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The Norfolk Chamber, together with the British Banking Association, recently held the annual British Banking Association Dinner for Norfolk. The main debate centred on access to finance and allowed local businesses the opportunity to raise any concerns on this issue. The guests included representatives from the major high street banks and Norfolk Chamber members from across the business community.

One year on from the last Norfolk dinner, the overall perception was that nothing much had changed, but this is not the case.

The banking world is moving forward, albeit in small steps, more importantly these steps are positive. Since the banking crisis, many of the chairs and chief executives for the leading UK banking institutions have been replaced. Bank governance and the risk elements of lending have all been reviewed. New fail-safes have been implemented, including ring-fencing retail finance from the investment sectors of the banks.

The result of these measures is that the legal criteria which the banks have to work within is more rigid and the banks are now trying to get a better balance between lending and borrowing, as well as concentrating on being more open in their dealings and regaining the confidence of the business community.

SMEs were recently asked about bank lending. 13% stated that they were discouraged from seeking funding from their bank and 12% said they did not trust banks in general and would not use them for funding. Despite this perception and, whilst the banks have a duty of care to lend responsibly, only 1% of SME’s were actively discouraged by their bank from seeking funding, due to bad risk. The same results also showed that in the second quarter of the year SMEs had obtained new borrowing facilities of £5.9bn and banks continued to maintain approval rates of more than 8 out of 10 lending applications.

Similarly the business community should not automatically look to the ‘traditional’ route of the bank as the only source of access to finance. Alternatives to the usual lending routes could be considered. Routes such as ‘angels’, credit unions and equity finance are all possible alternatives that might be better suited for a particular business’s needs.

The days of automatic access to finance are gone and the businesses should also be responsible in their approach to lending. SMEs should ensure they have done their homework and a solid business plan is a ‘must’ when approaching a funding source. Amazingly only 6% of SMEs take professional advice when looking for finance.

Support mechanisms, such as SME mentoring services (www.mentorsme.co.uk); and the Funding for Lending scheme, designed to stimulate the economy by making cheaper loans available to firms and individuals; are supported by the British Banking Association to help drive economic growth. The recent announcement of the formation of a National Business Bank is also another positive step.

The British Banking Association dinner provided an ideal opportunity for the banks to understand the concerns of the Norfolk Chamber business community and to discuss ways in which the banking world and local businesses can work together to promote prosperity and economic growth in Norfolk.

This week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) hosted its first annual International Trade Conference in central London. In his speech to delegates, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, said that exports should be increased to 40% of UK GDP, and that exporting is ‘not just good for Britain’, but that it is ‘essential for Britain’. In a stark message to the UK, he explained that after 50 years of trade deficits, we run the risk of an unsustainable economy as this cannot be funded by the government for much longer. Commenting on the speech, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said: “We are really encouraged by some of the comments made by Lord Green, as we believe that exports are going to be vital to any sustainable recovery in the UK. In Germany, exports make up 46% of GDP, so there is no reason why with the right support, we can’t hit the 40% target here in the UK. “We are pleased that the government wants Chambers to play an increasingly important role in promoting international trade overseas. The BCC already has strong relationships with Chambers of Commerce around the world, and we will continue to work with colleagues to help British firms break into new markets. But the government needs to provide sufficient funding to British Chambers overseas as a platform for practical help for businesses looking to export if we are to compete with countries such as Germany, France and Italy who are already doing this for their exporters. “But we are running out of time, and action needs to be taken immediately to help kick-start export growth if we want to see a bright future for our children and grandchildren. Businesses have the right attitude. They want to grow and break into new and evolving markets, but they need the right support in order to do this. The latest report by the BCC and DHL shows that more than a third of companies increased their export sales in the last three months, and while this is encouraging, the figure is down on the previous quarter. The government must intervene and help new and potential exporters increase orders and expand into fast-growing markets. “If the government is serious about exporting, ministers should create an export voucher scheme. There are unspent funds available that have been allocated according to government priorities, not business needs. Businesses, not government, are best placed to decide which services they need most to help them boost exports overseas.”

In the last quarter of 2016, the overall findings from the Q4 2016 suggested that growth in Norfolk would continue in 2017, albeit at a more modest pace.  However, the survey found that firms in both sectors, particularly in manufacturing, are facing pressure to raise prices, principally as a result of the cost of raw materials and other overheads. 

So, at the start of 2017, is the Norfolk economy continuing to grow?  Today (Monday 20 February 2017) is the first day of the fieldwork period for the Q1 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).   It is more important than ever that as many Norfolk businesses as possible complete the survey.

The QES is the largest independent business survey in the UK and is used by both the Bank of England and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to plan the future of the UK economy.  It is also closely watched by the International Monetary Fund.

You can have your say by completing the QES online NOW, which takes less than 3 minutes.  The completion deadline for this survey is midnight on Monday 13 March 2017.

Some key Norfolk findings in the Q4 2016 survey:

• Overall, the figures for both sectors indicate continued expansion, but at a lower level for the services sector than before the EU referendum
• There was a considerable rise in the balance of firms in both sectors expecting the prices of their goods and services to increase over the next three months. This pressure is predominately as a result of an increase in raw material prices following the post-referendum devaluation of Sterling
• In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting improved export sales remained broadly steady.
• Domestically, the balance for services firms rebounded slightly, after falling considerably in the last quarter. Domestic sales were up from +10% to +24% and orders rose from +0% to +20%.  
• Having dipped in the last quarter, the manufacturing sector are reporting higher balances of firms investing in plant and machinery, with an increasing balance from +13% in Q3 to +27% this quarter.
• More firms in both sectors are reporting confidence that their turnover will increase. The balance of manufacturers rose from +39% to +63%, while services increased from +28% to +35%. While confidence in profitability also rose from +13% to +52%, it rose from +6% to +20% in the services sector. 

Two million pounds is set to be spent over the next two years to make the route between Great Yarmouth’s train station and Market Place more attractive and safer to use by pedestrians and cyclists. Norfolk County Council is currently asking for people’s views on the proposals, which include making improvements to the station’s forecourt, a landscaped ‘garden walk’ between the bridge and North Quay and creating a wide, continuous cycle and pedestrian path from the station to the Market Place via The Conge.  Other elements being proposed include a new cycle and footpath linking Acle New Road with Vauxhall Bridge, changes to crossing points and junctions to make them safer for cyclists and pedestrians, and better lighting and signage.  The improvements part of a wider intention to transform the Great Yarmouth area over the coming years to make it easier for people to get to and around and make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit. This will help attract future investment and economic development to the area, creating skilled jobs, business opportunities and giving local people a better quality of life. People are being encouraged to view the detailed proposals and respond to the consultation online via www.norfolk.citizenspace.com before the consultation closes at midnight on Monday, 13 March. In addition, the County Council is holding four drop-in sessions in the town over the next fortnight to give people the opportunity to examine the plans in person and speak to members of the project team. These will be held at:

• The train station on Friday, 17 February from 8am to 6pm.
• Market Gates shopping centre on Wednesday, 22 February from 10am to 3pm.
• Asda on Acle New Rd on Wednesday, 1 March from 10am to 4pm.
• Market Gates shopping centre on Friday, 3 March from 10am to 3pm.

Once the public consultation has closed at midnight on Monday, 13 March the responses will be considered and more detailed planning work will be done, with construction work due to get underway in late autumn this year. Norfolk County Council has been awarded the £2 million by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to design and carry out the proposed improvement works, which are being considered as part of Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s draft Masterplan to strengthen the town centre.  

Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said: “Great Yarmouth Chamber Council welcomes this much needed investment to our town.  Improvements to key transport links are vital for both the business community and the tourism sector.   First impressions count, and easy access from the train stations and the links to the town centre will make a significant difference.  In addition, improved transport systems will help support economic growth for the growing offshore and renewables sector, as well as the Enterprise Zone.”

Martin Wilby, Chairman of the Environment, Development and Transport Committee at Norfolk County Council, said: “I believe these improvements will make a big difference to Great Yarmouth, both in practical terms and in giving people confidence in the town’s future. 

“The train station is the first place many visitors to Yarmouth see. Creating a better first impression to those coming into the town by rail and improving access into the heart of the town will significantly improve people’s experience, from tourists and businesspeople to residents. When considered alongside all the other work that’s underway or in the pipeline, there is a real collective commitment to transforming the town and the momentum to get things done.” Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia LEP, said: “Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of transport in Great Yarmouth will benefit those who live in, work in and visit the town.  Better transport connectivity is important for businesses. Great Yarmouth, with its offshore heritage and growing energy sector, is at the centre of our all-energy coastline and it is crucial that the town’s transport system can support economic growth.”  Cllr Graham Plant, the leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “The railway station is a busy gateway to the town and as such helps to form those all-important first impressions of the borough. “It is clear that the setting of the railway station area and its links to the town centre need improving. Creating a new sense of arrival at the railway station is one of the key projects of the draft Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to make the central area more attractive for residents, visitors and investors. “The borough council is pleased that the investment is available and looks forward to considering in more depth Norfolk County Council’s specific proposals and hearing the views of residents, businesses and visitors.”   As well as the proposed improvements to the route between the train station and Market Place, work is due to get underway this year to reduce congestion in the town. Central government has also pledged to improve junctions on the A47 and A12 by 2020, to make the roads safer to use and help prevent bottlenecks.

Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:

Locally

• The East of England saw the fastest growth in business activity of any UK region in December and its pace of jobs growth was second only to the Yorkshire and Humber region
• Consumer spending rose by 5.5% in November – driven by spending on petrol and in supermarkets according to Barclaycard.  Travel expenditure rose by 6% and restaurants saw growth of 15.5%
• A Howes Percival survey showed that 55% of businesses leaders are not confident of a positive Brexit impact on their businesses.  Firms in the agriculture, automotive and professional service were more encouraged, whilst those in technology, manufacturing and media were less so
• Residential property prices are picking up say the RICS.  With 21% more surveyors reporting a rise in new buyer enquiries

Nationally

• UK Manufacturing sector ended 2016 on a positive note, with rates of growth for production and new orders reaching a 2 year high
• Retail sales in December dropped 1.9% from the previous month.  With sales across all main retail sectors declining.  However ONs figures showed that in comparison to the same time the previous year overall sales were up 4.3%
• The fall in Sterling since Brexit has started to feed into the economy.  Rising air fares, food and petrol prices all help to push up inflation
• Lenders reported an increasing number of borrowers facing difficulties in repaying loans and overdrafts at the end of the year
• Retail sales volumes rose by 0.9% – much stronger than expected

For full details of the latest economic barometer click here.

The European Commission has published details of its current trade negotiations with Indonesia.

Bilateral trade talks between the EU and the South East Asian country were launched in July 2016, with the aim of concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two.

Issues covered include: customs duties and other barriers to trade; services and investment; access to public procurement markets; competition rules and the protection of intellectual property rights.

When the talks were launched, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said that an agreement would offer great opportunities for businesses and people in both the EU and Indonesia.

With a population of over 250 million people, Indonesia is the largest market in South East Asia. Figures for 2015 show that bilateral trade in goods between the prospective partners had already reached more than €25 billion that year.

The EU is Indonesia’s fourth largest trading partner, while Indonesia is the Union’s fifth largest partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Details of the negotiations just released by the Commission show that the talks have addressed the opening of public procurement markets, the need to reduce unnecessary overlapping regulatory barriers to trade and how to increase trade benefits for small businesses.

They have also considered increased co-operation on the import requirements related to food safety, and to plant and animal health.

In addition to trade issues, the CEPA is also intended to uphold current levels of protection for consumers, workers and the environment, and to promote sustainable development.

Further information about trade between the EU and Indonesia can be found at the European Commission website.