Chamber News

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is committed to helping the charity sector in Norfolk, and we hope you will join us in supporting the Priscilla Bacon Hospice by giving just 10-minutes of your time to complete this survey on their behalf, about business support for charities.

For 40 years, Priscilla Bacon Lodge has provided a high standard of specialist end-of-life care, in partnership with the NHS, from its 16-bed hospice in Norwich. Despite its many achievements, the facility is now inadequate both in scale and configuration, as the population of Norfolk expands significantly, and the complexity and volume of demand increases.

The time has come to create a new state-of-the-art hospice for Norfolk; and Priscilla Bacon Hospice have ambitions to build a new 24-bed facility next to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. The new hospice will boast the most modern and very best facilities, plus a wider range of community day care and out-patient services to meet the ever-more complex specialist palliative care needs of the county.

But such ambitions, of course, are not cheap to realise and Priscilla Bacon Hospice are seeking to raise £12.5 million to build the new hospice, and we will depend upon local companies (many being Chamber of Commerce members) to achieve this goal. And this is where you come in. At this stage all we are asking for is your feedback about the charity support activities of businesses in Norfolk, in order that Priscilla Bacon Hospice can best match the expectations of current and potential supporters for the benefit of all.

Your feedback in this 10-minute survey could make all the difference to Priscilla Bacon Hospice’s fundraising, but be assured you will not be asked to, nor expected to, make any donation or other commitment as a result of your participation in the survey – your feedback alone is valuable!

Simply click here and you will be taken to the survey, hosted ‘gratis’ by independent research consultancy, and chamber member, Insight Track. The aggregated feedback from the survey will be used solely for the purpose of guiding Priscilla Bacon Hospice’s fundraising planning and decision-making. It will not be possible to identify any particular individual in the research findings, and no personal data will be retained or shared with any third party.

Close date is on Monday 9th September 2019. 

If you have any queries in any regard relating to this survey, please contact Priscilla Bacon Hospice on 0330 223 4274.  

Norfolk Chambers’ Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest independent business survey in the UK, receiving in excess of 7,000 responses from across the UK each quarter.  But why should your business take part?  Simply put, the larger the voice of Norfolk’s manufacturers and service sector firms, the louder our voice is heard at a national level.

With the lack of certainty surrounding our economy as a result of Brexit, having some clear indicators about the health of the local and national economy are more valuable than ever.  The QES often shows changes in economic trends, well in advance of other surveys.  It is used by the Bank of England to set interest rates;  the Treasury and the Chancellor of the Exchequer when considering national economic decisions; and by the International Monetary Fund when comparing the UK economy to other global economies.

The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete online, its multiple choice, so no long written answers and anonymous.  The next fieldwork period starts on Monday 26 August – save the date in your diary and watch your inbox, our website or our social media feeds for the QES survey link.

Are you interested in increasing your revenue through exporting or are you already an established exporter looking to enter into new international markets?

Join the British Chamber network on 17th October 2019 at Hilton, London Bankside for the BCC International Trade Summit.

Whether you are a Norfolk or UK based company, or a company located anywhere in the world, join the Chambers to receive practical advice, contacts and resources you need to take your international trade journey to the next level.

Join in and participate in interactive breakout sessions that focus on the practical aspects of trade and commerce and hear from experienced business leaders, which in previous years has included Baroness Fairhead,  Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion; Dr Linda Yueh, Fellow in Economics at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford; Wilson Del Socorro, Global Director for Trade, Tax and Regulatory Affairs, Diageo and Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover among many others.

The key themes of the day will discuss getting goods across borders, how changes in Britain’s Trade Policy relationships will impact your business and the changing nature of global supply chains, plus, hearing inspirational trade advice from key international business figures. You can find out more detail about the themes at www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/international-trade-summit.

Explore trade opportunities in new markets through exclusive insights and network with fellow businesses and grow your connection base at the British Chambers of Commerce biggest trade event of the year. Enquire now to secure your place.

This is a must attend, and we have some free tickets on offer for our members. Do get in contact with us at export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

The headliners for the sixth Noirwich Crime Writing Festival have just been announced. Organised by the National Centre for Writing and the University of East Anglia, Noirwich will this year welcome; BBC reporter George Alagiah, Yrsa Sigurrðardottir – ‘Iceland’s crime queen’, James Runcie, creator of the much-loved Grantchester Mysteries, Louise Doughty, author of the smash-hit Apple Tree Yard, and many more across 20 events and four city venues.  Kicking off on Thursday 12th September, Noirwich promises four days of the very best in the nation’s favourite literary genre. The festival attracts visitors from all over the country for its mix of writing workshops, exhibitions and innovative programming. The popular Bloody Brunch is back with sponsors Big Tom tomato juice and Norwich-based Ghost Vodka mixing up the perfect Bloody Mary. And a first for the festival is a look at how climate-change is inspiring a new generation of crime writers. There will also be a photography exhibition at The Birdcage featuring the work of American artist David Drake, who has produced a series of stunning images reflecting the noir in Norwich.  Peggy Hughes, Festival Co-Director and Programme Director of the National Centre for Writing, said:  “Crime fiction is phenomenally popular and Noirwich is a wonderful celebration that brings people from far and wide to our UNESCO City of Literature for a four-day spectacular of the most exciting and diverse crime writing that the world has to offer.”  Henry Sutton, Professor of Creative Writing and Crime Fiction at the UEA, said:  “Noirwich is at the cutting edge of the most exciting, dynamic and popular literary and filmic genre in the world. But it’s so much more as well; it’s a place for great, timely and entertaining discussions in the friendliest of environments. Meet the people who shape imaginations and who can make you laugh, and cry. Crime writers know how to move you, while moving with the times.” Festival events take place at Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing, the Jarrold Department Store, the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia and The Birdcage.  Cafes and bars across the city will join in the celebrations with food and drink crime twist specials. There will be writing workshops where you can try your hand at writing the next bestselling thriller. The Ivy Norwich Brasserie is sponsoring a very special VIP reception on the roof garden of the Enterprise Centre, UEA.  The 6th Noirwich Crime Writing Festival will take place from 12 – 15th September 2019. For the full line-up and ticket information, including season tickets see: www.noirwich.co.uk and follow @NOIRwichFest Listen to a new interview with festival co-director Professor Henry Sutton on the National Centre for Writing podcast: https://noirwich.co.uk/podcast-henry-sutton-introduces-noirwich-2019/

As summer comes to an end and people are returning from their holidays with family and friends, autumn will soon begin.

To celebrate the new season we are launching our 60 minute workshops, all of which are free to attend for our members.

Each session is delivered by experts from across Norfolk on really interesting and relevant subjects that can be applied to all businesses.

They range from ‘be your best self’, ‘having the right mind set’ to ‘how to manage a negotiation’. Our skilled presenters live and breathe their topics and are here to help you expand your knowledge.

As well as this, we are re-introducing our longer half-day training for members and non-members to enjoy. Chamber Training is a great way to learn new skills relevant to your business straight from our members.

We have also added new trainers to the schedule to deliver a wider range of topics, including Joe Mills, from The Tree Academy who focuses on ‘How to be a brilliant communicator’ and Sarah West from Full Fix Marketing who will look at ‘choosing the right marketing mix’.

To find out more about all of our upcoming training, please click here.

If you’re interested in delivering training with us then please do complete our online speaker form or get in touch to discuss this further.

As a member of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, there are several ways in which you can continue to raise your business profile with us and our website. Our website is a good starting point. This platform can be accessed at any time to suit you, and all your business news, blogs, events and training can be shared here. There are so many benefits to using our platform to share your news, with over 10,500 visitors a month, this is a great opportunity to grow your community, and increase your brand awareness. Below are some helpful tips to get you started. If you have any difficulties with this process, do get in touch with us!

Create account or sign in You will first need to create an account here. Alternatively you can sign into your account here. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset yourself.

This account will then need to be approve by the Customer Experience Team to give you the correct permissions to post (allow 1 day).

Alternatively, you can contact to Customer Experience Team with your username and they can do it straight away for you. This will then be linked to your company directory listing and where your posted content will also appear.

Video Guide to posting content Watch our step-by-step video guide on how to post member content: https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/website-user-guide.

Content Approval This will then be sent to the Customer Experience Team, normally content is approved on the same day and you will be contacted if the team cannot approve a post for any reason.

Any problems? If you have any problems creating an account, accessing your account or posting content please contact the Customer Experience Team on hello@norfolkchamber.co.uk or call 01603 625977

Many UK exporters are treading water at a time of deep uncertainty, according to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL.

The survey of 3,400 exporters found nearly two-thirds (63%) of manufacturers report exchange rates as a concern to their business, indicating the pressure from sterling volatility.

The results reflect the negative impact that slowing global trade, currency fluctuation and Brexit uncertainty is having, with export sales and orders weakening. In Q2 2019, the balance of manufacturers reporting export sales increased stood at +14, down from +24 in the same quarter last year. In the services sector the corresponding balance fell to +8, from +17.

The balance of exporting manufacturers that have increased orders also fell to +9, down from +21 in the same quarter last year. In services it fell to +5 from +14, indicating that the ongoing uncertainty is hitting orders books and creating difficult trading conditions for many UK exporters.

At the same time, the volume of trade documents issued by Accredited Chambers of Commerce for goods shipments outside the EU fell 2.1% in the second quarter of the year and stands 3.0% lower than the same quarter in 2018.

In the event of no deal, businesses will face an immediate and abrupt change in trading conditions, for which many remain unprepared. Business has been clear about wanting to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit but given that no deal remains the default position on October 31st, the new government must urgently ramp up its preparation.

Business is calling on the new government to ensure the conditions and logistical preparations are in place to protect continuity of trade after the UK’s departure from the EU. Firms that currently trade with the EU will need an EORI number to continue in the event of no deal, yet the number of firms that have registered remains worryingly low. The British Chambers of Commerce is urging the government to automatically register all VAT-registered firms to minimise the disruption and administrative burdens facing traders.

The Department for International Trade must also make every effort, working with governments in third countries and the EU-27 to grandfather existing EU Free Trade Agreements, which so many firms rely on to be competitive in key markets around the world. Many businesses report the lack of clarity around future terms of trade, including tariffs and customs procedures, is adding to the feeling of uncertainty and lack of confidence.

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

“There is real frustration among business communities across the UK at the lack of clarity about trading conditions after the UK leaves the EU, and we’re already seeing the impact of that uncertainty.

“While the majority of firms want the government to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit, we’re calling on the government to put practicalities first and implement measures to ensure firms are as prepared as possible for the whatever scenario they face. A crucial first step would be to automatically issue all necessary companies with an EORI number to minimise the hoops that firms need to jump through to be ready for day one.

“There are many fundamental outstanding questions relating to the rules and processes of trade in the event of no deal. While the Department for International Trade has been working with third countries to ensure the rollover of existing FTAs, many of these critical arrangements have not yet been formally agreed, and firms can’t plan for the future based on warm words. Maintaining preferential access to countries where the EU has trade agreements is critical to maintaining competitiveness in key markets.”

Shannon Diett, VP of Marketing at DHL Express, said:

“The 2.1% fall in the Trade Confidence Index compared to Q1 2019 is a strong indication that UK firms, despite a solid export performance, are feeling the impact of the uncertain and challenging market conditions prevailing at this time. Manufacturing and services firms are still reporting an increase in export orders, however, this is at a reduced level in comparison to this time last year.

“For businesses trading internationally in particular, preparing for a potential Brexit, including a no-deal scenario in March, then April and now October has absorbed considerable business resource. This diversion of focus and delay of investment represents a substantial opportunity cost for British business trading internationally. It is however essential that a renewed focus is placed on preparing for Brexit again in advance of the 31 October deadline. There are a number of practical steps that can be taken, despite the lack of clarity on future trading relations with Europe.

“Actions such as implementing digital customs paperwork solutions with your logistics provider, or obtaining an EORI number will help make the transition to new trade arrangements, regardless of the ultimate Brexit scenario, as seamless as possible for exporting businesses. Additionally, increasing the number of markets a business trades with reduces risk and increases growth possibilities in the long term.”

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

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.

Safepoint is a web and mobile software platform that allows employers to ensure the safety of their lone workers and easily stay compliant with today’s health and safety regulations.

Kavolini String Quartet are a group of passionate, professional musicians who have come together to make high quality music in Norfolk.

Hawthorn Safety Consultancy are providers of Health & Safety Policies, Risk, COSHH & Fire Assessments, Safety Audits, CDM (Construction), Accident Investigation.

Little Piggy Kathy Ennis is an experienced entrepreneur, a business mentor and trainer. It’s her mission to help motivate micro business owners and spirited side-hustlers to transform their brilliant ideas into a profitable business.

Mark Fraser Valuations provides a thorough professional service covering Probate, Insurance and Family Division throughout Norfolk and its neighbouring counties.

Norfolk Blood Bikes  is a registered charity run by local volunteers that transports blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines, donor breast milk & any other urgently required medical items to hospitals – at night, daytime weekends and bank holidays. This service is provided completely free of charge, allowing the NHS to divert funds where they are needed most.

Nemesis Consultants Limited is a security company founded by ex-British Army personnel designed to provide security teams for high risk environments.

Silver Plane Helping Norfolk businesses with their web design, branding, graphic design, social media management and more.

Raptor Aerospace  is a specialist training and services company supporting the growing UK space industry.

Synergy provide advice and guidance on a consultancy basis in relation to health, safety and wellbeing.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Find out if you’re eligible and what winning could mean for your business here.

Last year three Norfolk businesses won the Queens Award;  Liftshare, Snap-on and Panel Graphics. Read more about why they won here.

Now in its 54th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognises the innovation and services provided by British businesses to the local, national and international markets. The awards also highlight the hard work and focus of running a successful business too, with 200 national businesses receiving these awards.

The application period closes on 10 September 2019 (midday), with winners being notified in March 2020. 

You can find out more information and how to apply here. 

• The first new Freeports will be established after we leave the EU, to turbocharge growth and ensure towns and cities across the UK benefit from Brexit trade opportunities.
• Ports and airports across the UK will be invited to bid to become one of up to 10 Freeports.
• The Freeports Advisory Panel will include Ministers from the Department for International Trade and HM Treasury, as well as experts including technology advisor Daniel Korski, small business champion Emma Jones MBE, tax specialist Tom Clougherty and economist Dr Eamonn Butler.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss – Norfolk MP for South West Norfolk, has  announced a new Freeports Advisory Panel to advise the government on the establishment of up to 10 Freeports.        

Expected to transform the country’s ports and airports just as freedoms transformed London’s Docklands in the 1980s, up to ten Freeports will be created after the UK leaves the EU on 31 October. More details on how ports and airports across the country will be able to bid for Freeport status will be announced soon.

Freeports are hubs for business and enterprise for both manufacturing and services trade. These could be free of unnecessary checks and paperwork, and include customs and tax benefits. These zones reduce costs and bureaucracy, encouraging manufacturing businesses to set up or re-shore. The most successful Freeports globally attract businesses and create jobs for local people through liberalised planning laws.

Freeports ensure Britain’s port cities and airports are ready to take full advantage of post-Brexit opportunities, including increased trade with the USA and fast-growing Asian markets as we sign our first free trade deals with global partners.

Britain’s decision to leave the EU on 31st October will mean we can operate an independent trade policy for the first time in 45 years, setting our own regulations and developing our own policies to boost economies around the country.

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“We welcome any opportunity that enables Norfolk businesses to benefit from being able to import and export easily.  With our region have some significant ports, such as Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe, one of the UK’s busiest container ports, we would call for the East of England to be one of the areas in which a Freeport is established.   We stand ready with our colleagues across the East of England to ensure our region benefits from this initiative.”

There are already thousands of very successful free trading zones around the world, with the United States having pioneered the creation of over 250 free trade zones, employing 420,000 people, many in high-skilled manufacturing jobs. If the UK model is implemented as successfully, it could have a significant economic impact.

Today, Liz Truss will see how becoming a Freeport could benefit one of the UK’s major ports in the Northern Powerhouse, Teesport, alongside Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. The Mayor has championed Freeports, and a report commissioned by his authority found a Freeport could provide a significant boost to his region and the UK area’s GDP.  Other ports which have expressed an interest in the bidding process include the Port of Tyne, Milford Haven and London Gateway.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss MP said:

“Freedoms transformed London’s Docklands in the 1980s, and Freeports will do the same for towns and cities across the UK. They will onshore enterprise and manufacturing as the gateway to our future prosperity, creating thousands of jobs.

“We will have a truly independent trade policy after we leave the EU on October 31. I look forward to working with the Freeports Advisory Panel to create the world’s most advanced Freeport model and launch the new ports as soon as possible.”

Case study: USA

There are many Freeport models across the US, known as Foreign Trade Zones. One such port is in Miami, which sees over 7 million tons of cargo pass through its port every year. Businesses within the zone can import, warehouse and re-export products duty-free. This cuts down costs for businesses, helping them become more globally competitive. Businesses can also defer paying tax on their products while they are stored on site, adding peace of mind for businesses looking to manage cash flow and respond more quickly to spikes in demand for their products. Freeports with less regulation doesn’t just help businesses cut down on paperwork, but they offer greater flexibility on when, where, and how they trade.

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom is pleased to invite Norfolk businesses to attend Exporpymes 2019. This is a business trip that we are organising alongside The Coruña Chamber of Commerce, due to be held in A Coruña (Galicia) on the 15th of October 2019.

Exporpymes intends to be a meeting point for companies from various countries, giving them the chance to meet with more than 50 Galician companies and to know more about Food & Wines, as well as Construction and Machinery industries from this region.

The Coruña Chamber of Commerce will pay for the flight and the accommodation during those days and some of the meals will be included. Although Exporpymes will take place on October 15th, there is the possibility of visiting some of the companies after the event if requested previously.

As there are just a few places available for UK importers, should you have any queries about business trip or wish to confirm your attendance, please do not hesitate to show your interest by completing this application and emailing it to Alberto Oliva of The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK.  

TIPS for Good Management Ltd, a member of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is offering a 10% discount to fellow Chamber members on any of their Level 3, 5 and 7 online Management Qualifications, from Award, Certificate and Diploma.

TIPS for Good Management Ltd was founded by Julian Hammond in 1998. Julian has a wide background of industrial and commercial knowledge with over 30 years experience at supervisory, middle and senior management level. The team is based in  Dereham and boasts a number of corporate clients from all parts of the UK who have gained significant benefits from the courses that TIPS for Good Management offers. The company is approved by the Chartered Management Institute.

There has been an increase of distance based or e-learning compared to traditional classroom-based learning. One benefit of online learning is that is flexible for the employer and the employee to fit around their work and home life. To find out more benefits to online learning click here.

The 10% discount applies to a range of courses including;

• Level 3 Award in First Line Management
• Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management
• Level 3 Diploma in First Line Management
• Level 5 Award in Management & Leadership
• Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership
• Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership
• Level 5 Extended Diploma in Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Award in Strategic Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership
• Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership

If you’re interested in finding out more please click here or contact TIPS for Good Management Ltd on 01362 699392 or email info@tipsfgm.co.uk