Across nearly all districts of Norfolk, levels of unemployment fell in June. Overall, the claimant count for Norfolk stood at 7,960, which was a drop of 320 claimants from the previous month. Norfolk is currently ranked 13th in a table of local authorities in the East and south East.
Every district except Broadland recorded a fall in their claimant count rate. Norwich recorded the largest fall in claimant numbers with a drop of 5.7%. King’s Lynn and West Norfolk saw a 2.8% decrease – a better result than the previous month. From a Great Yarmouth perspective, it continued a worrying trend from the previous month with a lack of a strong downward trend in claimant numbers. Their claimant count stands at 2,895 from a total of 2,960 last month.
Ordinarily it is expected that the Great Yarmouth claimant count falls drastically in the summer months, given the local job market’s seasonal pattern. Some on this anomaly can probably be assigned to the shift to full implementation of the Universal Credit, however a continuing trend would be a greater concern.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Thursday) publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private-sector business survey. Based on the responses of over 7,700 businesses in Q2 2017, the results for both sectors indicate that the UK economy grew at a subdued rate in the second quarter of 2017.
The Norfolk services sector, a key driver of economic growth, saw indicators of domestic activity, employment and investment continue to weaken slightly in the quarter. Consumer-facing industries such as retail outlets and hotels reported weaker growth rates compared to B2B businesses in the quarter.
The survey shows Norfolk export sales and orders in the manufacturing sector falling from the previous quarter. Whilst services sector exports remained a mixed picture, with export sales increasing marginally but export orders falling by 4 points.
The balance of Norfolk firms expecting prices to rise has decreased across both sectors, but the percentage of firms reporting concern over raw material costs and pay settlements has risen.
The findings indicate that while confidence in future turnover decreased, the effect could be short-term, as confidence in overall profitability improved. Both sectors showed an increase of investment in training.
Key Norfolk findings in the Q2 2017 survey:
Overall, the figures for both sectors indicate static growth
The percentage balance of manufacturing firms expecting the price of their goods to increase over the next three months has fallen slightly from the near-historic-highs reported in the previous quarter (from +55 to +33), and fell in services from +39 to +29
However, manufacturers report continued pressure from the price of raw materials, with +82 reporting this as the cause of price increases (up from +68). Pressure from pay settlements also rose in both, rising from +20 to +27 in manufacturing and +21 to +49 in services
In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting increasing domestic sales rose slightly from +9 to +12, as did domestic orders from +6 to +10. The balance reporting export sales fell from +17 to +11 and export orders fell from +20 to +7
In services, the balance of firms reporting increasing domestic sales remained static and domestic orders fell from +13 to +8. The balance reporting increasing export sales rose from +6 to +13 but export orders fell from +4 to 0
The percentage of businesses in the manufacturing sector attempting to recruit fell somewhat but remain relatively high at 68%. Whilst the service sector increase slightly to 65% (up from 60%). Of those, the percentage of firms facing recruitment difficulties dropped but remains high in both sectors at 63% (down from 83%) in manufacturing and 67% in services (down from 81%)
Confidence across the board dipped in the second quarter. The balance of manufacturers confident that turnover would improve over the next 12 months fell from +35 to +23, and the balance for services from +42 to +31. The balance of manufacturing firms confident that profitability would increase remained static but in services rose slightly from +19 to +21
However, the balance of firms in both sectors reporting improved cashflow remains at historical lows, with manufacturing continuing to fall into negative territory from +2 to -15, whilst in services it rose from -6 to 0.
Commenting on the results, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The latest survey results, which reflect the outlook of companies in all sectors and locations across Norfolk, indicate that for many businesses growth is static at best, and at worst, beginning to slow.
“It’s time for the economy to be put back at the heart of the agenda, with a focus on creating the best possible environment for business growth all across the county. Government must play its part by tackling the issues that hold businesses back, including labour shortages, weaknesses in our physical and digital infrastructure, and high upfront costs which dampen investment intentions and firms’ growth potential. Any talk of higher business taxes to pay for politically-motivated spending must be quashed swiftly, to avoid undermining business confidence further.
“The subdued growth picture also underlines the importance of getting as much clarity on the Brexit transition as possible, as quickly as possible over the coming months.”
Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber, said:
“The latest survey indicates that Norfolk’s economic activity remains subdued in the second quarter of 2017.
“The services sector activity stuttered a little with a number of the key balances weakening this quarter. Consumer-focused industries were the worst performers – further evidence that rising inflation is dampening their activity. Norfolk’s manufacturing results saw a definite slow-down and the longer-term trends suggests that the manufacturing sector’s contribution to overall growth will not be enough to offset weaknesses elsewhere.
“Rising inflation remains the key challenge for the Norfolk economy this year. Consumer prices are likely to keep rising in the coming months as the recent sizeable increases in the cost of raw materials, pay settlements and other overheads filter through supply chains.”
In the absence of a full Norwich Beer Festival this autumn, BUILD Charity Volunteer, and local Beer Sommelier, Cheryl Cade, is organising the World Pop-up Beer Bar at the end of October in the Castle Social area of Castle Quarter shopping centre. The BUILD Charity and Headway Norfolk & Waveney are two Norfolk charities set to benefit from any profits made at the 4-day event, but ahead of its full launch volunteers are being recruited to serve behind bars, wash glasses, load fridges or assist with other aspects of the event. In return they will get to sample the alcoholic and alcohol-free goods and attend a staff party on the Saturday night. Full details of how to get involved at Bar server volunteers | The BUILD Charity.
Ed’s journey from a Caterham road car enthusiast to a competitive racer took a thrilling turn during his first official race weekend. With a novice cross sticker proudly displayed on his car, signalling his entry into the world of motorsport, Ed embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
The race weekend at Snetterton was packed with new experiences for Ed, from the initial briefing with the Clerk of the Course to meeting the Caterham Graduates Racing Club’s Drivers Standards teams. The process of acclimating to competitive practice sessions, qualifying, and two races was a steep learning curve, but Ed handled it with impressive composure.
By his second race, Ed was fully in his element. His performance reached new heights as he clocked his fastest ever lap around Snetterton. The pinnacle of his debut weekend came when he won the ‘Millisecond Award’ for the closest finish, edging out Rob Appleton by just 0.054 seconds!
It’s remarkable to think that just six months ago, Ed had never been on track. Thanks to Alpha 7’s tailored driver development programme, he has rapidly advanced from a passionate enthusiast to a competitive driver. The focus now shifts to the next challenge: the Anglesey round in Wales. Ed is eager to tackle this new circuit and plans to maximise his simulator training to prepare.
Congratulations to Ed on a stellar start to his racing career! For anyone inspired by Ed’s success and looking to dive into motorsport, Alpha 7 offers personalised training programmes to help you achieve your driving and racing dreams. Get in touch to learn more about how we can support your journey.
As we reported last month, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain have broken diplomatic ties with Qatar claiming that it supported terrorist and sectarian groups.
Effectively blockading the Gulf State, the coalition of countries demanded that Qatar close the broadcaster Al Jazeera, scale back co-operation with Iran, remove Turkish troops from its soil and end contact with groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.
Despite being faced with the threat of further economic sanctions as the deadline set for its response was first extended and then passed, Qatar rejected all 13 demands.
With Qatar’s border with Saudi Arabia being its sole land link to the rest of the world, and a key route for food imports, the country has been relying on Turkey and Iran delivering supplies.
However, energy exports from Qatar, which is the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, have not been affected.
Speaking in London, the Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said: “What we’ve done in the last few weeks is develop different alternative for ways to ensure the supply chain for the country not to be cut off.”
He poured scorn on threats to expel Qatar from the trade and security bloc, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arguing that decisions could only be taken by the GCC by consensus and suggesting that not all the members would support the Saudi and UAE call.
Qatar’s Trade and Economy Minister, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, said: “All supply chains, either by air or sea are working smoothly – it’s business as usual.”
Our forthcoming HF Forum, sponsored and delivered by Steeles Law, will focus on preventing discrimination in the workplace.
Seven years on from the Equality Act 2010, the employment law team from Steeles Law look at how the law has developed in this area, providing practical tips for ensuring equality and diversity in the workplace and avoiding costly claims in this sensitive area of HR management. This session will be delivered by expert speakers, Oliver Brabbins Director and Head of Employment and Robert Hickford, an Associate Solicitor at the firm.
The session will also cover essential recent and forthcoming developments in employment law including: Brexit’s impact on employment law – what we know so far; and a round-up of case law developments.
Norfolk Chamber members can book now for just £25+VAT.
The BUILD Wednesday Club is for adults with disabilities and meets on South Park Avenue in Norwich. Due to expansion of our programmes to meet demand we are looking to boost the team of volunteers who support art and craft activities. You’ll need to be available between 7pm and 9pm on a Wednesday evening (not all, but at least once a fortnight) and be prepared to go through some induction, safeguarding and disability awareness training to keep you safe, and our members safe, but also to help you share your skills and interests. If you are interested find out more through https://www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk/o/The-BUILD-Charity/opportunities/Art-programme-support-volunteer-Weds-evenings/63919.
To celebrate our award we would like to offer all current members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce a 10% discount.
SSAF Window Films Ltd., we offer an extensive selection of window films tailored to enhance the appearance and performance of glass surfaces. Our product range includes:
Solar Control Films: Reduce heat and glare while maintaining natural light and clear views.
Privacy Films: Provide privacy without sacrificing daylight or aesthetics, ideal for office partitions and bathroom windows.
Energy Saving Films: Improve energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling costs.
Safety and Security Films: Strengthen glass to protect against breakage and deter potential intruders.
Decorative Films: Enhance interior design with custom patterns, textures, and colours.
Bespoke films: Speak to our inhouse design team about having your brand printed onto window film.”
Stands are booking fast at the B2B Exhibition, which returns to Norwich City Football Club on Thursday 12 October 2017. Only 25% of exhibition stands are remaining with just 4 spaces left at the ‘Top of the Terrace’ level.
Building on its continued success year on year the B2B Exhibition is a key event in Norfolk’s commercial calendar that gives exhibitors unique access to network with a range of businesses and promote their products and services to the Norfolk Business community. Last year’s event sold out with over 100 exhibitors and more than 750 visitors and this year is shaping up to be even bigger!
To find out more about exhibiting or to book your stand, visit the event webpage or contact a member of the events team on 01603 625977.
Ahead of the general election, Norfolk Chamber is setting out the key Norfolk business asks for any future government. The Chamber is calling on all the political parties to consider the importance for Norfolk businesses to be able to access fast, reliable broadband.
Technology and how we use it is evolving rapidly, but Norfolk’s digital infrastructure needs to keep pace. As more and more businesses rely on technology, Norfolk Chamber is keen to ensure that both our digital infrastructure and our business community are ready to take advantage of new technology developments as they evolve.
Whilst approx. 86% of Norfolk has access to 24mbps, a recent British Chambers of Commerce survey, reported that the Norfolk business community still thought that Norfolk’s digital infrastructure was not yet totally fit for purpose. Throughout the county, significant numbers of companies of every size and sector said they lacked reliable internet connectivity – a basic requirement for businesses to operate efficiently in today’s world.
Commenting on the need to provide more access to superfast broadband, Lynsey Sweales, a Norfolk Chamber Board Member and Director of Social B said:
“A reliable broadband connection is absolutely vital for all companies, yet 20% of Norfolk companies suffer from unreliable connections. The BCC survey shows that firms in rural areas are at least twice as likely to have unreliable connections as those in towns. The focus of any future government must be on providing businesses with sufficient and reliable broadband connections to enable to them to do business confidently. Having a business in a rural location shouldn’t mean you sacrifice market opportunities, businesses operating in Norfolk as well as businesses looking to invest and trade with Norfolk businesses need broadband confidence to do business”
The survey also showed that with more reliable connections Norfolk businesses could do more. Over half of businesses (54%) said that 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%), and remote server access for employees (14%).
Commenting on the need for further broadband improvements, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Unreliable connections stunt productivity, causing needless delays, costs and frustration. While businesses across the county are affected, it is the rural areas and small businesses that are most likely to suffer. An unreliable connection acts as a barrier to growth, and puts those companies most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.
“These are a few of the reasons why Norfolk Chamber is calling for any future government to commit to more investment in broadband infrastructure across our county to ensure that local businesses, whether they are based in the city, market towns or in rural locations, can be compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK and beyond.”
People in Norfolk who support the need for upgrades to the A47 are being encouraged to go along to an event this Friday (21 July) to leave the organisation responsible for the road in no doubt of the local appetite for improvements.
Highways England, the government company charged with operating, maintaining and improving England’s motorways and major A roads including the A47, has announced it will be holding a roadshow event in a mobile unit at Tesco Extra on Kingston Road in Dereham on Friday between 12 and 7pm. As well as featuring an exhibition of plans for upcoming major roadworks in the region, Highways England staff will be available to talk to people about improvements to the A47.
Further Highways England roadshows are planned for later in the summer, including in King’s Lynn, Attleborough, Great Yarmouth and Hopton, so if people can’t make this Friday’s event in Dereham, there will be other opportunities to speak to Highways England in person to press the case for improvements to the A47. Further details on these events are expected to be announced shortly.
Highways England has announced £300 million of improvements to the A47 with works slated to start in 2019/20 financial year. Of the six schemes announced, four will be on sections of the road in Norfolk. These are:
Dualling the A47 North Tuddenham to Easton;
Dualling the A47 Blofield to North Burlingham;
Improving the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction;
Improving A47 Great Yarmouth junctions including reconstruction of the Vauxhall Roundabout.
Norfolk County Council welcomed the announcement of this investment and has offered to work with Highways England to ensure the work can get under way at the earliest opportunity. As part of its role on the A47 Alliance, a campaigning group that brings together the business community, local authorities, MPs and others, Norfolk County Council is pushing for central government to commit to making further improvements to the route with an ultimate goal to see the whole of the road dualled.
Martin Wilby, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee and Chairman of the A47 Alliance, said: “We need to take every opportunity to bang the drum for investment in the A47, and there is no doubt the message comes across much louder and clearer when you hear it from the many rather than the few. Please help us, if you can, to show the strength of local feeling on the subject.
“We’re making improvements and working on transport projects on roads that the County Council is responsible for that will help to ease traffic congestion, make roads safer and shorten journey times. However getting the A47 improved so it can cope with the amount of traffic using it now but also in the future is vital to the county’s success. It’s the key that will unlock a lot of other investment, including attracting businesses and high-skilled jobs, and improving quality of life for those who use the route regularly.”
The A47 Alliance agreed its priorities for securing further improvements along the route earlier this year. The schemes in Norfolk that have been identified as a priority are dualling the Acle Straight between Acle and Great Yarmouth and dualling the A47 Tilney to East Winch, including the Hardwick flyover, south of King’s Lynn.
