Norfolk Chamber members came along to the first networking event of the year, which took place at The Royal Assembly Rooms in Great Yarmouth on 18th January. The theme of the Business Breakfast was Workplace Wellbeing.
Centre 81 were our featured charity for the event, who came along to tell our guests more about their inspirational take on improving the lives of those living with a disability, the focus being on what they can do; not what they can’t do. Both Wrightway Health and Select Office Furniture also had a stand, who both advocate a focus on employee well-being.
After enjoying traditional networking activities and a full English breakfast, members heard from guest speaker Michelle Gant from Engaging People Company who shared some handy wellbeing tips that businesses could enact to improve the well-being of their staff.
If you are interested in attending our next business breakfast in Great Yarmouth click here to find out more about the next one taking place at The Great Yarmouth Race Course on Thursday 19 April.
Aim; The qualification provides skills in the auditing and inspection of food manufacturing processes, in order to effectively verify HACCP and general food safety and management systems. Especially valuable for BRC, SALSA, etc certificated manufacturers and multi-site catering operations where consistency is valuable.
Objectives
*Understanding auditing and inspection- what it is and appreciate the benefits and limitations
*Collecting & verifying of information
*Identify and plan the stages in Audit and Inspection
*Improve the ability to analyse & interpret data
*People Skills- improve your ability to get the right information
*Identify the competencies & characteristics of Auditors
*Understanding the implementation of on-site audits & inspections
*How to prepare written reports
Organisation
Duration; The course is delivered over one day- it is a classroom session- based on a number of syndicate exercises, activities & case studies- no chalk & talk here!
Exam/Assessment; 30 question multiple choice test: Pass mark 20, Merit mark 25
Cost; £135 plus VAT includes notes, refreshments & lunch and the assessment & certification fees (HABC)
Awarding Body; Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC)
Tutor; Richard Mills
Differentiation; Reasonable (Level 2 or equivalent) literacy, good communication skills, a broad understanding of food safety and its management systems, and experience of food manufacturing or large scale catering processes.
Audience; This qualification is for supervisors, team leaders & QA staff who are involved in the verification of Food Safety through Auditing & Inspection
Feedback; “thank you for your help, guidance and interest in putting on our courses…at such short notice. We all thought you were an exceptional presenter and made it a most enjoyable and productive experience. (Wow ! That’s got to be worth a “Brucie Bonus”)” Ernie Woodhouse, QA Team, Youngs Seafoods (Cromer Crab Company)
East Anglian theatre company brings critically acclaimed play to the small screen
LIT watch party: 7.30pm, Tuesday 1 June, 2021
Plain Speaking PR is proud to be working with HighTide, one of the UK’s leading new theatre writing companies.
HighTide is reimagining its critically acclaimed production – LIT – for the Netflix generation. A new version of the play, which had its world premiere at the Aldeburgh Festival in 2019, will be available to watch on TV screens from 7.30pm on Tuesday 1 June.
Written by Sophie Ellerby and produced as a partnership between HighTide and Nottingham Playhouse, LIT is the story of Bex: a teenage girl, looking for love in all the wrong places. Described by the Guardian newspaper as ‘a blistering look at teenage trauma’, the play tackles a range of difficult subject matters, but is underpinned by a cheeky and irreverent sense of humour. Inspired by Sophie’s experience of working with young women and mothers in the prison system, LIT doesn’t shy away from dealing with the grittier – and often heart-breaking – side of growing up.
LIT began its journey at the Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall in Suffolk before transferring to sell-out audiences in London and Nottingham. It was originally commissioned by funding from Arts Council England through HighTide’s First Commissions programme. LIT‘s first run in 2019 won a range of plaudits from some of the UK’s most well-respected critics.
HighTide develops innovative productions and programmes that actively encourage diverse communities across the East of England to engage with new theatre writing. The company provides opportunities for young writers and performers to get involved and share their stories.
Suba Das is the Artistic director of HighTide: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Nottingham Playhouse to give theatre fans throughout the East of England and beyond the opportunity to immerse themselves in the turbulent life of Bex,” Mr Das explains.
”The ongoing impact and uncertainty of the pandemic has meant we haven’t been able to physically connect with our audiences in the East of England in the way we have over the past ten years. But we’re proud that our pioneering approach to digital content has meant we’ve nonetheless reached thousands of viewers and vulnerable communities across our home region. LIT is a culmination of this online journey and we are thrilled our audiences will be able to experience this incredible show in their homes, ahead of us resuming live performances later this year.”
Stef Driscoll directed the original production of LIT and returns to the Nottingham Playhouse for its 2021 re-vamp. “LIT is a play for the Netflix generation who want a narrative that is thrilling, witty and packs an emotional punch. Audiences will be taken on a journey with Bex that unmasks what it means to be a young woman today.”
Sophie Ellerby, the writer of LIT said: “I’m excited for Bex to burst into audience’s homes, full force. Since its first run in 2019, issues present in the play – such as rape culture and consent – have been magnified further. I hope LIT continues to spark conversation and empathy.”
For those wishing to be one of the first to see this landmark digital revival, the LIT online watch party is at 7.30pm on Tue 1 June 2021. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased from Nottingham Playhouse. Ticket-holders can then watch the recording as many times they like for up to 5 days. After the 1 June the production can be accessed on demand until 29th June.
The European Commission has launched a challenge at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva to Argentina’s import restrictions.
Under WTO dispute settlement procedures, the EU is first requesting consultations with Argentina in a bid to have these measures, which negatively affect the EU’s trade and investment, lifted. This is a first step in the WTO dispute settlement system.
If no solution is found within 60 days, then the EU can request a WTO Panel to be established to rule on the legality of Argentina’s actions.
The restrictive measures include Argentina’s import licensing regime, notably the procedures to obtain an import licence as well as the obligation on companies to balance imports with exports.
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht explained: “The trade and investment climate in Argentina is clearly getting worse. This leaves me no choice but to challenge Argentina’s protectionist import regime and ensure that the rules for free and fair trade are upheld.”
Argentina subjects the import of all goods to a pre-registration and pre-approval regime, called the “Declaración Jurada Anticipada de Importación”. Since February 2012, this pre-approval requirement is applied to all imports.
Hundreds of goods also need an import licence.
On the basis of these procedures, imports are systematically delayed or refused on non-transparent grounds. In early 2011, more than 600 product types were affected by this licence regime, such as electrical machinery, auto parts and chemical products.
Moreover, Argentina requires importers to balance imports with exports, or to increase the local content of the products they manufacture in Argentina, or not to transfer revenues abroad.
This practice is systematic, non-written and non-transparent. Acceptance by importers to undertake this practice appears to be a condition for obtaining the licence that allows imports of their goods.
Norfolk Chamber’s Planning & Development Group, recently invited Julian Munson, the new Head of Enterprise Zones and Innovation for New Anglia LEP to present his perception of economic growth for Norfolk and Suffolk.
Also in attendance were the economic development officers from the majority of Norfolk’s local authorities. The group then debated how to best bring forward economic growth. Skills was noted as one of the top issues affecting growth in all areas.
All agreed that more work needed to be done to raise the profile of Norfolk and that it is fundamental to broadcast a positive message that is relevant to all businesses. The group concluded that a suite of marketing messages/tools was needed, which could then be used to target specific audiences.
The discussion closed with agreement to work together to create the right messages and help target greater economic growth for Norfolk.
Aim; This qualification is designed to ensure candidates develop the required knowledge and practical skills to implement a HACCP plan in their workplace.
Objectives;
• To understand the importance of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based food safety management procedures
• To appreciate the need for food businesses to take a proactive approach to analysing potential food hazards
• To be able to develop a Codex/BRI standard HACCP plan; o to identify the preliminary processes for HACCP-based procedures o correct hazard analysis and identification of critical control points o understand how critical control points can be monitored and the corrective actions that must be carried out o understand the meaning and elements of verification o understand the need for accurate documentation and record keeping
Organisation
Duration; 1 day classroom course.
Exam/Assessment; delegates produce their own Codex-compliant HACCP plan under our supervision, within an agreed time period after the course. This course is Ofqual accredited.
Cost; £295 plus VAT includes notes, refreshments, lunch, the assessment & certification fees
Awarding Body; Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Tutor; Richard Mills
Differentiation; as a minimum, Level 2 Award in Food Safety or equivalent is strongly recommended. Candidates must also have an understanding and background in a food manufacturing setting. An ability to access and use a computer for writing and emailing course work is essential.
Audience; All managers, supervisors and QA/QC staff from any food manufacturing businesses, who are responsible for the development of a food safety management system based on the Codex principles of HACCP.
Feedback; “This is a good experience. I like it. Especially, your analysis of my HACCP document is – I admit, spot on. I appreciate your patience and above all professionalism. Your approach to training encourages trainees understand HACCP in a practical sense and apply it in practice, which I feel right and meaningful.” Bernard Fernando, Quality Manager, Broadland Wineries, Cawston
The British Chambers of Commerce are launching a brand new series of events – four topical and interactive webinars, designed to count down to the end of the EU Transition period.
They will be full of practical information and advice on what businesses need to do now in order to be prepared for the changes on 01 January 2021. They will also guide businesses through the jargon and complexities of Customs processes to ensure they understand what change is required.
Hosted by Customs expert Liam Smyth, these highly relevant and engaging webinars will guide businesses through the complexity of change in our import and export processes, systems and controls.
If you are a non member please follow the book now link to the right of this page _____________________________________________________________________________
Webinar dates for your diary:
Webinar 1: 100 days to go – Tuesday 22 September, 15.30 – 16.30
Webinar 2: 75 days to go – Friday 16 October, 10:00 – 11:00
Webinar 3: 50 days to go – Wednesday 11 November, 10:00 – 11:00
Webinar 4: 30 days to go – Tuesday 01 December, 10:00 – 11:00
Deadlines for bookings:
Please note to enable us to issue the final links to join the call, please note the deadline dates below to book onto the webinars:
As you will be aware, a winding-up order was made against Carillion Plc on Monday 15th January, and the court appointed the Official Receiver as the liquidator. The collapse of Carillion raises challenges across a number of areas, from system-wide impacts on the availability of finance; the status of contracts where Carillion was a partner in joint ventures; the future of its employees and those of its sub-contractors; and monies owed to companies in the supply chain.
Commenting on the collapse, Jonathan Cage, Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers, President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber’s Planning and Development Group said:
“With Carillion being the UK’s second largest construction company, the news will send shockwaves throughout the construction sector. It is essential that government acts to ensure that the collapse of this construction giant does not significantly impact the supply chain and that support is given to many of the SMEs that make up this complex structure.
“Infrastructure investment is essential for the future success of the country especially during Brexit and situations like this will materially set back the delivery of this investment if immediate financial support is not provided. It is not right that many companies will no doubt face major financial right offs due to miss management of this major firm, at a time when UK Plc needs its construction industry to be confident and efficient.”
PwC have been appointed as Special Advisors to the Official Receiver and they have published a webpage with further official information for employees, customers, suppliers and other parties.
The National Infrastructure Commission has issued a Call for Evidence on improving the infrastructure supporting the UK’s freight networks.
The Chancellor has asked the National Infrastructure Commission to conduct a study into the role that freight plays in the economy and identify how future infrastructure investments can support better freight connectivity and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
What are the key constraints to the effective and efficient movement of freight in the Norfolk and the rest of the UK and how do we overcome them?
How might the demand for freight develop and change over the next 20-30 years?
What effect does congestion have on the efficiency of freight movements and emissions?
How can freight reduce its carbon and air quality impacts?
How could new technologies increase the efficiency and productivity of Norfolk and the rest of the UK freight?
What international experiences can the UK learn from to improve freight and reduce its carbon footprint
An interim report in the autumn will assess the economic impact of a more efficient, low-carbon freight sector and solutions to achieve that. A final report in 2019 will recommend changes in infrastructure planning and investment to meet the UK’s freight needs over the next 30 years.
The deadline for submitting your views and comments is Monday 5 March 2018.
In Conversation with Andrew Bailey – Governor of the Bank of England. Andrew Bailey began his term as Governor of the Bank of England on 16 March 2020. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from 1 July 2016 until taking up the role of Governor. As CEO of the FCA, Andrew Bailey was also a member of the Prudential Regulation Committee, the Financial Policy Committee, and the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority.
While retaining his role as Executive Director of the Bank, Andrew joined the Financial Services Authority in April 2011 as Deputy Head of the Prudential Business Unit and Director of UK Banks and Building Societies.
Andrew worked at the Bank in a number of areas, most recently as Executive Director for Banking Services and Chief Cashier, as well as Head of the Bank’s Special Resolution Unit (SRU). Previous roles include Governor’s Private Secretary, and Head of the International Economic Analysis Division in Monetary Analysis.
Tuesday 1 September 12noon – 1.00pm (UK Time) Open to all Please note that registration closes 1 hour before the start time Registration details available shortly
Commenting on the labour market figures for January 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The rise in employment and continued decline in unemployment is further evidence that the UK labour market remains a key source of strength for the UK economy.
“It is possible that UK labour market conditions may cool over the next year, as sluggish economic growth and Brexit uncertainty take their toll on firm’s recruitment intentions. However, we expect that while the UK unemployment rate will drift up to a peak of 4.7% this year, it will remain significantly below the long-run average.
“The continued rise in the number of vacancies to a new record high is further evidence that skills shortages are at critical levels. The BCC’s own Quarterly Economic Survey confirms that the growing skills gap is a major drag on business activity, hitting investment and productivity.
“While it is encouraging that regular earnings growth picked up slightly, subdued economic conditions are likely to weigh on wage growth over the next year. As a consequence, pay growth is likely to remain stubbornly below price growth over the near term, dampening consumer spending, a key driver of UK GDP growth.
“More must be done to close the UK’s skills gap, including easing upfront business costs to help firms recruit and train staff, and deliver a future immigration regime that supports the needs of the UK economy.”
The European Parliament’s International Trade Committee has endorsed four agreements with Russia that give the EU exclusive trading benefits.
The new deals cover Russian wood exports, trade in car parts, duties on raw materials and the services market. They pave the way for Russia to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The four bilateral agreements, which need Parliament’s consent to enter in force, are in fact more favourable to the EU than they have to be under WTO rules. The plenary vote by the European Parliament is expected in July.
Russia should then join the WTO by the end of the summer.
The deal on tariff-rate quotas for Russian exports of wood will boost the supply from Russia, which has agreed to cut export duties from current levels and grant the EU relatively large quotas for lower-duty Russian exports. The agreement defines the rules for applying these quotas and prevents Russia from applying unpredictable increases to export duties, which have affected many EU producers in the past.
The deal on car components protects EU auto part companies hit by Russian measures that will remain in force until 2018, even after Russia joins the WTO. These measures give foreign auto manufacturers incentives to relocate to Russia, and could discriminate against Russian imports of foreign car components.
Russia has also agreed to binding export tariffs for 80% of the raw materials it exports.
The remaining 20% are materials of strategic importance for EU industries. Under the deal, Russia will consult and negotiate with the EU at least two months before it plans to increase export duties on the products listed in the agreement.
This list includes agricultural products such as wheat, sunflower seeds, tobacco, animal skins, wool and cotton and a large number of earths and minerals.
Finally, the agreement on trade in services grants new opportunities for EU maritime transport agencies seeking to set up in Russia. It gives preferential access to people working for European services companies who need to work in Russia in order to start a business there.
The EU foresees a minimum quota of 16,000 work permits per year in this context.