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Chamber News

Feedback on RTI

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 4:03pm

It is now more than a month since employers across the UK started reporting their PAYE information to HMRC in real time on 6th April. Under RTI, employers report PAYE in real time from their first pay day on or after 6 April each time they pay their employees, rather than yearly. HMRC have reported that more than 1 million PAYE schemes have started to report PAYE in real time.

For those that wish to give their feedback on RTI please visit PayeRti.org.

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Support for nuclear and other low carbon forms of energy

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 4:01pm

The long-running negotiations on a 'strike price' for new nuclear and other low carbon forms of energy may be coming to end, according to speculation around Westminster. The Department of Energy and Climate Change is expected to announce that an agreement in principle has been reached by the end of the month, and the final details will be included in the Energy Bill that is currently making its way through Parliament.

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Economic Update

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 3:57pm

The latest labour market figures released last Wednesday revealed that unemployment rose by 15,000 in the three months to March 2013. The number of people in employment fell by 43,000 over same period. Average earnings increased by just 0.4% in the year to March 2013, the lowest rate of growth since 2009.

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High Speed Rail - update

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 3:53pm

Following on from the two Bills included in the Queen's Speech, last week was another busy week for plans to build a new high speed rail line. On last Thursday the government launched consultations on the project’s draft Environmental statement (ES) and proposed design refinements. Both are open until 11 July.

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Long Stratton Bypass – What do you think?

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 3:47pm

South Norfolk Council, are seeking people's views on the long awaited bypass around Long Stratton. Residents have campaigned for decades to have the A140 through Long Stratton bypassed, with it carrying tens of thousands of vehicles each day.

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Inflation Report: Bank of England highlights economic recovery remains weak

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 1:30pm

Economic recovery in the UK remains weak and uneven. Whilst domestic demand increased moderately in 2012, this was largely offset by a pronounced fall in exports. Employment continued to grow strongly, however the weakness of productivity suggests the financial crisis may still be impacting on the supply capacity of the economy. Full Bank of England Overview of Inflation Report

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Action needed – YOU can ensure Norfolk has a voice

Mon, 20/05/2013 - 12:10pm

The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is used by the Bank of England and the Chancellor to plan the future of the UK economy and over 7,000 businesses across the UK take part.

The results from Q1 2013 showed that on a national level, almost all major balances improved compared with Q4 2012, however Norfolk and the East of England results were not so optimistic, in particular, the manufacturing balance showed a dip in confidence.

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New Chamber Service- Helping you take the first steps in recruiting a young apprentice

Considered employing a young apprentice to help you grow your business?

If you need a helping hand in the office or even if you could do with an extra pair of hands to help you grow your business, the Norfolk Chamber have launched a new service that gives a helping hand to any members thinking about recruiting young apprentices or putting their current young employees through a work-based apprenticeship qualification.