The East Regional Growth Loan Scheme, supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, is available to established incorporated businesses based within the East of England (please see map) that have a minimum annual turnover of £500k, show strong growth potential and have a medium to long-term funding requirements to deliver that growth.
Eligibility
SMEs applying to the East Regional Growth Loan Scheme must have the following:
a clear business strategy that credibly delivers significant growth
a proposition that addresses product markets which are likely to grow strongly in the medium term
a business plan demonstrating:
a viable product or service
a ready market
competitive advantage
a management team with relevant background
the right to exploit intellectual property rights where necessary
Key Features
Loan Amount: £50,000 – £200,000
Business Location: East of England – Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire
Loan Term: Min 2 yrs; Max 5 yrs
Turnover: Typically minimum £500,000 per annum
Interest Rate: 5 – 9% above base rate, depending on risk assessment
Security: All Assets Debenture. Limited, un-supported personal guarantees may be required, depending on risk assessment
Fees and Charges:
arrangement fee 2% of loan value
annual monitoring fee 1% of loan value
legal costs – £500 fixed fee
turnover levy of 0.25% – 1% of annual turnover
Exclusions
The following sectors are excluded:
land and property development, dealing and investment
financial services
accountancy and legal services
hotels
nursing and residential care homes
international motor transport
agriculture
forestry and timber production
horticulture
To apply to the Regional Growth Loan Scheme, please complete the Application Form and return to Stuart.Ager@thefsegroup.com
For more information, and to discuss your requirements, please contact the team at Finance East.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has enlisted the support of Cambridge Airport to offer this Export Insight Visit for just £99 + VAT, departing directly from the East of England’s flagship business city of Cambridge, to Brussels, home to NATO and the European Union.
The three day trip from Cambridge to Brussels, departing on 4 February 2013, will give UK businesses the chance to develop their knowledge of market opportunities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg which together make up Benelux, the original single market. European Export Insight Visits are being organised by UKTI in 2013 to help facilitate understanding of export opportunities and the range of help available to companies to support their international trade ambitions.
Designed for new and novice exporters, Export Insight Visits costs just £99 + VAT per delegate. This nominal price includes return flights and accommodation for delegates, informative export-oriented presentations, plus valuable opportunities to network with leading Belgian trade representatives, legal experts, advisors and potential business partners.
With a population of 27.5 million, Benelux is one of Europe’s most important economies, accounting for almost €48 billion in imports from UK businesses last year. This makes Benelux Britain’s second largest export market. Just like Cambridge, one of the UK’s most successful business economies and home to numerous cutting-edge international companies and organisations, Brussels itself is more than just an architectural delight for tourists, being the seat of the European parliament and a leading export trade destination for the UK.
Liz Basing, Regional Director for UKTI in the East of England, comments, “This is the first such trip we’ve put together from Cambridge and the city’s very much up-and coming regional – now international – airport. Brussels is just an hour’s flight and our Export Insight delegates will have rapid access to the excellent business development opportunity that awaits them in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.”
“Cambridge is one of the UK’s best known and truly innovative economies”, said David Surley, head of business development at Cambridge Airport. “It’s really fitting that UKTI have opted to arrange this valuable trade mission from Cambridge Airport as we are so easy to reach from across the East and further afield. Brussels is un-serviced from our region and just one of several key European cities that are we working with airlines to secure regular service for”.
Ideally located only three miles from the centre of Cambridge, Cambridge Airport offers direct access from London by rail in just 45 minutes and provides a gateway for the East of England and beyond, just off the A14 and only minutes from the national motorway infrastructure.
To register for this Export Insight Visit, businesses should click on www.embltd.co.uk/ukti/ for more information, e-mail insight@uktiem.co.uk or call the UKTI East of England team on 0845 641 9955
An East Anglia Rail Summit has been organized by Chloe Smith MP on 31 January in Westminster to be attended by MP, Local Enterprise Partnerships and business leaders from across Norfolk Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
The session will be in a workshop style allowing two hours to discuss the latest updates to the key issues facing the rail network in East Anglia in particular the next steps on franchising, Network rail strategic business plan and the next steps on line speeds, rolling stock and other infrastructure possibilities.
Hear what Norfolk business leaders have to say in advance of the summit:
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Norfolk businesses needs improved rail infrastructure in order to create the economy and the resulting jobs which we are all striving for. An independent economic study showed that improvements called for would contribute £3.7bn to the region’s economy. We now have a window of opportunity and I, together with Norfolk Chamber members Aviva, Create Consulting, HJ Boswell and Blackwell Print, will be joining Greater Anglia, our MPs and LEPs across the region in Westminster at the East Anglian Rail Summit to ensure that the business voice is heard loud and clear”
Andrew Dernie, Head of Business Management Aviva said: “Aviva is a global business and an effective transport infrastructure is critical to our operations particularly in Norwich where we employ over 6,000 people. We are increasingly using technology to support collaboration across our businesses and reduce our need to travel but a degree of direct contact and team-work will always be vital. Efficient rail links between London, our international transport hub and Norwich is increasingly important for the Eastern region to remain competitive and be attractive to organisations serving a world-wide market.
We appreciate parliamentarians support in ensuring the region works together to improve the rail network. In 2012 Aviva spent over £1m with 20,000 staff rail journeys between Norwich and London. It is key for our staff who need to travel to have a fast and reliable journey. Equally important is using this travelling time to best effect so an improved Wi-Fi signal and electric sockets is imperative. We appreciate the provision of faster services at 7.40 and 17.00 but would welcome additional services with similar journey times.”
Davina Tanner President Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and General Manager Chapelfield Shopping Centre “In distance of miles we are close to the capital, we need high speed trains to maximise the opportunity of been so close to capital for continuing growth for Norfolk and Suffolk economy”
Paul Clarke Regional Office Partner Bidwells ” We need an improved rail link to London to attract investment into Norfolk. Far too many times private investors are put off the journey time to get here because of the poor service we have. It’s a perception of investors unfortunately but without a regular uprated service (even something akin to what we had a few years ago would help) my firm finds it very difficult to come north from Ipswich. I think even Government believes that we are out of the main stream in a cul-de-sac called Norfolk. We do have a lot to offer but unless we get better connected to our financial capital we will continue to be marginalised”.
Phil Harris,Managing DirectorNorcom Technology Limited Whilst it is important the main line to London is well maintained it is also very important to consider the rural lines (Cromer, Sheringham, North Walsham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft etc) as without this infastructure people will not be able to get to Norwich for the mainline trains and will make other arrangements instead.
Jeanette Wheeler, Partner, Birketts LLP “As a successful legal practice with 4 offices and more than 400 staff in the Eastern region, faster and better rail links to London and the rest of the country are vital to our future as a business and of the businesses we serve. We need rail improvements to improve the potential for us to access clients and customers outside of the region and compete more more effectively. We must not be viewed as an outpost any longer. We must be allowed to benefit fully from the energy sector, biosciences and other opportunities which this region has the potential to grow”
Richard Marks,MD John Lewis. Norwich ‘ Opening up communication links to the region is key to the success of business – we invested £ 7 million in John Lewis Norwich in 2011 and are supportive of initiatives to improve accessibility to the region and help the local enconomy to thrive ‘
Robert Todd Partner Feilden+Mawson Architects LLP “The East does not need High Speed rail at massive investment. A modest improvement in speed can be achieved at a modest investment, resulting in massive benefits to all businesses in the East.
Businesses will have the chance to engage with seven of Norfolk’s nine MPs on the key issue of young people, at Norfolk Chamber’s ‘MPs Event 2013’ on Friday 8 February.
Entitled ‘Unlocking the Potential of Norfolk’s Young People’, the high profile event will be held at Dunston Hall and is sponsored by Greater Anglia, Norse and Dunston Hall. The event will be split into three key discussion areas: ‘Bridging the gap between education and business’, ‘Opportunities for young people in the Norfolk supply chain’, and ‘What our young start-up businesses need’.
Each discussion area will feature an MP, who will provide their update on the Government’s role, followed by a local organization which will give an example of good practice that works well in Norfolk. These will include Michael Rose, Head of Wayland Academy; Norse, which will be bringing five apprentices to the event; and Jack Passant, Norfolk’s first recipient of the Government’s Start-up Loan Scheme.
A roundtable Q&A discussion will follow each of the presentations to enable delegates to give their thoughts and feedback directly to the MPs.
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, said:
“This event poses a unique opportunity for businesses to get their voice heard by the people who can make a real difference and influence policy. Bringing on our young people and preparing them for the challenging world of work is essential for a healthy future economy and this event is the place where businesses can have their say and get involved. We had 120 people at last year’s MP’s event and it was phenomenally successful in bringing together key decision makers and business leaders in the region.”
George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk stated:
“I’m delighted to be supporting this important conference because the debt crisis makes this a particularly challenging time school leavers and graduates to start their careers. The Government is creating a framework to support vocational training and apprenticeships around the country; now the challenge is for us in Norfolk to help our youngsters access the opportunities that are available”
Tom McGarry Communcations Manager covering the supply chain element said:
“Sizewell C could create thousands of jobs and opportunities for Suffolk and Norfolk businesses and young people We are delighted to support Norfolk Chamber’s event and speak to businesses and local representatives on the potential benefits and future opportunties open to young people “
John Wastage Policy Advisr British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Chambers of Commerce and their members work with schools and young people across the country to broaden career choices, promote enterprise and improve work-preparedness. Improving the skills of the UK workforce, and supporting young people to become work-ready are important priorities for the Chamber Network. Norfolk Chamber has created an excellent opportunity to inform the work of local MPs and draw attention to lessons from the good work already being done.
Michael Rose Head Wayland Academy highlighting education/business opportunities said:
“I am delighted to be able to contribute to the debate surrounding the importance of integrating business and education in such a way as to give our young people world class opportunities” . To book your place at the event go to the event booking site
Our team are thrilled to announce that we are working with long-term client, JosTec (Jostec.co.uk) on a total refresh and rebrand.
Having worked with JosTec (formerly RJ Acoustics) for over 5 years, we are delighted to have seen them through significant periods of growth and business progression. Working with their design, development, technical, branding and PR teams, JosTec are now well on their way to success with a new and improved brand.
Although the previous website performed extremely well in the building acoustic testing and building regulations compliance spaces, the brand was in need of a refresh and all the opportunities this would present. Thus, there has been a great deal of search engine optimisation (SEO) work we have been working with JosTec on to ensure a smooth transition and a strong progress plan.
Pages and URLs – One of the key elements of moving from an old to a new site is making sure that the page URLs are not too drastically changed. Therefore, there is a great deal of ‘page mapping’ that is needed to ensure a smooth switch and seamless transition from an older to a newer site.
Crawling Factors – There are, in SEO various key factors, often referred to as ‘crawling factors,’ which are those that are key to Google and other search engine’s crawling and understanding of any website. IT is crucial that these are updated when any site goes live; whether a refresh or a brand-new website.
On Page Content – A key tenet of SEO is the content which is found on any and all pages of a website. Making sure website content is up to date is key. When refreshing a website, combing through and auditing the content is an important consideration, to allow for overall better performance when the new site goes live.
Website Feel and Design – As with any refresh of any website, design elements like colour schemes as well as the look and feel are always going to be updated and this is always a great opportunity to pay attention to important SEO factors and elements like site speed, user experience and mobile factors.
Vicki Mitman of Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team has been awarded the first Encouraging Women Into Franchising ‘Young Woman’ award.
The fifth annual Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) Awards Ceremony was held yesterday at RBS House, Bishopsgate, London. The Awards Ceremony was well attended with approximately 130 supporters, finalists and guests.
A new award has been added this year for young women (those 30 years old or younger) who have made a flying start to their role / career in franchising and who also mentor others and give back to the industry. Vicki is the first winner of the new award. Vicki was also a finalist for the ‘Woman Service Provider of the Year’ award.
For further information about Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team or Encouraging Women Into Franchising, please contact Vicki on 01603 281185 or vmitman@leathesprior.co.uk
The Export Control Organisation (ECO) is the UK’s regulatory ‘strategic’ export licensing authority and forms part of the UK’s Department for Business.
Recent Notices that they have issued to all Exporters, can be found below:
Notice 2013/01 The ECO has amended the Open General Export Licence* (Military Goods). The licence has been revised to make the text easier to understand, while adhering to legal requirements in line with export control legislation.
Notice 2013/02 The ECO has amended the Open General Export Licence* (Military Goods: Government or NATO End-Use). The licence has been revised to make the text easier to understand, while adhering to legal requirements in line with export control legislation.
Notice 2013/03 Some businesses have been delivering military surplus vehicles through destinations not permitted by Open General Export Licence (Military Surplus Vehicles). This notice makes it clear that if goods are unloaded into a country, that country is considered to be the final destination. Any subsequent movement of the goods will be considered to be re-exporting.
Notice 2013/04 The new paid-for service will provide the documentation required by a number of Port States in the Indian Ocean regarding Maritime Anti-Piracy services provided by UK Private Security Companies.
Notice 2013/05 The ECO have discovered a mistake in Open General Export Licence (Military Goods, Software and Technology) – an incorrect email address. They have apologised for this error and the text has now been corrected.
Notice 2013/06 The ECO have discovered a further mistake in Open General Export Licence (Military Goods, Software and Technology: Government or NATO End Use) – an incorrect email address. They have apologised for this error and the text has now been corrected.
Notice 2013/07 As part of the Export Control Organisation’s ongoing Service Improvement Programme, a number of changes have been made to the SPIRE system that will enhance its effectiveness and streamline the process of making export licence applications for exporters.
The Brazilian economy has been predicted to become one of the five largest in the world in thedecades to come. In the last 15 years, the country has pursued a strategy of export-led growth and regional integration. The economy is relatively well diversified with a strong manufacturing and agricultural base. But economic activity is still concentrated in the southeast, particularly in the state of Sao Paulo.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Brazil’s economy slowed unexpectedly, growing by 0.6% in the three months to September versus the previous quarter. Growth for 2012 now looks set to be closer to 1%, compared with 2. 7% last year and 7.5% in 2010. President Dilma Rousseff launched the first in a series of measures aimed at injecting up to $50bn (£32bn) into the economy over the next five years, and increasing the private sector’s role in the economy. The plan included privatising about 14,000km of railways and roads, followed by selling ports and lowering energy costs.
TRADE OUTLOOK Latin America, China and Europe are expected to be Brazil’s top exporters over the medium term. Trade with Asia (excluding Japan) already accounts for more than a quarter of Brazil’s merchandise exports. The continued rapid industrialisation of these Asian economies is expected to drive further demand for raw materials from Brazil in coming years. China and Vietnam will be the fastest-growing export destinations over this period, ensuring that China retains its position as the most important destination for Brazilian export s. 40% of Brazil’s imports arrive from Europe, followed by 16% from the US and China. The UK falls behind Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria and Chile, with only 1.7% of imports.
OPPORTUNITIES The fifth-largest country in the world, it has one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies and a GDP per head greater than either India or China. Certain sectors of the Brazilian market have experienced higher than average growth, such as air transportation, telecoms, oil and gas, and mining. Under the second phase of the Growth Acceleration Program the Government of Brazil will spend around US$470 billion in development of the country’s energy generation and infrastructure as well as stadiums as it prepares for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Other promising areas include construction, aerospace and aviation, electrical power, safety and security devices, environmental technologies, retail and transportation. SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS World’s sixth largest economy High population
WEAKNESSES Corruption Political risk
OPPORTUNITIES 2014 World Cup, 2016 Olympics Growing middle class Manufacturing
THREATS Export driven economy Real currency Very high interest rates
Oil and gas developments in East Africa are creating new business development opportunities for SMEs. The Africa Business Centre, operated by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, is organising a five-day trade mission for UK based SMEs.
It will provide a comprehensive introduction to oil and gas opportunities in Uganda and Tanzania via briefings and meetings with key government and commercial contacts. The aim is to equip delegates with all relevant information and contacts to support their future entry to the market.
For details of the schedule and costs, please click here.
Expanding on Qatar’s economic growth and continuing to build UK-Qatar trade links, the MEA is leading a Trade Mission to Qatar in the spring, 25th-28th March.
This multi-sector Trade Mission will focus on the opportunities arising from Qatar’s needs as it progresses towards hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will cater to all needs as it will offer delegates, with the assistance of UKTI, the opportunity to gain direct access to ministries, decision makers and to commercial leaders as well as meetings with potential clients and business partners.
The Norfolk Chamber are at thethe Norfolk Catering and Hospitality Expo 2013 held at the Norfolk Showground. As Partners of Norfolk Expo the Chamber is here to show our support for all the Norfolk Businesses in these sectors.
The one stop trade only show for anyone working in or supplying to the hospitality and catering sectors in Norfolk and the East Anglian Region.
With over 150 stands, a restaurant and a demonstration stage offering a full programme of events for the trade this is a chance to celebrate the £2.6bn of business the industry generates in the area.
Many Norfolk Chamber Members are exhibiting here as well. Full information on the vent can be found here:https://www.norfolkexpo.co.uk/
Legal and trade relations between Dubai and the UK will be strengthened through a Memorandum of Guidance (MoG) signed in London on 23 January.
This brings together the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts – the leading English-language commercial court in the Middle East – and the Commercial Court of England and Wales, the world’s leading Commercial Court.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now widely recognised as the investment and business hub of the Middle East.
The MoG is designed to assist investors, businessmen and lawyers in the UK who wish to develop closer trade and investment links with the Emirate – and vice versa.
The Memorandum clarifies existing arrangements between the two courts, defining such issues as the mutual enforcement of judgments, in accordance with principles and practices set out in detail in the document.
It accordingly reflects the historic trade and industry links between the UK and the UAE, while reinforcing a shared commitment to providing the highest standards of commercial justice.
Mr Justice Cooke, Judge In Charge of the Commercial Court, said: “A surprising number of people today are unaware of the reciprocity between courts. While reiterating the existing relationship between DIFC Courts and the Commercial Court in London, the MoG sets out the basis upon which judgments of one court can be enforced in the other and helps to engender an atmosphere in which business can flourish.”