Chamber News

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Layrd Design Ltd will be the sponsors of the Outdoor hub at B2B this October.

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14 October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* and Norfolk Chambers are delighted to confirm that commercial interior design specialists Layrd Design Ltd will be the official Co.mmunity sponsors at the show.

The B2B Exhibition is Norfolk’s largest business-to-business exhibition. Free to attend and attracting hundreds of businesses on the day, B2B is a highlight on the Norfolk events calendar. 

As the Co.mmunity sponsor, Layrd will give exhibitors and visitors space in the exhibition to Eat, Drink and Chill, with thoughtfully designed areas for networking, meetings and wellbeing breaks.

William Mayes, Director at Layrd said: “We had visited the event in the past and were very impressed by the scale and calibre of businesses involved. When the opportunity became available to sponsor this year’s event, we were very keen to be involved. We are looking forward to showcasing our services and offer to the Norfolk companies both exhibiting and visiting this year’s event. 

“We are installing some bold and bespoke features throughout the Eat, Drink, Chill area to create a more intimate and unique area for the guests to enjoy. We will also have a bold entrance space set up to welcome the guests as they arrive. The details of these areas will be saved for the guests to enjoy on the day!”

For exhibitors, the event gives the opportunity to meet new potential clients, catch up with existing contacts and have a presence at this prestigious event, as well as joining us for the B2B after party (ticketed event).

For visitors, the exhibition is the opportunity to meet a plethora of businesses, take part in speed networking sessions throughout the day, go to a free workshop or seminar and relax in the Proudly Norfolk food hub.

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor at B2B you can find out how to book your stand HERE

Free tickets are now available to order. Book in advance and you will get fast-tracked entry into the exhibition. FIND OUT MORE

*We are doing everything we can to bring you this event in October 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.

 Responding to the news that fully vaccinated travellers from the EU and US will not have to quarantine, British Chambers of Commerce Co-Executive Director, Claire Walker, said:   

   “For the hundreds of thousands of people directly employed in the travel industry and the many more that are part of supply chains, this will be welcome news. 

 “The long-term recovery of our entire economy also depends on reopening the UK to the two-way flows of people and trade. 

 “The government must continue to work with businesses, the aviation industry and international partners to ensure resources and guidance are in place to deal with the influx of passengers who will need vaccination checks. 

 “It must also be crystal-clear in communicating the new arrangements to overseas travellers so they can have the utmost confidence in visiting the UK.  

  “Businesses will also want to see government do everything it can to continue drive down the cost of any tests required for travellers. These costs must not be allowed to become an impediment to the viability of businesses, or on UK firms chances of staking a place in growing markets.” 

 Responding to the news that fully vaccinated travellers from the EU and US will not have to quarantine, British Chambers of Commerce Co-Executive Director, Claire Walker, said:   

“For the hundreds of thousands of people directly employed in the travel industry and the many more that are part of supply chains, this will be welcome news. 

“The long-term recovery of our entire economy also depends on reopening the UK to the two-way flows of people and trade. 

“The government must continue to work with businesses, the aviation industry and international partners to ensure resources and guidance are in place to deal with the influx of passengers who will need vaccination checks. 

“It must also be crystal-clear in communicating the new arrangements to overseas travellers so they can have the utmost confidence in visiting the UK.  

“Businesses will also want to see government do everything it can to continue drive down the cost of any tests required for travellers. These costs must not be allowed to become an impediment to the viability of businesses, or on UK firms chances of staking a place in growing markets.” 

Responding to today’s ONS trade statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The pandemic and the shift to new trading conditions in how UK companies sell services to the EU have led to a clear reduction in UK-EU services trade compared with 2019. Today’s ONS data release shows services trade with the EU fell at a brisker rate than trade with the rest of the world over the two years to the end of March 2021. Services exports to the EU fell by 14.7% in that period and imports by 38.8%. 

“Today’s statistics indicate that the effects of the pandemic have masked the real long-term impact of the UK-EU TCA on trade in services, particularly in relation to business travel and supply of services. As economies reopen the effects of these issues will be slow burning, but nevertheless felt increasingly by companies operating both in the UK and Europe.    

“The UK government should seek to be ambitious in a common agenda with the EU on mutual recognition of professional qualifications, building more flexibility around the TCA for business travel, and liberalising reservations on services access to help kickstart our economic recovery from Covid-19.” 

Responding to the publication of Government plans on the future of Border controls, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

“The UK Government is intent on proceeding with the phase-in of inbound Great Britain border and customs controls for EU imports in October 2021 and January 2022 as planned.

“Business has been preparing hard to be ready for these timelines, with many making use of the BCC’s ChamberCustoms services.

“It is now vital we get confirmation that the infrastructure and processes for controls relating to food, animal and plant products (sanitary and phytosanitary [SPS]) will be in place at ports across Great Britain.

“These need to be fully functional and integrated to work alongside systems for customs declarations, and safety and security documentation.

“Businesses and their suppliers need confidence that delays and problems in importing goods from the EU will not occur after these deadlines.  

“HMRC data suggests inbound customs declarations on EU goods could cost businesses as much as £7.5bn per year from next January.

“For hard-pressed companies further support, through an extension to the SME Brexit Support Fund into next year, is needed to help them adjust financially for this new phase of the biggest change in trading terms with the rest of Europe for half a century.” 

Full details of the government’s plans for border controls can be found here: https://bit.ly/36NeQ5E

Responding to the announcement of the new UK approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  

“Businesses in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland need durable, workable, negotiated solutions on compliance with the Protocol to ensure the continued two-way flow of goods East-West and North-South. The UK and EU governments need to work together to find solutions which work for business. 

“A negotiated solution on customs, agri-food and e-commerce deliveries which deals with all of the red tape issues, is preferable to unilateral actions. An SPS agreement would deal with the most obtrusive border checks and controls, but customs and e-commerce issues also need to be dealt with by the autumn.  

“Since January there has been continued uncertainty for businesses as various easements have been applied, followed by approaching cliff edges and then extensions of the easements. Firms need durable and consistent arrangements which provide clarity about trading conditions in the medium to long-term. 

“Stronger engagement with business, particularly in Northern Ireland, must be central to the next stage of this process if viable solutions are to be found.” 

From 19 July, we will be moving to Step 4 of the government’s roadmap, meaning changes in regulations and more businesses re-opening. Covid remains, however, a significant risk to people’s health. The Government has published the guidance for businesses on how to work safely from Step 4 Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance from Step 4 – Guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Please read and follow this guidance, including anything specific to your sector. This briefing is intended to highlight the public health perspective on the continued management of Covid-19 in the workplace. Protecting employees as far as possible not only looks after their health and wellbeing, but also makes economic sense for your business by reducing the risk of enforced closures or managing staff absence.

There are many resources created by the Norfolk public health team available for your business: 

• You can download the Step 4 guidance for businesses below.
• You can download the ‘I Choose’ campaign below.
• You can download the full business tool kit here

Let’s stay safe and open up as cautiously as possible.

• Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (27%) rises from Q1, but proportion reporting decreased sales (28%) remains historically high
• Manufacturing exporters were more likely to see rising sales than exporting services firms
• B2C services exporters more likely to see sales fall, but neither B2C nor B2B seeing significant sales growth
• Respondents cited issues with UK-EU TCA as a major barrier to growing overseas sales 

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q2, released today, has shown that exporters still face significant issues after a historically weak Q1. The survey of more than 2,800 UK exporters revealed that the percentage of firms reporting increased export sales had risen to 27%, a 7-point rise from the previous quarter. The percentage of businesses reporting decreased export sales fell to 28%, down from 41%, however this remains a historically high proportion. 45% reported no change in their export sales.

The percentage balance data shows that the proportion of firms reporting increased export sales has recovered slightly, after taking a downward turn in Q1. The balance of manufacturers reporting increased overseas sales was up to +8% from -9%, while the balance of services firms reporting increases rose to -7% from -26%. See the attached Graph.

Overall, 35% of manufacturing exporters surveyed reported increased overseas sales in Q2, with 27% reporting a decrease and 39% reporting no change. 

Consumer-facing exporters more likely to report decreased export sales

The breakdown of services between B2B and B2C exporters reveals that a considerably larger proportion of B2C exporters are seeing a fall in overseas sales – 38% of B2C exporters surveyed reported a decrease in export sales, in comparison to 21% of B2B firms. The proportion reporting increased sales though was similar between B2B and B2C, 23% and 22% respectively, for B2B this represents an 11-point fall from 34% reporting increased sales in Q1. While 55% of B2B firms reported sales staying constant in comparison to 40% of B2C businesses. It should be noted that these numbers come on the back of historically high proportions of both B2B and B2C firms reporting decreased sales in the previous quarter, 31% and 51% respectively. 

Across a number of metrics, including domestic sales, confidence and expectation of workforce growth exporters were more likely than non-exporters to report rises. This ties with historical data showing exporters as more likely to display confidence as they push into new markets or develop new products. Given that the recovery in overseas sales continues to lag domestic sales by a significant margin, it can be seen that despite being dynamic businesses exporters are still struggling to grow sales in the face of the issues currently affecting trade. 

Respondents cited issues arising from Brexit as the main cause of difficulties with export sales in the quarter. Many pointed to ongoing issues with the TCA, increased red tape or costs and losing EU based clients or customers to the perception that trade was now simply too difficult or complex. 

Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said:

 “Six months into the new trading relationship, more than a quarter of goods exporting firms are experiencing continued falls in sales to EU customers. This is a historically high number. 

 “Our exporters are among the best problem solvers and innovators in our economy, and yet our data demonstrates that they are still struggling mightily to resolve the issues that they currently face. 

  “As the UK and EU economies open up, we urge both sides to address the key pressures upon exporters – the red tape around import VAT and the new portals, paperwork and checks for agri-food exports, consistency of approach on customs rules and checks, looming deadlines on CE-marked goods, and the restrictions on labour mobility and service provision.  

  “It’s clear the TCA needs to be built upon and applied in ways which cut the current red tape costs and burdens on EU exports. We must solve these issues so that exports can become a driving force in our recover from the pandemic.” 

Responding to the findings, International Declaration Manager at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, David Cowan said:

“We continue to support our Norfolk based clients with all of their Import and Export documentation needs. This past six months has certainly seen a change in the ways of working for companies, especially with regard to Customs Declarations being requried. As we move towards the most recent deadline of August 6th for import declarations being required for all imports since 1st January, clients are being advised of deadlines, and given clarity on their next steps. Here at Norfolk Chamber, we pride ourselves on being service led, and really helping both existing and new clients understand their responsibilites in this ever changing landscape.”

“We are determined to assist, as best we can, all Norfolk businesses with their International trade. With Norfolk’s vast number of international traders, we are actively ensuring that where help is needed, we are there. With such an amazing network, the Norfolk Chamber has the ability to direct clients towards the best solutions and resource. I urge Norfolk based businesses to get in touch. Whether you are a member of the Chamber or not, we are here for you, and can help you.”

Up until the 6th Aug 2021, HMRC will accept full import declarations for anything imported since 1st Jan 2021. Importers must therefore take action now by submitting a full import declaration.

The imports will however be deemed ‘non-compliant’ by HMRC, who may decide to apply civil penalties after looking into any outstanding duty debts that exist, and/or repeat offences evident.

Acting quickly could therefore save importers money.

Follow this link to also note the Additional steps required for ‘late’ declarations. Check whether the Tax, Duty, or HMRC exchange rate was different when the goods were imported. If it is different, you must file a supplementary declaration.

Also, please note, that because the goods have been imported ‘non-compliantly’, it will not be possible to defer any of the liabilities to import duties. Postponed VAT accounting cannot be used. You must either use your deferment account, or Flexible Accounting System for VAT.

The Norfolk ChamberCustoms team are here to help. Call us now on 01603 729 707.

Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses across England will recognise the momentous nature for many of the prospect of football ‘coming home’ on Sunday night. 

“After such a tough 15 months, the final will lift people’s spirits and give an added kick to consumer and business confidence.

“Firms already set up to work flexibly should be able to easily plan for allowing staff short periods of time off. 

“Ultimately there will be some jobs where it will be difficult but I’m sure most employers will be thinking about allowances to ensure everyone stays onside.

“Talking to staff and customers about plans, as well as taking a fair approach, should reduce disruption and decrease any resulting penalty to businesses’ productivity.

“And I think we can all agree the one thing we want to avoid is penalties.” 

As all UK businesses start to think about fully reopening, your Norfolk Chambers, British Chambers of Commerce and the Chambers network have set out the steps we think are needed for governments, businesses, and other public and private sector bodies to secure a brighter future for the UK. It’s time to Restart, Rebuild and Renew.

At the BCC’s Global Annual Conference earlier this year, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce, launched Rebuild, the Chambers’ vision of the work that now needs to be done to help businesses succeed as the economy starts to fully reopen.

Rebuild: Recommendations For Building Back Stronger is a hugely important document that sets out the steps we think are needed for governments, businesses, and other public and private sector bodies to secure a brighter future for the UK.

The UK is at a pivotal moment in its recovery from the impact of Coronavirus.

From the safe re-opening of offices, factories and schools, to the easing of both national and international travel restrictions, these changes and the adaptations to the ‘new normal’ will be felt by businesses up and down the country.

In each step in our road to recovery, through every government announcement and new policy, your Norfolk Chambers and the Chambers network is there to ensure the business voice is at the heart of the governments recovery plans. 

The Chambers’ approach is informed by our Coronavirus Business Impacts Tracker and the experience and insights of our Chambers of Commerce and Global Business Networks. Together, we understand the impact of Coronavirus on businesses in every region in the UK and over 60 markets worldwide. 

Over the next 6 months we will be asking decision makers across the nations to take the active steps set out in our report, which will create the conditions needed for firms to be able to rebuild the power of the recovery. 

Key highlights include:

Restart With a phased reopening of society. Public health must be at the heart of plans to reopen services and businesses.

Rebuild Building resilience for firms and households with steps to help businesses and the wider economy recover from the impact of Coronavirus, including building resilience and mitigating the impact of sectoral and regional restrictions.

Renew Returning to prosperity and growth with bold and substaintial action to inject momentum and confidence back into the UK economy with measures aimed at delivering an economic recovery across the whole of the UK.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce said: “Just as the government supported firms to survive through the crisis, they must also act now to enable them to thrive in the recovery.

“Recovery from the pandemic is not the only challenge that businesses face: skills shortages, rising costs, and the climate challenge were all issues top of mind for business before the crisis hit. In rebuilding our economy, we must take the opportunity to not only recover from the damage caused by the pandemic, but to also begin to tackle these long-standing issues which have remained unresolved for too long. Our SMEs will be the powerhouse of our recovery. Without intervention, there is a risk of a two-speed recovery, where the UK’s SME community lag behind those larger businesses with the cash reserves and investment needed to recover.”

The past 18 months has been challenging, but what do you need right now and in the next few months to help support business growth?

What You Need Is What We Do, and Team Norfolk Chambers would like to know what Norfolk businesses need so that we can be better placed to provide you with tailored support, connections and knowledge. 

You will be glad to know that this is not a long-winded survey! Instead we would like to hear from you on email, telephone, social media and even face-to-face what you need right now to help your business, your employees and yourself. 

If you follow us on social (check us out on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NorfolkChamber) take part in our poll, comment on our posts or send us a message. If you are a Norfolk Chamber member, contact your account manager and let them know. If you like to talk to a real person pick up the phone and call us on 01603 625977. If you prefer to email, drop us a message at hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk 

This is the time to get your views heard and find the help and support you need to do better business. 

So what are you waiting for? Team Norfolk Chambers is here and ready to support you in whatever way they can.

Find out some of the ways we can help you in business by checking out our trading cards here