Chamber News

Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase returns on Thursday 14th October 2021 at Norfolk Showground* 

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. 

For sponsors, the event gives the opportunity to get your brand in front of new potential clients, existing contacts and the Norfolk business community leading up to and including te event. You will also have a presence at this prestigious event. 

This year we have developed some special sponsorship opportunities for business like yours – and we can also work with you to create a bespoke sponsorship package that really works for you.

Discover more about our sponsorship opportunities here 

For all sponsorship enquiries, please contact kalene.herrington@norfolkchambers.co.uk or lizzy.dring@norfolkchambers.co.uk

Here’s what some businesses have said about the B2B Exhibition: 

“Every year the B2B just gets better and better. It’s the place to truly engage with people. The go to business event of the year.” – Business Growth Club

  “We have exhibited at the Norfolk B2B every year for as long as I can remember. It is always a good event and provides an excellent opportunity to catch up with local customers and contacts.” – 101 Smart Ltd   “(B2B) is a fantastic event and a greatplatform to meet new people and businesses. The shell schemes were great and weloved the venue. We look forward to exhibiting again!” – Archive-Vault Ltd   “The event was superbly organised and promoted – we loved the venue and will definitely be back next year!” – University of East Anglia

*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.

Can you remember meeting like-minded people face-to-face? While the pandemic has given rise to virtual events and networking we are all looking forward to the time when we can safely meet in person!

To hopefully give you a little bit of light at the end of the lockdown era, we are bringing back Norfolk’s leading business to business showcase this October.

B2B will take place on Thursday 14th October 2021* at the Norfolk Showground and we are making sure that the event will be COVID secure, so that you can once again get the opportunity to meet hundreds of local businesses face-to-face, building genuine connections and solving your business needs.

Alongside an exhibition of amazing businesses, you can also attend free business workshops and seminars, our Knowledge Hub where you can access business know-how from business specialists, and speed networking sessions will be running throughout the day. There will also be a ticketed after party to give you more opportunities to network.

The event is ticketed but free to attend for all businesses. Advance booking will be available soon.

If you are interested in becoming a B2B sponsor or an exhibitor at B2B you can find out how to book your stand here or becoming a sponsor here or by calling Kalene on 01603 625977 or email kalene.herrington@norfolkchambers.co.uk

*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.

Sarah Howard MBE believes women in business have a lot to be proud of but more needs to be done to make sure their voices are heard, especially in company boardrooms. 

The business owner and company director said: “The world has moved on since I started my career and while challenges remain, most women starting out today will not have to fight as many of the battles that I did. 

“But there is still much to be done to champion the role of women in the workplace and to make sure that all businesses have better female representation across the board to improve diversity, and ultimately to improve business outcomes.  I think it is the responsibility of every woman in a high-profile role to talk about their work and to encourage others to take on the challenge. 

“This is something that businesses should be considering every single day of the year but it’s great that we have this day to fully focus upon it. 

“Our chamber network, in the UK and around the world, is full of women who have been there and done that and continue to be pioneers in visibly championing the leadership roles of women in business. On International Women’s Day we’re here to give the advice and encouragement that others need.”  

As part of its commitment to International Women’s Day the BCC has also surveyed women across its UK Chamber and International Chamber Networks about their current experiences in the workplace. 

Its findings revealed that across the 123 chamber and business group network: 

·         Almost half (48 per cent) of its organisations were composed of more than 70 per cent women 

·         Only five per cent had less than 30 per cent women on their teams 

·         Just under 40 per cent had a female Chief Executive Officer or Director General 

The survey also asked women across the network for their thoughts and feedback on what it means to be a woman in business: 

Sara Williams, from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Women shouldn’t be afraid of being passionate on the issues that they care about. They should have confidence in their own beliefs and ability. Chambers are the perfect place to offer support, encouragement and confidence building and providing role models for businesses, partners and our own teams. If given the opportunity, women bring a wider perspective into the workplace and are often the hidden glue in a team.” 

Francesca Ortiz, from the British Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, said: “History has shown us that women have accomplished many triumphs through their own efforts and merits. However, although we have come a long way, there is so much more to be done. Through mutual support, women can learn from each other’s experiences and best practices, share advice, build a support network, address challenges together and carry out important projects together.” 

Sharon Smith, from Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “With a national skills shortage in some areas, women are a vital part of the solution and it’s so important that we encourage and attract this part of the labour force into roles to support the economy. Women in the workforce are also essential for balance in team dynamics – the diversification that gender balance brings is critical to any successful team.” 

Adjoba Kyiamah, from the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, said: “When I first became a manager, I was the only female and all the men on the team had more experience than I did and were very self-assured. At meetings, if I had any misgivings about decisions taken, I would keep my thoughts to myself because I assumed that they knew what they were doing. Experience has taught me that I was usually right and my perspective matters.”  

More information on the BCC’s celebration of International Women’s Day can be found on our website: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/international-womens-day

Norfolk Chambers also shared stories of some of our female members across our social channels and on our e-zine Norfolk’s Voice. Join in the conversation and let’s give voice!  International Women’s Day 2021 – Sharing Stories: Women in Business | Norfolks Voice

Responding to an announcement by The Treasury that the Job Retention Scheme will be extended until the end of September, Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The extension of the furlough scheme shows that the Chancellor has listened to our business communities. Many firms will be breathing a huge sigh of relief, particularly those businesses that are still closed or facing reduced demand due to Covid-19 restrictions.  

“The furlough scheme has been a lifeline for companies all across the UK. This extension gives firms much more clarity on the way ahead, and will allow many to plan with greater optimism and confidence as they look to restart and rebuild over the coming months.”   

If your business has been affected by the pandemic, remember that you can get support on our Coronavirus Support Hub

Great Yarmouth has secured a Town Deal of £20.1m Government investment to deliver an exciting £60m vision supporting economic regeneration, recovery, jobs and growth across the borough’s main urban areas.

The major capital funding, confirmed in the Chancellor’s Budget, follows submission in December of an ambitious Town Investment Plan for Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Bradwell, focussing on attracting further investment, driving economic regeneration and recovery.

Shaped through a Town Deal Board of local ambassadors, alongside significant public engagement, the ambition is to re-invent public places, to tap into and grow a thriving arts and cultural scene, to support new homes, nurture new jobs, businesses and new opportunities to learn and grow, to make residents, businesses and visitors proud.

To discover more, watch this video or visit www.futuregreatyarmouth.co.uk

The Town Deal comes on top of £13.77m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund and £8m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, bringing the total national investment announced in the last seven months to £42m.

Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers and Vice Chair of the Town Deal Board said: “This is very exciting news for Great Yarmouth and will bring benefits to both businesses and residents alike.”

Henry Cator, Chairman of the Town Deal Board and High Steward of Great Yarmouth, said: “This great news for our borough is thanks to the hard work and expertise of many people from private, public and third sector organisations, who were involved in shaping a really compelling Town Investment Plan, as well as everyone who took part in the public surveys and engagement to share their priorities for investment.

“Our residents and communities are at the heart of our ambition to realise a vibrant and inclusive coastal economy that builds upon our successes and our strengths in clean energy and culture, capitalises upon our natural assets, heritage and attractions and responds to emerging cultural and technological challenges.”

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, Leaders of the Council’s main political groups, said: “The Town Deal is a critical part of our agenda with partners to invest in our place, to support economic regeneration, recovery and job prospects for communities, which includes the £26m new Marina Centre and £120m Third River Crossing now underway.

“We are overjoyed to have secured 81 per cent of the funding ask towards delivering the vision. To have unlocked national investment of £42m in just seven months is phenomenal for a borough of our size and that will really help with securing further investment from a range of sources.  

“This national capital investment is critical to supporting economic recovery in the medium to long term and comes on top of more than £40m we’ve administered in the last year in grants to support businesses, many of which we realise are struggling in the here and now.”

Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth’s MP, said: “This significant investment is great news for the borough, helping to push forward a vision of Great Yarmouth best placed to address the opportunities and challenges of the modern age.

“As the MP for Great Yarmouth, I passionately supported this bid in Westminster and I would like to praise the Town Deal Board and borough council for putting forward a compelling vision and robust case for Great Yarmouth.”

Following the Budget announcement, the council will work with the Town Deal Board and other partners on stage two of the programme, which involves working with partners to develop business cases for each of the projects.

 Giving his reaction to the Chancellor’s budget, Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers, said: 

“There’s much to welcome in this Budget for business communities across the UK. The Chancellor has listened and acted on our calls for immediate support to help struggling businesses reach the finish line of this gruelling marathon and to begin their recovery. Extensions to furlough, business rates relief and VAT reductions give firms a fighting chance not only to restart, but also to rebuild.  

“We particularly welcome the massive ‘super deduction’ investment incentive that the Chancellor has put in place for the next two years. This responds directly to our call to encourage those businesses that can to invest and grow.  

“While no business will relish paying higher rates of Corporation Tax in future, the impact of the Chancellor’s tough decision is blunted by the big new incentives for investment, lower rates for the smallest firms, and the extension of Coronavirus support measures in the short term. 

“This Budget provides reassurance to businesses, provided that they are able to restart and rebuild according to the Government’s road map. If firms face unexpected bumps in the road, the Chancellor must be prepared to take action until the economy is firing on all cylinders again.”   

The British Chambers of Commerce provides its full response to the Budget 2021 

Commenting on the latest forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: 

“The OBR’s central forecast provides a more upbeat outlook for the UK economy with the vaccine rollout expected to drive a faster recovery. Even with the mass vaccine rollout, the economic scarring already caused by the pandemic, including structural unemployment, rising private debt levels and weak investment, may mean that any recovery is slower than the OBR predicts.  

“While the OBR highlights significant fiscal challenges, the chancellor should tread carefully in managing the future path of fiscal consolidation to avoid suffocating the recovery.” 

 Commenting on the Recovery Loan scheme, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: 

“Accessing finance remains crucial to the lifeblood of a business and so the announcement of a new loan scheme to succeed CBILS and BBLS is welcome. The acid test for the new scheme will be whether it is able to support the recovery by getting credit flowing to the firms who most need it.  

“The scheme must be right from day one to ensure that businesses and banks can use it to help SMEs return to growth. Businesses will need an approach to operation of the new scheme that is clear, consistent and considerate to the impact of the pandemic on their financial position. 

Commenting on the super deduction investment incentive, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said: 

 “We pleased that the Chancellor has listened to our call for bold incentives to encourage companies to invest. Super deduction will provide a major enticement for firms to invest and grow, helping to boost productivity and the wider economic recovery.” 

Commenting on those who have fallen through gaps in government support, Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director at the BCC, said: 

“Despite the widening of the self-employment support scheme, there are still many businesses and individuals who have, through no fault of their own, been unable to access any government support since the start of the pandemic. Many require help if they are to navigate a difficult few months ahead before the economy is able to reopen more fully.” 

Commenting on the Help to Grow scheme, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said: 

“To boost productivity, businesses of all sizes need to invest more in skills and innovation. Funded access to high quality, flexible management training will help SMEs maximise the growth potential of innovation, but it must also give managers the skills to understand the training and development needs of its adult workforce and increase the   digital and technical skills needed for the rapidly changing workplace.” 

Commenting on incentives for apprenticeships and other training schemes, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said:  

“Apprenticeships and jobs with training opportunities and have been severely impacted by the pandemic, particularly for young people.  

“We welcome this additional investment in traineeships, employer incentives and more flexible apprenticeships that will help businesses create more high-quality earning and learning opportunities for people and boost skills in the workplace.” 

future, government investment in infrastructure will see many multiples of investment from the private sector and as a Chamber we will lobby to ensure this is directed towards schemes which will help level up the UK economy.” 

Responding to an announcement by The Treasury on planned changes to the UK’s visa system, Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Ensuring the immigration system is clear, fast and low cost for businesses is critical to ensuring firms get the skills they need to restart the economy. The real test of this initiative is whether it is clearly understood by firms and delivered quickly enough to really make a difference to companies across the UK.”

Following on from the successful launch of the Norfolk Knowledge Hub, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is urging all businesses to make learning something new part of the working week, with the free-to-view digital knowledge and skills sharing platform adding a new channel for online learning.

A year of lockdowns has meant that many businesses are developing virtual content to help their business thrive. Webinars, online events, virtual networking, learning podcasts and tutorial videos have become as much part of business life as boardroom meetings, team workshops and face-to-face events.

To cut through the plethora of digital content, Norfolk Knowledge Hub was launched last month by Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. The Hub gives all businesses free-to-access and advert free content to support them in business. Now the knowledge and skills sharing platform has added a new channel – The Digital Academy.

Chris Sargisson, CEO of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “We want to make businesses see the importance of continuous professional development in recruiting and retaining talent, and improving productivity and wellbeing of employees by scheduling one hour a week for learning.

“The Digital Academy brings a third channel to the Hub where businesses can really get into the nitty gritty of what they want to learn. Here you can find videos, articles and podcasts on subjects from finance and budgeting, to presentations and digital marketing. All give clear learning outcomes, a structured learning plan and takeaways so that you can implement your learning into your business straight away.

“Businesses and organisations who have developed this free digital content can also share this on the Hub, so that more businesses can access these resources in one place.”

The Digital Academy already has good quality content from businesses such as learning and development company Turning Factor, NatWest and Archant. More content will be uploaded from these and other content partners to the Hub each month, providing an ongoing and relevant resource for businesses.

James Howells, Director of Turning Factor said: “Turning Factor is delighted to be a part of the Norfolk Knowledge Hub. As a Norfolk based company we are passionate about improving the wellbeing, performance and profitability of local companies. There is a direct correlation between the profitability and growth of a company and the skills used in management and leadership – as a county we need more focus on developing these skills within businesses. Having been born and bred in Norfolk, and as a business owner myself, I believe that the county has considerable unlocked potential that would allow more companies to become world-class in their sectors.”

Sarah Bilby, Regional Managing Director, London, South & East, Business Banking, for NatWest said: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Norfolk Knowledge Hub for the launch of their new Digital Academy. Our NatWest Business Builder programme has been hugely successful in supporting small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, and I’m really pleased this new platform will help us to reach an even wider audience. Learning is a key part of what we do at NatWest, so to be able to combine this with supporting local communities is really important to us.”

Andy Gray, Business Growth Enabler, Commercial Banking for NatWest added: “We’ve worked with Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for a number of years now and this opportunity to partner with the Norfolk Knowledge Hub is really exciting. We are already supporting many great businesses in Norfolk, however we hope that having our NatWest Business Builder learning materials available via the Digital Academy will help further inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the Norfolk community.”

Businesses are encouraged to have a Knowledge Hour every week for them and their employees to learn something new, brush up on skills or share their knowledge with others using content in the Norfolk Knowledge Hub. The campaign When Is Your #KnowledgeHour is running on social media and is open to all businesses to take part.  

The new Digital Academy can be found on the Norfolk Knowledge Hub at www.norfolkknowledgehub.co.uk or on the App store. You can also join in the conversation on social media using #KnowledgeHour               

For businesses who would like to submit content for inclusion please email norfolkknowledgehub@norfolkchambers.co.uk

Commenting on the ONS labour market statistics for February 2021, published today, BCC Head of Economics Suren Thiru said:   

 “While the furlough scheme is limiting job losses, the rise in unemployment and decline in employment levels are further evidence that coronavirus continues to weaken the UK labour market. 

 “With firms facing a renewed cash crisis amid the current lockdown and the prospect of several more months of diminished demand and revenue before many can fully reopen, substantial job losses maybe inevitable if the support schemes wind down as planned. 

 “Although the government’s roadmap provides a way forward, the lack of clarity over the future path of fiscal support has left a damaging cliff edge for jobs and livelihoods. 

 “It is vital that the government support schemes, including furlough and business rates relief, are extended through the summer and wherever possible throughout 2021 to help protect jobs and power the recovery.” 

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s roadmap, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer for Norfolk Chambers said:

“It is helpful that many businesses across Norfolk can now see a path to restart and recovery. Absolute clarity and honesty will be needed every step of the way over the weeks ahead, so that businesses have a fighting chance to rebuild. The stop-start dynamic of the past year, which has so damaged businesses and communities, must come to an end.    

“Even with the Prime Minister’s new roadmap, the future of thousands of firms and millions of jobs still hangs by a thread.  

“Many hard-hit businesses simply don’t have the cash reserves needed to hold out several more months before they are allowed to reopen.  

“Businesses will hold the Prime Minister to his pledge to support firms for the duration of the pandemic, as this gruelling marathon nears its end. Businesses have haemorrhaged billions of pounds over the past year and need action now. 

“All the key support schemes for business should be extended – through the summer and wherever possible throughout 2021 – to ensure that as many viable firms as possible can make it to the finish line and recover.” 

On vaccination and testing

“It is also critical that alongside the pace of the vaccination programme, workplace testing is expanded to businesses of all sizes and continued for as long as is necessary – to help keep our companies and communities open over the months ahead.”  

On international travel

“The safe restart of international travel is critical to UK trade, to hundreds of thousands of UK jobs, and to the prospects for a Global Britain. Companies want hard answers and a coordinated international approach agreed as soon as possible.”  

On businesses facing the longest possible restrictions

“The long wait continues for some businesses of critical importance to our local economies, including events. The task forces convened to look at how to reopen these sectors must deliver results quickly.”  

The Prime Minister announced a ‘roadmap’ for easing Covid restrictions in England.  After the first stage in March, further lifting of the rules will happen if certain conditions are met – such as the vaccine rollout going to plan.  The aim is for all restrictions to be lifted, which will happen by 21 June at the earliest.

 08 March 2021

• All schools and colleges will reopen
• University students can return for practical courses. There will be a review by the end of the Easter holidays for all other students
• Face coverings are recommended in class for secondary school students and also for parents and staff in primary schools
• Wraparound childcare can also return for vulnerable pupils and where it is needed for parents or carers to go to work, support groups or to seek medical care
• Two people from different households can meet outside for recreation, which can include “a coffee on a bench”
• One nominated person can visit care homes, but will need PPE, a lateral flow test and to “keep physical contact to a minimum”
• Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances

29 March

• People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
• The stay at home rule will end but people should stay local as much as possible
• Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts
• Formally organised outdoor sports can also restart
• Parents and children groups can return but are capped at 15 and must be outdoors. Indoor groups can take place for vulnerable children and where parents need the groups to go to work

No earlier than 12 April:

• All shops allowed to open
• Restaurants and pub gardens will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors, including alcohol
• Gyms and spas can reopen for individuals and households
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other “close contact services” can reopen
• UK domestic holidays away from home permitted, with self-contained accommodation able to reopen for use by members of the same household
• Children allowed to attend indoor play activities, with up to 15 parents or guardians allowed to join them
• Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen
• Libraries and community centres can reopen
• Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place

No earlier than 17 May:

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
• Six people or two households can meet indoors
• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
• Up to 30 people can meet to celebrate weddings or other life events, like christenings
• Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
• Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open

Performances and large events will be subject to limits though. For indoor events they can be at half capacity or 1,000 people, and outdoors they can be at half capacity or 4,000 people – whichever is lower. For large venues (at least 40,000 capacity) up to 10,000 will be allowed to attend

• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen to household groups
• International leisure travel will resume no earlier than 17 May
• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can start up again

No earlier than 21 June:

• All legal limits on social contact will be removed
• No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events. From April, the government will run pilots for events such as large weddings, festivals and work conferences. This will help to determine how measures such as enhanced testing might allow large groups to attend without social distancing
• Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen

Commenting on the decision by the European Commission to grant the UK data adequacy, BCC Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said: 

 “With the free flow of data critical to their operations, businesses will be greatly relieved at the granting of data adequacy which removes a costly cliff edge at a time when many are already struggling due to the pandemic and post-Brexit trading conditions. 

  “However, it should not distract from the need to address the many practical difficulties that are currently stifling trade between us. More needs to be done to fix these problems otherwise many firms may simply give up on doing business with the EU. 

 “This should include pushing back the dates for introducing additional scientific checks on animal and plant goods from April and full customs checks on imports from July, and increasing the support available for businesses who need time to adapt to the new trading conditions.”