Penny Mordaunt – Parliamentary Under Secretary for Communities and Local Government today visited Great Yarmouth’s Town Centre and was accompanied by a delegation from local businesses including the Chairman of Palmers David Howard, Jonathon Newman, the Great Yarmouth Town Centre and Bid Manager, Brandon Lewis – Great Yarmouth MP and Andy Penman representing the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council.
The tour of the inner town involved a walk through the main thoroughfares; a trip around the busy market place; through Market Gates Shopping Centre; onto Queens street and finished at the Mercury Newspaper headquarters. The discussions focussed on the hard work of each of the local stakeholders – work that is desperately needed to regenerate Great Yarmouth Town Centre and to bring economic growth to the town.
Norfolk Chamber staff have all signed up to the Great Eastern Rail Campaign. The campaign is calling for a faster, more reliable service on the London to Norwich line including:
Significant investment in track infrastructure
Better trains and a higher quality travelling experience
Greater capacity with more seats and more carriages
The overall goal is to achieve London to Norwich in 90, Ipswich in 60, Colchester in 40 and Chelmsford in 25 minutes.
A Technical Consultation on Planning has been issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The consultation document presents a number of proposals for how Government wants to improve the planning system, to make it more responsive, more straight forward and less confusing.
Changes proposed include:
Neighbourhood Planning – to make it easier for residents and businesses to come together to produce Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders – by limiting the time a Local Planning Authority has to respond to an application for a Neighbourhood Plan and changing requirements for consultation;
Reducing red tape and regulations – to support housing, high streets and growth – by expanding permitted development rights to enable new homes to be created from light industrial, warehouse and office buildings and buildings in other uses; to allow more dwelling extensions without the need to apply for planning permission; to allow greater flexibility to change shops to finance and professional service premises and vice versa; to allow retail units to expand without planning permission; and to provide more flexibility for leisure uses in the high street etc;
Improving the use of planning conditions – to enable development to start more quickly – by deeming the discharge of certain conditions where a LPA does not make a timely decision on applications to discharge; and for LPAs to justify the use of pre-commencement conditions;
Planning Application processes – to improve speed and responsiveness – by changing thresholds whereby statutory consultees are notified; and a change to ensure that rail infrastructure managers are consulted where development is proposed close to operational railway land;
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Thresholds – to reduce the number of projects ‘caught’ by EIA – by raising the thresholds whereby EIA screening requests are required; and
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Planning Regime – to enable the system to work more effectively – by increasing the flexibility within Development Consent Orders.
Comments on the proposed changes must be made to the DCLG before 26 September 2014.
BCC publishes the results of its international trade survey highlighting the untapped potential of service sector exporters in rebalancing the UK economy
The BCC calls for action to tackle language, regulatory and funding barriers to encourage potential exporters to take their first step towards doing business overseas
Caroline Williams: ‘We need to turn this untapped export potential into reality and help drive the Norfolk economy.’
Overview
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is releasing further results from a major international trade survey, which highlights the untapped potential of businesses within the service sector to rebalance the economy towards exports.
The results, collated from more than 1,565 service sector firms within the UK, show that 18% of service sector companies are on the verge of exporting. The service sector is performing well and growing, and provides huge opportunities for export growth. But the BCC is calling for more to be done to support potential exporters in taking that first step, as this could go a long way towards eliminating the UK’s trade deficit by 2020 – an ambition shared by the BCC.
Barriers and calls to action
Reflecting on their experience of exporting for the first time, service sector firms identify the biggest barriers to entering new markets. These barriers must be addressed if we are to support those firms who are on the verge of exporting in taking that initial first step:
Barrier: Excessive overseas regulation was the largest barrier to trading internationally identified by almost one third of service sector exporters (32%). Call to action: The Chamber is calling for a reduction in red tape, including the completion of the EU Single Market in services.
Barrier: One quarter of service sector exporters (26%) reported that language and cultural differences are a barrier to exporting Call to action: The Chamber is calling for foreign language learning to be made compulsory between the ages of 7 and 16 to help entrepreneurs become more globally minded.
Barrier: Exporting firms also identified a lack of funding (24%) as a barrier towards exporting for the first time. Call to action: The UK should be matching the efforts of countries like Germany that invests much more in its bilateral Chamber Network. Furthermore, the UK banking sector could and should do more to provide businesses with the working capital they need to fund exports.
Additional findings from within the survey:
Untapped export potential and barriers facing UK service firms
Of the service sector firms surveyed, 23% are currently exporting. This is only one percent higher than in 2013.
An additional 18% of service sector companies (almost one in five) are on the verge of exporting – the same figure as last year.
More service sector exporters need to target emerging markets
Europe (81%), Asia including the Middle East (54%) and the Americas (48%) remain the largest target markets for service sector exporters.
The BCC is encouraging more service sector firms to look beyond traditional markets for export opportunities. Africa for example has been identified by the IMF as having one of the largest GDP growth prospects, with an increased demand for services in countries such as Nigeria.
Encouragingly, 32% of exporters are already trading with Africa but there is the potential for this figure to become even higher.
Professional services are leading the way
Professional services (35%) have the largest share of service exports, followed by financial and business services (25%).
Education and training contributes 22% of service exports and IT and communication services account for 20%.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber said: “Norfolk exporters have consistently be growing their businesses and the Norfolk Chamber has consistently beaten its own international business plan targets through their activity. During the down turn many owner managers did not have the time resource to look at trading internationally but now we have noticed a considerable increase in enquires for countries across the globe. During the Autumn we will be holding specific events for business looking to start exporting as it is a great way to grow a business.”
Commenting on the findings, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“The services sector could hold the key to unleashing the export potential of the UK – with its large trade surplus playing a significant role in offsetting the UK’s goods trade deficit, totaling more than £100bn. This proves that the sector is strong, but if we can convert the remaining untapped export potential into a reality, it could go a long way towards eliminating the UK’s trade deficit by 2020 – an ambition shared by the British Chambers of Commerce.
“We need a culture change in the UK when it comes to international trade. This means more investment, stronger language skills and a global mindset instilled in people from a much younger age. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be matching the level of export support provided by our major international competitors, like Germany, which spends ten times more on its bilateral Chamber Network than the UK. Having places to go and people to meet in market when business people step off the plane is key to helping make these connections, and selling goods and services into fast-growing global markets.
“The results also highlight that a shortage of relevant skills is undermining the UK’s export performance. To nurture the next generation of exporters we need to encourage young people to gain experience in international trade, by offering them a range of vocational subjects, such as foreign languages, that prepare them for the wide-range of opportunities available in today’s globalised world.
“Only a collaborative approach from the government, Chambers of Commerce and business groups in the UK and overseas and the private sector, will reduce the barriers to international trade – and make significant headway towards rebalancing the UK economy in the long-term.”
Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) interest rate decision, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“The MPC made the right decision to keep interest rates and quantitative easing on hold. Norfolk’s economic recovery remains on track but is still facing challenges and this is not the time to put it at risk with premature rate increases. The current calls for higher rates, particularly while wage pressures are still weak, are unjustified. Official figures show that a large number of people are working part time because they are unable to find a full time job – refuting the view that there is no spare capacity in the economy.
“The rise in sterling over the past year has put pressure on UK and Norfolk exporters, and is equivalent to a tightening in monetary policy. This strengthens the case against premature on interest rate rises. To sustain business confidence, the MPC must deliver a clear and consistent message on the future path of interest rates.”
The Place, on New Conduit Street opposite Wilko, was launched last month by Discover King’s Lynn,
the town’s Business Improvement District (BID), with funding from the Government’s Community
Renewal Fund.
The pop-up project aims to attract more people into the town centre, and give local
small and micro businesses, budding entrepreneurs and creatives the chance to see what it could be like having a physical presence in the town centre without incurring prohibitive costs.
During the week, The Place will function as a business hub which local businesses can use to join in
on training and networking sessions, take advantage of comfortable hot-desking or meeting spaces,
and access free, professional advice. At evenings and weekends, the venue will become a rentable
pop-up space that can be booked by local business owners and creatives to host their experiences,
workshops and exhibitions, as well showcase any retail offerings. The Place is intended to give
online, new and existing businesses the opportunity to try out a physical space.
The Place’s opening weekend included a range of Easter activities for families and a Pizza School
hosted by The Pizza Slice Guy, with over 400 people coming through the doors.
Vicky Etheridge, BID manager, says:
“The possibilities for The Place are endless and we are so keen to see what ideas the local west
Norfolk businesses can come up with. Events could include cocktail workshops, make-up lessons,
styling fashion shows, cookery sessions – anything you can think of!
“If you run an online shop and want to try having a physical space in the town centre then now is
your chance. We’ve covered rent, rates and utilities and all you’ll have to do is show up and show off
your products!”
If you’d like to find about more about rental fees and what The Place can offer you and your
business, get in touch with Discover King’s Lynn at theplace@discoverkingslynn.com
E G Grounds Care Ltd is pleased to announce our appointment by Dencora and SJK Properties Ltd as the commercial grounds maintenance provider at Broadland Business Park in Norwich.
This appointment builds on a long-standing relationship — Matthew and our team has worked closely with the directors of Dencora and SJK Properties Ltd for over 17 years. We are proud to continue supporting them in delivering high-quality landscaping and grounds maintenance services that reflect the professionalism and appeal of their sites.
Broadland Business Park is one of Norwich’s premier business locations, offering a superb environment for occupiers and visitors with its beautifully landscaped grounds, scenic lake, walking and cycle routes. It hosts the Waterside Café, and a mix of prominent businesses who all benefit from the beautiful landscaped setting.
We look forward to continuing our work in ensuring the park remains a safe, attractive, and welcoming space for everyone who visits.
🔗 Find out more about our commercial grounds maintenance services at www.eg-groundscare.co.uk
Bank of England raises 2014 growth forecast to 3.5%, up from 3.4% in May
Inflation will remain slightly below its 2.0% target over the next two years
Amount of slack in the economy is now estimated at 1% of GDP, below previous estimate of 1.25%
Commenting on the Bank of England’s Quarterly Inflation Report, David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, said:
“The Bank of England’s Inflation Report conveys mixed messages on the outlook for interest rates. The higher growth forecast for 2014 and the lower estimate for the amount of slack in the economy may be seen as a signal to bring forward interest rate rises. However, Governor Carney’s comments will reassure businesses that the MPC will not rush any increases in rates. He also acknowledged that the rising supply of labour in the economy may provide new sources of economic capacity.
“It is pleasing that the MPC has reaffirmed its commitment that when rates start to rise, they will do so slowly and not reach the level seen before the recession. We must nurture the business confidence we are seeing at present by giving businesses the security of working in a low interest rate environment for the foreseeable future.”
Great Yarmouth Borough Council are running a 12-week public consultation from Monday 28 July 2014 to Monday, October 20, 2014, covering the vision for the borough, how the borough council will work in the future, and proposed income and savings options for 2015/16.
During the 12 weeks, you will be able to complete and submit the consultation online. The consultation allows everyone in the borough to give feedback on the proposals and to share their own priorities, aspirations, views and ideas to help councillors make informed decisions on future plans and council budgets.
Ashtons Legal is delighted to announce the appointment of its new CEO, James Tarling from 1 April 2022.
James joined Ashtons in 2015 as a Corporate and Commercial partner and most recently has taken responsibility for the development of the firm’s future strategy. James takes on the CEO position from Ed O’Rourke who is remaining with the firm, initially in a new role to further develop the business client group within Ashtons.
James says: “I am proud to be taking on the role of CEO of Ashtons Legal at an exciting time for our business. The firm has seen significant growth recently including through strategic acquisitions of a franchise consultancy, an HR consultancy, a specialist French legal firm, an insolvency team and most recently the full-service business of Steeles Law at the end of 2021. A key part of this growth has been the result of the work that Ed has done to establish an open and progressive culture within Ashtons Legal”.
James adds: “We have ambitious plans for further growth of the Ashtons business over the next three years. We are looking to recruit further talented and ambitious individuals and teams who share our vision to be an exceptional professional service provider putting our clients at the centre of everything we do”.
He adds: “I am lucky to be taking on the role in a flexible, inclusive and progressive business with the support of a fantastic team of individuals who are all focussed on working together to deliver excellent outcomes for our clients”.
Ed O’Rourke adds: “I have enjoyed my time at the helm but it is time for new blood and fresh ideas and James is the best possible person to drive Ashtons forward”.
A new study has shown that there is a strong economic case for an east-west rail link that would open up the possibility of new journeys from Norfolk to the Midlands and beyond, without the need for passengers to make their way across London.
The East West Rail Consortium has published a report showing that extending the East West Rail line from Oxford to Cambridge has real potential. It shows that the delivery of attractive new rail services between key locations could deliver substantial economic benefits and support significant growth in the East West Rail corridor.
The report concludes a study by Atkins Consultants and is the first step towards developing an outline business case for the East West Rail ‘Central Section’. The Western Section, between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is already going ahead**.
Working closely with the East West Rail Consortium and Department for Transport, Network Rail will now lead the next phase of work which will examine the feasibility and cost of several potential route options for the Central Section. That work is expected to identify a preferred route and service pattern in early 2015 and provide the basis for the development of an outline business case.
All the route options would link to Cambridge, opening up the possibility that the line, if constructed, would provide rail journeys from Norfolk to hard to get to destinations in the south Midlands such as (depending upon the final route) Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Oxford, and onward journeys to south-west England and south Wales – and without the need to cross London between rail terminals.
The aim of the next phase of work is to establish a scheme with a robust and convincing business case that can be submitted to Government in 2016 to secure inclusion of the scheme, subject to funding availability, in the 2019-24 investment plans for the rail industry.
It has been a long term aim of the East West Rail Consortium to improve rail connections within the region by re-instating the former ‘Varsity Line’ between Cambridge and Oxford. This would provide the rail infrastructure for train services to run from East Anglia to Oxfordshire and beyond, with connections to all national mainline services to the north, west and south of England.
Bev Spratt, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Economic Development Sub-Committee, said: “Improving rail infrastructure is vital for the Norfolk economy, and new east-west rail connections to Oxford and beyond would complement the road improvements underway on the A11, that are planned for the A14, and that we are pressing for on the A47.
“There’s no doubt that improving Norfolk’s strategic links to the rest of the country will strengthen the world-class industries we already have, and make the county even more attractive for further inward investment.”
Bob Menzies, Service Director for Strategy and Development at Cambridgeshire County Council and Chair of the East West Rail Central Section Steering Group, said: “Now that the Western Section between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is going ahead, we are working to develop the business case for the Central Section to complete the missing link. To do this, we need to identify a route that will deliver the greatest benefits to support the case for investment.
“The good news is that this study shows there is significant economic growth potential that could be unlocked through new rail services and that the Government is providing funds for Network Rail to undertake the next vital phase of feasibility work to identify a preferred route.
“The former line between Bedford and Cambridge has been dismantled, the land sold and sections used for other purposes, including housing. This means that we are looking at constructing a brand new stretch of railway. Several routes have been considered in the past but until now there has not been clear justification for investment.
“This is why we commissioned Atkins to identify where the greatest economic benefits could be realised through improved transport links. The study considers forecast population growth, employment levels, economic activity and planned growth as well as a review of existing and forecast transport requirements.”
Dr Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for East West Rail said: “There’s no doubt that we need this railway – linking Norwich and Ipswich through Cambridge to Oxford and Reading has huge benefits; that’s why I’ve pressed for it for years. But the route is hard to find, and people have quite rightly been asking which route would be taken, how much it will cost and when it will finally happen – this study helps us to answer those concerns. I am delighted that Network Rail will now take forward the next phase of route design and produce a business case.”
Think your company deserves recognition? If so why not enter the awards!
Now in its seventh year, the prestigious awards ceremony takes place on 21st November 2014 in the Assembly Rooms at the Town Hall.
Entries are welcome from the smallest start-ups to established and growing businesses located in, and trading from, the Great Yarmouth area.
By entering, your business will gain public recognition from leading figures in the business community and widespread promotion.
There are a number of new categories this year including the “Great International Growth” Award which is sponsored by Gardline.
This award will celebrate businesses who can demonstrate that finding and developing new growth opportunities abroad has improved their financial performance. This award includes all aspects of international growth including export, geographical expansion and acquisition.
The award is open to all sizes of businesses with an operating base in the Great Yarmouth Borough Council administrative area achieving export growth or an increase in revenue from overseas operations since April 2009.
Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Team work with a high number of businesses in the Great Yarmouth area, on their export documents. We urge you all to take a few minutes to consider putting yourselves forward for the award.
Time is running out with the deadline being 12 September 2014.
Deadlines for the other categories vary so please have a look at them to ensure you don’t miss out.