Chamber News

Mental health is still one of the most misunderstood health issues by employers in the modern workplace. It often leads to hesitancy and uncertainty about how to help, and concern about managing employees suffering from such conditions.

With this in mind we held an HR Forum on Wednesday 13th April which focused on mental health. The morning was very kindly sponsored by Steeles Law, started in 1969 and now with offices in Norwich, Diss, and London they have achieved a number of qualifications and accreditations since then. They have teams specialising in a number of areas including commercial property, dispute resolution, employment, agriculture, education, and motorsport. Our expert speakers, Oliver Brabbins and Robert Hickford, were from their employment law team.

It was a very informative session with a number of case studies cited, these helped with myth-busting and gave real-world examples of how far you’re allowed to go as an employer when an employee experiences mental health issues. They also gave advice on what to look out for and the type of support you can give in order to help the employee and protect yourself as an employer to give delegates confidence with the topic.

Mental health in the workplace is a very interesting topic as the delegates discovered since there are a myriad of potential claims that could be made against an employer. The session gave an overview of how to deal with some issues and highlighted the fact that this changes depending on the nature of the claims and condition. Delegates left with a clear understanding that, in this area in particular, there is a need for medical expert intervention and advice and that the clarity of this advice is driven by the instructions received and the questions asked.

Overall it was a highly informative afternoon and there were a number of questions at the end which delegates were able to put to Oliver and Robert. These were mainly around clarifying points raised in the presentation and how to deal with issues specific to their businesses.

Thank you again to Steeles Law for sponsoring the afternoon and providing delegates with a lot of food for thought, if you have any questions about anything covered at the HR Forum please do not hesitate to get in touch with them. Also thank you to Norwich Mind for highlighting some of the great work they do, including their work with Great Yarmouth companies carrying out wellbeing audits.

As a member of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce you have access to a free 24 hour advice line, a great first port of call for any HR questions, and a document library with over 400 free downloadable documents. If you have any questions about it or any other benefits of membership the team will be happy to answer any questions – 01603 625977 or hello@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Join us at our next HR Forum Wednesday 19th June 2019.  

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) slightly downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting growth of just 1.2% in 2019 (down from 1.3%), which if realised would be the weakest growth in a decade. The BCC has also downgraded its growth forecast for 2020 to 1.3% (down from 1.5%) and published its first forecast for 2021 of 1.4% growth.

A weaker outlook for business investment and trade amid continued Brexit uncertainty and slower expected global economic growth were the main drivers behind the leading business group’s downgrades to its forecast for GDP growth in 2019 and 2020.

Business investment is forecast to decline by 1.0% in 2019, which if realised would be the weakest outturn since the financial crisis in 2009. Ongoing uncertainty over the UK’s future relationship with the EU is expected to continue to weigh on investment intentions. The diversion of resources to prepare for no deal and the high upfront cost of doing business in the UK is also projected to limit the extent to which investment activity will bounce back over the near term.

Net trade is expected to make a negative contribution to GDP growth over the forecast period, reflecting the lack of clarity on the UK’s future trade arrangements, weaker global growth and continued trade tensions.

While average earnings growth in real terms is set to improve over the forecast period and unemployment is forecast to remain low by historic standards, household spending is expected to be limited by weak consumer confidence and high household debt levels.

Growth in the dominant services sector is expected to weaken to 1.1% in 2019, which would be the slowest growth since 2009. The manufacturing and construction sectors are also expected to grow by less than expected in our previous forecast.

The BCC forecast assumes that the UK avoids a messy and disorderly exit from the EU. Another scenario would lead to revisions in the next forecast.

If realised, the BCC’s forecast depicts a UK economy stuck on a low-growth trajectory. The degree of Brexit uncertainty at this late stage in the process has already damaged investment and confidence across UK business communities. To boost growth prospects, the government must urgently provide firms with clarity on future conditions and bolster business investment incentives.

Commenting on the forecast, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The downgrades to our near-term growth outlook are a further indication that the UK economy is set to remain on a historically weak growth trajectory for some time to come, unless decisive action is taken.

“Brexit uncertainty, the financial squeeze on business and consumers and a slowing global economy are expected to weigh significantly on business investment and trade and limit the extent to which consumer spending will be boosted by a stronger real wage growth. The broad nature of the headwinds facing the UK economy is likely to be reflected in widespread weakness across all the main sectors, leaving the UK more exposed to sudden shifts in the economic conditions.

“The significant costs, diversion of resources and loss of business that many firms have had to incur to protect themselves against a possibility of no-deal Brexit and the lack of clarity over the UK’s future relationship with the EU is likely to limit the expected improvement in economic output as Brexit uncertainty eases.

“While heightened uncertainty looms over the near-term outlook for the UK economy, the risks to the forecast remain firmly on the downside. A messy and disorderly exit from the EU would materially increase the probability of the UK slipping into recession, particularly if global economic conditions continue to soften.”   

Commenting on the forecast, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“Norfolk business clearly need certainty surrounding the UK’s leaving of the EU.  Many businesses are putting investment and recruitment decisions on hold, as a result of the uncertainty and the impact on the local economy is beginning to show.”

Responding to the forecast, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, added:

“It is clear that political inaction has already had economic consequences.  Firms are hitting the brakes on investment and recruitment decisions.  Worse still, some companies have moved investment and growth plans as part of their contingency preparations. Some of this investment may never come back to the UK.

“The economy is currently growing sluggishly at best, but a messy and disorderly exit from the EU would do real and lasting damage to the UK’s economic prospects. A clear course of action on Brexit is needed from government, and greater levels of planning and guidance to prepare its own agencies and communities for all possible outcomes.

“Once no deal on March 29 has been averted, the attention and energy of both Westminster and Whitehall must return to the UK growth agenda. For too long Brexit has distracted from efforts to remove barriers to growth at home, including critical skills gaps, ageing physical and digital infrastructure systems, and high costs in the business environment. If the UK economy is to have a shot at escaping a Brexit-induced black hole, practical growth issues here at home need to be tackled urgently.

Key points in the forecast:

• UK GDP growth forecast for 2019 is downgraded from 1.3% to 1.2%, and from 1.5% to 1.3% for 2019, our first forecast for 2021 is growth of 1.4%
• Business investment is expected to contract by -1.0% in 2019, before returning to growth of 0.6% in 2020 and 1.1% in 2021
• Growth in household consumption for 2019 is expected to slow to 1.3%, before rising slightly to 1.4% in 2020 and 1.5% in 2021
• Average earnings growth is forecast to outstrip inflation over the period, with growth of 2.9%, 3.0%, and 3.1%, compared with inflation of 2.1%, 2.0%, and 1.9%
• UK official interest rates are expected to remain on hold throughout 2019, before increasing to 1.0% in Q2 2020. This is three quarters later than predicted in our Q4 forecast
• BCC forecasts a negative contribution from trade over the forecast period. We forecast export growth of 1.8%, 1.7% and 1.7%, compared to import growth of 2.0%, 2.2% and 2.3%
• In terms of sectors, growth in services has been downgraded to 1.1% (from 1.2%), 1.3% (from 1.4%) and 1.7%. Growth in manufacturing has also been downgraded to 0.5% (from 1.1%) in 2019, 0.7% (from 1.3%) in 2020, and 0.8% in 2021. Construction sector growth has also been downgraded to 0.7% (from 1.2%), 1.0% (from 1.2%) and 1.0%
• Public sector net borrowing is expected to total £32.0 billion in 2019/20 and £28.5 billion in 2020/21, £10 billion higher than forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility at last week’s Spring Statement. 

Commenting on the parliamentary vote on extending Article 50, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“While most businesses will support an extension to Article 50 to avert the prospect of a messy and disorderly exit on the March 29th, with just two weeks to go this vote leaves firms with no real clarity on the future.

“Although Parliament has indicated this week its desire to avoid a no deal exit and has requested the Prime Minister seek an extension to Article 50, the purpose and the timeframe are yet to be determined. Crucially, until this is agreed with the EU, leaving without a deal on March 29th remains the default position.

“Once again, businesses are left waiting for Parliament to reach a consensus on the way forward and are losing faith that they will achieve this. In the meantime, firms are continuing to enact their contingency plans, anxiety amongst many businesses is rising, and customers are being lost.  

“While this process rumbles on, there must be no let up from Government, its agencies and businesses in their preparations for all eventualities, including a no deal exit.

“Businesses, jobs, investment and our communities are still firmly in the danger zone.”

Commenting on the announcement of changes to tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“If the tariffs announced today were to come into effect, there would be winners and losers across UK industry overnight. The abruptness of changes to tariff rates in the event of a no-deal exit from the EU would be an unwelcome shock to many of the businesses affected.

“If the government were to bring these tariffs into effect on March 30, the move would also have the potential to cede negotiating leverage in future trade talks. 

“While ministers have clearly listened to our arguments and maintained targeted protection in some areas, overall there has not been enough consultation, preparation or planning to support the firms and communities that could find themselves at the end of a sudden shift in tariffs. As MPs vote tonight, this is yet another reason why they must act to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on March 29.”

Commenting on the parliamentary defeat of the meaningful vote on the Brexit agreement, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Businesses have warned time and again that the United Kingdom is not ready to face the consequences of a messy and disorderly exit from the European Union. Government agencies are not ready, many businesses are not ready, and despite two and a half years passing since the referendum, there is no clear plan to support communities at the sharp end of such an abrupt change.

“Parliament must demonstrate that it will heed these repeated warnings. It is profoundly obvious that neither government nor many businesses are ready for a disorderly exit – and this must not be allowed to happen on March 29th, whether by default or by design.

“Businesses have been failed over and over again by Westminster in recent months, but allowing a messy and disorderly exit on March 29th would take political negligence to new extremes.”

Here in the export department at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce we understand the daily pressures that you as exporters and agents come up against when preparing Certificates of Origin and other shipping documents and how tricky it can be when things are delayed. 

Julie Austin, Norfolk Chambers’ International Trade Manager, said

“Completing applications for Certificates of Origin can be a tricky process as there are lots of steps to remember. To try to make the process as smooth as possible for exporters, we have pulled together a checklist, which gives you a step by step guide to minimise the delays and give you peace of mind when submitting your documentation.”  

If you work through our checklist below before submitting your application this can avoid discrepancies and related extra charges

1. If you’re applying online never use a colleagues’ log-in details and electronic signature
2. Make sure United Kingdom (in full) appears as part of your/the exporter’s address in box 1
3. Make sure the goods are described in a way that a lay person would understand, i.e. no technical jargon
4. Remember to add your export invoice number and date to the certificate
5. Check to ensure that the invoice number and date you’ve declared on the certificate match your supporting invoice
6. If your supporting invoice does not show the weight of the consignment please remember to supply a packing list
7. Check that the correct country of origin has been declared in box 3
8. If you’re claiming foreign origin make sure that you have supplied sufficient proof of origin with your application and check to ensure it provides clear linkage to the goods
9. If you’re applying for your Certificate of Origin online remember to upload your export invoice at the same time as well as your proof of origin if you’re claiming foreign origin
10. For goods of European Community origin the correct designation of origin in box 3 is “European Community” followed by the member state/s
11. Remember to add the marks and numbers that appear on the packages
12. Check that invoice or other documents for certifying are signed
13. When applying online for export invoices or other documents to be certified, tick the “stamp uploaded document” box
14. When applying online, enter an invoice or PO number as your customer reference – avoid adding your company name to this box – it helps you and us if you ever need to query an invoice we send you

If any mistakes are made we will work with you to put things right as quickly as possible, as we understand that you and your clients are relying on the service for the timely exportation of your goods. 

If you have any questions please give Julie or the team a call on 01603 729706.  Still worried about submitting your documents?  For additional peace of mind, we also offer an advance checking service which you would need to implement before uploading your documents.  The cost is just £5+VAT (members) and £10+VAT (non-members) plus the cost of the Certificate of Origin.  To take advantage of this service, just email a draft copy of your certificate along with your supporting documents to export@norfolkchamber.co.uk for us to check. We will then let you know if any amendments need to be made; if we require any additional information; or if you can submit the application online. 

For more information and if you have any questions about the process of completing Certificates of Origin, please do not hesitate to call us on 01603 729717 or email at export@norfolkchamber.co.uk.

As the possibility of a no-deal exit from the European Union draws closer we, as part of the accredited Chambers network have been working with the British Chambers of Commerce to try to make the process as smooth as possible for exporters.

Commenting on the Parliamentary vote on the motion to rule out leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“It’s all well and good that Parliament has said it doesn’t want a no-deal exit, but without concrete action, its gestures are meaningless for business. A messy and disorderly exit on March 29th is still a clear and present danger.”

We understand that businesses need answers they can base decisions on, no matter the outcome. This includes the trade documentation for use by exporters to prove origin, things cannot just stop because decisions haven’t been made.

The British Chambers of Commerce have advised us that should the United Kingdom reach a Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, then the existing documents that we currently issue will continue to be used throughout any period of transition and no changes will need to be made.

As part of the network’s contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit, our colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce have worked closely with HMRC and the DIT on the revised format of preference and non-preference certificates of origin. This is to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible for exporters in all scenarios.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit we have made preparations to enable us to provide exporters with continuity of service through the issuance of revised ‘United Kingdom’ documentation. This will be ready and available in time for March 29th.

Julie Austin, International Trade Manager for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“If you use blank certificates for printing at your business premises, then we will be contacting you, as much in advance as possible, to arrange to supply replacement certificates. These should only be used in the event that the United Kingdom leaves the European Union in a no-deal scenario. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this with myself or any of the team please give me a call on 01603 729706.”

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is sponsoring British Cycling’s 2019 HSBC UK | National Road Championships which will see the very best athletes in British cycling competing in Norfolk this June.

The British Cycling Challenge 100 Sportive will take place on Sunday 30th June, the same day as the elite road races, giving participants the chance to ride in the wheel tracks of those elites racing for the British title.

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce have been awarded an allocation of 10 places to put forward a team to take part in the 100mile Sportive from the official sponsors, UEA. We are looking for members of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce who are keen cyclists to take part. 

To register your interest please email hello@norfolkchamber.co.uk, spaces on the Chambers Team are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The Sportive will be starting and finishing in front of Norwich City Hall. UEA will have a marquee in the ‘race village’ in Chapelfield Gardens, where riders and their supporters are welcome to join for complimentary food and drinks. Some of UEA’s physiotherapy lecturers and students will be on hand should anyone need a post-race massage!

For more information about the Sportive click here.

Commenting on the latest UK GDP and trade statistics, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although there was an increase in GDP growth between December and January, the data for the longer three-month period recorded an economy that was continuing to slow under the weight of uncertainty over Brexit and weakening global trading conditions. The service sector remains the main driver of UK growth on this rolling three-month measure, with industrial production and construction contracting. Despite a boost in January, the manufacturing sector remains an area of concern with significant cost pressures and moderating demand in key markets weighing on activity in the sector.

“The lack of clarity on crucial aspects of how companies will operate after 29 March, as well as the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, has led many firms having to take drastic action to safeguard their operations, which has resulted in unnecessary costs, diversion of resources and loss of business, subduing overall economic activity.

“The widening in the UK’s trade deficit is concerning and largely reflects both a decline in car exports and a rise in imported vehicles. With businesses mostly in the dark over future trading arrangements and against a backdrop of slowing growth in key export markets, the UK’s net trade position is likely to remain squeezed for some time to come.

“Against this backdrop, it is critical that government and parliament pull out all the stops to avoid a no deal scenario on March 29 as it would significantly damage the UK economy’s ability to grow.”

Business leaders from Norfolk and Suffolk discovered the benefits of connecting regional economies on a recent trade mission to the South West.

A delegation of 20 visited the area to learn more about its nuclear power and food and drink sectors, and to seek mutual business opportunities.

After flying from Norwich Airport to Exeter Airport, the delegation visited Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in North Somerset – the largest construction site in Europe – and the family-owned Trewithen Dairy in Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

With many similarities between the regions, including the thriving food and drink sectors and the design of Hinkley C being replicated at Sizewell C in Suffolk in the near future, the visit was hailed a great success.

Richard Pace, managing director of Norwich Airport, said: “Once again the importance of connecting regional economies and the opportunities for partnership between our regions have been highlighted.

“There is enormous potential in terms or businesses working together, and the Norwich to Exeter route is proving to be an important part of this. It’s a 45-minute flight compared to a five or six hour rail or road journey, so there are huge savings in terms of time and efficiency in the working day.”

The visit was arranged by Norwich Airport and Exeter Airport through their respective Connects business ambassador networks, which aim to forge closer trading links between the regions. Both airports are part of Regional and City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc.

The trip builds on a trade mission from the South West to Norwich 18 months ago and was supported by the South West Business Council, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Flybe.

Doug Field, Chair of New Anglia LEP, said: “There are many opportunities within the UK to strengthen our local economies and this visit has enabled us to explore how our regions can collaborate to accelerate growth.

“Regional airports are important hubs and we need to do more to maximise their benefits and improve that connectivity. Our growing relationship with the South West of England could open doors for new business and trading collaborations.

“We were particularly interested in the nuclear new build at Hinkley Point and applying best practice ensuring that any potential future development at Sizewell will generate maximum benefit for local businesses across the supply chain, create more contract opportunities and boost local jobs.”

Nova Fairbank, head of policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: “The sheer scale of the operation at Hinkley Point C is amazing – the vastness of the site and potential opportunities for businesses is enormous and really exciting to see.

“Watching Hinkley unfold is a fantastic learning opportunity for us. We’re looking at what was done well, what were the pitfalls, how to avoid them, how to make Sizewell C go faster and better in terms of delivery.”

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “With two similar economies – both rural, both reliant on similar sectors – it’s been invaluable to share best practice.

“It’s also been fascinating to see how the Chambers of Commerce in Somerset have worked with the business community to get into the supply chain, where £1.6 billion worth of contracts have been delivered to local businesses through the building of Hinkley Point C.”

Sandy Ruddock, owner of Suffolk business Scarlett & Mustard and a Board member of the New Anglia LEP, said: “Both our areas are slightly out on a limb so it has been really good to hear how the South West is overcoming things like distribution and how smaller businesses are getting together. Rather than competition, there’s a real air of collaboration and I think we can learn from that and really move forward.”

The Norfolk and Suffolk delegation comprised the following:

Food and drink businesses: Scarlett & Mustard, East of England Coop, Hillfarm Oils, The Wildmeat Co, Food Enterprise Park and Bullards Spirits.

Energy sector representatives: EDF Nuclear new build, East of England Energy Group, Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, EnerMech and Suffolk County Council.

To register your business interest for the Sizewell C Nuclear project supply chain click here.

On Friday 8 February the world celebrated the 108th International Women’s Day and Norfolk came out in support for this globally recognised day. In partnership with NatWest, and with the support of Community Sports Foundation, Grant Thornton UK LLP and Vattenfall, we held our first International Women’s Day celebration event.  Taking place at The Nest, we welcomed over 100 business women and men, as well as young students from local schools to hear from some of Norfolk’s inspirational women. Speaking on the ground-breaking work taking place to drive change for women we welcomed Kelly Saddleton of Community Sports Foundation, Bethan Gill of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Dr Catrin Ellis Jones of Vattenfall and Fiona Ryder, Managing Director, TCD Media and President of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.  Each guest speaker took to the stage to share their stories and then came together for some audience Q&A. The reinforced message throughout was all about encouraging women around us to ask and to be proud of their achievements. Female empowerment was definitely felt throughout the room when the session began coming to its close and many audience members stood up to share some of their achievements.  International Women’s Day is all about building a gender balanced world where everyone has a part to play. During her talk, Fiona highlighted the fact that ‘Balance for Better’ is not just a women’s issue, but a business issue, which spoke volumes to our audience today.  There’s still a long way to go, but by supporting women in our workplaces, by encouraging them to be the best they can, we can continue to create a gender balanced world. Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is an organisation made up of 13 people, 11 of those are women who all work exceptionally hard to support Norfolk’s business community. We are proud of the women in our workforce and we hope other businesses out there are celebrating this special day!

The British Chambers of Commerce today (07/03/19) launched the opening of the Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange with 2018 Business of the Year winners Northcoders.  The prestigious competition is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner, which will take place in London on 28 November 2019. Entries open today and will run until Friday 28 June. Next year’s winners of the Business of the Year award will have the same chance to open the market at London Stock Exchange as a prize, a rare opportunity for a private business.   In 2018 Norfolk triumphed on both a regional and national level. When the regional winners were announced we we’re so excited that five Norfolk businesses took six awards. This meant those businesses were entered into the national heats to compete against businesses across the country. On the big night, Larking Gowen LLP and Liftshare took home national runner up titles in their award categories, and Gnaw Chocolate won Small Business of the Year 2018! We want to continue this success in 2019 with the aim of getting more Norfolk businesses to enter, and ultimately to win those awards! We know there are great things happening across our county, now is the time to shout about it to the whole of the UK.  There are nine categories available to enter including two new ones:

• Export Business of the Year
• High Growth Business of the Year
• Customer Commitment Award
• Small Business of the Year
• E-Commerce Business of the Year – new and open to non-members
• Best Use of Technology
• Workplace Wellbeing Award
• Employer of the Year
• Family Business of the Year – new

These awards are only available for Chambers members to enter, with the exception of E-Commerce Business of the Year which is open to all businesses. Visit our awards page to find more information, winning tips, FAQ’s and of course… to enter!