The road to responsible growth – this edition centres on the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sector. In the report, we make the argument that a focus on innovative medicines, lifecycle affordability, and geographic diversity will provide the springboard for responsible growth. The report sets sector challenges and opportunities in their economic context and offers five tangible suggestions of what to do next.
PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer measures the relative performance of UK regions and industry sectors on their progress developing green jobs* over time. It aims to build an evidence base to assess and support a fair transition to net zero.
The report highlights ‘the triple squeeze’ facing consumers through rising inflation, higher interest rates and fiscal changes going into 2022. The report also notes that regional polarisation caused by the pandemic has been significantly more severe than any previous downturn, and explores some of the drivers of this disparity.
Electrical Inspection Solutions (EIS) is a family run company that has been in business for over four years that specialises in electrical safety testing services such as thermographic surveys, fixed wired testing and portable appliance testing. Although their main office is in the Norwich city centre they also have bases in Leeds, Newcastle and Harlow.
Despite offering a national service throughout the UK, Alan Bainbridge, Operations Manager, is looking to concentrate on Norfolk, to remain cost effective. “We like to think our biggest asset is our workforce. As a family run company, we rely on our staff being friendly, polite and reliable. We currently employ five people; three full-time and two part-time. We also work in partnership with fifteen engineers who are trained by us. All of our staff are approved contractors and are fully trained.”
Alan continued “We are a customer based company, so we make sure our customer service skills are second to none. The company is growing steadily, although, we are being held back slightly by the current economic climate. Keeping our prices competitive with the smaller, cheaper companies is a challenge. Our key message is that our services are guaranteed. We follow the guidelines precisely and make sure that any job we do is completed, and absolutely safe. We endeavor to go that one step further for our customers every time, no job is too big, or too small.”
With every call-out service, there are a number of problems that companies have to deal with. “Due to this business being so volatile, we often find that jobs are cancelled with short notice, even to the point where our staff are already on route to the job, we have to accept this, be polite to the customer, and move onto the next job.”
“Here at Electrical Inspections solutions we like to make sure that our staff feels valued. Many of our staff are from a military background, and we feel that this gives our company the solid foundations needed to cope in such a high pressure industry. We focus heavily on man management with our staff’
Finding the right premises is extremely important to get the best out of a business. “We’re currently located in Cavell House, but we’re looking to build new offices on my own private land,” says Alan. “This is more of a long to mid-term plan, for the moment we are happy with the premises we are based at.”
Electrical Inspections Solutions was created by the brother of Alan Bainbridge and was funded by his own savings at the time. In 2012, the company had a turnover of around two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, a huge one hundred percent increase from 2011. Alan has no current plans to start offering the services of EIS internationally as, to remain cost effective, he feels it would be best to focus on the local area, and grow from there.
Alan Bainbridge has some advice for anyone who is looking to become a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce: “When we joined the chamber, we were looking to promote ourselves thoroughly around Norfolk as to attract some local customers. The Norfolk Chamber has, and continues to help us do this incredibly well. Everybody at the Chamber who I have spoken to has been so polite and helpful and I cannot thank them enough.” EIS currently have an offer available for Chamber members on their services which can be found on our LinkedIn profile.
Read the latest updates issued by the Export Control Organisation including details about imposition of arms embargoes, Open General Export Licence amendments or announcements about Control List changes.
Notice to Exporters 2013/22 On 27 May 2013 the EU agreed to lift the arms embargo against Syria while retaining all other trade and financial sanctions. The UK has decided to impose national controls on the supply of certain equipment that might be used for internal repression and which was previously subject to EU-wide embargo.
Notice to Exporters 2013/23 On 21 August 2013, in response to the increasing levels of violence in Egypt, the Member States of the European Union agreed to suspend all export licensing to Egypt for equipment which might be used for internal repression.
Notice to Exporters 2013/24 Notice 2013/23 announced the suspension of export licensing for Egypt of any equipment which might be used for internal repression, following the decision of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 21 August. This suspension will apply to extant licences and new licence applications for the Egyptian Army, Air Force and Internal Security Forces or Ministry of the Interior until further notice.
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be working in partnership with Suffolk Chamber , Orbis Energy, Archant and the New Anglia LEP to deliver the Norfolk & Suffolk GREEN 100
Fifty businesses will be identified from each county with the celebration launch on 8 November. The GREEN 100 will celebrate the innovative and entrepreneurial approach shown by Norfolk and Suffolk businesses. It will promote home grown green business initiatives providing recognition for their efforts.
Entry Deadline is 7 October so please enter as soon as possible www.green100.co.uk , and get your organisation recognised for its contribution to the green economy.
The first UK India Business Centre opened in Gurgaon, Delhi’s new business hub, on Thursday, 19th September. UK Minister for Trade Lord Green flew in with a delegation of British Trade Associations, including the British Chambers of Commerce to launch the Centre, which will be run by the UK India Business Council. Chief Minister of Haryana, His Excellency Bhupindar Hooda and UK India Business Council Chair Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt will participate in the lamp lighting ceremony which will be attended by over 100 guests including leading UK and Indian businesses, policy makers, and government officials. Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to be supporting this initiative which will help British companies, especially SMEs, do more business in India. This is the first such Business Centre to open in a major emerging market, since the PM’s announcement in November of an initiative designed by Lord Green to transform the support given to UK business overseas. Welcoming the launch, UK Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Green said: “I am delighted to be here today opening the very first UK India British Business Centre in Gurgaon. This is an initiative which is very close to my heart. The centre will help UK small and medium sized businesses work closer with more established British businesses in India and provide them with the support needed to capitalise on the huge potential of the Indian market. The network of centres across India will also drive a step change in the number of UK companies doing business in India contributing to prosperity in both countries.” Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair, UKIBC said, “I am delighted that we are opening the first of the Business Centres in Gurgaon. It will be the first of a planned network of six such Centres across India, run by UKIBC in partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the British Business Groups in India. The Centres will provide a home away from home for UK companies. Each Centre will provide meeting, training, networking and conference space alongside advice and other market entry services, with a particular emphasis on SMEs wanting to get into the Indian market for the first time.” Tracey Howard, International Trade Director at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said, “”The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to be supporting this initiative to help UK SMEs into the Indian market. Having a “home away from home” with hot-desking, office space, and specialist on hand advice will make entering the Indian market easier for local companies. We look forward to hearing of it’s initial progress when UKIBC come to speak at our Better Business in India event next month” The United Kingdom is the third largest investor in India with a total FDI inflow of US $17.6 billion, equalling 9 per cent of the total FDI inflow, between April 2000 and June 2013. In 2012, the bilateral trade between the UK and India was £15.4 billion. By opening UK India Business Centres UKIBC aims to enhance UK-India bilateral trade and make it easier for British businesses to enter India.
2021 has been an exciting and challenging year for all of us, the success of the NHS vaccination programme ramping up has seen the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.We have been working together with district and New Anglia LEP colleagues to support the businesses in our region through the everchanging climate and build better foundations for the future.
Norfolk County Council’s long term business plan, Together for Norfolk (TfN) continues to be implemented, our challenge is to respond to the current economic conditions in the context of TfN. Focusing on inclusive growth and improving social mobility, investing in benefitting people’s lives and delivering outcomes that will create the impetus for our future economic and social wellbeing. We have pledged as a council to work with all our partners to help as many businesses as possible to survive, and as many people as possible to stay in work or secure alternative work or training through our skills and employment programmes. This document outlines some of the council’s achievements in 2021, as we continue to invest in infrastructure, people and businesses. It also touches on our role to support the care sector and achieve better IT connectivity across the county as well as future opportunities and key developments taking place in Norfolk in 2022 and how we will continue to support new and existing businesses. If you would like to find out more about any the initiatives in this briefing document or ask any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on haveyoursay@norfolk.gov.uk.
Find out more about a career in construction – Pathway into Construction – Featuring CV, employability, and guest speaker workshops in partnership with local industry experts.
These free accessible 6-week introductory courses offer you the chance to learn a trade or explore a career in the construction industry. Come and learn the basics, whether you are considering a career or want to make some home improvements; these courses will get you started.
Norfolk’s business community came out in force for a business lunch with Chris Salmon, Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, to discuss the case for the introduction of polymer £10 and £5 banknotes.
In the presentation, Chris set out to cover a number of questions, including why the Bank had chosen to conduct a public consultation about whether to move to polymer – and what other central banks had chosen to make the change.
Discussing the Bank’s consultation exercise, Chris said: “Our aim was to provide as comprehensive a picture as possible of the issues associated with any change…Recognising that changes like this are rare events, we have taken our time and have sought to undertake as comprehensive analysis as possible before reaching the point we are at today.”
Norfolk Chamber Members had the opportunity to hear the full range of the potential benefits of introducing polymer banknotes: improved cleanliness, greater durability and superior counterfeit-resistance. Members were also given sample notes to handle for themselves, which caused a lot of animated discussion.
In terms of durability, for example, Chris explained that the current paper banknotes have a lifespan of 2.3 years, whereas the polymer notes have a predicted 6 year lifespan. Should the Bank introduce polymer notes following the consultation, the Bank would also look at recycling schemes that could result in 96% of each polymer note being recycled.
The lunch in Norwich was part of a national consultation process, with the Bank holding 50 events across the country over two months. The aim is to gather feedback from a variety of audiences. As part of this process, Chris took questions from the Norfolk businesses assembled.
Questions raised included whether the UK was moving towards a cashless economy, whether the introduction of polymer notes would affect retailers operating self-service machines, and the environmental benefits of polymer notes over paper.
The Witans are a small group comprising of eight local businessmen who have come together for a simple common goal, to raise money and assist those in need. This may sound like your standard charity organisation however what differentiates the Witans from their larger more bureaucratic brethren is their commitment to helping those in need directly.
By casting aside the pen pushers and applications forms the Witans are able to quickly, and effectively help those whom need it the most. There are no waiting lists, questionnaires or requirements, they simply hear about someone in need and they help them. Like Robin Hood’s band of merry men but instead of stealing from the rich they buy from each other.
Each business auctions a service or product from their company to which the others bid with the accumulative total then being divided into two lots of £300 contributions every quarter or more for exceptional circumstances to those that need a helping hand.
The evening was commenced by Mick Whitman better known as Captain Mainwaring from the Dads Army Museum and by bidding on such items as a season ticket for Thetford Football Club, a complimentary chimney sweep or dinner for two in your own home prepared and cooked by Rock ‘n’ Roll Chef Tony Liddell it was as one member said “Great to see local businesses working together to improve the lives of the local community.
On the 16th July The Witans raised an astounding £1665 which will go directly to those that need it most. If you, or someone you know is in need, you can apply for this unique contribution by emailing gez.chetal@trusthouseleisure.co.uk and simply state your reasons and circumstances.
The Witans “Making the world a little better one Auction at a time”
New farm policy clears key hurdle: Agriculture MEPs endorse CAP reform deal
Legislation for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was endorsed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on Monday, following last week’s informal agreement in talks between Parliament, the Council and the Commission.To read the full story, click here.
Five member states exceed their milk quota (for deliveries)
Five Member States – Austria, Germany, Denmark, Poland and Cyprus, – exceeded their milk quotas for deliveries in 2012/2013, and must therefore pay penalties (“superlevy”) totalling roughly €46 million. Click here for more details
Euro area unemployment rate at 12.0% & EU28 at 10.9%
The euro area1 (EA17) seasonally-adjusted2 unemployment rate3 was 12.0% in August 2013, stable compared with July4. The EU281 unemployment rate was 10.9%, also stable compared with July 4. In both zones, rates have risen compared with August 2012, when they were 11.5% and 10.6% respectively. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. For full details click here.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has commenced consultation on their Core Strategy. The Core Strategy is the key document in the Local Plan setting out strategic policies for new homes, new jobs, retail and leisure facilities, transport and local services as well as energy and the environment. To find out more and to have your say click here.
A new milestone in the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk economy is reached next month.
A partnership of the Borough Council, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the governments international trade service provider and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce will present and introduction to trading overseas and also look at business opportunities in Germany and France to an audience of business people in Yours Business Networks, Tuesday Market Place.
The event which will be opening by West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham follows the decision by the Borough Council to join the European Hanse Business League.
Council Leader, Nick Daubney said, “The Hanse Business League is a really exciting network of towns and cities predominately in Germany and like us are promoting opportunities for their businesses to an ever widening market place. Adding a French connection too makes this a very important event.’
Informative presentations will be made by Steve Exon, an experienced exporter, the Hanse business League and from one of UKTI’s offices in France on the current international trade opportunities for their market.
Heather Garrod, President of West Norfolk ChamberCouncil said,” This is a unique networking session that allows businesses to explore trading links with the rest of Europe. We expect that from this event that a delegate would travel to various networking session in mainland Europe next year.’
Pat Smith, UKTI’s Partnership Manager commented ‘UKTI is delighted to be working in partnership with the Hanse Business League, Morston Assets, West Norfolk Council and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to organise this important event. With modern communication technology and a good range of European flights from Norwich, Stansted and Luton, West Norfolk businesses can reach out to opportunities worldwide’.
The event “European Opportunities Live” takes place on Friday 11th October at Yours Business Networks King’s Lynn. The event is free to attend and to register please contact Leon Palmer of UKTI on 01707 398728 or email l.palmer@uktieast.org.uk.
