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The latest Bank of England, East of England Agents’ summary of business conditions has shown that:

• The manufacturing output for both export and domestic markets has continued to grow slowly.
• The housing market has continued to strengthen
• Annual growth in retail sales moved forward at a slow pace.
• Investment intentions have remained very modest
• Increases in manufacturing and service sector prices remained subdued

The full Bank of England Agents’ Summary is attached.

At a recent meeting of the Norwich Chamber Council, Karen O’Kane the Programme Director for Better Broadband for Norfolk and John Cullum, the Senior Deployment Manager for BT Openreach provided a progress report on upgrading broadband in Norfolk and highlighted the benefits to business.

Facts about Next Generation Access (NGA) Infrastructure:

• 600 cabinets and 157 local telephone exchanges in Norfolk
• Starting Point: Installation of fibre spines to connect local Exchange Areas to the nearest Head Exchange.
• Average length of a fibre spine in the UK is 3km to 5km
• Average Norfolk fibre spine length will be 13km

Click here to view short video showing how better broadband will be implemented.

Constraints in supplying the NGA infrastructure:

• Capacity and conditions of the existing infrastructure i.e. the ducts through which the fibre will be laid
• Availability of power in rural areas
• Timescales surrounding planning applications
• Necessary road closures – which will be more prevalent in rural locations than urban ones

The locations for the first phase of improvements have been recently announced and it is expected that every couple of months updates on further locations will be advised. You can find out the status of the nearest exchange by clicking here and entering your postcode.

Benefits to Business:

Better broadband will provide new opportunities for businesses in Norfolk allowing them to innovate and expand into different markets. It also has the potential to increase efficiency and drive down costs by offering access to:

• Cloud computing – business data and software applications that are hosted remotely. Many cloud based business applications are now available ranging from basic office software to more sophisticated business software such as customer relationship management systems
• Voice over internet (VoIP) communication systems which enable basic call routing and voicemail through to video conferencing.
• Web conferencing enables businesses to meet in real time and share desktops
• Data transfer – upload latest content quickly and effectively to keep ecommerce and other websites up to date. Send and receive large files (e.g. complex plans and drawings, videos etc).
• Remote data storage – backup business data automatically and regularly to a remote and secure location.
• Flexible working – work from the office, from the home or on the move in a way and at a time that meets your business, and employee, needs.

The May unemployment figures across Norfolk followed the trend of the rest of the UK and fell slightly. The county showed an overall reduction of 3.6%. Unemployment rates in Norfolk have been falling noticeably since February 2013, however, despite this drop, there are still over 17,000 unemployment claimants in Norfolk.

The latest report shows that 26% of the claimants in our region are aged between 18 and 24 years old and the national percentage is only slightly lower at 25.9%. Norwich has the largest number of claimants between 16 and 64 years old, with just under 4,400 and Great Yarmouth has over 3,500 claimants. The Norwich figure dropped by 2%, whilst Great Yarmouth dropped by 3.2%. This still leaves Great Yarmouth in 13th place on the unemployment tables for the English Local Authorities, of which there are fifty local authorities, whilst Norwich is listed in 45th place.

• Public sector borrowing, excluding transfers from the Bank of England QE scheme, was £12.7bn in May 2013, compared with net borrowing of £15.6bn in May 2012
• Public sector net debt was 75.2% of GDP

Commenting on the Public Sector Finances for May 2013, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Various adjustments make it very difficult to make a full comparison of the public finances, although there appears to be a superficial improvement. However the significant fall in our oil and gas reserves, and the problems facing our financial sector, have created a long-term shortfall in the government’s ability to generate tax receipts. Our structural deficit will remain unacceptably high for some time, and the government must persevere with its plan to bring it down. As the economy gradually begins to recover throughout 2013, we expect that public finances will improve.

“Next week’s Spending Review gives the Chancellor an opportunity to reallocate resources, focusing on measures to boost growth such as infrastructure investment, while continuing to make real cuts in current spending. Any room for manoeuvre must be used to help create jobs and drive economic growth.”

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced the appointment of Nora Senior as its new President, succeeding Martyn Pellew who stands down after two years in post. Nora, who will be the business group’s first female President for ten years, was officially appointed at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting after serving as Vice President since June 2011.

Nora is the Executive Chair for UK Regions of global PR agency Weber Shandwick and has more than 20 years’ experience in the public relations and government affairs sector. She is part of the Regional Advisory Group to the London Stock Exchange, and holds non-executive roles with organisations such as the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, and previously with the National Trust.

Nora has been recognised with a number of business achievement awards including Scottish Businesswoman of the Year. More recently, she was presented with the UK First Woman in the Media Award on 12 June.

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“We are thrilled to have just a dynamic person taking the role of BCC President. The Chamber Network Nora wants to achieve, which takes advantage of digital technology, is absolutely where Norfolk Chamber’s plans to be and I am really looking forward to working closely with her. She has already agree to be one of our keynote speakers at our Unlocking Potential Business Conference on 22 November and I recommend everyone puts this date in their diary”

Commenting on her appointment as BCC President, Nora Senior said:

“The British Chambers of Commerce is a leading voice on all issues relating to business and I look forward to championing its crucial work, which benefits businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK. There are many issues that still need government attention – particularly around the much-needed support for international trade and helping young people to join the workforce, both of which are so important if we are to see a sustainable economic recovery.

“Together with the support of Chambers of Commerce across the UK, I will be working hard to ensure that the views of the business community are heard at both a local and national level, and will continue to campaign for an enterprise-friendly environment so that existing and new businesses can thrive.

“At this crucial time for the UK economy, Chambers of Commerce are more important than ever. They act as a front door in every town and city across the UK, providing support to businesses directly at the coal face. Just take international trade as an example. Chambers help businesses take their goods and services to new markets in a number of different ways – acting as a first port of call for advice, holding export seminars, exchanging knowledge and best practice from ‘mature’ exporters and leading trade missions to fast-growing markets overseas.

“As someone who travels the world as a services exporter, I see first-hand how it’s become easier and more cost effective to trade internationally. Businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized companies across all sectors, need to be encouraged to explore the potential to step into new markets – but the fear of exporting has be removed. Given the need for Britain to achieve an export-led recovery, Chambers are and will remain at the heart of this agenda.”

Outgoing President, Martyn Pellew, said:

“During my tenure as President, I have worked alongside BCC Director General John Longworth to campaign on behalf of British business. My job has allowed me the privilege of visiting some truly inspiring companies over the last two years, many of whom are finding innovative ways to grow their businesses and increase their workforces. I know that with the help of their local Chambers, these businesses will continue to build on these successes.

“I now hand over to Nora, whose vast business and communications experience and previous involvement with the BCC will prove invaluable at this crucial time for the UK business community.”

Painfully slow broadband in the two villages has caused a group of frustrated residents to come together and ask how do we get better broadband now?

Clearly disappointed that Dickleburgh & Rushall are not included in the first phase of the County Council’s Better Broadband for Norfolk project has lead the residents to take the initiative.

“Broadband is not a luxury any more it is essential to rural communities such as ours, it connects families, is a vital resource for learning, provides access to a range of services, and increases the competitiveness of local business” was the response from one resident.

With the full support of the Parish Council the group looked at options and began working with WiSpire, a Norfolk company, who specialise in bringing better broadband to rural communities. The technology involves using the local church to broadcast a high speed wireless signal to local residents.

In order to make better broadband a reality the group needs the support of other residents who might be interested in making slow downloads a thing of the past. A friendly informative informal meeting is being held on 10 July at the Dickleburgh & Rushall Village Centre at 7:30pm. Everyone is invited to come along and find out more from WiSpire, the group themselves and find out how we can get better broadband now.

Abellio train operator Greater Anglia has won a major rail industry award for its excellent service delivery during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company received the Cross-Industry Partnership Award at the national Rail Innovation Awards for its impressive performance and customer service standards, achieved in partnership with Network Rail and Transport for London, during last summer’s Games when the eyes of the world were on London.

Greater Anglia welcomed almost 1.3 million additional passengers on its London-bound services over the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with 94.9% of trains arriving on-time. The company provided an average of 150,000 extra seats per day, an increase in capacity of over 25%, with over 600 trains a day calling at Stratford. Extra customer service staff – easily identifiable in their magenta tabards – were deployed across the company’s network to provide assistance to passengers to and from the Games. Additional contingencies were put in place so that if key events overran (as then happened with the Opening and Closing Ceremonies) trains could be held back to ensure everyone was able to get home afterwards.

All these plans were especially important with Stratford the key station serving the Olympic Park, so it was vital that both train and station operations ran smoothly, and with effective coordination with Network Rail and other train operators critical to the success of the plans.

The arrangements were the result of a focused approach led by a dedicated project team which ensured that detailed plans were in place and a real ‘Games spirit’ was created amongst the entire Greater Anglia team and its partners. High standards of customer service were celebrated and encouraged, with the proactive strategy exemplified by the London Liverpool Street cleaner Gaspare Giarracco, whose search and recovery of mislaid Olympics tickets from amongst the huge station waste bins was greatly appreciated by the passengers involved.

Commenting on the award, Ruud Haket, Managing Director of Greater Anglia said:

“I am delighted that the superb efforts of the entire team at Greater Anglia in partnership with colleagues from Network Rail and Transport for London have been recognised with this award. The excellent punctuality results, allied with the highest standards of customer service, ensured that those passengers travelling to the Games last summer enjoyed a great day out and were impressed with the service provided. That all this was achieved only six months into a franchise, was testament to a remarkable team effort, both within Greater Anglia, but also with our rail industry partners. I want to reiterate our thanks to all of our employees and industry colleagues who contributed to such a successful outcome.

“We’re committed to building on those high standards to deliver excellent service on our network on a consistent basis, and have achieved new, record-breaking punctuality results in the 10 months since the Games ended. We recognise there is much more to do and the improvements achieved to date, including the Olympics/Paralympics service which led to this award, are inspiring us to provide an even better service for our customers.”

Norfolk Chamber was delighted to welcome HRH Prince Michael of Kent, to our China Business Networking event which was kindly hosted by Anglia Farmers at their marquee at the Royal Norfolk Show. The event was organised with Norfolk County Council and China-Britain Business Council, not only to promote China as an excellent market to trade with, but also to raise awareness of the Norfolk-based Care for Children charity which works to help orphaned children in China and increasingly other Asian countries. Prince Michael, who is a Patron of the charity, gave a presentation to the delegates and said that he was encouraged by the links that already exist between Norfolk firms and China. Prince Michael said: “I am keen to encourage local businesses here in Norfolk to consider business opportunities as well as supporting this local charity. The relationship between Britain and China is growing and has much potential. “It doesn’t matter if it’s charities or businesses which lead the way, they must both open doors for the other.” Those that attended found the event very interesting and were very pleased with the exchange of business contacts that were made Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber said she would like to see more businesses with links to China sharing their expertise with other firms. “Norfolk is really starting to drive the economy now and as far as local businesses are concerned, exporting to China is a really good opportunity.” Chris Cotton, Director of the China-Britain Business Council said, “We very much appreciate the work done by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Norfolk County Council to organise the China Networking Reception at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show and, of course, our thanks also go to Anglia Farmers for hosting the event. We were privileged to have HRH Prince Michael of Kent join us and for him to say a few words about the work of the charity, Care for Children, of which he is patron and which carries out such good work in China. We look forward to continuing to work with partners such as Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Norfolk County Council to support Norfolk companies through the various stages of the development of their business with China.” Robert Glover, Founder and Executive Direct of Care for Children said, “The China-Britain business networking event at the Royal Norfolk Show provided a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic combination of Royalty, charity, local government and local business to showcase the best of Norfolk, and the impact we can have on the rest of the world! We were delighted to work with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to help organise the event. The future is brimming with potential for mutually beneficial relationships between Norfolk and some of the world’s most exciting emerging economies in Asia, and I am convinced Care for Children’s existing positive relationships with Asian governments is a big asset for the county. As HRH Prince Michael of Kent commented in his speech at the event; it doesn’t matter if business or charity leads the way, as both can open doors for the other. We are proud to be a Norfolk-based charity operating in Asia, and we look to developing our relationship with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.”

In an open letter to Mark Carney, who takes over as Bank of England Governor today (Monday), BCC Director General, John Longworth, urges him to do more to ensure a stable business environment, which will help to secure the UK’s future competitiveness. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Network, John Longworth calls on Dr Carney to capitalise the British Business Bank and ensure that existing schemes, such as the QE programme and the Funding for Lending Scheme, go further to support real businesses.

Here is a copy of the letter in full:

Dear Dr Carney,

On behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce – representing 53 accredited Chambers, who in turn have thousands of member companies with millions of employees across the UK – we offer our congratulations as you take up your new role as Governor of the Bank of England.

There is no doubt that the economic situation today is better than when your appointment was first announced. Yet while we are seeing signs of a stronger recovery across the business community, we have no illusions about the challenges ahead for the UK economy, nor the complexity that you and your colleagues on the MPC will face in shaping monetary policy.

That said, we believe that the Bank of England can take real action under your leadership to help entrench that recovery and secure our future competitiveness – by helping to secure the flow of finance to the new, growing and dynamic businesses that need it most.

We urge you to use the Bank of England’s influence and balance sheet to:

• Capitalise the Business Bank as a major new player in SME finance, working with and alongside private financial institutions to unlock new sources of patient growth capital and risk capital. We are struck by the success and importance of the Business Development Bank of Canada in your native country, and hope that you can help the Business Bank to develop a similar vision and remit.
• Ensure existing programmes better support the ‘real economy’. We believe you can help stimulate lending to businesses by making the Funding for Lending Scheme more effective and by widening the existing Quantitative Easing programme to include the purchase private-sector assets including securitised SME debt (rather than just gilts).
• Lever in private investment in UK infrastructure, working together with the Treasury.

Finally, we would also ask that you focus on ensuring a stable business environment. This can be done by giving business as much certainty as possible on low interest rates, which have played a critical role in underpinning both business and consumer demand. At the same time, BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey shows that inflation is a significant concern for companies across the economy. The MPC’s decision-making must take both of these important business concerns into account.

From Chamber members across the UK, we wish you success in your new post, and look forward to working with you intensively to entrench a business-led recovery and higher rates of economic growth and prosperity.

We look forward to meeting with you soon, as our accredited Chambers of Commerce do with Bank of England Agents in all parts of the UK.

Yours sincerely

John Longworth Director General