Launched on 22 September 2021, the project supports micro, small and medium-sized businesses to develop digital technology tools through funding and one to one support and continues a successful pilot conducted in early 2021.
Go Digital is delivered by Norfolk County Council, in partnership with local district authorities, to help businesses based in the county identify digital opportunities. It will provide expert one-to-one consultancy and the ability to apply for grants of up to £500. Digital opportunities could include how to sell products and services online, reach new customers using social media, build customer databases, develop new or existing websites and attract new visitors, or how to work out the best homeworking options for teams. Successful Go Digital applicants will be assigned an experienced business advisor who will conduct a ‘digital audit’ and provide a comprehensive report to identify digital opportunities. The advisor will help the business put together an action plan and then businesses will have the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £500 to help them deliver projects using this plan.
The funding for 600 additional spaces on Go Digital has been enabled by the Interreg EU funded C-Care Project. C-Care project is a cross border France – England project, aiming to support people and businesses to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic.
If you have any enquiries about the scheme, please contact the NNDC Economic Growth Team.
On Friday 8 February the world celebrated the 108th International Women’s Day and Norfolk came out in support for this globally recognised day. In partnership with NatWest, and with the support of Community Sports Foundation, Grant Thornton UK LLP and Vattenfall, we held our first International Women’s Day celebration event. Taking place at The Nest, we welcomed over 100 business women and men, as well as young students from local schools to hear from some of Norfolk’s inspirational women. Speaking on the ground-breaking work taking place to drive change for women we welcomed Kelly Saddleton of Community Sports Foundation, Bethan Gill of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Dr Catrin Ellis Jones of Vattenfall and Fiona Ryder, Managing Director, TCD Media and President of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Each guest speaker took to the stage to share their stories and then came together for some audience Q&A. The reinforced message throughout was all about encouraging women around us to ask and to be proud of their achievements. Female empowerment was definitely felt throughout the room when the session began coming to its close and many audience members stood up to share some of their achievements. International Women’s Day is all about building a gender balanced world where everyone has a part to play. During her talk, Fiona highlighted the fact that ‘Balance for Better’ is not just a women’s issue, but a business issue, which spoke volumes to our audience today. There’s still a long way to go, but by supporting women in our workplaces, by encouraging them to be the best they can, we can continue to create a gender balanced world. Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is an organisation made up of 13 people, 11 of those are women who all work exceptionally hard to support Norfolk’s business community. We are proud of the women in our workforce and we hope other businesses out there are celebrating this special day!
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now advised that they will no longer be legalising Certificates of Origins and Invoices.
Commenting on this change, Julie Austin, International Trade Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:
“Many importers still request that the documents from UK should be legalised by the Saudi Arabian Embassy to secure payments and meet contractual terms. As such, the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce is lobbying the Embassy to try to reverse this decision. The Embassy have confirmed that they are looking into this matter.
“In the meantime all pending documents are being returned until the issue is resolved, in the meantime the Arab-British Chamber will continue to certify documents only.
“If you have any concerns or would like more information, please contact our international team on 01603 729706 or export@norfolkchamber.co.uk.”
Commenting on the latest ONS Labour Market statistics released today, BCC Head of People Policy, Jane Gratton, said:
“The labour market remains incredibly tight adding to the growing list of concerns businesses are facing. This is a ticking timebomb for firms up and down the country.
“Today’s figures show little improvement for employers over the last quarter. Despite the small increase in employment levels, the number of job vacancies in the economy remains around the highest on record. Competition for skills and labour continues to drive up wage costs.”
“Skills and labour shortages have reached crisis point for many firms. The impact is being felt on their ability to meet customer demand and forcing some to turn away new business, because they simply do not have the human resource. This is restricting growth and business confidence. It’s a serious and urgent problem.
“On top of all of this, firms are now grappling with the highest inflation in almost 40 years; the largest spike in interest rates in three decades; ongoing supply chain disruption; and eye watering energy bills. There is a limit to how much additional cost business can absorb.
“The Government can help ease the growing pressure in the labour market at no extra cost to the Exchequer. We need an immediate review and reform of the Shortage Occupations List (SOL) to include more jobs at all skill levels. This will give firms breathing space to train and upskill their workforce. We have over a million more job vacancies than people available to work, so the sooner we start the SOL review, the better.
“We also need to encourage economically inactive people back into the UK labour market through access to publicly funded rapid retraining opportunities. Businesses must be part of the solution too by creating the right workplace conditions, for example by providing flexible working practises, training opportunities and a focus on workplace healthcare and support.
“We cannot see another month of the same old news, it’s time for action and we’re offering the solution. It’s time for the Government to listen.”
The UK does very little business with countries in South East Asia, currently trading more with Belgium than with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam combined.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid will be hoping to correct this imbalance when he speaks at the UK-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Dialogue conference being held on 13 October at Asia House in London.
ASEAN is attracting global attention, with Prime Minister David Cameron having paid a recent visit to South East Asia, where he was accompanied by Mr Javid. With a population of over 600 million, a growing middle class and a combined GDP of about US$2.4 trillion, ASEAN is already a dynamic and exciting market for the global business community and is set to be a long-term driver of global economic growth.
The UK-ASEAN Dialogue will explore the challenges and opportunities in the region, looking specifically at the political climate, infrastructure development and financial services.
Other confirmed speakers at the conference include Lord Mandelson, Chairman and Partner, Global Counsel LLP; Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia; and David Sayer, Chairman – High Growth Markets, KPMG.
The conference will be followed in the evening by Asia House‘s annual gala event – the Asian Business Leaders Awards – that is to be held at The Banqueting House, Whitehall.
The International Trade Committee is holding an inquiry into export opportunities and whether UK exporters are able to take advantage of them.
The inquiry will look into the current situation for exporters, the support offered by the Government and how easily exporters can access it.
The inquiry will also consider whether there are options, not currently offered by the Government, for supporting businesses. It will also explore how the support offered by the UK Government compares with that available in other countries.
This inquiry is currently accepting evidence
The committee wants to hear your views. We welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. You can submit evidence until Friday 24 March 2023.
Networking is an extremely valuable tool for businesses but it can be intimidating to many. The thought of introducing yourself and talking to people you have never met before is enough to make anyone feel nervous. Feeling like this is normal. Not everyone will be good at networking the first time, it takes time to gain confidence and for you to feel comfortable in that environment.
On the 31st January, we were joined by Mills & Reeve for a networking masterclass at their Norwich Office. Leanne Loome, Marketing Events Manager and Matt Skipper, Head of New Business at Mills & Reeve presented some top tips on how to develop and improve your networking skills. Networking internally is a really good way to not only practice your networking skills but to also grow your internal network and get to know the people around you and what they are responsible for.
Leanne and Matt outlined four things to think about before you go networking. Attendees were asked to discuss the four rules in groups and come up with suggestions for each.
Do your research
Where is the event? How far away is it from your office?
Who is going (this is only possible if the delegate list is visible)?
Who is the event aimed for? Are you going for a personal gain or to build professional connections?
First Impressions
Practice your elevator pitch.
Your elevator pitch is a quick description of who you are, where you work and why you are attending the event. You should always end your elevator pitch on an open question, for example, ask them why they are at the event.
Walking into the room
‘Hunt in packs’ if you are in a group of two ask others to join you and form a group, do not leave someone on their own at a networking event.
Follow up
Always follow up after a virtual event, connect with them on LinkedIn and send them a message e.g. nice to meet you today.
The masterclass concluded with the key to networking, be yourself and enjoy it.
Thank you to Leanne Loome and Matt Skipper for joining us and creating an activity lead masterclass that provided some top tips to make us feel more comfortable for future networking events.
As we continue the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 here are four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics.
Infrastructure and transport
Mobilitways Commuter Census Survey 2022 reported that 81% of commuters were considering an alternative travel mode and 61% of commuters worried about rising fuel costs.
How can the menopause affect your finances? Despite the menopause affecting roughly 50% of the population, it’s often left unspoken, and its symptoms misunderstood. In fact, a survey found that 91% of women aged 50-64 felt that there was little to no acknowledgement of the menopause within their workplace.
One month into 2023, how are your resolutions going? Refresh your starts and new beginnings by setting yourself a resolution can provide a sense of purpose and direction. Many people find that having a sense of community and shared purpose can help them stay committed to their goals, and telling others about your resolution is a proven way to increase how successful you are in keeping it.
The arrival of the summer recess marks a respite period for many (other than Conservative Party leadership candidates and members) from an intense period of policy-making affecting trade. As a new Prime Minister takes office on 6 September, the in-tray on international trade issues will be daunting.
Firstly, the prospect of a fully-fledged trade dispute between the UK and the EU is drawing ever closer. The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill completed its Commons stages this week, and was introduced into the House of Lords yesterday. This provides UK Ministers with the legal powers domestically to over-write the Protocol and introduce check free, friction free movements of goods East-West and West-East across the Irish Sea for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The European Commission is expected to launch new legal proceedings against the UK Government within days for alleged breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement. Should the Bill become law – a prospect still many months away – the EU is expected to respond with further actions including safeguard measures (tariffs) on selected UK exports to the EU while the whole matter is resolved by the dispute resolution machinery in the Withdrawal Agreement and Trade and Co-operation Agreement. The BCC is prioritising a negotiated solution, but potentially affected companies should be taking advice now to mitigate their exposure to new costs on exporting goods to the EU should matters worsen.
Second, the UK Government launched its consultation document yesterday on a Single Trade Window (STW) which is designed to be rolled out from December 2023 as part of the new Target Operating Model (TOM). This will incorporate border control processes for goods entering GB from the EU and the rest of the world, including those inbound measures which were deferred from entering into force in the latter half of 2022 (requirements for safety and security certificates, export health certificates, and documentary, identity and physical checks on products of animal origin and plant. products). In time, the STW is designed to provide a single user portal for a range of border and customs processes and greater efficiency in holding times for goods. A range of other countries are also progressing their Single Customs Window plans too, including the EU.
Third, an autumn campaign on preference utilisation rates among SMEs is being prepared for roll out. The BCC is involved in discussions with the UK Government about outputs and delivery of this, following our research findings from members that awareness and ways to use new trade agreements being made by the UK with other trading partners was very low. The aim is to increase volumes of exports and numbers of companies exporting. Initially five markets will be prioritised: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and Norway. The Australia and New Zealand free trade agreements are expected to be ratified later in the autumn and take effect early next year after legislation at Westminster on procurement and amendments to the tariff schedule are passed.
Fourth, an intensive series of negotiating rounds will be required to complete some and progress other key trade negotiations. Negotiations with India are expected to be completed in time for 24 October – the BCC has had sight of some negotiating drafts in key areas. Canada negotiations for a bespoke trade agreement are expected to conclude by the end of the year to tie-in with UK accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Negotiations with the Gulf Co-operation Council, Mexico and Israel are getting underway but may not finish into 2023.
Fifth, delivering an export strategy which provides a pathway to stronger export-led growth will be key this year. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecast in last autumn’s Budget export growth between 8-9% this year. Trade data from the first half of this year puts UK export performance short of that growth trajectory. The BCC is putting plans to DIT to remedy that and boost export volumes.
So a busy autumn ahead, as well as unpredictable events such as the impact of the war in Ukraine on supply chains. Keep in touch with ChamberCustoms and the BCC as we guide you through this uncertain period and reach together better times ahead.
Have your say.
Let us know your opinions
Photo credit: Chamber Canva Pro
You can view this original article here on the BCC website
As we continue the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 here are four things to learn on the topic of People, Skills and Wellbeing.
People, skills and Wellbeing #1
Are you joining us at the Big Debate? Are skills at the top of your agenda? Are you looking at how your business can invest in your workforces skills, navigate funding guidance and recruit new apprentices?
Then book your place at our series of free LSIP events across Norfolk and Suffolk to find out more. Networking, skills and growth for your business.
“Workplace Wellbeing relates to all aspects of working life, from the quality and safety of the physical environment, to how workers feel about their work, their working environment, the climate at work and work organization.”
In this article, Layrd Design explores the concept of workplace wellness, the benefits for business and some of the practical steps you can take to support your team’s wellbeing.
It’s no secret that there’s a severe skills gap in the UK. Trained people are in short supply across several industries, and businesses of all sizes are affected. The result is that these businesses face a new challenge of locating the ideal candidates to fill critical tasks. In this article, we’ll explore different potential fixes that companies may utilise to address it.
Have you ever wondered if your business could sustain itself without the right people? Considered outsourcing personnel to close the skills gaps within your company? Have your employees experienced a drop in morale due to gaps in your workforce?
Are apprenticeships the way to close skills gap in the UK?
Are you finding it difficult to find the perfect person for your job role? Maybe the skills needed are too niche, too technical, or you may be sceptical about hiring people with less experience for that position.
With the right guidance and teaching, a person with less experience might have exactly what it takes for the job. Considering an apprentice that can grow within that job role might be the way to go.
There are several benefits when considering an apprentice. Whilst it may require more resources and time from your company, the outcome could outweigh alternative solutions for closing that skills gap.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a way to learn by doing.
It’s a type of paid-for training program that provides hands-on learning and practical knowledge from within an active company. It gives apprentices access to professionals in the industry, opening their network and putting them on the radar within the industry.
Apprenticeships usually involve a formal agreement between the employer and the apprentice, where the apprentice will receive mentorship alongside following an approved study programme. This means they’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification at the end of their apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the programme and the apprentice’s progress.
For an employer, the benefits of employing an apprentice include:
A cost-effective way to develop new skills and knowledge within the workplace
An opportunity to recruit and retain talented young people
An opportunity to adapt your learnings toward your business’ model
Increased productivity and healthy competitiveness in the workplace
Make sure your company has what it takes to employ an apprentice:
The right resources in-house:
Make sure you have the right people, assets and tools in place to provide that knowledge to fresh minds. If you don’t have the knowledge or tools in place, you may not be able to provide the right training and close that skills gap.
The necessary allocated time for learning:
Make sure that whoever in your company is responsible for your apprentice has the necessary time allocated to support them. Someone under pressure to execute their own tasks whilst also trying to teach someone could become unproductive and inefficient in the long term and could have a negative effect on morale.
A well-defined need for skills:
Make sure you have defined the skills you need within your company and justify the apprenticeship program.
Set your KPIs or success measurements:
What does a successful apprentice would look like to you and your company? Define what you want to achieve at the end of their apprenticeship program, how it will or would have benefited your company. Keeping these metrics in place from the start will help you identify pain points to address or successes that will shape the future role.
Is apprenticeship the future of closing the skills gap?
It’s clear that apprenticeships are a good solution to close skills gaps in the UK. But not all companies can afford or have the right assets to provide the necessary training.
Apprenticeship programmes are highly regarded because they allow a level of flexibility and accuracy for the company that provides the training. The apprentices are learning the tools, skills and knowledge that the company needs. Shaping the apprentices for that specific future role is also a very good opportunity to grow faster within that industry.
If you find your company in need to close skills gap and you’re not sure how or where to start with apprenticeship programmes, you can let us know by filling this LISP Employer’s Survey and we’ll get in touch to help your business.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023
Norfolk County Council reported the latest provisional data set released by ESFA for the number of Apprenticeship starts across Norfolk for Q1 of 2022/23 (Aug, Sept, Oct 2022).
Here are the headlines:
The National apprenticeship starts decline is at 6.10%.
However, Norfolk is showing less decline at 5.85%, which is unsurprising given the huge growth surge last year against the backdrop of the availability of the Government incentives.
In Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk were the only districts to see growth in Q1 – which is brilliant news, as both of these districts have historically seen lower numbers of new starts out of Norfolk districts.
Katy Dorman, Apprenticeship Strategy Manager at Norfolk County Council, scratches the surface of the data, which brings positive stats in regards of Norfolk’s effort with Apprenticeship programs:
Starts at Level 2 have seen72% growth, compared to a national decline of -18.43%.
Starts for those aged 16-18 has seen47% growth, compared to a national decline of -4.10%.
Starts for ‘newly recruited’ apprentices saw 16% growth, those in employed less than 3 months who started an apprenticeship.
By month, Norfolk saw a little growth in October 2021 of 1.66%
By sector, the highest real number of apprenticeship starts was in
Health, Public Services & Care with a total of 486
The highest growth based on Q1 in 2021/22 was Construction with 46 more starts during Q1 2022/23
Our mission with LSIP in Norfolk and Suffolk is to understand the skills gap that industry face on a regular basis, with the aim to provide the right support and workforce in the long-term.
This growth in Q1 23 reported by Norfolk County Council need to keep progressing in the right direction, which is what LSIP aims to do with the help of business owners sharing their experience of skills gap impact within their company.
Become part of the skills gap solution by sharing your professional experience with us: LSIP Employer Form
Motorists are reminded that an overnight closure of the A47 at Postwick on Thursday night, 15 October, will herald changes to temporary traffic flows as the major improvement of the Postwick junction moves into its final phases.
The Thursday night closure of the A47 is to allow traffic to be switched from the old slip road, taking eastbound traffic off the A47, to a newly-constructed slip road.
This change is necessary for the safety of traffic on the A47.
The old slip road is too short, and is being closed and replaced because it cannot be extended. With significant housing and business park development already planned for the area, therewould have beena significant andgrowing risk of traffic queuing back down the slip road on to the 70mph dual carriageway.
The other major change on Thursday night is the closure of the original bridge over the A47 for essential maintenance and upgrading. Traffic will instead use the new bridge for the first time.
These temporary arrangements, which will be for around five weeks, will put pressure on the new access roads and junctions.Temporary traffic lights will be used at the Broadland Way/Peachman Way roundabout.
The changes will be made overnight on Thursday and will come into effect on Friday 16 October. An overnight A47 closure (8pm to no later than 6am)will be necessary. Westbound traffic will have a short diversion up and down the junction slip roads, but for eastbound traffic the A47 will be closed at Trowse, with traffic diverted via the A146, A143 and A12, returning to the A47 at Vauxhall roundabout, Great Yarmouth.
There will be a further closure of the A47 on Friday night (8pm to no later than 6am), when traffic from both directions will be diverted via the junction slip roads.
Norfolk County Council apologises for the delays and inconvenience caused by these closures and the temporary traffic arrangements. Work on the junction remains on course for completion before Christmas.
Further information is available on Norfolk County Council’s website (www.norfolk.gov.uk), including traffic flow plans and a more detailed explanation of the scheme and the reasons for the junction layout.