Chamber News

We are aware that the impact of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 virus is likely to be a cause of serious concern to you, from both a business and a personal perspective.  

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson held his first live COVID-19 Update on Monday afternoon and has said the following:

Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel,” the prime minister says.

• Anyone who lives with someone who has a cough or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days
• People should start working from home where they possible can
• Avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues
• Only use the NHS when we really need to

We wanted to reassure you that Norfolk Chambers is here to support you and your business; to help keep you up to date with the latest information; and to signpost you to a range of business solutions.

We are also waiting to hear from the Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as to what other measures he is proposing to put in place to support the business community during this challenging time.

Norfolk Chambers team will remain available to you and continues to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk. 

However, we will be operating with a small team at the office for as long as we are able and the balance of our staff, including any ‘at risk’ team members will be working from home.  This will mean that some of our services will be change slightly, but please be assured of our continued support for you and your business.

In particular, I wanted to update you as to how each part of our ‘offer’ is working to assist you, whilst operating in accordance with the latest Government requirements:

• Business Support: Norfolk Chambers’ membership gives businesses access to free HR, legal, tax and health & safety advice – much of which may be useful to you during the current COVID-19 situation. The Norfolk Chambers’ team is on hand to help you get the maximum benefits from your Chamber membership.  For more information: hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk or we have a live-chat facility on our website during working hours.

• Events: In view of the latest advice, we have taken the decision to postpone all events/training courses until the end of April 2020.  We will reconsider our position on events at this point.  In the meantime, if you are booked onto an event during this period, we will be in touch to advise you about your booking.  For any queries relating to our events, please contact hello@norfolkchambers.co.uk or 01603 625977  
• Export documentation: This expert service continues to operate, but please note there may be a slight delay on the speed of service.  We would encourage you to consider using the electronic e-zCert system to process your documentation wherever possible.  We have also put contingency plans in place to ensure continuous service.   For any queries relating to this please contact: export@norfolkchamber.co.uk or call 01603 625977 and we will arrange a call back.  
• Communications: All of our communications channels remain open to support members boost their customer reach and access support. For further information on using Norfolk Chamber’s website and accessing our social media platforms: hello@norfolkchamber.co.uk or 01603 625977  
• Campaigning and policy: Norfolk Chambers continues to lobby hard on your company’s behalf. We very much welcome any feedback that you may have on how Covid-19 is impacting on your business and also suggestions of what the Government could do to help you to navigate this difficult period.  Please contact Nova Fairbank on email: nova.fairbank@norfolkchambers.co.uk or Tel: 01603 729713.

As you are aware, the response to Coronavirus/COVID-19 means that the advice to business is likely to change.  We will ensure that Norfolk Chambers keeps you updated as the situation changes.  The latest advice from Government on what businesses need to do and the support available to them can be found here.

Assuring you of our continued support.

Chris Sargisson

Chief Executive

We are aware that the impact of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 virus is likely to be a cause of concern to you, from both a business and a personal perspective.   

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has just held his first live COVID-19 Update and has said the following:

Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel,” the prime minister says.

• Anyone who lives with someone who has a cough or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days
• People should start working from home where they possible can
• Avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues
• Only use the NHS when we really need to

We wanted to reassure you that Norfolk Chambers is here to support you and your business; to help keep you up to date with the latest information; and to signpost you to a range of business solutions.   Norfolk Chambers team will remain available to you and continues to connect, support and give voice to every business in Norfolk, however, we are now reviewing all our policies in view of this latest announcement and will update you further, once a course of action is set.

All businesses will be aware that the impact of Corona Virus (COVID-19) is escalating and as such, the business community needs to respond in the appropriate way, especially in view of the Prime Ministers recent update on Monday evening, advising those who can work from home to do so and to wherever possible avoid social interaction.

Last week Norfolk Chambers published advice outlining our contingency plans for ensuring the continuation of our International Trade documentation which have now been implemented.  There was also some practical advice on the areas your business needs to consider when dealing with the current situation.  Below is an update on the latest advice from central government, together with some of the support already available for businesses.

Employees diagnosed with coronavirus:

Stay at home guidance. The guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus infection has been updated. If a person has symptoms of coronavirus infection however mild, the person should not leave home for 14 days from when the symptoms started.

After 14 days, if the person feels better and no longer has a high temperature, the person can return to their normal routine. If the person has not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, the person should contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111.

Cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean the person must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 days. Find the updated guidance here.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Government Business Advice & Helpline:

For individual businesses, the good port of call for advice and support is gov.uk. However, they are also scaling up their Business Support Helpline so businesses of all sizes, can pick up the phone and speak directly to an advisor. The number to call is: 0300 456 3565

Tax Helpline:

HMRC have launched a tax helpline to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Find all the information here. The number is 0800 0159 559.

Companies House: Filing your Accounts

Companies House has produced guidance if coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected your company and you need more time to file your accounts. Find all the information here.

Online resources for businesses and employers

For the latest information and advice, employers and business owners should visit guidance for employees, employers and businesses. Check the page regularly for updates and subscribe to receive email alerts.   

Information includes: 

• Guidance on advice to provide to staff including: how to help prevent spread of COVID-19; what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting; advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas; and advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from COVID19 
• Information on the support available to businesses impacted by COVID-19
• ACAS has published information for employees and employers, including information on simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, sick pay and absence from work 

Business Support announced in the Budget

The recent Budget announced a package of measures to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses affected by Covid-19. 

A new Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, delivered by the British Business Bank, will enable businesses with a turnover of no more than £41m to apply for a loan of up to £1.2m, with the Government covering up to 80% of any losses with no fees. This will unlock up to £1 billion pounds to protect and support small businesses.  

For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay per employee will be refunded by the Government in full. This will provide 2 million businesses with up to £2bn to cover the costs of large-scale sick leave.  

A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs. Through this, businesses may be able to agree a bespoke Time to Pay arrangement.  

There will be a £3,000 cash grant to 700,000 of our smallest businesses, delivered by Local Authorities, and worth a total of £2bn.  

Finally, the Government is temporarily increasing the Business Rates retail discount in England to 100% for 2020-21 for properties below £51,000 rateable value. 

The Government currently advises businesses to continue to operate as usual.  There is presently no reason businesses or individuals should stop carrying out their daily activities as they normally would.  

• There is currently no need to close your workplace, cancel meetings or large-scale events or initiate working from home.  
• There is no need to close your workplace or send other staff home if a suspected case has recently been in your workplace, unless you have been directed to do so by the local Public Health England Health Protection Team. 
• Businesses are not being advised to cancel travel, except to at risk regions. FCO travel advice remains under constant review and the latest guidance can be found here.  
• Employees should continue to follow existing risk assessments and safe systems of work. There is no perceived increase in risk for handling post or freight from specified areas.  
• Sector specific guidance for care professionals, workers in education and other affected sectors is available on GOV.UK and updated regularly.  
• Businesses can check for daily updates at GOV.UK and subscribe to receive email alerts to ensure they are acting on the most up to date information. 

Norfolk Chambers is working in partnership with the UK Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, to ensure the local voice of business is clearly being listened to.  We need to hear from you, about any challenges that your organisation is facing, and any potential solutions or support that you feel you would benefit from.  These can then be fed into central government, to be taken into account when they are drafting policies and processes to deal with the current COVID-19 situation.  Please contact our Head of Policy, Nova Fairbank on:

Email nova.fairbank@norfolkchambers.co.uk or Call: 01603 729 713.

UK economic growth is expected to slow sharply in 2020 amid disruption caused by the impact of Coronavirus, according to the latest economic forecast by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).  The leading business group has downgraded its UK GDP growth expectations for 2020 to 0.8%, from our previous forecast of 1.0%. Outside of the 2008/09 financial crisis, this would be the weakest full-year growth outturn since 1992 and down sharply from UK GDP growth of 1.4% in 2019. UK GDP growth is then expected to pick up in subsequent years: to 1.4% in 2021 and 1.6% in 2022. Our forecast indicates that by the end of 2022, the UK economy will have grown below its historic average growth rate of 2.6% for eight successive years, the longest period since records began. The disruptive impact of Coronavirus is expected to weigh significantly on key drivers of UK GDP growth through the first half of 2020. A lack of clarity on the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU and other partners around the world and a struggling global economy is also predicted to limit UK’s near-term growth prospects:  

• UK export growth in 2020 is projected to be its weakest since 2009 as a subdued global economy, the impact of Coronavirus and uncertainty over future trading arrangements constrain export activity. 
• Business investment is expected to contract by 0.7% this year as the impact of Coronavirus, the cost of doing business in the UK and a lack of clarity on the future trading conditions limit investment intentions.  
• Growth in household spending in 2020 is predicted to be at its slowest since 2011, as the effect of Coronavirus temporarily weakens consumer demand, despite historically low unemployment.   

On the upside, historically strong levels of government spending – both observed in Budget 2020 and anticipated in the upcoming Spending Review and Autumn Budget – are expected to support the UK economy through the forecast period. The measures announced by the Bank of England, including lowering interest rates and steps to support business access to finance, will also help mitigate some of the impact of the Coronavirus on the UK economy.  Commenting on today’s forecast Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   “Our latest forecast indicates that the UK economy faces a challenging short-term outlook. “It is increasingly likely that the boost from higher government spending and more political certainty, will be surpassed over the near-term by the negative impact of Coronavirus on the UK economy. “Although the scale and impact of Coronavirus remains highly uncertain, early evidence of disruption to supply chains and weakening in consumer demand and business activity could mean that even in the case of a temporary shock to the economy, there may be some long-term impact on economic output – particularly if significant action is needed to combat its spread.    “Failure to achieve a UK-EU arrangement conducive to trade is also a key risk to the outlook for the UK economy as disruption in early 2021 could adversely affect economic conditions.” Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, added:  “Coronavirus could further weaken an already stagnant UK economy, as many businesses are starting to report an impact on their cashflow and growth prospects.”  “The Chancellor and the Bank of England have responded to the immediate challenge with measures to help firms hit by Coronavirus, and they must now ensure this support gets to businesses as quickly as possible.  “More will need to be done later in the year to boost business confidence and tackle prolonged economic stagnation. Securing new trading arrangements, taking real action to reduce the high upfront costs of doing business and putting spades in the ground on long-overdue infrastructure projects must be prioritised in order to secure our long-term economic prospects.” Key points in the forecast: 

• UK GDP growth forecast for 2020 is downgraded from 1.0 to 0.8%, but upgraded from 1.3% to 1.4% in 2021 and the first forecast of 2021 growth is 1.6%
• Quarter-on-quarter GDP growth is forecast to 0.2% in Q1 2020, followed by a contraction of -0.1% in Q2
• BCC expectations for export growth have been downgraded to 0.1% in 2020 (from 1.1%) and 0.9% in 2021 (from 1.4%), before growth of 1.4% in 2022
• Forecast for business investment growth is unchanged at -0.7% for 2020, but downgraded to 0.6% for 2021 (from 0.8%), before growth of 1.0% in 2022 
• The forecast for household consumption growth been downgraded to 0.9% for 2020 (from 1.3%), 1.4% for 2021 (from 1.5%), before growth of 1.5% in 2022 
• Government spending growth been upgraded to 3.6% for 2020 (from 3.0%), to 3.0% for 2021 (unchanged), before growth slowing to 2.7% in 2022
• UK official interest rates are expected to rise from 0.25% to 0.75% by the end of 2020. Interest rates are then expected to rise to 1.0% in 2021

To ensure the International Documentation Team can continue to provide customers with a good level of service, should the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) worsen, Norfolk Chambers are putting a contingency plan in place which will minimise disruption.

Julie Austin, International Trade Manager said, “In the event that the Government progress the country to the ‘delay’ phase, we are strongly advising all customers to use our electronic platform – e-zCert. This will ensure almost all physical interactions between customers and our documentation team are eliminated but that documents can still be obtained quickly and easily.”

Customers can apply for their documents through the system by: 1. Selecting which document you are applying for 2. Filling in each required box with information verifiable from your back-up 3. Uploading appropriate back-up documents to evidence information stated on the form 4. The document is then checked by us to ensure it contains all required information and matches the back-up provided by you 5. If everything is in order the document is then approved by us and returned to you via the system

The ‘Express’ function of our system enables documents to be printed at customers’ premises. Blank forms can be purchased by customers in packs of 10 and the documents are applied for, checked, and approved through e-zCert.

For all customers using the e-zCert system for the first time we offer a free checking service to ensure they are confident when using it for documentation. If you would like to move across to the new system we highly recommend registering and familiarising yourself with it prior to any escalation of the COVID-19 situation.

You can find up-to-date advice from the Government here, advice from ACAS here, and resources from Public Health England to display at your workplace here.

If you have any questions about the e-zCert system or our international documentation services please get in touch with Julie Austin, International Trade Manager on 01603 729706 or at Julie.Austin@norfolkchambers.co.uk  

The Big Issue

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee have launched their ‘My BEIS Inquiry’ and are inviting members of the public, including business owners, employees, consumers, academics and activists, to submit proposals for what the Committee should investigate. Submissions can cover ideas from across BEIS remit which includes:  

• Business
• Industrial Strategy
• Consumer Protection
• Corporate Governance
• Jobs and working conditions
• Energy policy
• Clean growth
• Climate change

The BEIS Committee have previously conducted inquiries into a range of issues including automation and the future of work, executive pay and the gender pay gap, product safety (with a particular focus on Whirlpool’s defective tumble dryers) and how we can tackle climate change and reduce the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero.

The Committee values diversity and encourages proposals from people who have not previously engaged with the Committee, and suggestions for areas that they have not previously explored.

How to get involved

Complete the short online form to submit your ideas to the BEIS Committee. Proposals for inquiries should briefly outline:

• The nature of the issue that the Committee should explore
• Why it deserves attention
• How Government policy in this area could be developed or improved.

A selection of the submissions will be shortlisted for an opportunity to give a 5 minute ‘pitch’ to Members of the Committee at UK Parliament later this year. The pitches will be open to the public.  These pitches will help the Committee to learn more about the issue raised before taking a final decision on which subjects to launch an inquiry on.

Submissions will be selected based on merit. In particular, the Committee will be looking for inquiries that are:

• within the Committee’s remit;
• are current;
• have potential for high impact;
• bring a new issue to the forefront or a fresh perspective to an existing problem.

The Committee is not able to take up individual complaints or cases. ‘Pitches’ will take place in public evidence sessions to ensure participants’ concerns reach a wider audience and be entered into the permanent parliamentary record.

The Committee have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions which provides more information about the work of the Committee and guidance for completing your submission.

The deadline to submit inquiry ideas is Tuesday 31 March 2020.

Note from the Chair

Rachel Reeves MP, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said:

“We are keen to hear ideas from the public about what they see as the issues the BEIS Committee should be exploring over this Parliament. This is an opportunity for the public, including entrepreneurs, workers, trade unions, campaigners, academics, activists and others from sectors including business and industry, local government, consumer, and energy, to use their expertise and experience to highlight ideas and policy areas which they think need attention. We are eager to see these inquiry proposals and explore how we as a Committee can take the best ideas forward.”

For any questions about the inquiry contact beiscom@parliament.uk

To keep updated with the inquiry follow @CommonsBEIS on Twitter and use the hashtag #MyBEISInquiry

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus (the family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS) which originated in the Wuhan area of China in late 2019. 

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu, and many individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms. The elderly and immunocompromised are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications as a result of the illness. 

Below are resources to help businesses during the outbreak.

ACAS ACAS recommends employers consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff in case COVID-19 spreads more widely in the UK. They state it’s good practice for employers to:

• Keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
• Make sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
• Make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes and procedures
• Make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
• Provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff and encourage their use
• Consider if any travel planned to affected areas is essential

For more detailed guidance and advice on employer responsibilities and best practice take a look at their website.

Public Health England Public Health England has released a number of resources which businesses can display to help stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19. These primarily encourage good hand and respiratory hygiene, check out their website for more information.

Government Advice The Government’s advice is updated on a daily basis to reflect the changing situation. It is good practice check it regularly for updates.

Norfolk Chambers Policy Norfolk Chambers of Commerce will be taking a common-sense approach to the COVID-19 outbreak and adhering to all Government advice.

In view of the latest advice from Government on Monday evening, we have taken the decision to cancel our events until the end of April 2020.  At this point we will review the situation.  If you are booked to attend an event between now and 30 April, we will contact you regarding this booking.

In line with official guidance we do ask that all individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, have returned from an affected area, or have been in close contact in the last two weeks with an individual who has (or is suspected of having) contracted the virus to not attend meetings or events with us.

Take a look at our Coronavirus Advice for Businesses page for more information.

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus (the family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS) which originated in the Wuhan area of China in late 2019.

The majority of cases are still within China although cases are being detected around the world. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

Many individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms although the elderly and immunocompromised are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications as a result of the illness.

Given the fast spread of the virus the Government have issued official guidelines and policies aiming to contain the spread. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been officially classified as a notable disease which allows businesses to make applicable insurance claims for business disruption arising from its spread.

BUSINESS ADVICE

Hygiene is key:

• Encourage regular handwashing for 20 seconds and coughing and sneezing into tissues which are then thrown away
• Consider providing hand sanitiser and tissues in key locations
• Encourage employees who are unwell, returning from affected areas, or have come into close contact in the last two weeks with an individual who has (or is suspected of having) contracted the virus not to come into the workplace

Communicate:

• Keep employees updated on policies and actions taken
• Ensure up-to-date emergency contact info is kept for all employees
• Ensure all managers understand the symptoms of COVID-19 so they can spot them in good time
• Ensure all managers understand policies and processes should a case be identified

Define your policies:

• If you’re due to travel to an affected area consider whether it is essential – avoid it wherever possible, instead utilise online meeting platforms if this is the reason for your visit
• Clarify whether employees who self-isolate will qualify for sick pay – the government has stated that if someone has been advised by NHS 111 or a doctor to self-isolate they should receive any statutory sick pay due to them
• Clarify your working from home policy, this could be used to encourage employees returning from affected areas to self-isolate with full pay
• Review and communicate your business continuity plan to minimise disruption should the situation arise
• Review your insurance policies so you can understand what would or wouldn’t be covered in the event of disruption

Keep an eye on the wider impact:

• Review your current suppliers to identify any that may be affected and contact them to understand what the implications to your business could be
• Check any upcoming trade shows booked are going ahead and monitor regularly for any changes
• Consider putting contingency plans in place to cover you in case there are any disruptions to either suppliers or customers

Resources are available to help you plan ahead.  

Norfolk Chambers Policy Norfolk Chambers of Commerce will be taking a common-sense approach to the COVID-19 outbreak and adhering to all Government advice.

As at Tuesday 17 March, we have taken the decision to postpone all events/training courses until the end of April 2020 based on the latest government live update by the Prime Minister.  We will reconsider our position on events at the end of this period.  In the meantime, if you are booked onto an event during this period, we will be in touch to advise you about your booking.  

In line with official guidance we do ask that all individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, have returned from an affected area, or have been in close contact in the last two weeks with an individual who has (or is suspected of having) contracted the virus to not attend meetings or events with us.

Thursday 5 March saw hundreds of business people within the UK Chamber network, including our own Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers, come together at the QEII Centre in London to hear from business leaders and politicians, all debating the future of business beyond 2020 at the annual British Chambers of Commerce Conference.

The focus for this year’s conference was on people, trade and investment in infrastructure.  Adam Marshall, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) opened the conference by highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing the UK business community.  He noted the increased costs on business around immigration, international trade and the importance of delivering infrastructure investment, such as HS2 and Heathrow Airport expansion, to help enable greater economic growth. Adam emphasised the need for business and government to work together to find shared solutions. 

The delegates also heard from Dr Pavel Adrjan from Indeed who advised that location, location, location was critical when trying to secure a job or identify an employee.  Businesses and job seekers needed to widen their searches and look over county borders to find the advantage.

Panel Debate: Creating the work places of the future

Jane Boardman, Chair of the Workforce Training and Development Commission chaired a panel discussion with Annie Aurebach from Flex, Beckie Rowland from Greggs and Jason Groves from Dive in Festival.  They highlighted that the more diverse and flexible companies tended to be more successful, innovative and productive.  An example being Microsoft Japan, who introduced a 4 day week and saw productivity increase by 40%.  Another being that by allowing your employees to be who they truly are, means that their energy and efforts are put into doing a great job and not hiding their true selves.  Becky from Greggs explained how they were tapping into an untapped employee market by working with ex-offenders through their ‘Fresh Start’ programme.

Peter Coutts, CEO of Coutts told the audience that he thought business was facing headwinds with uncertainty and fast changing tech.  He wanted to see reductions in ‘well intentioned’ regulations that were proving costly to business.  He felt there was a role for banks and the government to work in partnership to remove regulatory restrictions and help improve productivity.

The headline speaker was Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.  Mr Hancock stated that “Business done right, was a force for good.”   He then highlighted the government’s plans for dealing with the Coronavirus.  He said “Government was preparing for the worst and working for the best.”  He outlined that they were ‘following the science’ to ensure the best most proactive approach and were working on 4 key areas:

Contain –      Detection of the virus and taking advantage of any early wins

Delay –         Slow the spread of the virus, to avoid impacting on the winter season for the NHS.  Whilst seeking to minimise economic and social impacts/costs.

Research –   Ongoing work to understand what drugs are already available that can be used to help fight the virus

Mitigate –      Focus the resources of the UK; keep essential services going; look at a range of options to support supply chains – some of which will be announced in the Budget on 11 March

After lunch, the audience heard from Greg Hands MP, Minister of State, Department of International Trade (DIT), who told of the creation of a strong negotiating team who were working towards the key Free Trade Agreements.  He highlighted that UK exports rose by 5% in the 12 months up to December 2019.  He outlined the support that was available for more UK businesses to export such as UK Export Finance.

Climate change came to the top of the agenda with speeches from both Emma Gilthorpe from Heathrow Airport and Claire Harbord from Drax. 

Emma Gilthorpe picked up on the recent High Court ruling against the Heathrow expansion.  She stated that “Heathrow was the largest UK ‘port’ – larger than both Felixstowe and Southampton and that there could be no global Great Britain without the Heathrow Airport expansion.”  She said: “Carbon is the enemy, not aviation.”  In her opinion no large scale infrastructure improvements would hold back Great Britain and our country would lose out to other countries who did invest and expand their airport hubs.

Claire Harbord outlined Drax’s plans to stop using coal to generate power by 2021 and that currently 90% of their power was generated using renewable sources.  They have ambitious plans to be Zero Carbon by 2040.

Panel Debate: Keeping Britain Open for Business

The final panel debate of the day was in international trade and chaired by Tom Parker, the President of British Chambers of Commerce in EU-Belgium.  The panel included Dr Anna Jerzewska, a Customs and Trade Specialist, John Mahon, the Director General for Export and Investment at DIT, Lucy Frankel from Vegware – a plant-based fast food packaging company, and Sam Martin, CEO of Apothecary 87 – a company who exported to 135 countries in their first year of trading.

The panel highlighted the impact on SME businesses of the forthcoming changes in tariffs, regulations and quotas as of 01 January 2021.  It was noted that information was likely to be given at very last minute – due to the complexity and sheer quantity of negotiations needed.  A plea was made for government to give as much notice as possible to enable businesses to prepare for the inevitable changes and the need for an implementation period – perhaps 3 months to enact the changes.  Mr Mahon highlighted that DIT would welcome greater dialogue with the business community to understand the challenges being faced and that they would welcome any solutions and mitigations that business can suggest.

Business leader Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE has today (Thursday 5th March) been elected President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Baroness McGregor-Smith was elected by representatives of the accredited Chamber Network ahead of the BCC’s Annual Conference in London today. She will take up the role, which is unremunerated, with immediate effect, succeeding Francis Martin CBE.

As President, Baroness McGregor-Smith will work alongside BCC Chair Sarah Howard MBE and Director General Adam Marshall – and will represent the interests of Chamber business communities and trade through a crucial period for the UK.

Baroness McGregor-Smith was Chief Executive of MITIE Group plc between 2007 and 2016, and was Chair of the Women’s Business Council from 2012 to 2016. She authored an independent review on race in the workplace for the UK Government in 2017 and is a passionate advocate for diversity as a key driver of business performance. She was the first Asian female chief executive of a FTSE 250 company.

BCC Chair Sarah Howard MBE said: “Ruby’s understanding of modern business coupled with her energy, dynamism and commitment to opportunity for all make her an outstanding choice to represent our diverse Chamber business communities.” Incoming BCC President, Baroness McGregor-Smith said: 

“As UK business navigates a time of substantial change, the work done by Chambers of Commerce to help firms of all sizes seize opportunities and overcome challenges is more vital than ever.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to speak up for business and trade at this important time – and will be a tireless advocate for the work of the Chamber network in the UK and around the world.”

Outgoing BCC President, Francis Martin CBE, added:

“Ruby will do a fantastic job representing BCC and the Chamber Network, and I am delighted to be handing over to such a strong advocate for business, entrepreneurship and growth.”

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce runs ten nationally accredited international trade courses throughout the year on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce. These courses form an import and export curriculum which give both large and small businesses the skills they need to confidently trade internationally.

All candidates who complete a minimum of six courses are awarded the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade. This is in recognition of the hard work and effort they have put in and shows they have been able to demonstrate a good level of knowledge in each course.

Two recent awardees were Pamela Chapman and James Eman from Applied Acoustics who completed their sixth course in February. Their knowledge will help them support the Sales and Logistics teams at Applied Acoustics, Modulus Technology and Ensign Subsea Systems.

James commented that “The courses run by the chambers of commerce were very informative, providing all the required information to support smooth and efficient logistical operations to fulfil our customer’s requirements.”

Another recent candidate who completed her Foundation Award was Jane Winters from Sinclair International.   

Jane stated “These courses were recommended to me by work colleagues, on all the courses  the material was relevant and up to date along with being very well presented.  The tutor was very knowledgeable and able to tailor the course to the attendees and the content was excellent with a  good balance of theory and application.

In short all the courses were beneficial to my everyday job role. I am very pleased to receive the foundation award  and I will continue to attend the other courses provided by the Chamber of Commerce.”

At the end of every one-day course each candidate’s performance is marked by an external assessor to show that they can effectively demonstrate their knowledge of the subject.

Since the courses began in 2013 Norfolk Chambers have had 17 candidates obtain the Foundation Award. All ten courses are offered to help businesses gain the skills and expertise they need when trading internationally.

The courses are:

• Understanding Exporting
• Preference Rules of Origin
• Customs Procedures and Documentation
• Export Documentation
• Incoterms® 2020
• Import Procedures
• Letters of Credit / Methods of Payment
• Inward and Outward Processing Relief
• Agents and Distributors

If you have any questions about international trade our International Trade Manager, Julie Austin, would be happy to help – 01603 729706 or export@norfolkchambers.co.uk  

Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for the month of February 2020. 

Visit their business to explore what they have to offer. Click on a business name below to view the full listing in our Member Directory.

Evander Evan­der is the UK’s lead­ing provider of respon­sive, pre-planned and emer­gency home improve­ment ser­vices. Whether you’d like to have a win­dow repaired, you feel the need to update your home secu­ri­ty, or you need your prop­er­ty made safe after a break-in; we can help.

Southgate Packaging More than fifty years of packaging industry experience, exceptional service and a policy of global sourcing and innovative product development ensure our customers stay at the forefront of the packaging product market via our sustainable supply chain.

Mortgage Advice Bureau Mortgage Advice Bureau is the UK’s leading mortgage intermediary brand, with over 1,400 advisers across the UK, we offer expert mortgage advice on a local, regional and national level to UK consumers, both face-to-face and over the phone.

International Workplace Group We have a 30-year track record of delivering the best real estate solutions for businesses. With locations in practically every country, city, town and transport hub, and options ranging from an hour’s coworking to multi-year office space leases, we enable people and businesses to work where, when and how they want.

Edward Jackson (Engineers) Edward Jackson has been supplying high quality and reliable machines to the world-wide paint brush and paint roller industry for over 25 years.  The current range of roller making equipment covers the needs of both high and low volume producers with every machine being constantly reviewed for improvements to achieve ease of use and operator safety.

Access Community Trust At Access, we promote social inclusion for the community benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.

Brilliant Customer Service Brilliant Customer Service help organisations, big and small, to improve their customer service, support and sales performance.

Holkham Events Ltd Holkham is a unique and idyllic location for all manner of events, from conferences and corporate team away days to gala dinners and award ceremonies.

SECOL SECOL is proud to supply the best quality Archival Polyester Enclosures in the world and our Polyester acid-free Film perfectly fills the often conflicting needs of conservation, protection and accessibility.