Thursday 5th September saw our first Great Yarmouth breakfast after a summer of fans-on-full and office ice-creams.
The Imperial Hotel set on the breezy beach-front looked after us superbly, and our event ran with perfect timing thanks to Nick, Jill and their wonderful team.
Our Breakfast events are a fantastic opportunity to meet face to face and find out what is most important to our members, and how our membership team can support them.
We signpost, we support and above all, we listen. Listening to what members need is top of our daily to-do-list.
The atmosphere was buzzing with conversations and coffee from beginning to end, and enormous thanks go to our Guest Speaker, Kate Pigeon-Owen of WellBeing International Ltd.
It’s a difficult topic for some, but Kate spoke with wit and knowledge on ‘Menopause in the workplace’ – a topic personally relevant to our own Haze Carver, and to many of our members too. If you are interested in how your company can learn more, do get in touch with Kate or come along to their Menopause Workshop day at Erpingham House on October 6th.
New research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows a concerningly high number of UK firms aren’t ready for a no deal Brexit. Business has consistently called on government to avoid a messy and disorderly exit, but in light of the political turmoil and relentless uncertainty, clearer and more consistent information is needed to help them prepare.
The survey of over 1,500 firms from across the country, including those from Norfolk found that in the midst of conflicting political messages over the likelihood of no deal and remaining gaps in government guidance, over a third (37%) of East of England businesses have not done a Brexit risk assessment. Those that trade internationally (54%) are far more likely to have carried out a risk assessment on the impact of Brexit to their business than their counterparts that trade in the UK only (35%).
There has been a welcome jump in those that have carried out a Brexit assessment since last year (35% in 2018 and 60% in 2019), but with just weeks until a potential no deal exit, there is still a large proportion of firms that aren’t in a position to prepare for the impact.
Political turbulence and ongoing uncertainty about the final outcome of the Brexit process is hampering business planning, making it impossible for firms to know what to prepare for. While there has been an increase in the guidance available from government on conditions in a no-deal, the advice needs to be clearer and more consistent. In many critical areas, such as regulations, customs and trading in Northern Ireland, there is still no good information on which firms can plan.
In a no deal scenario, firms that trade with Europe will face new customs procedures at the border. However, awareness of other schemes* to maintain continuity of trade remains low. The results show that even among internationally active East of England businesses:
65% are not aware of Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP)
59% are not aware of Authorised Economic Operator status (AEO)
78% are not aware of Customs Comprehensive Guarantees (CCG)
Chambers campaigned successfully for the government to automatically issue EORI numbers, which are critical for trading across borders, to all VAT-registered businesses. Now, the Chamber network is calling on HM Government to either automatically enrol or support businesses to access these other important customs and border facilitations.
The business network also continues to encourage all companies – not just those trading across borders – to consider the potential impact of Brexit on their operations. UK-only businesses will face impacts linked to their own suppliers and customers, or to changes elsewhere in the economy, and should take steps to assess these.
Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“Norfolk businesses do not want to see a messy and disorderly Brexit, but ongoing uncertainty means they must prepare for all possibilities as the October deadline looms.
“While more firms have taken basic steps to prepare for change than was the case last year, and government has stepped up communication to businesses, ongoing uncertainty makes business planning with confidence next to impossible. Companies are told to plan – but are being presented with a moving target.
“Businesses are facing significant changes on multiple fronts, and need official guidance that is consistent, precise and easily accessible, enabling them to trade in any scenario. Yet, there are many areas where there simply isn’t enough clear and actionable information for businesses to mitigate some of the impacts of an unwanted no-deal exit.
“Low levels of awareness around special customs and trade schemes are of particular concern, as this highlights the potential for disruption at borders in an unwanted no-deal situation. Companies should be automatically enrolled or supported to enrol in these schemes to increase trader readiness.
“Our evidence yet again reinforces the importance of averting a chaotic exit on October 31st.”
Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for the month of August
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.
Solace Coaching Solace Coaching was founded in 2015 by Paul Ward, a personal development coach with experience working with a variety of clients both in business and on a personal basis.
David Fung As a lifelong student and performer of the art of magic, David brings a collection of polished routines and showmanship to his performances, whether in up-close magic or on the stage.
Tuin Tuin supply a huge range for the garden including log cabins, gazebos, garden furniture, decking – Virtually anything you could need for your garden throughout the UK.
Vortex Visual We use the latest tech including interactive 3D & 360° Virtual Property Tours, Aerial Drone & Ground-based Video & HDR Photography to showcase your business
Downey & Co London’s foremost luxury printers and bespoke creative house for over 100 years. We are luxury brand specialists and have vast experience of creating bespoke invitations, sumptuous wedding suites, beautiful corporate stationery and exquisite packaging projects.
County Broadband County Broadband aims to offer rural communities access to superfast wireless broadband and fixed line ultrafast ‘True Fibre’ broadband.
Lauren Ephithite Wellbeing Advocate Lauren Ephithite is a Wellbeing Advocate based in Norfolk. I work with wellbeing businesses, organisations and charities helping them to reach more people, manage projects and produce content.
Brewin Dolphin We are one of the UK’s leading wealth managers. Founded in 1762, we are here to help you achieve your ambitions through expert, personalised financial planning and investment management advice.
Michelle Denny Recruitment Michelle Denny Recruitment offers a bespoke and professional recruitment service tailor-made to you as both employer and candidate, working in true partnership.
EF Plastics We are a plastic recycling company and a reliable partner in recycling of plastic waste. In UK and Europe, we work closely with recycling companies, waste management companies, industrial and manufacturing firms in collecting, processing and exporting their plastic waste.
XLWerks We are adept at working with urban environments and creating inspiring interior landscapes,
Loveday & Partners Norfolk’s premier firm for bespoke, independent financial advice.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has launched a new service for it’s members, an virtual address at our office in Norwich.
This is ideal for start-up businesses, soletraders and those working from home who want a registered business address different to their home address.
This complimentary and included in your membership. You are able to use this as your registered business on your website, marketing collateral and Companies House. We will collect post for you and will notify when we receive post, you will need to collect this within a two week period from our Norwich office.
To access this service you will need to register your interest by email hello@norfolkchamber.co.uk and you will need to sign a contract before you can start using the address.
Notice is hereby given that the 123rd Annual General Meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be held at The Open, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich on Wednesday 02 October 2019.
Registration will be at 9.45am, for meeting commencement at 10am. Please see attached for all papers relevant to the meeting.
Things don’t always go to plan but it’s how you deal with those situations that speaks volumes about you and your business. Back in May we ran a breakfast at the Cosy Club which definitely didn’t run as smoothly as we all would have liked. On Friday 30th August we returned as they invited us and our May guests back to seek redemption.
Following the last breakfast we fed back the disappointment of our guests at the standard of service received, instead of chalking it up to experience and saying “thanks for the feedback” Cosy Club invited everyone back to set things right. The morning definitely gave our Customer Experience Team Member Jordan “the fear” but she decided that everyone deserves a second chance so accepted and began sending out the invites. She let her inner control freak loose, keeping in constant contact with them and probably drove them mad with all her checking and double-checking!
We had a small but perfectly formed group with us for a morning featuring two networking activities and a very informal swapping of tables. There was a real buzz of anticipation as guests entered and began networking in the beautiful main dining area. After being seated guests were asked to share a surprising fact about themselves with others on their table, we even had someone who has featured on a The Only Way Is Essex episode, quite the claim to fame! Towards the end of their networking time the Cosy Club team served breakfast, there were lots of very happy faces at this point!
After everyone had been fed a small vote was held on whether a networking activity or free networking time was preferred, the networking activity took it. Guests shared the best customer service they’ve ever experienced, Jordan kicked it off by congratulating Cosy Club on their fantastic turnaround there was even clapping!
The morning was closed by Cosy Club’s General Manager Tim who thanked everyone for coming along to give them a second chance. Guests left full of delicious breakfast having had a good morning of networking with a fantastic impression of the team. It really goes to show that, although getting it right the first time is of course the preferred option, how you deal with difficult situations when they arise is just as important. Previously we had vowed never to return to Cosy Club, after this morning we’ll be happy to bring our members back and cannot thank the team enough for their hospitality. They definitely turned their sorry to our thanks!
Talking Tech is Norfolk Chambers of Commerce annual flagship technology event. The half day conference will this year take place on Wednesday 18 September, 9am – 2pm at The Space, Norwich. The theme for 2019’s conference is all about myth busting. Our expert guest speakers will take the stage to dispel common myths within their industry in a mixture of keynotes, panel discussions, lightening talks and a workshop to close the event. Our keynote speakers will be covering everything from taking your business paperless to agri-tech. One to watch will be Paul Maskall, Head of Cyber, Risk and Technology for Dardan Security as he delivers a keynote on our relationship with technology. Paul will be breaking down the emotional myths that provide a barrier against us utilising or finding balance with technology. Panel discussions this year will focus on cyber security and data and artificial intelligence. The panels provide the opportunity for the audience to get involved in the event by submitting their questions through Slido. To close the main conference there will also be a special collaborative panel discussion and lightening talks, from the tech groups of Norwich, including (nor(DEV):), Hot Source Norwich and Sync Norwich. Following the main conference there will be a networking lunch at 1pm, giving attendees the opportunity to digest the morning and speak one-on-one with the speakers. At 1:30pm to close the event there will then be a workshop with Mark Williams-Cook, Director at Candour. Mark will be presenting ‘why your website content is rubbish and you don’t rank in Google’. The half an hour workshop will be a practical survival guide to how you should be thinking about your website content. Throughout the event a specialist exhibition of technology themed businesses will also be showcased in the main entrance/networking space, with software developers, email marketing specialists and IT support. We will also be using Thyngs cards at the event again this year. The Thyngs cards give attendees access to all of the event information through QR codes and NFC technology. This year, you can get your own personalised Thyngs card by booking your ticket by Friday 6th September. The event is aimed at all businesses who are looking to improve the ways they use technology, or who want to introduce new and exciting technology to boost their business. To book your tickets, view our speaker line-up or our exhibitors click below: FIND OUT MORE Talking Tech 2019 is sponsored by Barclays Eagle Labs, Breakwater IT and Naked Element.
Responding to the latest Westminster developments, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses feel like Westminster is playing an endless game of political chess, while their futures and the health of the UK economy hang in the balance.
“Every move in this game is prompting more questions, not just amongst businesses here at home but also amongst their partners around the world. Out in the real world, continuing political turbulence is taking a toll on contracts, on investment decisions, and on business confidence. Three years on, the damage continues.
“The top priority for businesses and the economy is still to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on the 31st of October. Despite the noise, none of the events of the last few days have given businesses greater confidence that this will be achieved. Given this, it is essential for government and its agencies to further boost support for businesses through any scenario.
“Once again, businesses will have to try their best to prepare for an unclear future as the political process goes down to the wire.”
The previous Quarter 2 results highlighted the impact that relentless Brexit uncertainty, rising business costs and tougher global trading conditions were having on the UK economy, with a subdued service sector output and manufacturing activity deteriorating.
In the Norfolk manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting growth in domestic sales fell drastically and was at its weakest since Q2 2016. The number of local firms reporting an increase in export sales had also dipped to a two-year low. Firms reporting an increase in domestic orders was at its weak, whilst the corresponding balance for export orders was at its lowest in the last two years.
The Norfolk services sector saw a slight increase in the balance of companies reporting higher domestic sales and orders, but export sales and orders saw mixed weak results.
With less than 100 days to Brexit, we need your help to clearly understand where our local economy is. The Quarterly Economic Survey for Quarter 3 is now underway and we need to hear from as many Norfolk businesses as possible. Please take the short survey Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).
The QES is the largest independent business survey in the UK and is used by both the Bank of England and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to plan the future of the UK economy. It is also closely watched by the International Monetary Fund. It is vital that as many Norfolk businesses as possible take part, so we get a true reflection of the local economy.
You can have your say by completing the QES online NOW. It takes less than 3 minutes. The completion deadline for this survey is midnight on Monday 16 September 2019. The Q3 results will be published week commencing 07 October 2019.
Key findings in the Q2 2019 survey:
Norfolk Manufacturing sector:
The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell from +26 to -13, the lowest level since Q2 2016, while those reporting improved domestic orders also fell 60 points into negative territory from +41 to -19 – the weakest level since Q2 2016
The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell from +31 to +23, the weakest since Q2 2016 and the balance of firms reporting improved export orders dropped from +46 to +15 – the weakest since Q2 2017
The balance of firms expecting to increase prices in the next three months stands at +56, up from +48 in Q1
The percentage of firms (40%) reporting upward price pressures due to pay settlements are their highest since Q2 2013
The balance of firms reporting improved cashflow remained static at +25
The balance of firms increasing investment in plant/machinery fell considerably in the quarter from +18 to -19 the weakest level since Q4 2015
The balance of firms confident that turnover will increase in the next 12 months rose from +30 to +50 whilst their confidence in profitability fell from +23 – +19.
Norfolk Services sector:
The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales rose from +9 to +12. Those reporting improved domestic orders rose from -2 to +4
The balance of firms reporting improved export sales remained the same at +4. Those reporting improved export orders fell from +7 to -4
Domestic and export indicators of sales and orders all remain below the levels recorded in Q3 2018
The balance of firms expecting to increase prices in the next three months stands at +37, from +45 in Q1, which was the lowest level since Q2 2018
The percentage of firms (38%) reporting upward price pressures due to payment settlements dipped from the previous quarter total of 47% – which had been the highest since Q1 2018
The balance of firms reporting improved cashflow rose, but remained in negative territory, going from -10 to -5
The balance of firms looking to increase investment in plant and machinery dropped from +6 to +2, and from +16 to +10 in training. The balance of firms confident that turnover and profitability will improve over the next year decreased from +38 to +30 for turnover from +14 to +12 in profitability. Indicators of investment and confidence remain below the levels recorded in Q4 2018
As many traders as possible will be automatically allocated an EORI number to enable them to trade smoothly once the UK leaves the EU on 31 October.
Every business will need an EORI number to move goods into or out of the EU after Brexit. HMRC is sending letters to all possible VAT-registered businesses over the next two weeks to advise them of their assigned UK EORI number.
If your business is not VAT-registered, you still need to register for an EORI number. Getting an EORI number is an easy process that only takes 5-10 minutes. Get started here: https://bit.ly/EORI-number
Commenting on the announcement that the government will act on the BCC’s call to automatically issue businesses with an EORI number, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General, of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “This step is long overdue, yet welcome nonetheless. We have campaigned for many months for government to issue EORI numbers to businesses, rather than simply wait for them to apply. This common sense step will prompt more traders to prepare for change, and consider what else they need to do to be ready for an unwanted ‘no deal’ scenario. “Businesses do not want a messy and disorderly ‘no deal’ Brexit on 31 October, but given the ticking clock, it’s prudent that both government and industry be as prepared as possible. The proportion of firms applying for EORI numbers was concerningly low, and automatic issuance will help ease the administrative burden facing companies in the weeks and months ahead. “Sorting EORI numbers is only a first step. For many firms, it will trigger more questions. Businesses still need clarity on many other cross-border trade issues, such as customs procedures at borders following a no deal exit and when the Government will launch an official database to provide ease of access to information on tariffs and quotas. The government must urgently provide answers to these questions, and ramp up both guidance and support for businesses.”
The Norwich Bid would like to invite all Norwich-based businesses to be part of the launch of Norwich Street Aid on Thursday 10 October 2019 at 8:30 am to 10:00 am. Taking place at The Forum in their Gallery space, they are welcoming businesses to come and hear more about the scheme, network with like-minded organisations and help contribute to positive change in your city centre. They will be offering free coffees and teas to all who attend, as well as a light breakfast offering. What is Norwich Street Aid? A collaborative approach to tackling rough sleeping in Norwich city centre, Norwich Street Aid is a new, simple way to “Give Help” and “Get Help” in Norwich. Give Help – Whether it’s offering your time, giving practical items or making a valuable donation – you can help make a difference in Norwich. Get Help – From a welcoming chat and a warm meal, to medical support and training opportunities, Norwich Street Aid offers a wide range of services to help those rough sleeping in the city. Made possible through partnership working between Norwich BID, Pathways and the Norfolk Community Foundation, this scheme aims to raise valuable funding and resources for those who rough sleep in in the city. There are already many hard-working organisations and individuals helping to tackle the issues of rough sleeping and homelessness in the city. Norwich Street Aid is a joint Partnership between those organisations, in a bid to collectively tackle the challenges and concerns faced by those who rough sleep. Working together with a wide range of services and resources, Norwich Street Aid aims to better help people move away from rough sleeping and lead a life free from homelessness. History of Norwich Street Aid Norwich Street Aid was the vision of the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and a response from the business community who were concerned about the level of people rough sleeping on the city’s streets. Norwich Street Aid is a partnership between Norwich BID, Pathways and the Norfolk Community Foundation. Using the latest contactless technology, contributions can be made towards a central funding pot which will be distributed to the individuals who need it most. How can businesses support Norwich Street Aid? Your business can make a donation to Norwich Street Aid, organise fundraising activities, and also engage your employees in spreading the word as a Norwich Street Aid advocate. You can also show your support for Norwich Street Aid by displaying posters and flyers in your business, or by housing our contactless payment terminal for your customers to make donations to the project! Please get in touch to discuss how you and your business can support the scheme. We hope that you and your business can also show your support to the project by joining the Norwich Bid for their launch event. If you have any further questions or requirements for you and your staff to attend, please contact Aidan Lewis at aidan.lewis@norwichbid.co.uk.