In the first episode of series four, Mark and James chat about the importance for business owners and their teams to take effective breaks to recharge their batteries. As usual, they come up with 3 top tips to help achieve this, and along the way they try out their Swedish pronunciation skills and draw inspiration from Gandhi, the benefits of meditation and the Black Eye Peas!
The link to the BBC article they discuss on ‘Little Saturday’ can be found here.
Global Entrepreneurship Week takes place on 12-18 November 2012. It is the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship, taking place in 115 countries. In 2012, Global Entrepreneurship Week UK will be used to pass on the practical help and support needed by early start-ups and individuals who are considering taking the plunge.
Events will be taking place across the country for more information click here.
Tap into our ever-expanding range of exclusive special deals uploaded by other members for you and your staff to enjoy.
Get access to great Business 2 Business, Business 2 Employee and Business 2 Startup Business deals that enable members to save money, encourage them to buy local and even offer something great for their staff to enjoy.
Chris Perry, Norfolk Chamber’s Membership Manager, explains: “We always want our members to support each other and I have actively encouraged members to ‘buy Local’ from each other. Taking that into consideration, and with an ever-increasing amount of calls from members wanting to offer exclusive deals for the membership, we decided to create a section on the website that allows our members to upload an offer at any time that is exclusive to the Norfolk Chamber Membership.”
The offers are split onto four sections:
Business 2 Business Offers
Business 2 Employee Offers
Business 2 Start-up offer (exclusive for businesses up to 12 months old)
Gold Patron Offers
Each section will allow members to tap into a range of offers that will keep changing as members upload new deals and in turn benefit from the free advertising and marketing that comes with it.
All of the offers that businesses upload will be sent out via our social media channels and, given constant, exposure on our site and in other Chamber media.
The offers we get must be exclusive and not something that anyone can get just by logging onto their website.
If you want to upload your very own member 2 Member offer then just register on our website and if you’re a Norfolk Chamber member we will give you access to upload your offer. For more information please contact the Membership team on 01603 625977.
EU is most popular market for UK exporters, but for a third of firms the disadvantages associated with regulation imposed by Brussels outweigh the benefits of the Single Market
Economic developments in the eurozone is top of the list of issues businessowners believe will affect their firm this year and next, according to a poll of almost 2,000 firms released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Over half (52%) of firms believe that the eurozone crisis will have a significant influence on their business in 2012 and 2013, followed closely by cuts to UK public sector budgets (46% of businesses), and access to finance (42% of businesses).
The EU remains the favoured export destination for UK firms. The majority (78%) of businesses believe that it is relatively easy to do business with other countries in Europe, however it only has a small lead on the USA & Canada – 62% of firms believe it is easy to trade with these countries, followed closely by Australia and New Zealand (60% of firms). At the other end of the spectrum, 44% of businesses find it difficult to trade with Brazil, 52% with Central and South America (excluding Brazil). Almost two-thirds of firms (63%) find it difficult to trade with Russia.
The survey also found over one third of firms (35%) believe that the disadvantages of rules and regulations imposed by Brussels outweigh the benefits of being part of the Single Market.
The results follow findings released last week showing that British businesses are not in favour of further EU integration. The survey found that only 12% of firms want to leave the EU altogether. Almost half of businesses (47%) want to negotiate a looser relationship but with the UK remaining a member of the European Union. Only 9% of businesses want further integration.
Commenting on the findings, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“British firms seem to feel that the balance of advantage of EU membership is lessening. That one third of firms think the negatives associated with membership in the form of regulation outweigh the benefits of the Single Market is surprising. It demonstrates that more must be done to make the Single Market work better for businesses looking to export. This includes the creation of a digital single market, making a reality of the internal market for energy, and deepening the single market in services.
“While UK companies find it easier to trade with other countries in Europe, the lead is not as strong as it should be, and it is an indictment of the Single Market that it is almost as easy to trade with countries as far as away as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The UK government must help to deliver a Single Market that works, and make efforts to stem the tide of regulation from Brussels that prevent business from growing.”
This week saw the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) open for business. From August, banks and building societies can borrow in the FLS at cheaper rates, for periods of up to four years. Designed to provide cheaper borrowing to businesses, the Norfolk Chamber has welcomed the scheme as an improvement on the National Loan Guarantee Scheme announced by the Chancellor in March’s Budget. However we continue to urge the government to look at more radical solutions like the creation of a state-backed business bank, to make sure new and growing companies are able to access finance.
You can find out more about how the Funding for Lending Scheme works here.
The British Chambers of commerce Energy Survey closes this weekend so if you have not already completed this survey, we would appreciate you taking a few minutes to submit a response.
The survey will help us better understand the impact of volatile energy costs, the measures businesses have taken to reduce their energy usage, and the relationship between businesses and their energy suppliers. If you would like to tweet about the survey please use the hashtag #bccenergy.
Following the historic Aung San Suu Kyi visit to the UK and Europe, the suspension of sanctions by the EU and the easing of sanctions by the US it is clear that Burma/Myanmar is re-entering the international business community.
High-profile investor Jim Rogers recently said that Myanmar/Burma was “probably the best investment opportunity in the world right now”, comparing it to China when it opened up in 1978.
A blue chip British delegation on a recent trip included Anglo American, BP, British Gas, Ernst & Young, Rolls Royce and Shell. One key conclusion was of an urgent need for massive investment in all aspects of infrastructure. British Industry shouldn’t miss this opportunity.
To meet this need, City & Financial, with the support of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the UK-ASEAN Business Council, is organising The New Burma Investment and Trade Summit in Central London on 27th September 2012. The Myanmar-Britain Business Association is also supporting the event.
The Summit has been tailored to provide delegates with practical information about doing business in Burma/Myanmar. It will also offer a platform for networking with other UK companies that are likely to be at the forefront in tendering for major contracts.
More detailed information can be found here. To obtain 10% discount on the cost of this event, please mention that you heard about it from Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Jugdev Dhillon has opened a new shop at 57 Foregate Street, Stafford.
It’s been a busy few months for TaxAssist Accountant Jugdev Dhillon, who only joined the network in October 2020, but has already opened a shop and bought out a neighbouring practice.
“I’ve certainly hit the ground running, and experienced the busiest part of an accountant’s year, the tax return season, which has been a great introduction to running my own practice,” said Jugdev.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting and getting to know clients, including many new business start-ups, to explain more about how we can assist them with a whole range of business services, and let them know we are here for a lot more than just tax returns. We also talk clients through a range of software solutions to help them to select the right package for their needs. I’d urge anyone interested in finding out more, to contact us for a free initial consultation.
“I’m so pleased with the new shop, which looks superb and will act as a showcase for the practice for which I have ambitious growth plans. To help facilitate this, I’m currently advertising for a bookkeeper as I’m keen to expand our friendly team of staff.”
If you share a passion to help your local small businesses, a TaxAssist franchise can provide the systems and support you need to be successful. Regular Virtual Discovery Days are being held, where you can find out more about the technical, marketing and business development support on offer. Call 0800 0188297 to register your interest.
UK trade deficit in goods and services was £4.3bn in June, compared with a deficit of £2.7bn in May
Commenting on the trade figures for June, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“It is disappointing to see such a large trade deficit in June. Although the monthly figures would have been affected by public holidays, such as the Diamond Jubilee, it is worrying that the trade deficit in the second quarter as a whole was much higher than in the first. Underlying export volumes fell by 3.3% in the second quarter, while import volumes fell by only 0.5%. There is no question that British exporters are facing major challenges as a result of problems in the eurozone, but the rebalancing of the UK economy towards exports is taking too long.
“British exporters have untapped potential to expand, but they need more government support to help them compete globally and diversify towards growing markets outside the EU. We need firmer action in key areas such as trade finance, promotion and insurance. More infrastructure spending and the early creation of a business bank would make a major contribution towards stronger growth in UK exports.”
Join the Norfolk Chamber at the Festival of Social Enterprise and see how to grow your Charity or Social enterprise.
Of the many emerging sectors in UK business, Social Enterprise is one sector that is growing not just in Norfolk but also right across the UK. We know that government funding and contracts have been cut and Non -profit organisations and Charities now have to look at generating their income by diversification and earn income through mutually beneficial relationships with businesses from all sectors.
Overcoming issues they face and learning new ways to be innovative is just a hint of what on offer at this great event.
Hear from Top Social Enterprise organisations In The Curve such as Nigel Kershaw OBE (Big Issue Invest), Michael Norton (Buzzbnk) Cliff Prior (Unltd) and David Floyd (Social Spider CIC).
Learn new ideas and skills in The Cube with workshops by Sara Burgess, (CIC Regulator, Companies House), James Kearns (Build), Lyndon Green, (LGL)and Clayton Anderson, SOS Training and Evaluation & Ken Shelton, The Robert Ashton Organisation
We will be exhibiting along with lots of other great exhibitors in the Atrium featuring
Karthik Vasanthakumar has opened a shop at 58 Croydon Road in Caterham
Karthik Vasanthakumar joined the TaxAssist Accountants network in October 2020 and has now opened his first shop in Caterham.
Running his own practice has always been a goal for ACMA-qualified Karthik, who is now relishing meeting with clients and being his own boss.
“I had more than 13 years’ accountancy experience before I joined TaxAssist, in both industry and practice and worked with a range of clients from different sectors. I have a real understanding of the needs of small businesses and am looking forward to sharing my expertise and making a difference to the lives of individuals and businesses in my local community,” said Karthik.
“I enjoy networking and meeting with existing and new clients, explaining what services we offer and how I can help them. I’d encourage anyone interested in finding out more to contact us for a free initial consultation, either by telephone, zoom or face-to-face – whichever is preferred.”
Karthik recently had his car liveried in TaxAssist branding, further advertising his services within his local territory and has already been contacted by interested observers.
“The car is incredibly eye catching and I always get a lot of positive comments when I arrive anywhere, and it’s generated a number of enquiries,” added Karthik. “Do come over and have a chat to me if you see me out and about!”
If you share a passion to help your local small businesses, a TaxAssist franchise can provide the systems and support you need to be successful. Regular Virtual Discovery Days are being held, where you can find out more about the technical, marketing and business development support on offer. Call 0800 0188297 to register your interest.
At the beginning of May, the EU and USA formally agreed to recognise each other’s certified trusted traders, which should make life easier and cheaper for many transatlantic traders.
Introduction The agreement will result in lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability in transatlantic activities. Companies recognised as safe traders will benefit from faster controls and reduced administration for customs clearance. Mutual recognition will also improve security on imports and exports by enabling customs authorities to focus attention on real risk areas. It was agreed to implement the mutual recognition decision from 1 July 2012.
Imports and exports between the EU and USA accounted for almost €500 billion in 2011. This agreement should further boost trade opportunities and contribute to the smooth flow of goods between the two sides without compromising security. The mutual recognition of trade partnership programmes also has the benefit of preventing the proliferation of incompatible standards and promoting harmonisation of customs practices and procedures worldwide.
Authorised Economic Operators At present, there are about 5000 companies approved as Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) in the EU. European companies have been able to apply for AEO status since 2008. It can be granted to any economic operator established in the EU that meets the following common criteria stipulated in customs law:
an appropriate record of compliance with customs requirements
a satisfactory system of managing commercial and transport records that allow appropriate customs controls
proven financial solvency
appropriate security and safety standards
AEO status allows companies to benefit both from simplifications provided for by the customs rules and/or facilitation with regard to customs controls related to security and safety, according to the type of certification they obtain. Under the security framework that has been applicable since July 2009, economic operators have to submit pre-arrival and pre-departure information on goods entering or leaving the EU. The security type of AEO certificate and the combined certificate allow their holders to benefit from facilitations with regard to the customs controls relating to security.
The AEO status therefore identifies safe and reliable businesses engaged in international trade with high standards of security and compliance. These companies are then highly trusted trade partners at customs checks. Fewer inspections on goods are necessary and formal customs procedures are quicker to fill in, so goods can move faster from one place to another, which helps to lower transport costs. More effective container inspection can lead to important cost savings for companies, in particular SMEs. There is also a benefit to EU customs administrations, which can concentrate their efforts on checking high-risk transactions.
Under the new agreement, the EU and USA will recognise each other’s security certified operators so that authorised economic operators in the EU will receive benefits when exporting to the US market and the EU will reciprocate for certified members of the US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Mutual recognition of trade partnerships helps to improve protection against terrorist attacks.
Mutual recognition The EU wants its major trade partners across the world to recognise the AEO status to facilitate and protect international trade even more in the future. Switzerland, Norway and Japan already mutually recognise the EU’s certification and a similar agreement is being explored with China.
The Transatlantic Economic Council is the central political platform for EU-US co-operation on a wide range of high-profile regulatory and strategic issues, with the objective of furthering trade and investment and ultimately growth and jobs. It offered important political support to achieve the EU-US mutual recognition.