The Chamber team spent Thursday (23 March) out of the office on a day of fun and team-building.
We started the day at Quasar Norwich by splitting into two equal teams and shooting lasers at one another. It was great fun, with the red team (Jason, Jack, Nova, Emily, Naomi, Tina and Julie) coming out victorious over the blue team (Caroline, Jake, Joe, Louise, Darcy, Philippa and Jenny) in both games.
Food was next on the agenda as the team arrived at Chamber member The Library Restaurant for a well-earned lunch.
The team finished the day with some puzzling solving in the History Mystery Escape Rooms (another Chamber member) at the Norwich Guildhall. Team A (Jack, Joe, Tina, Julie, Caroline, Louise and Jenny) completed both puzzles with time to spare earnig them a silver and a gold badge. Team ‘Chambe Detectives’ (Jason, Jake, Nova, Darcy, EMily, Naomi and Philippa) managed to come away with a silver badge after completing their second puzzle, but with over 5 minutes to spare!
We had an amazing time this week collaborating with the wonderful teams at Upp and PMD CONTRACTING LTD to establish a shiny new PoP site in Aylsham.
At Up Connect, we have a soft spot for Norfolk as this is where the business was founded. That’s why we understand the importance of bringing full-fibre broadband to towns like Aylsham, to unlock incredible connectivity and take Norfolk to the next level.
Charles Thomas, our director was on hand to see the progress and said “It’s extremely rewarding to see the fruits of our labours come together and deliver full-fibre broadband to residents and businesses in Aylsham and surrounding areas. It’s incredible to see our work, from negotiating lease terms and obtaining planning consent, to conducting flood risk assessments and contamination reports, transform into physical infrastructure benefiting so many!”
Through land acquisition and planning support, let’s continue to connect the UK together!
Businesses across the Norfolk, particularly in rural areas, are still without reliable broadband connections, despite companies saying the availability of fully functional broadband is extremely important to their operations, according to the results of a survey released today (Monday) by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
All Norfolk companies surveyed (100%) say a reliable broadband connection is important, (90% say extremely so), yet one in five (20%) suffer from unreliable connections (12% not very reliable; 8% not at all reliable).
The findings also show that firms in rural areas are at least twice as likely to have unreliable connections (30%) as those in towns (15%), inner cities (13%), and suburban areas (12%).
Smaller businesses are the most likely to suffer from unreliable broadband, with nearly a quarter (24%) of sole traders and 21% of micro-businesses reporting problems.
The survey suggests that more reliable connections would allow businesses to do more. Over half of businesses (54%) say if the reliability of their broadband connection was improved it would allow them to use more applications, particularly cloud-based services (24%), transfer of large files (16%), remote server access for employees (14%).
Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager of Norfolk Chamber said:
“Norfolk’s business community report that our digital infrastructure is still not fit for purpose. Throughout the county, significant numbers of companies of every size and sector lack reliable internet connectivity – a basic requirement for businesses to operate efficiently in today’s world.
“Unreliable connections stunt productivity, causing needless delays, costs and frustration. While businesses across the county are affected, the BCC research shows that its rural areas and small businesses that are most likely to suffer. An unreliable connection acts as an obstacle to growth, and puts those firms most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.”
Commenting on the national picture, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“We’ve been calling on both providers and on government for years to fund the necessary upgrades required to deliver superfast broadband to business communities. Regulators, too, must ensure that firms actually get the quality and speeds of connection they are promised. While we welcome recent ministerial announcements about investing in 5G technology and efforts to build a world-class digital infrastructure in the UK, there is still a long way to go in getting the basics right.
“The immediate focus must be on providing all companies with connections that are reliable and of sufficient speed, which would boost business confidence and encourage firms to maximise opportunities for growth, trade and investment.”
Described as a landmark agreement, the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is the first deal between the EU and a country in South East Asia.
Once it enters into force, the FTA will provide greater market access and will remove customs duties and other barriers to trade. Sectors anticipated to benefit particularly include pharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals and food products.
Despite being concluded in October 2014, the FTA has not yet entered into force as, before it can do so, it must be ratified.
The ratification process has been delayed because the EU’s Court of Justice (CJEU) has been asked to decide on the areas of competence which apply to the European Commission and the EU Member States when it comes to making bilateral trade deals.
The Court’s opinion is expected in the first half of this year. In advance of the decision, both the EU and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to the deal.
On a recent visit to Singapore, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said that the FTA “will open doors and create opportunities for companies big and small, help to boost economic growth and investment, and create jobs”.
Noting that Singapore and the EU are longstanding partners with a shared belief in free and open trade within a rules-based global trading system, Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang said that the new agreement will reinforce his country’s efforts to remain open and connected while strengthening its robust economic relations with the EU.
In 2016, the EU was Singapore’s second largest trading partner, accounting for 11% of its global trade. Singapore is the EU’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The resounding success of Walking With The Wounded’s flagship fundraising event, the Cumbrian Challenge, was underscored as winners emerged from a record-breaking participation on Saturday, 18 May. This year’s event saw over 600 participants take to the Fells overlooking Grasmere to raise money to support veterans and their families across the UK.
Celebrating its 11th year anniversary, the weekend event has become a beacon of solidarity, rallying nearly 2,000 teams over the years to conquer the Grasmere fells and raise over £2 million in support of ex-military personnel. The funds raised play a pivotal role in bolstering WWTW’s mental health care, employment, and support care coordination programmes tailored to support veterans and their families in need.
Embracing the challenge with unwavering determination, each participating team embarked on either the ‘Peak,’ ‘Tough,’ or ‘Tougher’ routes, hiking between 10 to 32 kilometers. The victorious teams showcased extraordinary resilience, completing the demanding routes in:
Peak: 3 hours 5 minutes
Tough: 3 hours 43 minutes
Tougher: 5 hours 41 minutes
Among the triumphant contenders, Walk for Wine team from conquered the Peak route in 3 hours 5 minutes, M’Cory Bullets team triumphed over the ‘Tough’ route in 3 hours, 43 minutes, and BAE Fire + Rescue Flyers team from BAE Systems completed the ‘Tougher’ route in 5 hours 41 minutes.
Tony Hulton, WWTW CEO, said, “Thank you to everyone who took part in the Cumbrian Challenge 2024. It was a brilliant weekend and truly wonderful to see such unwavering support from the Armed Forces community, corporate partners and WWTW supporters. The funds raised from the event this weekend will make a tangible difference to the lives of those who served. Thank you for your commitment to supporting veterans and their families.”
James Davis, WWTW Events Manager, commented, “The Cumbrian Challenge delivered an immersive weekend, uniting WWTW supporters, friends, and colleagues who came together to support UK veterans and their families. As we mark the event’s 11th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us. Whilst the routes are tough, the monies raised will make a difference to the lives of those who served. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Grasmere next year!”
The A47 Alliance are hosting an ‘Infrastructure and Economic Growth’ business breakfast, with the right honourable Mr John Hayes, Minister of State at the Department for Transport.
The A47 Alliance brings together stakeholders – including Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, the local enterprise partnerships, local authorities and other business representatives – along the entire length of the trunk road from Lowestoft to the A1 at Peterborough.
The Alliance was grateful to government for previously recognising the vital importance of the A47 in the trunk road programme from 2015 to 2020 (known as RIS1) as a nationally important strategic road, deserving of crucial funding to undertake key improvements along sections of the A47.
Moving towards announcements for the 2020 to 2025 programme (RIS2), we are inviting key businesses along the route in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire to a business breakfast.
Jonathan Cage, President of the Norfolk Chamber confirmed his attendance at the breakfast and said:
“Norfolk Chamber and the A47 Alliance members want to hear first-hand business views on the A47 and how this relates to the successful economic growth in our region.”
Martin Wilby, the Chair of the A47 Alliance said:
“We will use this important opportunity to update Norfolk businesses on the RIS1 schemes’ progress and hear directly from businesses in the East on what essential infrastructure improvements they would like to see happen to secure the future success of their businesses.”
The A47 Alliance’s ultimate goal is the full dualling of the A47 with appropriate grade separation. A fully dualled A47 will help to boost the economic prosperity of a large part of the East of England and make a significant contribution to the national economy.
The estimated cost of a fully dualled A47 is £1.4bn and through a combination of selected improvements, there could be up to 16,890 jobs created within 20 years, with an increase of £706m in economic output (GVA). As well as over 10,500 new homes.
Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To reserve your place please email: A47alliance@norfolk.gov.uk
The official publication by the European standardisation body CEN Standard of Customs Competency for Customs Representatives (EN 16992:2017) has been welcomed by leading trade bodies.
CONFIAD, the Pan European Network of Customs Brokers and Customs Representatives, and CLECAT, the European association of freight forwarders, transport and customs-related services, said that it would promote professionalism, skills and knowledge in the customs representation within the EU.
Both bodies have promoted and financed the development of the CEN Standard.
Under the management of AFNOR (the French National Standardisation Body), it was developed by CEN, taking the Customs competency framework for private sector published by the European Commission into consideration.
Jean-François Auzeau, Chairman of the Customs Institute in CLECAT, said: “Whereas investments made to develop interoperability between electronic systems for the exchange of information, single window, etc will support daily operations in customs, a high level of expertise of the customs representative to secure compliance in the supply chain will remain critical for professionalism and good service to our shipper clients.”
In line with the criteria of customs competency required by the Authorised Economic Operator – Customs (AEO(C)) status in the Union Customs Code, the new Standard will support customs representation services offered by any customs representative in an EU Member State where the customs representative is not established.
At national level, each National Standardisation Body will now need to prepare and finalise the national publication of the Standard.
Read 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 2013/14 In a recent Notice to Exporters (2013/11), the ECO advised that changes to SPIRE, that would enable you to provide them with information to meet government transparency requirements, would be completed in April. It has since become clear that further development time is necessary and they are now planning to roll out the reporting system in July.
Attleborough based waste management company Anglian Waste Recycling, is helping to make this year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival more sustainable by sorting, collecting and processing waste from the event hub in Chapelfield Gardens.
Anglian Waste Recycling is rolling out 30 bins across the city-centre park, known during the event as Festival Gardens, to collect four different types of waste – dry mixed recycling, glass, food waste and refuse. All waste collected over the 17-day arts festival in May will be brought back to Anglian’s facility in Attleborough to be processed, with zero being sent to landfill.
Food waste collected will be sent for anaerobic digestion – a process which produces bioenergy (gas) for local homes in Norfolk. Recycling is sorted and processed, with any residual waste being sent to create refuse derived fuel.
Mark Denbigh, Head of Production & Programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival, said: “We’re excited that Anglian offer us a more sustainable way to process our festival waste and this agreement allows us to take a positive step in the right direction to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Ryan Marshall, waste and recycling director at Anglian, said: “We are delighted to be providing a total waste solution for the Festival Gardens, which will see the recycling rates for this year increase as we collect waste to be processed and avoid it going to landfill. As a local company, we are pleased to be able to support popular local events such as Norfolk & Norwich Festival and help them to work towards their environmental targets.”
Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see www.anglianrecycling.co.ukhttp://www.anglianrecycling.co.uk
With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) changes coming May 2018, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce are set to deliver a new event to help Norfolk businesses stay cyber safe.
The Cyber Security Conference on Thursday 18 May 2017 will be a key event for the business calendar this year. With news headlines filled with the latest cyber-attack on corporate giants, organisations small and large need to be aware of the danger to their data. In May 2018 a new European regulation will come into effect meaning that businesses will have to completely re-think their data protection regimes. High standards are to be set on the accountability of how data is recorded, kept and processed. One of the biggest threats is the increase in fines from €500,000 to a maximum of €20m or 4% of global turnover.
To visit the event webpage and book your place click here
Norfolk Chamber’s Chief Executive, Caroline Williams said: “We live in a fast-paced, global economy that relies more and more on data and information carried through cyberspace. Just as it is important for businesses to protect their physical property from intruders and potential theft, it is as important to guard against cybercrime. “The necessity of strong cybersecurity measures is self-evident and business needs to respond to this increased threat by adopting strict cybersecurity measures to ensure their continued economic growth. This event will give you the tools to help protect your organisation.” Hosted by Paul Maskall, Cybercrime Security Advisor and Coordinator for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, this event is set to help your business avoid the €20m fine by bringing together speakers from a range of businesses and backgrounds; with the event featuring talks and live demonstrations. Speakers for the event are being sent from both local and national businesses including Birketts, FreeClix and PwC. Talks will cover topics such as the GDPR, inside threats, the Internet of Things, preventing attacks and more. Question and answer, networking opportunities and an exhibition will also feature on this half day conference agenda. The event is open to all businesses of all sizes and industries to attend to gain vital knowledge on cyber practise. If you’re a business owner, work in IT, Security or Tech, you’ll want to be there. Event sponsorship and stands are available now, as well as event tickets. Full details can be found online hereSpeakers Include: • Paul Maskall, Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies • Kitty Rosser, Birketts LLP • Peter Freeman, FreeClix Ltd • Rahul Colaco, PwC
Media Invitation
Date: Thursday 18 May 2017, 9am – 12:30pm Venue: The Space, Norwich Members of press and media are invited to attend the event. An official photographer will be at the event and a selection of photographs will be available for use on request the following working day. If you would like to attend or arrange an interview with a speaker please email joe.fitzgerald@norfolkchamber.co.uk or phone 01603 729708.
On Tuesday 28th March, over 30 delegates joined us to learn more about the business opportunities in Japan at the Holiday Inn, Norwich. The event proved to be an informative and relaxed introduction to the cultural norms of doing business in Japan as well as the allures of the Japanese market as part of our international event series. The venue provided the attendees with plenty of tea and coffee as well as spacious and comfortable setting on this sunny afternoon.
Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Manager, Julie Austin, welcomed delegates to the event, introducing our four expert presenters from companies: Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Integro Languages and Barclays. First up to speak was Daisaku Yukita, Deputy Director-General of JEtro, who highlighted the draws of the Japanese market and an overall impression of the challenges and solutions to doing Business in Japan.
Next up were Tom Bool and Shohei Yamaguchi from Integro Languages. Tom spoke about how crucial gaining linguistic support was in growing your business internationally. He then introduced Shohei, a Japanese national and head of Integro’s Asian languages division, who provided a crash course on what to expect from interactions with Japanese business community and the pitfalls to avoid.
The delegates were then provided with a delicious range of cakes and refreshments, allowing the opportunity to network with one another and discuss some of the subject matter introduced by our speakers.
Cake and tea consumed, Phil Ball, Director of Trade Sales at Barclays, then took to the podium to indicate some financial tips and issues when trading with Japan.
Julie also gave a short presentation on how the chamber can help your business to expand overseas. If you would like any more information on how we can help, please visit our international page or contact the team:
We closed the event with a Q&A session, after which, many delegates took the chance to talk further with the speakers and get in some final networking to make those all-important contacts.