Commenting on the manufacturing and industrial figures published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“Year on year growth for manufacturing and total industrial output is satisfactory, but the more recent figures show clear signs of a slowdown. Manufacturing output eased between the first and second quarters of 2014, and the most recent figures show flat growth over the past three months – which points towards a further reduction for the third quarter of the year.
“Total UK GDP is now 2.7% above its pre-recession level, manufacturing output is still more than 4% below its pre- recession level. The sector has maintained much of its skills base during the downturn, however, manufacturing exporters are facing many challenges in the face of weak demand in the euro zone and a sterling exchange rate, which has recorded net rises over the past year. The manufacturing sector is now just over 10% of the total UK economy. It is still a very important driver of innovation export and investment, and its success remains crucial to a balanced UK recovery.”
Manufacturing output in the three months to August 2014: Flat compared with the previous three months, but up 3.3% compared with the same period the year earlier
Total industrial production in the three months to August 2014: Flat compared with the previous three months, and up 2.0% compared with the same period a year earlier
Book now for a free, informal evening of networking at Bank House Hotel with a range of businesses from across West and North Norfolk. West Norfolk Nites continues to show popularity with attendance of more than 30 different businesses at each event. Raise the profile of your business, create new contacts and enjoy some relaxed, friendly networking. An evening of drinks, canapes and networking, free of charge and open to all businesses. This event is for businesses located in West Norfolk and North Norfolk. If your business is located out of these areas, please contact the events team before booking.
Commenting on the announcement that the European Commission has given the new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset EU state aid approval, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “After months of uncertainty, businesses will be relieved to know that the nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point has finally been given the green light.”
“The new nuclear plant will bring supply chain opportunities to local businesses in Somerset but also in Norfolk where there is already considerable expertise gained from working on Sizewell B. This decision is a major milestone in the move to get the same approval for Sizewell C which will bring considerable economic benefit and jobs to Norfolk and Suffolk. “
John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “While there are clearly many positives to talk of, we mustn’t forget the fact that delays, caused by indecisive governments, has been at the public expense. All parties must stop using energy policy as a political football, and instead work towards adopting a comprehensive, long-term strategy to guarantee the security of energy supplies.”
The agreement for Hinkley Point C
The Commission found that the long-term contract (Contract for Difference) and the guarantee constitute an appropriate and proportionate way for the UK to meet its need for secure, low carbon energy. The Commission’s decision leaves the key elements of last October’s agreements unchanged whilst it has reinforced measures designed to share potential future benefits with customers.
The “strike price” for Hinkley Point C remains set at £92.50/MWh or £89.50/MWh if the planned power station at Sizewell goes ahead
The contract will last for 35 years
The strike price is fully indexed to inflation through the Consumer Price Index
The project will be protected from certain changes in law
As proposed in October 2013, the Contract for Difference already contained a series of “gainshare” mechanisms in which customers would benefit if the project construction costs or equity returns were more favourable than forecast. The Commission, the UK Government and EDF have accepted reinforcement of the “gainshare mechanisms” in the package today approved by the Commission. EDF Energy has also committed that electricity from the proposed power station will be sold at market price and recorded separately from EDF Energy’s other electricity production. EDF has agreed that the fee for the Government’s proposed Guarantee of project debt be paid at commercial rates. The agreed guarantee fee delivers the equity return required by investors.
EDF chairman and CEO Henri Proglio said: “The approval by the European Commission is a major milestone for the Hinkley Point C project. Now EDF and partners have to finalise the agreements needed to reach a final investment decision. Building EPR reactors in the UK will provide huge benefits for both countries in terms of job opportunities, economic growth and skills, further strengthening France and United Kingdom fruitful partnership.”
EDF Energy Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz said: “The approval of the European Commission demonstrates that the proposed package of agreements between the Government and EDF is fair and balanced for investors and consumers now and for the long term. “The Commission rigorously examined the costs of the project in detail, potential returns for investors and benefits for customers. The engagement with Brussels was thorough, demanding but constructive.”
Commercial Director | Co-Owner of Indigo Swan | Investors In People Leader of the Year 2023 | WUN Advocate
Aimee Konieczny is the Commercial Director and Co-Owner of Norwich based energy consultancy Indigo Swan. Starting as an Account Manager, Aimee was promoted through the business until taking up her latest role in July 2022. During her promotions, Aimee worked on her leadership skills and supporting people to grow within the business.
This personal development resulted in Aimee winning “Leader of the Year” at the 2023 Investors in People awards. Aimee was also fortunate to be part of a Management Buy-Out and now co-owns Indigo Swan with 3 fellow Directors. Her main passion is supporting customers with their energy procurement options, while helping them transition their businesses to Net Zero.
When it comes to commercial interior design, it’s easy to get hung up on the visual impact of your space – but beware. The excitement of choosing fixtures, fittings and furniture may mean you overlook other important factors, such as workplace acoustics.
That’s why, at Layrd Design, we explore workplace acoustics at the start of your project. Plus, it ensures that all aspects of your workspace are fit for purpose. For instance, healthcare providers may need soundproof rooms to protect sensitive patient information, while hospitality and retail spaces often benefit from a little ambient noise.
As if the reasons above weren’t important enough, we should also mention that it can be difficult and expensive to retrofit acoustic measures once you’re up and running. Ignore them at your peril!
ABC of Workplace Acoustics
Interior designers and architects use three key techniques to manage sound:
<li d love to help you to find a solution. Simply give us a call on 01223 952992 or email info@layrddesign.co.uk.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is currently drafting a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’. The Plan will highlight what the Norfolk business community feel they need to ensure their businesses thrive and the Norfolk economy grows.
The plan will incorporate the key goals and aspirations taken from the New Anglia LEP and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP’s Strategic Economic Plans; the British Chambers of Commerce Manifesto for Britain; and input from the local authorities. The aim of the plan is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges facing Norfolk businesses.
As one size does not fit all, therefore Norfolk Chamber is surveying the key growth areas of Norfolk to ensure we encompass the different business opportunities and specific needs for each area.
The results of this survey will be incorporated into the overall Business Plan for Norfolk. The survey will take no more than 2 minutes to complete. – take the Greater Norwich Business Survey now.
Location: Carrowbreck House, 7 Carrowbreck Road, Norwich, NR6 5FA. This course has been designed to ensure that all employees are aware of their own safety and the safety of customers, contractors and the public. It is applicable in any workplace and the training can be adapted to meet specific needs. This course enables attendees to understand the principles of Health and Safety, contribute to any Health and Safety Management system, develop an understanding of the responsibilities placed on employers and employees, develop an understanding of hazard, risk and the main causes of harm to workers, acknowledge the importance of following systems, procedures and rules and understand how individual action can reduce risks to health and safety. Duration: One-day course (9:00am – 5:00pm approximately) Equipment: No equipment is necessary for you to bring to the course. Pens and note paper will be available. Lunch provided: On full day training courses a sandwich/roll or salad lunch with crisps and cake or fruit will be provided. Refreshments will be available throughout the duration of this course. Please note that it is a requirement of the awarding body, that we need to see photographic proof of identity of each candidate before they can be entered into the exam, for example, passport, driving licence, student union card or work pass. Course Content Legislation Health Safety Welfare The workplace and workplace equipment Risk assessment Manual Handling Hazardous substances Ergonomics and work station design Transport and vehicles Noise and vibration Subject to passing a 30 question multiple choice exam paper delegates will gain the Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace. You will be given a Health and Safety manual to take away and keep after the course for future reference. Course Cost – £100 – £110 per person. For any enquiries or more information, please contact us on 01603 788950 or email carrowbreck@broadland.gov.uk
On Friday 10th October over 80 delegates joined the Norfolk Chamber for a morning of economics, networking and a delicious breakfast at Dunston Hall, Norwich. With the opportunity to hear from two leading experts, Robert Woods, Director of Economics at HM Treasury and Phil Eckersley, Agent for the South East & East Anglia at the Bank of England.
The morning was hosted by the event sponsors Steeles Law who took delegates through the jam packed morning. They started with an economy themed networking activity got people talking on their tables creating a great atmosphere. This atmosphere carried on through breakfast and straight into safari networking where the delegates got to meet a whole new table of contacts.
It was then onto the main part of the breakfast to hear from our two key note speakers; Robert Woods explained the challenges the UK Economy faces and the government’s economic strategy. Phil Eckersley talked about the role of the Bank of England and the current economic outlook.
The breakfast finished with a Q&A where delegates got the chance to get some of their questions and concerns answered by the experts.
To view photos of the event, visit ourFacebookpage orGoogle+page
What does a business vision for Norfolk look like?
Norfolk Chamber aims to ensure that there is ‘business friendly’ local environment in which our members can operate and prosper. Our four key themes are: Revolution in Technology; Improving Infrastructure; Bridging the Skills Gap; and Economic Trends – all themes aim to support the needs of our members and help them grow.
We are currently working in partnership with the local authorities and the New Anglia LEP to review and update the overall Economic Strategy for Norfolk. It is essential that the updated Strategy is business focussed and is designed to make the most of the opportunities in our region.
To make this strategy robust, we want to hear from small, medium and large businesses about what they need to grow their businesses. Norfolk Chamber are holding a series of roundtable discussions to capture business opinions and needs which will be fed back into the Economic Strategy:
Roundtable Events will be held on the below dates:
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is currently drafting a ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’. The Plan will highlight what the Norfolk business community feel they need to ensure their businesses thrive and the Norfolk economy grows.
The plan will incorporate the key goals and aspirations taken from the New Anglia LEP and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP’s Strategic Economic Plans; the British Chambers of Commerce Manifesto for Britain; and input from the local authorities. The aim of the plan is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges facing Norfolk businesses.
As one size does not fit all, therefore Norfolk Chamber is surveying the key growth areas of Norfolk to ensure we encompass the different business opportunities and specific needs for each area.
The results of this survey will be incorporated into the overall Business Plan for Norfolk. The survey will take no more than 2 minutes to complete. – take the Great Yarmouth Area Business Survey now.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the Lord Mayor’s Awards, and in particular sponsor the Customer Care Award. Helping businesses find new customers, and develop existing relationships, is at the core of Chamber activity. We’ve been providing help and support for the region’s commerce since 1896; always owned and directed by our business members, and always there for businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors.
We enable companies to find new connections through our publications and by meeting face to face. More than 3000 delegates attend the 90 plus events we hold each year.
Increasingly the region’s businesses reach new contacts locally and internationally, by promoting their businesses through adding news items, events and knowledge articles to the Chamber’s community website with its 5,500 visitors a month and its 4,800+ twitter followers.
It’s in the digital and online arena where the biggest changes are happening to customer care of course. Business to business, and consumer oriented, companies have embraced the demand for online selling. Now they must grasp the longer term implications of retaining customer loyalty in a digital world.
Innovative, pro-active customer care will be a key element in the growth, or otherwise, of the region’s businesses as we pass from relentless austerity into a period of seemingly tentative recovery.
West Norfolk’s businesses have always demonstrated the tenacity and resilience to survive the darker times, and the innovation and attitude to flourish in brighter days. New technology will provide new opportunities to deliver customer care, but established concepts and beliefs, rooted in sound business practice, will underpin the level of customer experience that defines a successful business.
The challenge, to deliver such a level of customer care that is worthy of this award, has never been more demanding. Businesses in our region have raised their game to the highest levels.
We are thrilled to be sponsoring this year’s Customer Care Award. It’s never been a more important barometer of West Norfolk’s commercial climate.
Norfolk Chamber are supporting local schools across Norfolk to deliver a careers event to inspire, motivate and educate students on career opportunities.
This will be an exhibition stand based careers event with over 250 students visiting stands. Exhibition Stands will be free of charge and refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to take part, please contact us or click here and complete an online booking form.
