Chamber News

Gnaw adds the deliciousness and fun into chocolate, with cheeky additions added to their chocolate such as love heart and banana splits sweets. Started back in 2011, the brand and business have grown strength to strength, with the recent success of several awards such as being selected as a finalist in the Norfolk Business Awards 2018 and Finalists in the UK Packaging awards 2018.  With the addition of the British Chamber of Commerce Awards, 2018 has certainly been their award Gnawyear! 

Starting with supplying their product within the region, Gnaw has now grown extensively, with a strong partnership and trade in France, and a number of other European countries. However, their export does not stop in Europe! They now export globally to Russia and Asia. Praised by the British Chamber of Commerce Judges for having a ‘100% commitment to international trade and with their innovation and locally sourced products are a great advocate for UK produced goods.’  

Winning the BCC regional awards requires meeting several key criteria for the Regional Export Business of the Year, details are below;

•    The level of exports when compared to the size and sector of the organisation

•    The barriers that have been overcome e.g. languages

•    The degree to which products/services are new and market non-traditional

•    Innovative approaches to establishing and entering new markets.

As the winner of the Regional Small Business of the Year award (Yes, two awards!! Hurray!). Gnaw was commended and highlighted for their progressive knowledge by the BCC Judges for ‘spotting the trends in the marketplace, this forward-thinking company developed a new innovative range.’

 They were also highlighted for their progressive approach with the launch of their healthy ingredient’s bars. The Judges work with the guidelines below to judge each submission. 

The judges will be looking at:

•     What differentiates the company’s products/services from their competitors

•     Strong managerial and financial performance

•     Innovation

•     Potential for growth

•     Evidence of the business’s commitment to staff

It is clear Gnaw have worked very hard to achieve these awards. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is delighted for Gnaw and we wish them all the best in the next stage of the completion. https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/chamber-awards

Commenting on the first estimate of GDP for Q3 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said

“While the pick-up in GDP growth in the third quarter is welcome, the stronger headline figure masks a loss of momentum through the quarter from the particularly strong July outturn, when a number of temporary factors, including the heatwave and the World Cup, boosted activity. 

“The services and construction sectors were the strongest performers in the quarter, reflecting a boost in activity from the exceptionally hot summer. The fall in business investment is a concern as it stifles productivity and growth. However, measures such as the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance announced in the Budget should provide a lift to investment over the near term.

“It remains likely that the stronger growth recorded in the third quarter is a one-off for the UK economy, with persistent Brexit uncertainty and the financial squeeze on consumers and businesses likely to weigh increasingly on economic activity in the coming quarters.

“Against this backdrop, the Bank of England’s recent hawkish rhetoric looks a little misguided and risks a further weakening in business and consumer confidence. With inflation on a downward trajectory and the UK’s growth outlook subdued, there remains sufficient scope for the central bank to keep interest rates on hold for some time yet. To ease the extent of current uncertainty, the government must deliver a comprehensive Brexit deal that gives firms the clarity and precision they need.”

Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:

Locally

• Business activity in the East of England picked up to a 6 month high in August due to a strong order book
• UEA has been ranked a top 15 university in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 for 3rd year running
• Lotus has unveiled plans for a new multi-million pound expansion which aims to transform its Hethel site into a global destination for fans
• During August the average house price grew by 1.2% in Norwich and by 0.2% in England compared to July

Nationally

• UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.7 per cent in the 3 months to August 2018 with all 3 main sectors contributing positively
• UK productivity grew in the second quarter this year, though is behind rates achieved before the global financial crisis in 2008
• The UK can expect low economic growth for the next 3 years
• Estimated average weekly earnings in real terms increased by 0.7% compared with a year earlier

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here.

Tech Nation has launched a great new set of awards. This competition is an exciting opportunity for innovative, early-stage tech start-ups. To find out more and be part of this great chance click here

The prizes include for winner;

Tailored/bespoke package of support worth over £4000 per winner that includes:

• 1-2-1 mentoring with a high profile mentor
• Facilitated introductions to investors and corporates
• Bespoke PR campaign
• One-to-one BDODrive Accelerate session focused on unlocking your growth potential and identifying the tangible steps you need to take
• Financial contribution towards a conference of your choice
• Pitch training and coaching
• Networking opportunities with investors, heads of accelerators, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders

 The Deadline is Sunday 18 November

The Greater Norwich Development Partnership, a collaboration between Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk’s councils, is in the process of piecing together a new local plan for the area.

Earlier this year, 562 submissions were mooted in the first phase of establishing the blueprint for development over the next 18 years.

The current phase has seen an additional 202 possible sites put forward, which are now open for public consultation.  Suggestions include a wide variety of residential developments across the region; industrial/warehousing site at Attlebridge, housing and employment site at Honingham and a potential Garden Village off Silfield Road.

The overall plan is being put together to help Norwich City, Broadland and South Norfolk councils establish how they could shape development in the area in the coming years.

Stuart Vincent, Chairman of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership – which represents all three councils, said: “This is a further chance for people to have their say before a draft plan is put forward for consultation next year.  The more people who contribute, the better the plan will reflect the views of people who live, work and run businesses here.”

There is still time to have your say as the consultation, is open until Friday, 14 December.  It can be found on the Greater Norwich Local Plan website.

Join Natwest and Norfolk Chamber for a power-hour of Networking to celebrate Women in Business during Global Entrepreneurship Week. 

No long presentations, just time to introduce your business and share best practices with a room of likeminded people.  This event is free to attend for all women who are involved or who have an interest in business and you do not have to be a customer of NatWest or a member of Norfolk Chamber to attend.  It is being held at Norfolk Chamber’s offices on Tuesday 13 November from 9.30am. 

We are delighted that Kelly Saddleton, Business Development Manager for The Nest is joining us.  She is best known for being a spokesperson for women’s and junior golf. Understanding the power of relationships, connection, and engaging with the world openly Kelly has spent the last two years traveling the country sharing her story of overcoming the barriers facing women in the sports industry whilst working with golf clubs to modernise their marketing strategies and drive in new business.

Recently Kelly has found her way back to Norfolk as the new Business Development Manager of The Nest. She is driven by a passion to help people achieve their potential, an ethos shared by The Community Sports Foundation.  Her moto is “Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.”

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)  the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators, who launch start-ups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.  During one week every November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborates, mentors and even investors- introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

Places are limited, to book your free place now, click here.

South Norfolk Council has launched its new “Business Awards” to recognise and celebrate the economic success of the district. The new awards build on the council’s very popular Independent Retailer awards, widening the scope and focus to reflect the diversity of the business community in South Norfolk.

Entry for the awards opened on 01 November and businesses can nominate themselves for an award in any of the nine categories and at the same time residents will be asked to support their favourite business by nominating them as ‘South Norfolk Retailer of the Year’.

South Norfolk Council’s Deputy Leader, Michael Edney said: “In South Norfolk we actively support and encourage inward investment and business growth. The district is home to so many successful businesses, from multi-national organisations, cutting edge tech and bio science companies to the widest range of independent shops and traders.”

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the astonishing number of successful businesses that we have. If you’re a business owner, put your company forward for the recognition both you and your staff deserve and if you’re a customer make sure you nominate your favourite business as our Retailer of the Year”

The 9 categories are:

• Excellence in Digital Creative and ICT

• Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing

• Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing

• Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Drink

• Visitor Economy Experience

• New Business

• Business Growth

• International Business Growth

• Business in the Community

For category criteria and to enter the awards click here now.

Sponsors of the Awards include the headline sponsor, Fosters; as well as: InTouch Systems; Norwich Research Park; Mirus Aircraft Seating; New Anglia LEP; Dunston Hall; CNC Building Control; Big Sky Developments; Hethel Innovation; and Britannia Safety & Training.

Nominations for the awards close on 31 December 2018 and South Norfolk will celebrate and reward excellence in businesses at a black tie ceremony at Dunston Hall on Tuesday 05 February 2019.

Four potential road options for a Norwich Western Link, designed to improve travel between the A47 and the western end of Broadland Northway (formerly Northern Distributor Road) and tackle transport problems in this area, have been published. Three new dual carriageway roads and a single carriageway upgrade to the B1535 make up the shortlisted options. While the majority of the new or improved roads would be built at or near ground level, viaduct-style bridges over river flood plains are included in some of the options. All of the routes also include improvements to the A1067 Fakenham Road. The shortlisted options, from west to east, are: • Option A – a 7.2 mile single carriageway upgrade to the B1535 and A1067, linking to the A47 at the Wood Lane junction north of Honingham. This option would significantly realign the current B road, smoothing it out to make it a higher standard route. The route would join the A1067 via a new junction at Lenwade and make use of the existing bridge across the River Wensum at Attlebridge. It is predicted this route would carry around 10,000 vehicles a day by 2040. The estimated cost is £60 million. • Option B – a new dual carriageway route and dual carriageway upgrade of the A1067 totalling 5.2 miles, with the new route to the east of Weston Longville and linking to the A47 at Wood Lane. At the northern end of this route, two alternatives are given for how it could join the A1067. One would be via a new junction near Attlebridge which would include widening the existing River Wensum bridge at Attlebridge. The other would see a new 660 metre viaduct crossing of the Wensum created, joining the A1067 further to the east. It is predicted this route would carry around 30,000 vehicles a day by 2040. The estimated cost is £155 million based on the viaduct alternative as this has a higher cost. • Option C – a new dual carriageway route and dual carriageway upgrade of the A1067, linking to the A47 at Wood Lane and totalling 3.9 miles. Around 350 metres of the A1067 would be dualled before a new junction would take the route between Weston Longville and Ringland, crossing the River Wensum on a 720 metre-long viaduct. It is predicted this route would carry around 32,000 vehicles a day by 2040. The estimated cost is £153 million. • Option D – a new dual carriageway route and dual carriageway upgrade of the A1067 totalling 3.6 miles. The route is similar to Option C at its northern end, however it then runs to the west of Ringland and links to the A47 further east at the junction with Taverham Road. Around 400 metres of the A1067 would be dualled before a new junction would take the route between Weston Longville and Ringland, crossing the River Wensum on a 660 metre-long viaduct, then turning more to the south and crossing the River Tud on a second viaduct, this one 120 metres long, before it meets the A47. It is predicted this route would carry around 31,000 vehicles a day by 2040. The estimated cost is £161 million. Members of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee will be asked next Friday (9 November) to approve the shortlist and proceed with a public consultation on the options between 26 November 2018 and 18 January 2019. More detail on the routes will be published to coincide with the consultation’s launch, along with details of consultation events and locations. Cllr Martin Wilby, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee, said: “These are four good options for a Norwich Western Link, each with their own merits. If the committee approves them, they will give people real choice to consider during the consultation which will help us to identify a preferred option by next spring. “A lot of work has gone into shortlisting these options. This includes understanding the benefits of each of the routes, particularly in terms of changing the way people travel through the area. And we’ve also given careful consideration to minimising and mitigating the impact of any construction, on the natural environment and on people who live and work in the vicinity. “Assuming the committee approves the options, much more information would be provided when the consultation launches to help people make an informed decision about any of the routes they would support for a Norwich Western Link.” The four routes have been published following months of work to identify which options would be most effective as a Norwich Western Link. This work followed Department for Transport assessment guidelines and included traffic surveys and modelling, gathering information on environmental and ecological factors in the area and developing a longlist of road and non-road options. While road options were found to be the most effective in isolation, the County Council will consider complementing these options with other transport measures such as walking and cycling routes and traffic management measures on other roads. The shortlisted options have also been informed by the results of an initial Norwich Western Link consultation which was held earlier this year. The consultation had more than 1,700 responses and showed that there was very strong support for creating a new link between the A47 and Broadland Northway, with the majority of those responding suggesting a new road as their preferred solution. Key transport issues identified by people through the consultation included slow journey times, rat running and roads not being suitable for the volume and type of traffic such as HGVs. The County Council made providing a Norwich Western Link one of its three infrastructure priorities in 2016. Councillors were aware there were long-standing concerns about traffic congestion on roads and in communities to the west of Norwich and calls from many people to fill in what they saw as the ‘missing link’ between the A47 and Broadland Northway. Since 2016, a number of changes have taken place or been announced – Broadland Northway is fully open and helping to reduce journey times, plans for a Food Enterprise Zone at Easton are progressing and Highways England’s work to dual a section of the A47 between North Tuddenham and Easton is set to start by 2021. The County Council has been in discussion with Highways England for some time about its plans to develop a Norwich Western Link. The A47 junctions for the four shortlisted routes have been chosen to tie-in with the junctions proposed as part of the dualling upgrade of this stretch of the A47. If the Environment, Development and Transport Committee approves the shortlist next Friday, details of the consultation, including information on consultation events, will be made available shortly afterwards.

The results from Quarter 3 revealed that firms in the manufacturing sector were experiencing recruitment difficulties.  In the services sector, Norfolk firms reported an increase in domestic and export sales.  Meanwhile in the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting an increase in export sales and orders also fell from the last quarter. Uncertainty over future trading conditions is continued to act as a brake on business investment in both the manufacturing and services sectors.

The Chancellor delivered his budget last week and, whilst there was some good news for the high street, overall announcements on schemes and incentives specific to our region, were in short supply.

Is economic uncertainty impacting on your business; have you seen an increase in sales and orders; are you having recruit difficulties; or facing supply chain challenges, it’s more important than ever that as many Norfolk businesses as possible complete the survey.

Now we are in the fourth quarter – how are Norfolk businesses reacting to the current economic climate? Today (Tuesday 06 November 2018) is the first day of the fieldwork period for the Q4 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.

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 Tuesday 27 November 2018.  The Q4 results will be published week commencing 02 January 2019.

Key Norfolk findings in the Q3 2018 survey:

Norfolk Manufacturing sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales remained static at +35, while those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +35 to +30
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales fell six points, from +44to +38, while the balance of those reporting improved export orders fell from +31 to +27
• The percentage of firms attempting to recruit fell from 85% to 75%, Of these, 100% reported recruitment difficulties.
• The balance of firms increasing investment in plant/machinery remained static, whilst those investing in training rose drastically from +5 to +30

Norfolk Services sector:

• The balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales fell sharply, from +34 to +17, while those reporting improved domestic orders fell from +28 to +12
• The balance of firms reporting improved export sales also fell, from +35 to +14, while those reporting improved export orders fell from +22 to +10
• The balance of firms expecting to raise prices over the next three months increased substantially from +19 to +42
• The percentage of firms looking to recruit fell from 82% to 73%.  Of these, 84% reported difficulties

Vattenfall, an offshore wind farm developer has opened their consultation on their latest offshore renewables project – Norfolk Boreas. 

They intend to construct an offshore windfarm in the southern North Sea, approximately 73km from the Norfolk coast, covering an area of around 725km2.   The project has a proposed export capacity of 1,800 MW, mirroring the same capacity as their Norfolk Vanguard Project.  Therefore both applicants have to apply for a development consent order.

The consultation opens on Wednesday 07 November 2018 and closes on Sunday 09 December 2018.  This is your opportunity to share your views on the different elements of the project either in person at their consultation events or online.

Six public consultation events will take place along the route of the onshore cables and an event in Norwich. The dates, times and locations are as follows:

Happisburgh                      14 Nov 18            1pm – 7pm

Aylsham                             15 Nov 18            1pm – 7pm

Necton                               16 Nov 18            1pm – 7pm

Norwich                              21 Nov 18            11am – 6.30pm

Dereham                            22 Nov 18            1pm – 7pm

North Walsham                  23 Nov 18            1pm – 7pm

Reepham                           24 Nov 18            10am – 3pm

For more information and full details of the consultation venues and where the project documents can be viewed, click here.

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

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.

Vision Interiors Ltd Interior Specialist based in Congham 

Agrimech Services Ltd Agrimech is a leading UK manufacturer of End of Line Weighing, Bagging and Palletising Systems for a wide range of products.

Synergienet Synergienet offer an all round business support service, whether its finding a way to maximise your sales force or analysing the pro’s and con’s of a new market sector, they have the experience to help make it happen.

Pro Gen Research Pro-Gen-Research provides family history research both to the legal profession to assist in tracing lost beneficiaries and to individuals seeking help with building their family trees.

AKA Consulting With over 20 years experience of driving strategic Supply Chain excellence with strong commercial and project management skills.

Adept Supply Chain Solutions Adept Supply Chain Solutions Ltd (ASCS) is a business management consultancy that helps micro and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) to achieve increased competitive advantage and sustainable year-on-year organic growth through improvements made in supply chain productivity and efficiency.

R W Walpole R W Walpole Ltd is a long established horticultural business propagating a wide variety of soft fruit plants. 

Ash Tree Barns A perfect venue a wedding, hen party, holiday, birthday celebration, or corporate event

Scream Blue Murder Scream Blue Murder was formed in 1993, with a mission to deliver great design that communicated with our clients’ audiences.

Quantum Jump Quantum Jump provides Effective, simple and reliable credit control – based in your office, DVA, Debt Verification Audit, sale ledger cleansing (separating the time wasters from the real issues), dispute mediation and resolution, and realisation of inequitable debt. 

Nor-Folk Fiona Burrage, the founder of Nor-Folk is an award-winning independent photographer, art director and creative director.

St Edmunds St Eds is a collaborative vocational learning hub providing an alternative learning provision for young people entering Construction, Transport Maintenance, Catering & Hospitality and Hair & Beauty.

Pink Spaghetti Personal Assistant – Virtual Assistant: At work; at home

Fakenham Racecourses Fakenham Racecourse is situated in the beautiful north Norfolk is the perfect choice for corporate events including business seminars, conferences, sales exhibitions, parties and large, open-air events.

Pharos Marine Automatic Power Global leader in customised marine aids to navigation products and remote power solutions for the offshore Oil & Gas industry,

Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England will be joining Norfolk Chamber on 22 November over lunch to speak on the economy.

This ‘off-the-record’ event will bring together Norfolk businesses to put their questions forward to the governor and find out more about the the most recent Bank of England Inflation Report, published in early November. 

Mark Carney is the Governor of the Bank of England and Chair of the Monetary Policy Committee, Financial Policy Committee and the Prudential Regulation Committee. His appointment as Governor was approved by Her Majesty the Queen on 26 November 2012. The Governor joined the Bank on 1 July 2013. In addition to his duties as Governor of the Bank of England, Mark serves as Chair of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), First Vice-Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board, a member of the Group of Thirty and the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum. Attendees to the event will be able to network with local businesses over lunch, followed by a speech from the Governor and closing with question and answer time.  The event is open to all businesses across Norfolk to attend. Don’t miss out by securing your space early! Visit the event page.