The UK has announced new economic sanctions against Russia.
The new sanctions will deny Russia and Belarus access to Most Favoured Nation tariffs for hundreds of their exports and ban UK exports of high-end luxury goods to both countries. The full press release can be viewed here.
In addition, UK Export Finance has announced it will no longer issue any new guarantees, loans and insurance for exports to Russia and Belarus, whilst retaining £3.5 billion of financial support for trade to Ukraine. You can view the press release here.
Upcoming webinars:
HMG officials are hosting two webinars for businesses about the recent changes to UK sanctions relating to Russia.
UK Sanctions relating to Russia: Briefing by UK Government, Thursday 17 March, 13:00 GMT
The webinar will cover; sanctions legislation overview; new sanctions measures: financial, trade and transport; individual and entity designations; and humanitarian issues. Please register via Eventbrite.
UK sanctions against Russia, Thursday 24 March, 14:00 – 15:30 GMT
The webinar will cover; the scope of sanctions, scope and application of trade sanctions; financial sanctions: restrictions and general licenses; the Export Support Service and enforcement of trade sanctions. Further details can be found here, and you can register here.
A reminder – businesses and traders with questions relating to trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus can submit their enquiries to DIT’s Export Support Service by visiting https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team, or calling the helpline using the number 0300 303 8955.
As the negotiations move into a critical phase, the Federation of Small Business, along with partners Future50 and UEA, invite you to a debate on the UK’s future outside the European Union, and the challenges and opportunities that it will bring for our small firms. Speakers from the world of politics, academia and industry will give their views on the consequences of Brexit in areas such as trade, immigration, regulation and funding.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask your questions to this influential panel – so whether you’re excited about the UK cutting its teeth on new trade agreements or concerned about losing access to the EU talent pool, this is an opportunity not to be missed!
The event will be chaired by BBC East Political Correspondent Andrew Sinclair.
Panellists include:
Chloe Smith MP
Alex Mayer MEP
Professor Hussein Kassim, University of East Anglia (UEA)
Martin McTague, Policy Director, Federation of Small Businesses
Tony Bambridge, Norfolk Chair, National Farmers Union
Registration, drinks and networking will begin from 5.30pm.
The debate will begin at 6.00pm, and will conclude at 7.30pm.
Half of the proceeds from ticket sales for the event will be donated to the Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind mental health charity.
The Purpose is a free to attend meetup with the goal of supporting and helping our businesses, communities and families thrive.
The Purpose Meetup is for small business owners that want to increase their connections, share knowledge and grow their business. The group is fully funded by NatWest Entrepreneurship and open to any business regardless of size or trading history. The group aims to build on the Rose Review into female entrepreneurship and support business owners across the East
So, what makes The Purpose different from “Networking”
“Networking is about sharing, not taking. It is about forming trust and helping one another toward goals. Regularly engaging with your contacts and finding opportunities to assist them helps to strengthen the relationship. By doing this, you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals.”
Networking can be a room full of sellers, with no interest in supporting you or your business. Are they there for themselves, you or is it the free coffee and biscuits…? Have you experienced that moment when a shiny new business card is thrust into your hand and how did it make you feel?
The Purpose is not a traditional network group with 60 second pitches. Don’t panic if you don’t have one prepared!
The Purpose Meetups are structured to engage participants, encourage free thought and knowledge exchange. Most importantly, we want everyone involved to take away a positive action for their business or life. Even as a group, we all have a voice and we can all learn from collective experience.
What can I expect when joining the event
We open the meeting and introduce ourselves through the chat function
4 out of 5 (78%) firms that attempted to recruit facing difficulties in finding staff
Hospitality, construction, logistics and manufacturing firms most likely to report difficulties (80% or higher) but all sectors have significant issues
Smaller firms reporting increasing wage pressures are making it harder to compete for staff
Latest figures released today by the British Chambers of Commerce show the pressure on firms struggling to recruit staff remains at record high levels. The data for the leading business group’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook survey for Q1 2022 was drawn from a survey of 5,500 businesses.
Attempted recruitment in Q1 was down slightly with 60% looking to recruit staff (64% in Q4). However, the proportion of firms reporting difficulties filling roles remains at a historical high at 78%, dropping just one percentage point from the previous quarter (79%).
The hospitality sector was facing the most challenging recruitment issues, with 85%, reporting difficulties, up from 83% in Q4 2021. This was closely followed by construction on 83%, logistics on 81% and manufacturers at 80%.
Retail and wholesale firms were the least likely to report difficulties at 69% but the proportions of firms that cannot find the staff they need remains worryingly high.
Views from Business
Firms reported a broad range of issues which contributed to the overall recruitment squeeze – this included disruption due to Covid and a drop in the availability of foreign staff. More firms are also reporting that wage competition is proving disruptive.
“We are finding it difficult to recruit all levels of staff. Applicants are able to choose between several employers as we are all chasing the same people. They feel we are on the edge of the Midlands but still expect Wolverhampton / Birmingham salaries.” Medium sized professional services firm in Shropshire
“We are prepared to pay more for the right people, but there just seems to be no one to employ. If we cannot get staff our service slips drastically because we don’t have enough people to serve our customers.” Micro hospitality firm in Scotland
Responding to the findings, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, Jane Gratton said:
“It’s now harder than ever for businesses to fill job vacancies and there are no signs of improvement. In an increasingly tight labour market, competition for skills is ramping up wage costs, leaving many firms unable to recruit the people they need.
“When combined with the escalating price of energy, shipping, raw materials and other costs, it is a precarious situation for businesses. Inevitably, it is the smaller firms, with little in the way of cash reserves after two years of pandemic, who are most exposed to the risk all this presents.
“The UK government needs to take concrete action to address labour shortages as they are a key factor in the economy’s stuttering recovery. If firms cannot get the people they need then productivity and revenue are two of the first casualties.
“Government must also ensure that people can access rapid retraining opportunities for in-demand jobs at all skill levels in the workforce. At the same time, where there is clear evidence of national shortages damaging the economy, we need temporary visas for hard working people willing to come to the UK to work in the essential every-day roles that we all rely on.
“Businesses are investing more in developing home grown talent – and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce – but this won’t solve pervasive skills shortages overnight. Right now, the priority has to be to improve access to skills and ease the wider cost pressures facing business.”
Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (29%) was largely unchanged for the 4th quarter running
Proportion reporting decreased sales historically high at 25%, also little changed since 1 year ago in Q1 2021
Exporters more likely that non-exporters to expect increases to their prices in coming months
A survey of over 2,700 UK exporters has revealed that export sales growth has been effectively stagnant for the past year. The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook showed the proportion of exporters reporting increased overseas sales to be unchanged from Q4 at 29%, while those reporting a decrease rose 1 point to 25%.
The data showed that manufacturers were more likely to report increased export sales than either business to business service firms (such as lawyers or accountants) or business to consumer service firms (like online clothing stores).
In past 3 months exports sales have…
Exporting manufacturers
Exporting B2B Services
Exporting B2C Services
Increased
32%
26%
26%
Remained constant
42%
56%
42%
Decreased
26%
17%
32%
Conversely, B2B service exporters were more likely than either manufacturers or B2C service exporters to expect profitability to increase in the coming year.
Over the next 12 months, do you believe your profitability will…
Exporting manufacturers
Exporting B2B Services
Exporting B2C Services
Increased
44%
55%
45%
Remained constant
29%
29%
30%
Decreased
27%
16%
24%
Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said:
“This data confirms our concerns – that for the last year there was a broadly flat picture for UK exports. This is in contrast with the performance of our near neighbours, with Germany’s exports both within and outside the Single Market steaming ahead by double digit margins and with trade losses from the pandemic already effectively recovered.
“UK exporters are facing the headwinds of higher red tape costs from trading with the EU, raised raw material pressures, and ongoing issues in global shipping markets. If we are to realise the aspirations of the UK Government’s Export Strategy then 2022 has to be the year where these structural factors holding back our exporters are addressed.
“Sustained export growth should be powering our economic recovery from the pandemic. Chambers and their members are already working hard to increase exports but need more substantive measures from Government now.”
Take your business to the next level with a 90 day plan
About this Event
Small businesses are the engine of the UK economy and account for 60% of all private sector jobs and £1.75 trillion of revenue. Here at NatWest we want to help local businesses scale and grow into the big firms of tomorrow. One tool that helps successful businesses of all sizes is a 90 day plan.
In this session we explore what a 90 day plan is and how you can use it to grow your business with specific individual actions. At the end of the presentation you will take away your own 90 day plan which you have built for your business. Our presenters for this series of events are Phil and Rob from the Business Growth Coach network
We were delighted to be part of the launch of Thetford’s Business Awards launch. This prestigious event is now in its third year.
The Launch was a Co.llaboration with the Award Founders and the Norfolk Chambers, and held on April 21st and hosted at the award-winning Thomas Paine Hotel in Thetford. The hotel is reputed to be the birthplace of Thomas Paine the celebrated free thinker and campaigner of the 18th century who wrote the Rights of Man, on which the American Constitution is based.
The evening of canapes and Co.nnections was a celebration of this year’s launch, with guest speakers Daniel Mayhew and Matt Morton.
Daniel started his career in sales in the mobile phone industry. He quickly became successful by the age of 20. In the years to follow, Daniel became a worldwide leader with Fintech & Ecommerce Eco-System. Working for UK, Israeli, American, and other international businesses, specialising in Cross Border Payments, E-Commerce, GTM Strategy, and Commercialisation. and, an experienced entrepreneur specialising in sales, relationship management, and strategy. His career boasts a successful track record across both ideation & implementation helping brands to achieve huge growth in the health, fitness, sports & technology industries. In his early career, he cut his teeth working for some of the biggest brands in their field such as Grant Thornton and Life Fitness but where he really excelled and thrived was the fast-paced and creative world of start-up & SME.
Matt is an experienced entrepreneur specialising in sales, relationship management, and strategy. His career boasts a successful track record across both ideation & implementation helping brands to achieve huge growth in the health, fitness, sports & technology industries. In his early career, he cut his teeth working for some of the biggest brands in their field such as Grant Thornton and Life Fitness but where he really excelled and thrived was the fast-paced and creative world of start-up & SME. He has set up, scaled, and managed sales teams both locally and globally.
Our Connector, Andrea Wilson, Account Manager and Energiser, Amy Wright, Events Manager attended and networked with local Breckland businesses and Chamber members.
With thanks to Gez Chetal FMBII, Executive Director of the Thomas Paine Hotel and his staff for a very warm welcome and incredible hospitality.
All photographs are credited to Thetford Photography
Designed to help people in the workplace who are expected to perform effectively in highly demanding environments, this one-day workshop will help delegates understand how they can develop a resilient attitude to a range of scenarios that may in the past have created a high degree of anxiety.
The Details
Date: 26th May 2021 Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm, split into 4 distinct sessions Duration: 1 Day Cost: £225 + VAT (RRP £250) Location: Held Virtually via Zoom
Core topics developed during this workshop
Developing your level of resilience
Understand and learn to manage your emotions
Enhance performance and well-being at work
Sustaining peak levels of performance
Developing levels of adaptability, flexibility and confidence
Understanding how your motivation can impact on the morale of your team
Workshop Content
Understand how resilient attitudes and behaviours can be learned
How to enhance performance and well-being at work
Be able to sustain performance and effectiveness under pressure
Regard change as a challenge and an opportunity
Developing the ability to bounce back quicker from adversity
Have increased adaptability, flexibility and confidence
Acquire a stronger sense of control when faced with uncertainty
Build strong and supportive relationships with colleagues
Identifying tools and techniques for improving optimism and emotional regulation
Stay motivated and focused and help maintain morale in your team
Change previous responses to pressure to more effective resilient ones
Review ‘real actions’ to apply in the workplace:
What can we do straightaway?
What can we work towards?
Testimonials
“Without doubt the best course I have been on. At no times was anyone disengaged ….”
“Great course, really helped me think about how I can change things and my way of working…”
Our Biker Breakfast Co.llaboration with Westcotec has been in the diary since spring 2020, so it was only fitting that two years later this long-awaited event could finally happen under glorious sunshine at the beautiful Barnham Broom Hotel.
The breakfast started with networking, teas, and coffee amongst an array of helmets and chatter. Chris Sargisson, Norfolk Chambers CEO welcomed our guests and explained that “this event is an opportunity for us to say thank you, where thank you is needed to be said. The Biker community stepped up to the challenge during the pandemic and showed genuine community spirit, supporting the NHS, care homes, and delivering to those in need”.
Chris Spinks, CEO of Westcotec said, “We’re proud to sponsor the biker breakfast event and work in Co.llaboration with Norfolk Chambers”. Chris spoke of his previous career within the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary and seeing firsthand the results of not following road safety.
We also heard from Andy Lawer, part of the Safe Rider Scheme within the Norfolk Constabulary. Andy spent 20 years riding Police bikes in London, before moving to Norfolk. He has worked for NATO, escorting PMs and dignitaries, and members of the royal family. He spoke of the superb training he received as an advanced rider and elements of the role, “it’s about educating riders and talking, and asking if they (the riders) can see, that what they are doing isn’t right”.
“We take the guidelines we’re given, we pass them on to the public and it makes people safer on the road. Above all, we want people to thoroughly enjoy riding, and then get home safe”.
Following a delicious breakfast, we heard from Lydia McClintock, Manager of Infinity Norwich. Lydia talked of the improvements and developments to safety rider wear, showing examples with new custom clothing, and grading standards, and talked of new certifications coming into play to enhance rider safety.
Our event charity was Nelson’s Journey, with guest speaker Gary Stevens. Nelson’s Journey is an incredible charity.
Nelson’s Journey supports children and young people in Norfolk who’ve experienced the death of a significant person. We provide a range of resources and services, and accept referrals from families and professionals for those who may need our support. Since 1997, Nelson’s Journey has helped thousands of bereaved children and young people in the county. It is thanks to the tremendous support of our local community that our work is possible.
Finally, Tim James, Design and Development Engineer at Westcotec closed the event, with a run-through of the route back to Norwich.
Aims to provide delegates with the required level of training, skills and knowledge in First Aid, and comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
Suitable For
Successful delegates will be awarded a certificate of competence accredited by Qualsafe Awards who are recognised by Ofqual. It is valid for three years.
Course Venue
Open courses are held regularly at our training venues in Norwich, Norfolk and Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. Alternatively, courses can be arranged at your own site anywhere in the UK (subject to suitability).
Syllabus
Introduction to first aid
Incident management and safety
The unconscious patient
Major illness: diabetes, heart attack, stroke
Fractures and dislocations
Head Injuries
Eye Injuries
Simple record keeping & first aid equipment
The legal framework for first and in the workplace
Basic life support
Use of AED
Control of bleeding and shock
Major Illness: epilepsy, allergic reactions
Burns and scolds
Poisons and harmful substances
Basic casualty handling
Knowledge and skills assessments
“Good course with refreshing content. Great value for money.”
“The use of video clips really helped. The course was a good pace and the content was made interesting. It’s the most enjoyable First Aid course I have attended in 20 years.”
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for an immediate emergency budget to deal with the costs crises facing businesses and people throughout the country.
It has developed a three-point action plan that would allow firms to keep a lid on rising prices, boost productivity and ease cost pressures.
The proposals include:
Ease upfront costs of doing business by reversing the recently introduced National Insurance increase until at least 2023/24.
Help firms manage the impact of rising energy prices by cutting VAT on their energy bills from 20% to 5% for a minimum of one year.
Address labour shortages by reinstating free Covid tests for companies to ease the strain on productivity caused by persistent high absences
Together the three steps would take the pressure off businesses that are battling to keep the economy afloat and offer a route to higher productivity and tax receipts in the future.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:
“These are simple, straightforward measures that can be quickly reversed when the economy is in better shape.
“The Treasury and HMRC have proven their ability during the pandemic to implement similar changes quickly and efficiently. Making these changes would have an immediate benefit for both businesses and the public.
“The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses then they can keep a lid on the price rises being driven by surging energy bills, staff shortages and higher taxes.
“Firms will then have the breathing space they need to raise productivity and strengthen the economy. But a change of course is needed now, if the government does not act immediately then rising costs will put our economic recovery in a stranglehold that will have repercussions for years to come.
“The government has a variety of financial levers it can pull, and this is the time to use them. Acting today will then give businesses a chance to create the future profits needed to fill tax coffers.”
The measures in more detail:
Postponing the rise in National Insurance Contributions would not only ease the immediate pressure on companies’ balance sheets but it would also put money back into the pockets of people – boosting consumer confidence. When supply chain disruption has unwound and global factors influencing inflation have receded the economy will then be in a much stronger position to bear the increase.
Cutting VAT on business energy bills to 5%, for all businesses, would provide another quick release valve on soaring costs for firms. For example: a small business which has an energy bill of £10,000 and currently pays the standard 20% rate would pay £2,000 VAT. Our proposal would see that cut to £500. This measure could be adjusted over time to take account of those sectors most in need.
Many businesses in the UK are still seeing above average absence rates as Covid continues to impact the workforce. Around two thirds of more than 1,100 firms surveyed in April by the BCC reported staff absences due to Covid symptoms or self-isolation. Bringing back free testing would allow firms to limit the disease’s spread among employees. With wider structural staff shortages continuing to limit productivity this would be a key measure to keep the economic recovery on track. New sub-variants of Omicron are reportedly leading to rising infection rates in the US and South Africa.