Once again yesterday Norfolk rail commuters suffered a rotten journey to London from Norfolk with 16 Norwich to Liverpool Street services cancelled. Business passengers heading to London were hit by major disruptions. This was due to a line problem close to Liverpool Street which led to a reduced service to and from London with trains delayed or cancelled. The problem was caused by a broken rail and although Network rail started to work to fix the points at 10.30am, services did not return to normal until about 4pm.
Norfolk businesses need better infrastructure if they are to compete and run their businesses effectively. Norfolk Chamber members are playing a significant part in the Norfolk campaign to improve the rail services from Norwich and Kings Lynn as the effective movement of people and goods is key to business growth. So what is currently happening to make a difference?
As you aware, Abellio have taken over the Greater Anglia franchise which will run until summer 2014 when a new franchise will be let. In addition to lobbying government, as to what business wants to see included in the new franchise, Norfolk Chamber is also talking to the rail operators and Ruud Haket MD Greater Anglia will at presenting his thoughts about the future of our railway at the Norfolk Chamber’s Norwich Networking breakfast on 22nd June and listening to what business wants. We would encourage as many businesses as possible to come to this event as the business voice needs to be seen and heard!
Norfolk Chamber is also working with Norfolk County Council on two studies they are undertaking, with other local authorities and partners, looking at the improvements needed to rail services.
One study covers the west of the County including the Norwich to Cambridge line and the King’s Lynn to London line. Consultants have considering passenger demand in the context of housing, jobs growth and improved services. The next stage of the study will be a wider economic benefits study.
The key infrastructure blockage is Ely north junction with a series of single tracks that limit its capacity. An improvement scheme is estimated to be about £25m and Network Rail is carrying out some work to define exactly the extent of the improvement scheme and how and when it might be funded.
The second study is looking into how the agreed journey time reductions and capacity enhancement can be delivered on the Norwich to London line. The Chamber is part of the ‘Norwich in 90’ campaign with partners both public and private and of course our local MPs led by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith.
The news that the UK economy contracted in the first quarter – thereby heralding a technical recession – was unexpected. Here at the Chamber, we were awaiting an unimpressive but positive figure, given the results of our latest Quarterly Economic Survey and also what we hear day in, day out, from Norfolk business in the real economy. The feeling of ‘guarded optimism’ that comes through in conversation with Chamber members, and in most of the business surveys, suggest that the state of the economy may not be quite what the media or the number-crunchers at the Office for National Statistics believe.
That said, however, one thing is clear: whether we’re in technical recession or a period of incredibly weak, zigzag growth, Norfolk’s economy remains fragile, and stagnation is the real threat. This inherent fragility affects both sentiment and investment intentions, meaning that the Chamber’s call for special capital allowances, a stop to business rate rises, and improved access to finance at the time of the Budget looks all the more prescient. We said at the time, that action to support growth was as important as action to cut the deficit – and that remains the case today.
Aside from the GDP figures and the insufferable national media navel-gazing around the Leveson Inquiry, there is some positive news to report. Prompted in part by the work of the Chamber, government ministers renewed their pledge to improve public procurement – and to achieving an ambition of 25% of central government contracts going to small- and medium-sized firms. They’re already more than halfway there, having gone from 6.5% to 13.7% in a short space of time. However this doesn’t yet cover local government, the local NHS or some other bodies, so we are encouraging our local government bodies to follow suit as most of Norfolk’s small businesses cannot take advantage of this change in national government policy.
We will continue to run our Meet the Buyer events giving access to the local public bodies and larger private sector businesses with the next one planned for 20 September in Kings Lynn. The development of Sizewell C may seem a long way off but, as 80% of EDF Energy contracts will be non nuclear, businesses need to register on their supply chain portal www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk
Norfolk manufacturers especially those exporting report they are busy especially in the energy sector. Our food manufacturers have been watching the weather like hawks as they monitor the steadily rising grain price, but the recent weather change to rain in Western Europe has made them more optimistic about the future. Our boat builders at the luxury end are seeing a strong order book and the ‘staycation’ trend is encouraging the fleets to order new boats. I guess my message is that although it is not easy out there, Norfolk businesses are up to the challenge. I know that we do need rain but for our sanity and for the benefit of our important Tourism sector I hope we do get a dry sunny bank holiday weekend to recharge our batteries and get our Norfolk economy growing.
An emergency response centre is set to be built at Suffolk’s Sizewell B power plant, to be used in the event of a disaster.
As part of EDF Energy’s Japanese Earthquake Response (JER) Programme work, to further enhance safety margins, the purchasing of back-up equipment has begun to provide additional support to a station response, enhancing a station’s capability to recover during and after an extreme natural event.
At Sizewell B, EDF Energy is proposing to build an Emergency Response Centre (ERC) on the Railhead site to the east of Leiston to incorporate this back-up plant and equipment storage and to provide office space associated with EDF Energy’s enhanced emergency arrangements for Sizewell B.
The provisional timescale for the project is as follows:
Spring 2012: Design development
May 2012: Informal public consultation
Mid June2012: Planning application submitted
June/July 2012: Statutory public consultation
October 2012: Planning application decision
January 2013: Planned construction starts
Spring 2014: Fully operational
Martin Cubitt, Technical and Safety Manager at Sizewell B said: “Safety is, and always has been our overriding priority. However as a responsible operator, we recognise that we cannot be complacent. Although our record and the recent reviews all show how safe Sizewell B power station is, we feel it is prudent to invest in providing an additional layer of resilience to our emergency response capabilities.”
A public consultation was opened at Leiston last night, where visitors can see the plans and offer feedback on the proposed site. Find out more and have your say about theproposed emergency response centreat Sizewell B.
On 5 April Skills Minister John Hayes launched the National Careers Service, making accurate information and professional advice on learning and work available to everyone. The service has been developed with input from a large stakeholder community.
In a Parliamentary statement on 23 March, Mr Hayes described advice and guidance as a “vital part of building a sustainable economy and helping people become socially mobile”.
The service offers:
online, webchat and helpline services to young people and adults (schools are responsible for securing careers guidance for pupils aged 14-16)
face-to-face guidance to adults aged 19 and over (and jobseekers aged 18 and over), available in a wide and growing range of locations in the community, including colleges, Jobcentres and community centres.
Each year the service will be able to help 700,000 adults face-to-face and handle up to one million telephone and 20 million online sessions from young people and adults.
On 5 April BIS published The Right Advice at the Right Time – describing the Government’s plans for the new service – on the BIS web site.
Last night saw the first Chamber Chill Time! event kick off in style. The event was really well attended and everyone got into the mood with a drink and light bites on arrival. The Vodka Revolution bar in the heart of Norwich was the perfect setting for a relaxing evening of networking.
We heard from Kieran Miles of Ultimate impact media who gave an inspirational speech. Everyone was enthused by his story and he left everyone determined to follow their dreams.
Once people’s spirits were lifted, the spirits then started to flow as the cocktail master classes got underway. Everyone got into the stirring, shaking and in one case throwing the cocktails as well as being able to mix with each other, enjoy networking over a glass of something cool and do business.
George Padelopoulos, Sustainability Manager, Ethical Trade, B&Q, will be speaking at Norfolk Chamber’s Sustainability 2012 Conference on 10 May at the John Innes Centre.
B&Q has recently won the UK’s most prestigious business award, The Queen’s Award, for its work in creating a sustainable business and helping people improve the sustainability of their homes,
At the Sustainability 2012 Conference Mr Padelopoulos will be delivering a presentation entitled: ‘Preparing for the Green Deal – a B&Q perspective’. He commented: “With more than 18 million homes likely to be eligible under the Government’s Green Deal programme, this presentation will take delegates through some of B&Q’s experiences in preparing for and providing an outline of what the Green Deal could mean for businesses.”
The UK’S largest home improvement retailer, which has already been named Retail Week’s Responsible Retailer of the Year this year, B&Q will be presented with their Sustainable Development Award later this year. It demonstrates that corporate social responsibility is intrinsically linked to business success, not at odds with it.
Whilst the retailer proved it has made significant progress by; reducing its own emissions; investing in green technologies; educating its employees; and helping people make their homes more sustainable – the award was, in no small part, made as a result of B&Q’s 20 year journey to become the first major UK retailer to only buy timber products from proven responsibly-managed sources.
As well as now stocking more than 15,000 Forest Friendly products, B&Q also provides a range of over 3,500 independently accredited One Planet Home eco products, designed to reduce levels of environmental impact or help people get greener homes. Currently 12 per cent of product sales are from the eco-brand. Already looking ahead to the launch of the Green Deal later this year, B&Q is researching and developing new products and advice to ensure it can offer people the help and advice they need to take advantage of the Government’s Green Deal offer to ecovate their homes.
Matt Sexton, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at B&Q said: “This award is a huge honour and confirms B&Q as one of the UK leaders in more sustainable retailing.
“Our sustainability journey started over twenty years ago when we were challenged about where the timber in our garden furniture came from. Today we monitor over 15,000 timber and paper lines specifying that they come only from proven responsible sources. This has meant making some hard commercial choices along the way but we believe it is the only way to operate.
“We have made good progress against other One Planet Home goals with substantial cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, solvent levels in paint and the amount of waste we send to landfill. This is thanks to teams throughout our business, who constantly work to support our One Planet Home goals. We always strive to do the right thing and if we don’t always get it right we work hard to put it right.
“We are delighted to have been recognised with this prestigious award which will spur us on in pursuit of our goal of becoming a truly sustainable business.”
Some of B&Q’s sustainability headline achievements:
VOC levels per litre of paint cut by 60% in the last ten years
26% cut in carbon emissions from transport versus 2006/7
24% cut in carbon emissions from store electricity versus 2006/7
87% of waste diverted from landfill in 2011/12
Overall reduction in absolute carbon emissions of more than 20% since 2006/7
Peat content in plants and growing media cut from 71% to 44% in ten years
Launched its Forest Friendly campaign to raise awareness of the importance of only buying products made from or containing wood that has come from sustainable, well-managed forests because individual buying choices can help prevent deforestationCampaigned in Europe to ban the import and possession of illegal timber
Launched an One Planet e-learning module for staff – completed by 12,000 staff
Purchased and ecovated a two-up-two-down end of terraced house, which now meets 2050 energy standards which has cut emissions by 69 per cent
Is a founding partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation dedicated to propagating developments in closed loop business models
Has appointed a Youth Board (mentored by B&Q’s board directors) to help shape the business’ sustainability strategy. The young people present their recommendations to B&Q Board and Dame Ellen MacArthur at the end of July.
Retail Week’s sustainable business of the year 2012; was listed in the top 20 of Sunday Times Best Green Companies 2011; was given The Observer’s Ethical Business Award 2010
Leading the way in sustainable innovations. Introduction of Clean Spirit, Powder Paint, recycled newlife paint, recycled plastic loft insulation, carpet underlay made from old clothing.
Continuing to champion leading employment policies. A quarter of the workforce is over 55 with a similar percentage under 25 and only UK business to be recognised as a world class employer for five years running by Gallop
Helping your people develop practical skills through our Job Done schools programme, our partnership with UK Youth and the DIY Scout badge
For more details of the work B&Q has been doing read our action plan
March 2012 retail sales volumes: up 1.8% on the month, up 3.3% on the year
Commenting on the retail sales figures for March 2012, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“An increase in retail sales in March was expected after the recent temporary fall, but this rise was well above analysts’ predictions. We shouldn’t over analyse one month’s figures, but this news reinforces hopes that GDP will show positive growth in the first quarter, and that the UK avoided a technical recession. Erratic construction and manufacturing figures may mean the ONS announces a negative figure for Q1 next week, but given the positive messages coming from business surveys, it is important to keep this in context.
“While a positive GDP figure will help maintain business confidence, we mustn’t be complacent. Economic growth in the UK is still too weak and businesses must be empowered to drive the recovery – especially at a time when the public sector is shrinking. Reallocating priorities from within the spending envelope of Plan A towards more policies to boost growth should be a key aim for the government.”
In the three months to February 2012, unemployment fell by 35,000 while employment rose by 53,000
The number of unemployed people aged 16-24 fell by 9,000 but remained above 1million
The number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job rose by 89,000 to the highest figure since records began
Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“With economic pressures facing the UK and ongoing problems in the eurozone, these figures were broadly positive, showing that unemployment fell and employment increased. But there are certain features which are causing concern. Youth unemployment, though slightly down, remains above one million, and the number of people working part-time because they can’t find a full-time job reached a new peak. Although the rise in employment is welcome, we can’t ignore the fact that part-time jobs have risen while the number of full-time jobs has fallen. The overall message from these figures is encouraging, however, as they show the ability and willingness of the private sector to drive recovery at a time when the public sector is likely to shrink further.
“But the challenges facing the labour market cannot be overlooked. As the deficit-cutting plan forces the government to reduce employment, it is likely that the unemployment total will increase over the next year. Every effort must be made to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and increase the flow of lending to credit worthy firms so the private sector can create new jobs.”
“An increase in QE is unnecessary…the MPC should look to purchase other private sector assets, such as securitised SME loans”
Commenting on the Monetary Policy Committee minutes for April, published today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“As expected, the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee to maintain interest rates at 0.5% was unanimous. This month there was a change in the committee’s vote on increasing the Quantitative Easing (QE) programme, with Adam Posen changing his vote in support of an increase to against a further rise. The decision to maintain the current level of QE was taken with a majority of eight members to one, rather than seven to two.
“The minutes acknowledge that the fall in inflation in recent months has been less than the committee originally envisaged. The MPC also raised questions over the accuracy of initial ONS reports of sharp falls in construction that may push the economy into technical recession in Q1.
“In spite of current uncertainties around next week’s GDP figure, and increase in QE is unnecessary, and any impact would be marginal. The MPC’s main priority should be ensuring that the large amount of assets already purchased is put to better use. The recent increase in QE should be used to help increase the flow of lending to businesses. The MPC should also look to purchase other private sector assets, such as securitised SME loans.”
New Chamber member Saxon Air is the fastest growing Private Air Charter company in the UK. Established in April 2007 by founders Christopher Mace and James Palmer having a combined experience of over 20 years in aviation, and with the financial backing of businessman Graeme Kalbraier
Since 2007 the business has gone from strength to strength, as today they own and operate a modern fleet of private jets and VIP helicopters. Early in 2010, they were awarded a 10 year contract as the preferred Handling Agent to supply ground handling services at Norwich International Airport for all non-scheduled business, private and general aviation aircraft.
With continued growth Saxon air built their £7.9m Business Aviation Centre and Hangar facility was completed in May 2011
I hope you will join me in welcoming them at the next Chamber event.
Annual CPI inflation up from 3.4% in February to 3.5% in March
Annual RPI inflation down from 3.7% in February to 3.6% in March
Commenting on the inflation figures for March, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The inflation figures for March were broadly as expected. However, it is disappointing that the steady fall in inflation seen since September 2011 has been reversed this month. We expect inflation to fall over the remainder of the year, but the decline will be less than the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has envisaged. This means that the pressures on businesses and consumers will ease, but not as rapidly as first hoped.
“With inflation falling more slowly than expected, we believe that any further increases to the Quantitative Easing (QE) programme are unnecessary. The main priority should be ensuring that the additional liquidity provided by the most recent QE increase is put to better use to improve the flow of lending to credit worthy businesses. The government’s credit easing programme should be made more substantial, but the MPC must also reconsider its reluctance to purchase private sector assets.”
Tidal Transit Limited provides access, transport and crew transfer services to the industries of the North Sea. Operating from the North Norfolk coast we specialise in safe, speedy and efficient travel for those working in the offshore wind energy sector. Our fleet of custom-built, high specification wind farm work boats offer unparalleled stability and are crewed by fully qualified personnel with a thorough local knowledge and maritime experience.
Tidal Transit Limited was incorporated in January 2011 having formerly traded at Norfolk Fishing Trips under the management of Adam Wright of Thornham. Norfolk Fishing Trips had been running since 2005 offering day charter fishing trips from Brancaster Staithe in the summer and Lowestoft in the winter. It evolved into Tidal Transit to make the most of the growing offshore energy sector around the UK and especially wind.
Since January 2011 Tidal Transit Limited has raised over £2m for funding the development of its fleet of new purpose built offshore wind support vessels. We took delivery of Ginny Louise in December 2011 and Eden Rose in April 2012. The Company plans to build a further 8 vessels upon the same design which we aim to be available during the next 2 years.
Adam Wright (Operations Director) and Leo Hambro (Commercial Director), are in the EDP Future 50 for 2012 and Tidal Transit’s vessels were finalists in EEEGR 2012 Innovation Awards.
Ginny Louise is working for SSE on the Greater Gabbard Wind Farm. Eden Rose will arrive in the UK on 18th April and is looking for work Katie Louise returned to Brancaster Staither for the summer season on 2nd April.