Commenting on the Business Investment figures for Q3 2008, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the report, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

Thirteen new Bills have been published today in the Queen’s Speech. Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), David Frost, said:

Commenting on the choices facing the MPC at its December 2008 meeting next Thursday, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Commenting on the choices facing the MPC at its December 2008 meeting next Thursday, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Traders and consumers in the East of England will get a £725 million boost when the cut in the standard rate of VAT comes into effect on Monday 1 December.

Proposals to develop one or more unitary councils in Norfolk will not now proceed to the original timetable following a Judicial Review hearing in the High Court in London this morning.

Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), David Frost, has today written to the Chancellor regarding the announcement to increase National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in his Pre-Budget Report.

The European Commission is due to publish its Recovery plan today.  This will include the recent EIB €30 billion package as well as bringing forward funding for competitiveness and innovation and making it easier for member states to deliver it and businesses to access it. 

The ONS has published revised GDP figures for quarter three 2008. David Kern, Chief Economist of the BCC said:

SNR - Government Response to the Prosperous Places Consulation.

In response to recent Government announcements ALL Business Link briefings and workshops are now free of charge (previously £30) for ALL small and medium-sized businesses.

Norfolk Adult Social Services are making changes to the way day services are provided for older people and people with physical or sensory impairments in Norfolk.

Local businesses looking to boost their sales are being offered a unique opportunity to meet some of the area’s largest buyers thanks to enterpriseGY.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

On Monday the 17th of  Nov the Aylsham Young Chamber led a group of forty students in meeting the Make Your Mark challenge as part of Enterprise week.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is responding today to the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report.

Commenting on the MPC minutes, published by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Norfolk Chamber’s Small Business Rate Relief campaign up to the 30th September 2008 has seen Norfolk businesses save £49.5k for their first year and £148.6k over three years Collectively small businesses across the UK have saved over £1.5 million.

An announcement from the DfT has been made to bring forward the A11 dualling  project.

At the Small Business Finance Forum on the 11th November 08, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) had a frank and honest discussion with the banks and Government.

Official figures published today by the Office for National Statistics show that unemployment has reached an 11-year high.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Newly appointed skills minister Lord Young will underline government’s policies relating to skills when he addresses local businesses at a high-profile breakfast conference organised by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in association with The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the MPC to cut interest rates by half a point on Thursday to 4 per cent, with a further half point cut to 3.5 per cent by Christmas.

Get the funding and training you need to get the best out of your people. If you are a small to medium sized business based in the East of England you can nominate up to 2 Learning Champions free of charge. This OCN accredited course is offered at level 2 and level 3.  As well as funding your champion’s development we will show them how to help you source further funding that can contribute towards your workforce staff development.

Did you visit the Anglia TV stand at our Expo 08 and attempt to read the news? 

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

HMRC have asked for feedback on any problems you as an employer may face dealing with them in processing their payroll and/or tax returns.

Commenting on the £4 billion support package secured by the Government from the European Investment Bank, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), David Frost, said:

The Borough Council's Cabinet will be considering a raft of measures to help businesses and council taxpayers weather the current financial chill when it meets on 4 November.

Norfolk Chamber are exhibiting at the East Anglia Franchise Show on Wednesday 12th November 08 at the Holiday Inn Norwich Airport.

Norfolk County Council are running a series of free Packaging and Eco-design events over the next few months.  The events hope to provide practical advice and guidance to Norfolk businesses on ways in which they can modify and improve their products packaging design to reduce the levels of excess packaging.  

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Alison Lys, Head of Skills at EEDA, said:

The chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has welcomed government’s new measures to help businesses large and small to beat the economic downturn.

New Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has told Norfolk business leaders the Government is working towards bringing forward the dualling of the A11.

“Safer Street” campaign comes as Brits fear for their homes in credit crunch.

Summary of ‘Solution for Business Funded by Government’ – The Government’s business support package

An application has been made by Marshland Wind Farm Limited (MWFL) to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform for the construction a 57 MW (Megawatts) wind farm at land at Marshland St. James. 

Softstart UK, Seriously responsible Print Ltd and Eastern Storage Equipment Ltd , all members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce have been announced as Regional Winners for the Chamber Awards 2008.

This competition is one of a range of programmes to tackle Healthcare Associated Infections

Commenting on John Denham’s announcement today that £350 million will be offered to small businesses to help boost staff skills, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

The Government and the Conservatives have today announced plans to help small businesses during the current economic slowdown. Commenting on the proposals, Head of Policy for the British Chambers of Commerce, Chris Hannant, said:

EEDA is launching the latest ESF project tender under its Co-financing Plan 2007-11.

Consultation work on the Kings Lynn to London Liverpool street train line

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Regeneration chiefs are planning a massive expansion to a King's Lynn industrial estate

Responding to the Transport Secretary’s written statement to Parliament in which he gives permission for Stansted airport to expand, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

The British Chambers of Commerce has today hosted a summit on education and skills to debate how we can best equip our young people with the relevant skills needed by business today and in the future.

Labour figures published today by the Office for National Statistics show that UK unemployment has increased.

With less than a week to go before Expo 08, Norfolk’s largest B2B exhibition, Norfolk Chamber is delighted to report that the event is a sell out with over 80 stands over two floors.

Deadline 20 November

The British Chambers of Commerce is supporting the Arab-British Chamber in the promotion of and participation at the GCC Europe Expo exhibition & conference at Olympia on 12/13 November 2008.  BCC will have a Stand at the event and be in attendance during the two days

e-Cert and e-Cert Xpress system is to be updated to Version 5 from the New Year and the current version will therefore be unavailable from then on.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement

Commenting on September CPI figures published today by the Office for National Statistics, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)

Consultation work on the Norwich to London Liverpool street train line.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

News that the Bank of England has just made an emergency cut in interest rates by a half point is welcomed by British Business.

A banker, an economist and a manufacturer all offered views on the causes and consequences of the credit crunch when they addressed an enthralled 140-strong business audience at a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce business breakfast on 8th October 2008.

12,000 signatures achieved which is great but we need even more!

A new environment survey of over 3,000 firms, released today by the British Chambers of Commerce, which included feedback from Norfolk Chamber members, has calculated that UK businesses have made £1.1 billion in energy efficiency savings over the last 12 months.

Commenting on the establishment of a new combined consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Ministers retain rights on nuclear plant sale.

Commenting on the Conservative Party’s plans to scrap a third runway at Heathrow in favour of high speed rail, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

More than one million workers will benefit from a rise in the minimum wage from Wednesday.

A business park is being planned on the outskirts of Norwich.

Fears of a damaging shortage of teachers in Norfolk and Suffolk were voiced last night as new figures showed many close to retirement.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

The leaders of 100 of Norfolk’s biggest businesses have joined forces to demand Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly gives the go ahead for the dualling of the A11 between Barton Mills and Thetford.

Essential safety improvement work starts at Chapelfield Roundabout on Monday 22 September 2008.

The Confederation of British Industry is launching a new higher education taskforce with university leaders.
Its leaders have questioned whether universities are producing too many graduates.

Commenting on the MPC minutes released today by the Bank of England, and on the labour market figures issued by the ONS, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the August CPI figures published today by the Office for National Statistics, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

There are three years to be claimed through the Small Business Rate Relief scheme (SBRR). Last year, this year and next.  If you don’t claim by 30 September you will lose your right to claim last year you will throw away your entitlement” said Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

The Talented Athlete Grant offers promising sportspeople who live in the Norwich City Council area the chance to apply for an annual grant of £300 to help with their coaching, equipment and competition costs.

Commenting on the new economic forecasts published today by the EU Commission, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting on the July manufacturing prices figures published Tuesday 9 September 2008 by the ONS, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the new roll out of diplomas, David Frost, Director-General, British Chambers of Commerce said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Update on Great Yarmouth Area:
Collated by Economic Development Unit of Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Government told it's high time to dual the A11 as public petition launched by Norfolk County Council.

Commenting on the Competition Commission's recommendation that BAA sells some of its airports, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

Today the independent public body, the Competition Commission, unveiled the provisional findings of its investigation into BAA's position in the UK airports market - with implications for Stansted.

A comprehensive masterplan for the regeneration of one of the region's most popular tourist destinations will be presented to the Borough Council's Regeneration and Environment Panel at its meeting on 27 August, prior to a public presentation at Hunstanton Town Hall on 11 September.

West Norfolk public buildings in need of repair are set to benefit from an additional £800,000 to restore them to prime condition over the next two years.

To pave the way for a new College of West Anglia (COWA) campus a further investment of £2.4m is being planned for King's Lynn's flagship Nar Ouse Regeneration Area so that essential infrastructure can be installed.

For five of the key pieces which we think make up the whole package for great service.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

You may have hear David Frost of the British Chamber of Commerce talking about an increase in unemployment and a slow down in the economy

Commenting on the MPC minutes released today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting on the July CPI figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Consumers across Norfolk are to be even more vigorously protected thanks to the launch of a new partnership.

More than half-way through the second season of the Continental style widened pavements on Yarmouth’s Golden Mile, seafront traders are fed up.

The Prince of Wales’ new ambassador in the east of England – a new advocate for businesses getting involved in their community – is Tricia Fuller.

Energy suppliers are failing to provide businesses with the same fair and transparent service that domestic energy users are entitled to.

The first part of a new business park in Thetford is set to get the go-ahead next week.

Would you relish the opportunity to take a new view of your company?

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the Government's plan to set regulatory budgets, Sally Low, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the Department for Transport's statistical bulletin, Road Statistics 2007: Traffic, Speeds and Congestion, Chris Hannant, Head of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting on the MPC minutes published today, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting on the IMF's new global financial stability report, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce said:

Top 10 tips on how to reduce your fuel bill.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

The Government has today published its Welfare Reform Green Paper. Responding, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

Commenting on 2M Group’s new studyinto high-speed rail, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

More than 60 local businesses seized an invitation to meet the top brass who will run King’s Lynn’s new £400m Palm Paper plant – and they emerged in upbeat mood after learning more about opportunities to supply goods and services to the company.

The Department for Communities and Local Government published their Empowerment White Paper ‘Communities in control: real people, real power’ on 9th July 2008, alongside their response to the report of the Councillor’s Commission. 

New President urges Government to scrap Empty Premises Tax

Commenting on yesterday's CPI inflation figures, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Annual CPI inflation, at 3.8% in June was worse than expected.

Bi-monthly Great Yarmouth News
July/August 2008

Commenting on the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's speech this week on the need for Heathrow expansion, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said: "Mr Hutton's comments today will provide a real boost to business.

Letter sent from Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State, Department of Transport

Responding to the Chancellor's decision to postpone autumn's planned 2p increase in fuel duty, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:   "We are pleased that the Chancellor has listened to the concerns of the British Chambers of Commerce

Norwich City Football Club has a fantastic opportunity for you to be part of The Business

Commenting on John Denham's announcement today, that all young people will be entitled to an apprenticeship, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Illustrative plans for the extension of the retail area for King's Lynn will be unveiled for a public exhibition on 11th - 21st July in the former Fopp store in the Vancouver Quarter.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Great News. The EERA planning panel has voted to put forward the A11 for an early start. The Chamber needs to keep up the pressure until the work is started!

Draft proposals for unitary local government in Norfolk and Suffolk.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement

The Food Standards Agency and police are warning food companies to be alert to a fraud that may have affected a number of food businesses across the country.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Responding to news today that BAA's chief executive has warned that Heathrow is 'jam-packed' and in need of a third runway, British Chambers of Commerce Director General, David Frost, said:

An application led by local people to promote the communities, businesses and enterprises in the Brecks area has won just over £3 million of funding awarded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) through the Rural Development Programme for England.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

An application led by local people to promote the communities, businesses and enterprises in the Norfolk Coast and Broads area has won just under £4 million of funding awarded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) through the Rural Development Programme for England.

Commenting on the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's speech to the Fabian Society today, Chris Hannant, Head of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Neville Reyner current President of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has been elected by the British Chambers of Commerce Board as their new President to take affect in July 2008.

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

ITV Sales were very pleased to be working with the Norfolk Chamber again to promote another of their B2B events.  Many of you saw the TV commercial on screen on ITV in the weeks prior to the exhibition and have fed back very positively to the Chamber and of course attended or booked a stand.

The Chamber’s QES is used by the Chancellor and Governor of the Bank of England when making sensitive economic decisions.   It is important that Norfolk Businesses’ feedback on the economy is fed into this process.

Commenting on the MPC minutes published today, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the announcement that only half the expected number of pupils will take diplomas this year, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting ahead of the publication of the Imelda Walsh Review into flexible working David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Second issue of Shaping Norfolk's Future Newsletter

The Identity and Passport Service are holding a series of consultation events around the country.

Timings for the B2B08 Commercial on ITV Anglia

In conjunction with The Business Library (in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum), the Chamber is pleased to bring you the headlines from the EDP Wednesday Business Supplement.

Commenting on the announcement today by the Prime Minister on Business Rate Supplements David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting on the concerns of the National Association of Head Teachers over their ability to deliver the government's 14-19 diplomas, Nick Dines, spokesman for the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

The European Commission adopted the fees and charges that will be applicable under the new REACH regulation on 16 April. The charges will be for the registration, evaluation and authorisation of all chemicals manufactured or imported in the EU and will range from €1600 to €31000.

The Green Party has become the main opposition group on the local authority for the first time winning three seats on Norwich City Council

Win £50,000 - British Chamber Awards 2008 have been launched and we are determined to have more entries from the Norfolk Chamber!

News Headlines from The Business 30th April 2008

The British Chambers of Commerce has calculated that the teachers strike set for tomorrow could cost businesses up to £68 million in lost working hours.

News Headlines from The Business 23rd April 2008

Commenting on the possibility that employers may be forced to pay for immigrant workers' language lessons, Sally Low, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

In the last decade there have been reviews of the use of agency workers both at EU and national level. The British Government resisted draft EU legislative proposals on this subject in 2002. However the arrival of significant numbers of foreign national workers to the UK, publicity over the abuse by gang-masters of vulnerable workers and the taking over of the EU Presidency by the French in July 2008 has forced this issue back on the agenda.

A Norwich 'congestion charge' would raise enough money from motorists to cover its own costs - but not to fund other major transport schemes, according to a report by Norfolk County Council.

Commenting on the concerns of the teaching community over the ability to deliver the government's 14-19 diplomas, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said

Commenting on the new labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Economic Adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

The Times has approached the Chamber to try find the views of businesses about the service offered by Royal Mail and to see if businesses are now using private suppliers.

The Consultation deadline has been extended.

The British Chambers of Commerce has recently had a meeting with Peter Horvath, Trade Commissioner at the Embassy in London who has offered to give assistance to any company wishing to trade with Hungary.

As part of a company’s preparations for entering a new overseas market, there are numerous websites to visit where much relevant information and many market research reports can be found.

The Quarter 1 2008 British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey of 4,381 firms is gloomy.  For both the manufacturing and services sector virtually all the critical balances have worsened and the British Chambers of Commerce believes that interest rate cuts will be needed in the next few months.

A new report has today been released by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) which highlights the £12.6 billion annual cost of crimes against business. This figure has increased by 20 per cent since the BCC's last survey on business crime in 2004, and it now equates to over a sixth of the total cost of all crime in the UK.*

On Monday 28th April,  Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Project Manager, Gillian Hill will be accompanying three members of Aylsham Young Chamber to the BCC Conference in Liverpool .

Businesses are invited to join May Day, the Prince of Wales's Business Summit on Climate Change. This is a national event, hosted by the Prince of Wales, with simultaneous regional events across the UK held as part of the business-led movement for action on the climate change agenda.

Commenting on the House of Lords Economic Affairs committee report on the benefits of immigration, released today, Chris Hannant, Head of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

 

Commenting on the Government's proposals for taking forward the implementation of the Sub-National Review today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

A report published this week by the British Chambers of Commerce highlights the shortcomings of the UK's Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) system.

News Headlines from The Business 2nd April 2008

EEDA is pleased to announce the commencement of bidding round 2 for the East of England ERDF Competitiveness Programme.

£2.5m funding competition boost for communities cutting carbon emissions in the East of England. Click here for more information.

Last year Council services improved faster than the average for district councils according to the Audit Commission's latest Annual Audit and Inspection Letter on the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk's performance.

At Hornsey Depot on Wednesday 16 April at 1800,this evening is an opportunity for you to look behind the scenes and for us to update you on the developments taking place across First Capital Connect.  It will also be a chance for you to ask any questions of Elaine Holt and the First Capital Connect team of Directors.

....but care needed to ensure business can cope with extra administration.

 

Commenting on the Conservative's proposal for joint parental leave, announced today, Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber, said:

More than 5000 businesses and 75000 people around the world have signed up for Earth Hour 2008 – now the city is calling on you to do your bit.

The German paper mill company Palm Paper who are investing £330 million into King’s Lynn by building a paper recycling plant have moved the project forward a stage by naming the main construction contractors and the paper making plant contractors.

The Government is launching a campaign to highlight the free employment law advice available to small businesses.