, total UK exports (including to the EU) were down by 7.4% and imports by 2%.

“This is a further signal of the dampening effect on EU-UK trade caused by the move to the new trading arrangements under the TCA. We will continue to monitor this over the coming months as further data emerges.”

The full ONS Trade figures for June 2021 can be found here.

Commenting on ONS Labour Market statistics for August 2021 published today, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:

“The latest figures confirm that the UK jobs market is recovering strongly as the boost to demand from the easing of restrictions helped drive higher payroll employment in July.  

“Record vacancies confirm ongoing recruitment difficulties. Although the changes to self-isolation rules will help, with many firms facing a more deep-rooted squeeze on labour supply from the impact of Covid and Brexit, staff shortages may persistently weigh on economic activity.  

“Although labour demand is currently robust, with firm’s finances still recovering from Covid and skills mismatches likely to limit the extent to which those seeking jobs after furlough can move into available roles, unemployment may still drift somewhat higher in the near term. 

“Alongside rapid retraining opportunities, government should extend the Kickstart scheme into 2022 and expand it to enable older workers to gain new skills and experience. A more flexible immigration system is also needed to ensure that firms get access to the workers they need.”

From 16th August, the following applies to anyone who has been pinged or contact traced as having come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19:

Fully vaccinated people

• Those who are under 18 or fully vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate (fully vaccinated means having had both doses plus 2 weeks)
• The person no longer has a legal duty to self-isolate and therefore will not have to inform their employer – but they may wish to do so
• The employer does not need to verify vaccine status or store this health data – see Q&A below
• NHS Test & Trace will still contact the individual to make them aware and will verify their vaccine status
• They will be strongly recommended to take a PCR test, but not required to do so

From 16 August, people who are unvaccinated, or had one dose, or a second dose within two weeks:

• Will have to self isolate for the required time
• This is still a legal duty and the same as currently stands before August 16th

Summary: The House Rules

If you develop symptoms, you must self-isolate and take a PCR test

If you are contact traced and not fully vaccinated, you must legally self-isolate

If you are instructed to self-isolate, you must inform your employer

If you are double vaccinated, none of the above apply but you should continue to take caution, social distance, use of facemasks and follow government guidelines

Business Q&A

Q: Can my employer require proof of my vaccination status?

A: COVID status is special category data, as it is your private health information. Your employer’s reason for checking or recording your COVID status must be clear, necessary and transparent. If they cannot specify a use for this information and are recording it on a ‘just in case’ basis, or if they can achieve their goal without collecting this data, they are unlikely to be able to justify asking for it.

Q: As an employer, do I have to check my workers’ vaccination status?

A: No, they must let you know if they are legally required to self-isolate. They can be fined if they fail to do this. If they are exempt from self-isolation as a contact because they are fully vaccinated, then no action is needed. Employers are not expected to check their workers’ vaccination status. However, if a worker informs you that they are under a legal duty to self-isolate, then you must not ask them to come into work.

Q: How do I know if someone I employ is exempt from self-isolation if I can’t check their vaccination status?

A: It is up to workers to inform their employers if they are under a legal duty to self-isolate. If they fail to do so – including falsely claiming they are not required to self-isolate – then they can be fined. They may also be subject to your usual disciplinary processes.

Q: If I am exempt from self-isolation, can I still choose to do so?

A: Individuals who are fully vaccinated can still choose to self-isolate if they have close contact with a positive case. However, you will not necessarily be eligible for financial (such as statutory sick pay) or practical support while self-isolating. If you are employed, then depending on the specific circumstances, your employer may require you to continue to come into work if you are exempt from self-isolation.

Q: Can my employer force me to come into work if I am exempt from self-isolation?

A: If you are not legally required to self-isolate, then your employer may require you to continue to come into work, depending on specific circumstances.

NHS Test and Trace App

Q: If someone has been vaccinated and receives a notification from the Test and Trace app to self-isolate, what should they do?

A: From 16th August those who are fully vaccinated or under 18 years of age and identified as a contact will not need to self- isolate; including if they have received a notification from the app. Instead, they will be advised to get tested. The app is being updated to reflect this and signpost people to testing. For users who have not been fully vaccinated yet, DHSC recommend they continue to follow the app’s advice to self-isolate, as they are at risk of having and spreading the virus.

Norfolk Chambers is delighted to be working co.llaboratively with Tech East and Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor on the Chambers’ flagship event that aims to give business professionals the tools they need to grow and future proof their businesses.

You don’t have to work in the tech industry to join us at Talking Tech in September. Marketing, HR, Sales, Finance, and IT professionals can discover how tech can help improve customer experience, generate new revenue streams, improve productivity and more.

The partnership with Tech East, a membership organisation of start-ups, scaleups and late-stage tech businesses, academia and public sector organisations; and Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor that links the fast-growing digital tech sector and food and agri-tech in Norwich with the world-leading life sciences and deep-tech sector in Cambridge, means that Norfolk businesses will have access to a wealth of information and practical advice on how new tech can benefit and boost their business.

Sue Simmons, Events and Engagement Manager at Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor said: “We’re excited to be partnering with the Norfolk Chamber on this year’s Talking Tech event.  We have seen some incredible innovation in this region over the past 12 – 18 months as businesses have looked to adapt and evolve in response to the changing times ahead of them. Digital technology has been pivotal to this innovation, opening up new revenue streams, streamlining production, improving efficiencies and connecting us together as a community like never before. Talking Tech is a very timely opportunity for us all to pause, step back, learn from the best of this innovation and to immerse ourselves in ideas for the road ahead. We hope to see you there!”

Talking Tech is sponsored by Breakwater IT and takes place on Thursday 16 September from 9am until 2pm at The Space in Norwich. Tickets are available here.

In response to the findings from a recent Chambers Net Zero survey, the British Chambers of Commerce and O2 have launched a free online hub to help businesses find out how to measure their carbon footprint, set targets and develop an overall net zero strategy. The new hub provides a one-stop-shop for businesses to find out everything they need to know about Net Zero. It is packed with information on how to apply for grants, where to seek specialist advice and practical tips from firms that have already taken action.

The launch of the Hub comes after research published by the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with O2 has found that only one in ten (11%) responding businesses, of more than 1,000 surveyed in the UK, are measuring their carbon footprint.

This falls to 9% for small businesses, and 5% for microbusinesses, with fewer than 10 employees. By contrast 26% of larger firms, with more than 50 employees, are measuring their footprint.

The research follows the Chambers Net Zero survey carried out in July. A total of 1,072 firms responded, with 94% being small and medium sized enterprises. 29% were manufacturers, 32% B2C and 38% B2B. A total of 46% reported they exported and 47% of firms were established more than 20 years ago. 

The research also showed only one in seven (13%) have set targets to reduce their emissions – down from one in five (21%) when firms were surveyed before the pandemic in February 2020.

In addition, almost two thirds (64%) of businesses surveyed say they don’t see net zero targets as a high priority in the wake of the pandemic, although half (49%) admit their customers are worried about the environment. 

The findings also show that one in five businesses (22%) don’t fully understand the term ‘net zero,’ and almost a third have yet to seek advice or information to help them develop a net zero roadmap or improve their environmental sustainability. 

With the impacts of the pandemic and other priorities weighing heavily on small and medium sized businesses, the research found that smaller firms were far more likely to be behind on climate action. When it came to setting carbon reduction targets, 27% of larger firms have done so, compared to just 9% of microbusinesses.

Barriers and required support

The main barriers preventing respondents from making their business more sustainable are high upfront adaptation costs (34%) and a lack of finance (30%).

Getting access to grants (28%), tax allowances (14%) and reducing the costs of making adaptations (14%) were cited as the three steps businesses would most like to see to help them reduce their carbon consumption within the next six months. 

While 13% said they would like access to impartial, bespoke advice with an action plan – and almost a third said they look online for advice on net zero and environmental sustainability.

Taking action on emissions

Despite a lack of awareness on carbon footprints, many firms are still taking a wide variety of positive actions to reduce their emissions and become greener.

Over the next 12 months, 54% of businesses surveyed are planning to reduce their consumption (e.g. of paper, food and plastics), 47% are planning to reduce the energy they use through travel, and 40% are planning to reduce the energy used at their offices and premises. Of those looking to take action, eight in ten (79%) cite concern about the environment as the motivating factor, followed by efficiency gains or cost savings (cited by 59%).

The Net Zero hub forms part of the BCC’s Climate Challenge hub and features exclusive content from O2. It has been designed to operate as a one-stop-shop for businesses to find out everything they need to know about Net Zero. Alongside tools to help firms calculate their carbon footprint and work out the savings they can make from going green, it has a wide range of handy guides, and insights from businesses which are successfully making the transition. It also provides links to upcoming events and webinars which allow firms to keep up to date with the latest developments on reducing emissions. 

Jo Bertram, Managing Director, Business & Wholesale at Virgin Media O2 said: “In May, the Government called on small businesses to lead the charge and pledge to reach net zero by 2050 or sooner, but our research shows that to do this, they need more support. From microbusinesses to larger firms, SMBs have told us they’re concerned about the environment, but in the wake of lockdowns and growing economic pressures, the majority are understandably facing barriers to improving their sustainability.

“That’s why today we’ve launched the Net Zero Hub, to provide businesses of all sizes with the free online resources they need to accelerate their net zero journey. Whether they have just started or are well underway, the hub offers practical guides, real-life insights and useful tools to help small businesses reap the benefits of reaching net zero. Small businesses make up 99% of the UK’s business landscape, and we’re committed to helping them cut their collective carbon footprint and play their part in building a cleaner, greener future for the UK.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This research is a real eye-opener and shows just how big a challenge the UK’s net zero target is. The dual impacts of the pandemic and Brexit have been a huge body-blow to many businesses, so it’s unsurprising that targeting emissions has taken a back seat.

“But change has to come, and our Net Zero Hub makes clear that the earlier firms adapt then the greater the advantages will be – they cannot afford to get left behind.

“The climate challenge is one that affects every single one of us and business has a big part to play in tackling it. But the Government must also recognise that smaller firms will need access to grants, subsidies and other financial support to help them take effective steps on the journey to a greener future.”

In 2020, O2 became the only mobile network operator in the UK to commit to net zero by 2025, whilst working with supply chain partners to reduce emissions by 30% in the next five years. O2 Business is working with organisations of all sizes to help build a lower carbon economy through better connectivity – from smart meters and smarter working through to connected cars and air pollution monitoring. In 2020, O2 Business helped customers save 1.4m tonnes of carbon through B2B products and services (including flexible working, IOT solutions and Cloud-based services).*

To find out more about how the new Net Zero Hub from the BCC and O2 is supporting small and medium businesses on their net zero journey please click here.

*Includes: fleet management, telecommuting fixed line, telecommuting B2B mobile, video-audio conferencing, domestic smart meters, avoided vehicle journeys, and general IOT. Correct as of 31 December 2020

Hard to reach premises in Norfolk are to receive between £115m and £195m of funding as part of the Government’s Project Gigabit to provide 1GB per second broadband to up to 119,000 premises. Contracts will be awarded from February 2022.

Rural homes and businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk will get next-generation gigabit broadband brought to them under a £5 billion plan to level up internet access across the UK.

Cllr Tom FitzPatrick, Norfolk Cabinet Member for Innovation, Transformations & Performance said:

“Norfolk County Council is committed to making Norfolk the best-connected rural county in the country and we are striving for 100% availability of fast broadband to all Norfolk properties.  We welcome this latest announcement from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport about further significant investment in Norfolk’s digital infrastructure, and the huge benefits that this will bring. We are delighted with the high priority that Norfolk has been given.  Project Gigabit will help our residents to fully benefit from digital opportunities, help our businesses grow and improve their profitability, and so significantly benefit our rural economy.”

New details published today from Project Gigabit reveal that up to 210,000 rural homes and businesses in the region and surrounding areas are in line to be connected with lightning-fast speeds.

This is in addition to the roll-out of broadband by commercial providers, which is seeing gigabit broadband being deployed rapidly across the country – from one in ten households in the UK in 2019 to more than two in five today. The country is also on track for one of the fastest roll-outs in Europe and for 60 per cent of all households to have access to gigabit speeds by the end of this year.

The Project Gigabit programme targets properties that would otherwise have been left behind in broadband companies’ roll-out plans, prioritising those that currently have the slowest connections.

Their available speeds will rocket to more than 1,000 megabits or one gigabit per second – enough to download a High Definition movie in less than 30 seconds and to lay the foundations for tomorrow’s tech, such as 8K-quality video streaming.

It means families no longer having to battle over bandwidth and will give people in rural areas the freedom to live and work more flexibly, with the speed and reliability needed to start and run businesses.

Project Gigabit has announced that more investment is planned for the East of England, and more details to be shared in due course.

What does your business need to know when it comes to new technology? How can innovations in tech help with your business growth? What tech is currently available to you and how can you implement this into your business right now? What digital innovations are in the pipeline that you should be aware of?

Join us for the annual Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Talking Tech event, sponsored by Breakwater IT, where you will find answers to all the above and much more.

This year’s theme for Talking Tech is all about how you can grow and future proof your business. There will be speakers and panel discussions on how innovative thinking can lead to customer satisfaction and happy employees, and can help you cut costs, improve your top line and grow your business.

You don’t have to be in the technology sector to benefit from this event, in fact there are talks and discussions that are about how technology can help grow and future proof marketing, HR, sales and growth, finance and IT.

Talking Tech is more than just another tech conference, it’s an interactive event where you can get the knowhow you need. With headline speakers, interactive co.nversations, live Q&As and the chance to network; this is your chance to get your tech questions answered and get takeaways to help you employ these into your business straightaway.

Talking Tech – Innovative thinking for your business. Sponsored by Breakwater IT, takes place on Thursday 16 September, 2021*, 9am-2pm, at The Space, Norwich. For more information click here.

*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in September by following government COVID guidelines. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, we may have to postpone this event at short notice if circumstances arise that are out of our control. 

The BCC calls for government to extend skills training as new research showed nearly 1 in 5 companies are considering staff redundancies as the next phase of furlough tapering begins.

With older workers much more likely to still be on furlough, there is concern that they could go unutilised unless support for retraining is immediately put in place.

The survey, carried out by BCC, asked over 250 businesses with employees still on furlough what their response might be to employers’ contributions to the scheme rising to 20% from August 1; nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said they would make staff redundant.

See graph (right) for full results:

The BCC survey comes after HMRC data released earlier this week showed older workers were far more likely to remain furloughed than younger ones, raising concerns about what plans are in place to re-skill those who are left without jobs as the scheme winds down – with skills shortages continuing to bite across the UK labour market.

Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s changes to the furlough scheme will likely result in many thousands of people being released back into the labour market, as employers who are still struggling to recover from the recession are forced to make redundancies and cuts to working hours. 

“With widespread skills shortages across the economy, some will find new jobs where their skills are in demand, while others will need to retrain for opportunities in a different sector.  

“Whether furloughed workers are returning to the workplace or the wider labour market, it is crucial that employers and the government give them the support and training they need to be re-engaged and productive. Alongside rapid retraining opportunities, government should extend the Kickstart scheme into 2022, and expand it to enable older workers to gain new skills and experience.”