Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Government has launched a consultation on the future direction of skills policy, called “Skills for Sustainable Growth”. Commenting, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“A skilled and knowledgeable UK workforce is fundamental to the development of a rich and diverse economy.

“Employers want the public sector to focus limited resources on basic employability skills, focused apprenticeships and the leadership and management skills needed to help grow small businesses. While we are pleased to see an emphasis on the apprenticeship programme - a vital recruitment resource for many smaller firms - the economy is still fragile, and expectations that businesses will be taking on a high number of apprentices may be premature.

“Employers have long complained that there is a mismatch between the skills on offer and their business needs. These simplification plans must root out this mismatch – because getting the right skills to businesses means growth in productivity, jobs and tax revenue.”

The British Chambers of Commerce met with Minister for Regional and Local Economic Development, Mark Prisk and Minister for Decentralisation, Greg Clark today to discuss the views of the business community and local government on the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships.

Commenting after the meeting, Dr. Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Chambers of Commerce across the country are working closely with councils to develop dynamic local enterprise partnerships – contributing specific ideas on how to boost local productivity, create private sector jobs and ensure economic diversity. While these arrangements will look different in each city or county, they must be genuine public-private partnerships – and they must focus relentlessly on growth”.

£120 MILLION will be slashed from Staffordshire County Council’s budget over the next three years, it has been revealed.

Philip AtkinsThe colossal spending cuts, equivalent to 30 per cent of all the council’s outgoings, dwarf the £8 million worth of savings announced only weeks ago.

Philip Atkins, Conservative leader of the council, said some of the savings would be made by allowing privately-owned and voluntary organisations to take over some council functions.

He said: "We would like to see private organisations becoming more involved in the running of universities and schools.

"There will also be more social services contracts given out to the voluntary sector.

We are very much a volunteering nation."

Councillor Atkins added: "Many people who work under the banner of Staffordshire County Council are actually self-employed.

"An increase in this system of working will allow us to reduce our costs considerably."

He also believes consolidations of services will make up part of the spending cuts: "

A lot of services such as trading standards could be merged or made to co-operate more between councils.

"I would warn, however, that we must not lose our local services through too much merging. Size sometimes counts, but it is localism that works for me."

While the Tory-run council cabinet says the cuts are necessary because Staffordshire must play its part in reducing the national debt, trade unions say the cuts could be hugely damaging.

Jane Heath, Staffordshire branch secretary of Unison, the public sector union, said: "This level of cuts is unbelievable.

Unison members have already braced themselves for 25 per cent cuts over four years, but this figure goes way above what is required by government.

"Let us not forget that the financial situation has been caused by the bankers, but once again it is other people’s jobs and services to the public that are required to be sacrificed to balance the accounts."

DIGGER giant JCB remained profitable last year despite the recession and predicts improvement for 2010, it has been revealed.

Sir Anthony Bamford The Rocester-based company saw sales drop by a third to £1.35 billion but was able to increase profit before tax marginally to £29 million compared with £28 million in 2008.

As the global market fell by 46 per cent last year and with total sales of 36,000 machines, JCB increased its market share to 12.2 per cent which reinforced its position as the world’s third largest construction equipment manufacturer.

JCB improved its position in backhoe loaders by taking more than 40 per cent of the global market and it attained world market leadership with its Loadall telescopic handler range with a 28 per cent share. JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: "2009 was hugely challenging for the construction equipment industry.

"The entire JCB organisation pulled together magnificently to respond decisively to the unprecedented downturn, which was particularly severe in the first half of the year.

"Tough action was taken to adjust our cost base to align it to a much-reduced level of demand, and this resulted in an improving profit trend as the year progressed.

We have created a strong platform for renewed profitable growth.

"Despite the economic difficulties, we continue to invest in new products, with 11 innovative machines launched so far this year, including the most fuel efficient backhoe loader we’ve ever produced.

"JCB’s backhoe already leads the market on fuel efficiency and the new eco backhoe offers customers fuel savings of up to 16 per cent compared to the outgoing model, setting a new standard in backhoe technology and placing us in a strong position to capitalise on improving market conditions. Having invested a total of £80 million in developing the new JCB Dieselmax engine, JCB now has not only the cleanest engine in the off-highway sector, but one which offers fuel savings of up to 10 per cent.

"This gives our machine customers a huge competitive advantage.

"These benefits also extend to other equipment suppliers who are now buying the JCB Dieselmax engine in increasing numbers to power their own products." Sir Anthony said that in the first half of 2010, the construction equipment industry had seen a ‘strong recovery’ in emerging markets such as India, Brazil and China, although the traditional markets of Western Europe and North America remained weak.

"On balance, we expect to see a significant improvement in both sales and profits this year compared to 2009," said Sir Anthony.

Commenting on the creation of the Office for Tax Simplification (OTS), David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

"The creation of the OTS is a necessary and long overdue response to the relentless chop and change of tax law. The business community, and the economy, will benefit from the recently announced lower rates of tax, and now from the drive towards a simpler system.

"It is entirely right for the OTS to concentrate its initial work on small business. Complying with an ever expanding and complicated tax code only succeeds in taking resources away from core business activity, and subsequently growth and wealth creation. The government needs to continue with measures that foster entrepreneurship in order to secure a sustainable economic recovery.”

WEST MIDLANDS BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMPANIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN A VISIT TO HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI

18th to 23rd October 2010 - Closing Date for applications: 10th September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Companies from the West Midlands are invited to join a business and professional services visit to Hong Kong and Shanghai. The aim is to take to market a group of companies representing the business and professional services expertise of the region. The type of companies that would be eligible would embrace those involved in financial, legal, educational, recruitment, architectural, consultancy and general business services. The objective of the visit is to research the market place, obtain new clients and to develop partner relationships, ultimately to increase export revenue to the UK through the provision of world-class business and professional services.

BENEFITS OF VISIT:

•Pre-visit and in market support from UKTI staff
•Briefing on opportunities and current market conditions in Hong Kong and Shanghai at the
offices of the British Consulates in both centres
•Consulate hosted receptions in Hong Kong and Shanghai
•Visit brochure featuring all participants circulated widely in both destinations
•Reports on the business and professional services sector in Hong Kong and China prepared by
UKTI teams in market
•Excellent networking opportunities through the support of the Consulates and participation in a
West Midlands UK Trade & Investment market visit
•New contacts and shared intelligence within the market visit group
•Participation in a VIP visit to the Shanghai Expo
•Support of an International Trade Adviser to prepare for the visit, in market during the visit and
with follow up on return

OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG & SHANGHAI:

Hong Kong and the UK are close trading partners and have been for nearly two hundred years. Hong Kong is a dynamic and accessible market with well-established cultural and commercial links to the UK. A major market in its own right, Hong Kong also serves as a trading gateway to mainland China. China is the great world economic success story of the past quarter-century. GDP growth has averaged at more than 9% per year during this period with further similar growth predicted. Shanghai is the dynamic business heart of this economic powerhouse. We will be there for the prestigious Expo 2010 Shanghai.

ELIGIBILITY:

West Midlands based business and professional services companies who are actively targeting Hong Kong, Shanghai and the wider Chinese market. Small and medium sized West Midlands business and professional services firms would be potentially eligible for financial support. This would be payable after the visit, having been authorised on application by the principal organiser. An application form will be provided on request and needs to be completed by all potential participants. Places on the mission will be strictly limited. Companies outside the West Midlands can apply to join the mission with the support of their local International Trade Team. Interested companies should contact the principal organiser shown below or their local ITA. Participants are strongly urged to use the services of the British Consulates in Hong Kong and Shanghai, Commercial Section, for specific research and contact making ahead of the visit.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Closer to departure we will recommend hotels and flights. However, arrangements will not be prescriptive and will allow flexibility for individual plans.

PROGRAMME:

As well as tailored economic briefings by the Consulate staff in both centres there will also be official receptions in each location to which the local business communities will be invited. A detailed programme of meetings for the group will identified in due course. Sufficient time will be built into the programme to allow for individual meetings for mission members in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. The market briefings in both Hong Kong and Shanghai are to be regarded as mandatory for all mission members. The use of the Overseas Market Introduction Service is strongly recommended to use UKTI staff to find contacts and to make appointments. Your local International Trade Team will manage the OMIS process for you.

TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT:

For further information or to register your interest, please contact: Steve Cunnane – International Trade Adviser – UKTI Birmingham Team
T: +44 0121 607 0106| M: +44 07980 567748| F: +44 0121 607 0130
s.cunnane@birminghamchamber.org.uk

Commenting on the labour market figures released today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures are much better than expected. Employment is up, unemployment is down, and there has been a fall in the level of inactivity.

“However, there is no room for complacency. Despite these positive figures, the number of people unemployed for more than twelve months rose over the quarter, and there was a worrying increase in the number of people classified as ‘long-term sick’. Trends over the past year have been negative and the impact of the tough measures in the Budget will only be seen next year.

“Although we do not share the pessimism expressed in some quarters, on the basis of these figures, we reiterate the BCC’s forecast that unemployment will peak at around 2.65 million in the second half of 2011.

“The government must do everything in its power to encourage job creation in the private sector. Reducing the significant regulatory burden would encourage small and medium-sized businesses to create more jobs.”

Commenting on the June inflation figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Headline CPI inflation fell in line with expectations but it is worrying that core inflation, which strips out energy and food, has risen. While the MPC cannot ignore the risk that inflationary expectations might worsen, it would be a mistake to overreact to these figures by raising interest rates.

“The government’s tough deficit-cutting programme will considerably dampen demand in the economy, and wage pressures appear weak. If the MPC were to consider raising interest rates in these circumstances, risks of a double-dip recession would increase.

“We urge the Committee to persevere with the current expansionary approach. The balance of probabilities still suggests that inflation will fall sharply later in the year.”

Commenting on the revised and delayed GDP figures for the first quarter of 2010, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The new figures, which confirm that GDP increased by 0.3% in the first quarter, are not surprising. While the data means GDP was not upgraded, the positive message is that the recovery remains on course, and we expect growth to improve in the second quarter. Nonetheless, the upturn in the economy is still fragile, and risks of a setback remain serious.

Also commenting on the UK current account deficit, Mr Kern said: “The large current account deficit in the first quarter highlights the urgent need to accelerate the pace at which our economy is rebalanced. With a tough deficit cutting programme now in place, it is important for the MPC to persevere with low interest rates – which would make it easier for businesses to invest and export.”

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"We fully support the decision to keep interest rates and the Quantitative Easing programme on hold.

“New risks of a global downturn, combined with the underlying weaknesses still facing the UK economy, make it important for the MPC to persevere with expansionary policies. Any consideration of raising interest rates, or reducing QE, must be rejected until there is more conclusive evidence that growth is secure.

“The tough austerity measures announced in the Budget, although necessary, will inevitably increase pressures on businesses and heighten the risk of a setback. With that in mind, avoiding a new recession must remain the key policy priority.

“Interest rates will need to stay low for a prolonged period, and if the economy shows signs of renewed weakness, the MPC should not hesitate to increase the QE programme.”

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for May, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“May’s small increase in output confirms that the manufacturing recovery is on the right track, and supports the positive messages signalled in the BCC’s latest economic survey.

“The new figures leave manufacturing firmly in positive territory when compared with a year ago, and they reinforce expectations that GDP will record stronger growth in the second quarter of 2010. But, there is no room for complacency and the level of manufacturing output is still some 10% below that recorded in 2007.

“It is now important to support the welcome signs of recovery. With a competitive pound, UK manufacturers are in a strong position to increase their exports. However, given weaknesses in the eurozone, firms will have to look to other global markets for an export-led boost.”

Results from the British Chambers of Commerce’s latest Economic Survey suggest that the UK economy saw further growth in the second quarter of 2010, building on the improvement in the first three months of the year.

Key indicators on business conditions, such as employment expectations, investment plans, export orders, and domestic sales – in both the manufacturing and service sectors – made gains in Q2.

Despite the encouraging results, the BCC warns that underlying weaknesses in the economy remain, which cannot be ignored if we are to avoid a relapse into recession. The business group highlights sluggish growth in the service sector as a serious concern, and more specifically, a huge number of manufacturers (around 80%) are now reporting that the cost of raw materials is increasing, adding to price pressures.

The economic data, collected from over 5,600 businesses across every region of the country, is released just two days ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee’s July interest rate decision.

The highlights from the Q2 QES include:

• Manufacturing home sales surged by 29 points in Q2, to +30%; a level not seen since the last quarter of 2007. The service sector’s domestic sales rose 6 points, to +12%.

• Manufacturing export sales increased by 11 points, to +31%; its highest level since Q3 2006 and an indication that exporters are benefiting from a more competitive exchange rate. The service sector’s export balances recorded modest increases and they remain weak by historical standards.

• Employment in manufacturing saw a big improvement in Q2, rising 35 points to +19%. Manufacturing employment expectations also increased by 16 points, to +14%. Employment in services edged up by just 1 point, to +4%, while employment expectations rose 3 points, to +11%.

• One of the most worrying aspects of this quarter’s results is the pressure manufacturing firms are facing to increase prices, driven by the cost of raw materials. The balance of manufacturers reporting pressure to raise their prices surged 22 points in Q2, to +30%, which is the highest figure this survey has seen since Q3 2008.

• Confidence improved among manufacturers in Q2. However, the service sector’s confidence measures weakened – a disappointing setback at this early stage of the recovery.

• Manufacturing’s cash flow improved by 10 points, to +1%. Services cash flow improved 6 points, but remains negative at -3%.

Commenting on the results, David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said:

“On the whole these results are positive, especially in manufacturing, and they should offer encouragement that the UK’s recovery remains on the right track.

“We still have concerns about sluggish growth in the service sector, which emphasises why the Government must continue to promote the best possible business environment, in order to help companies invest and grow. Furthermore, with around 80% of manufacturers reporting that they are under pressure to increase prices, there is potentially a big issue bubbling under the surface.

“With very austere times ahead, no one should kid themselves into thinking that the UK’s economic recovery is totally secure. There will need to be an unwavering focus on ensuring business is able to deliver growth, create jobs, and drive a lasting recovery. Interest rates will have to stay low for longer, burdensome new employment red tape must be blocked, and we will have to generate growth across all regions of the country.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added:

“The UK’s economic recovery is consolidating, and these results support the view that GDP growth strengthened in the second quarter of 2010. However, the recovery is fragile and is not yet secure.

“Despite an improvement in manufacturing, the sector still faces serious risks. Given the sector’s poor long-term historical record, it is much too early to conclude that we are now seeing a sustainable manufacturing upturn. The service sector, which accounts for the bulk of GDP in the UK, is not recovering at an adequate pace and this heightens the threat of an economic setback.

“This quarter’s poor cash flow data, in both manufacturing and services, indicates that many businesses are still facing serious financial difficulties. Investment and confidence levels remain disappointing across all sectors.

“Many of the factors driving growth this year, mainly stock building and the continued effects of the policy stimulus, are only temporary. As a result, the threats of a relapse remain serious, and countering these threats to growth must remain a priority for policymakers.

“As the Government has now embarked on the vital task of curbing the UK’s unsustainable budget deficit, it is essential to create the right business conditions that will enable wealth creating companies to drive a lasting recovery – with a rebalanced economy focused on investment and exports at its heart.”

Commenting on the revised business investment figures for the first quarter of 2010, released today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures provide welcome confirmation that business investment started to recover in the first quarter of the year, following a long period of sharp declines. But, manufacturing investment is still marginally down in the quarter, and all categories of business investment show large year on year declines.

“While big falls in investment were unavoidable during the recession, when businesses were forced to slash capital spending and stocks, it is now important to reverse this damaging trend to ensure that a sustainable recovery can emerge.

“Unless business investment continues to grow over the medium-term, UK productivity will suffer and the economy will lack the capacity to meet rising demand as the recovery gathers momentum. To promote investment, companies need interest rates to remain low for a prolonged period.”

Commenting on today’s announcement that the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will be abolished, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The BCC fundamentally disagrees with the Government’s decision to abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission. Business has supported the Commission because it would have provided greater certainty and clarity on the major transport, energy and communications projects critical to the UK’s economic future.

“The Commission’s abolition puts politics back into the planning system at a time when an overwhelming majority of businesses say that they want key infrastructure schemes decided by experts, not politicians. Despite the shortcomings of our existing infrastructure, we in the UK have yet to learn the lesson that short-term political considerations can undermine long-term planning.

“More broadly, business challenges the Government to adopt an approach to planning that delivers speed, certainty and clarity – that is the only way to underpin recovery and future economic growth.”

At its regional Cabinet meeting in Bradford today, the Government confirmed its intention to abolish Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England, and its intention to replace RDAs with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Whatever new structures emerge, it is clear that local business leaders need to play a central role in defining every area’s economic future. So businesses, and Chambers of Commerce, must be at the heart of new Local Enterprise Partnerships.

“Given the long-standing economic challenges that face so many parts of the country, business must be assured that private sector growth, job creation, and balanced local economies are LEPs’ overriding priorities.”

Commenting on the Government’s plans to set up a £1bn Regional Growth Fund, Mr Frost added:

“While business will wait to see detailed plans on the proposed Regional Growth Fund, what’s clear from the outset is that the Fund will have significantly less resources to support business growth than previous arrangements. While business has been fully supportive of the Government’s drive to reduce the UK’s deficit, we believe that investment in the business environment must remain a key priority – especially in those areas of the country that have not seen significant private-sector growth.”

Commenting on the Government's decision to scrap the Default Retirement Age, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

"It is strange that the Government has pledged to reduce the burden of employment law - while at the same time proposing to restrict businesses' ability to manage their workforce by abolishing the Default Retirement Age. Business agrees that the DRA is currently too low - and needs to rise for both deficit reduction and fairness reasons.

“But if ministers want to make a positive change, they should either raise the DRA in line with the state pension age or offer employers a new dismissal route that helps business manage their workforce regardless of age."

Commenting on the public finance figures for May, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“These figures were slightly better-than-expected and show that the deficit has started easing - even before the government begins to implement its deficit-reduction plan. However, there is no room for complacency and a credible reduction programme is vital to ensure we preserve our credit rating.

“The new figures reinforce hopes that a plan to cut the deficit can be carried out without causing undue damage to the economy.

“Next week’s Budget will be a huge challenge for the coalition. While the markets must be left in no doubt that the government is serious about spending cuts, it is critical to avoid hasty measures that risk pushing the economy back into recession. There should be a freeze in the total public sector wage bill and reform of unaffordable public pensions. But, the Chancellor should steer clear of policies that restrict the private sector’s ability to lead a sustainable recovery.”

Nearly half of UK businesses are concerned about the prospect of Capital Gains Tax rising in next week’s Budget - with the bulk of those worried that the government will struggle to accurately differentiate between ‘business’ and ‘non-business’ assets.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) asked over 1,000 members for their opinions on a range of potential tax changes, which the organisation says will help inform the Chancellor ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Budget.

Asked about Corporation Tax, 90% of companies stated that the government should proceed with lowering the headline rates at the expense of tax allowances. However, the BCC argues that the Treasury should only push ahead with its simplification programme after a proper economic evaluation of existing allowances and reliefs.

On National Insurance, companies were clear that the planned April 2011 rise should be rolled back in full - with 30% of firms wanting it achieved ‘regardless of the cost’. The BCC has suggested that a 1% rise in VAT would largely offset any potential lost revenue from scrapping the 1% increase to employer NICs.

Businesses were also asked what would be the least damaging way of implementing a potential 2.5% hike in VAT. Exactly half said it should happen in a single increase, from 17.5% to 20%. Just over a third said the rise should be phased over multiple years, and 15% of firms stated that it should be staged over two years.

Commenting ahead of the Budget, David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said:

“The Chancellor must tread carefully to avoid introducing damaging new taxes that negatively affect private-sector growth. Short-term revenue gains would be outweighed by longer-term economic consequences, from reduced business investment to lower rates of job creation. Any tax rises must be focused on consumption taxes rather than payroll, income or profits.

“The bulk of the measures to reduce the UK’s unsustainable deficit should come from public spending cuts. It should not come from punishing tax hikes on small and medium-sized firms that will drive our economic recovery.

“Crucially, the Chancellor has a unique opportunity in this Budget to talk positively about doing business in the UK - and he can show that this administration is genuinely pro-enterprise.”

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, (BCC), said:

“These figures are slightly better-than-expected, but they still highlight worrying trends in the UK labour market. Unemployment is up, the level of inactivity has increased further, and the number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job has reached a record high. Additionally, public sector earnings, excluding bonuses, continue to rise at a much faster rate than the private sector – an unacceptable and unaffordable trend.

“Since the tough deficit-cutting programme that is likely to be announced in the Budget will probably result in job losses in the public sector, the overall level of unemployment is set to increase further. On the basis of these figures, we reiterate our forecast that unemployment is likely to reach 2.65 million before the middle of 2011.

“The government must take effective measures to enable the private sector to create jobs. It must scrap the entire planned increase in employers’ National Insurance and announce a moratorium on new employment legislation until at least 2014. In tackling the Budget deficit, we urge the government to impose an immediate freeze on the total public sector wage bill, and be forceful in reforming unaffordable public sector pensions.”

Following the success of the inaugural regeneration awards back in 2008 the Southern Staffordshire Partnership have launched the follow up 2010 awards this month. The earlier Awards helped play a role in putting the area firmly on the regions regeneration map, with community groups, local authorities, businesses and local partnerships across Southern Staffordshire being encouraged to enter their work in this year’s Regeneration Awards.

The Awards will recognise projects that were carried out or completed during the period 1st June 2008 to 30th May 2010. Judging will take place during August and will be carried out by an independent team of judges.  The closing date for entries is 5pm Monday 19th July 2010.
Entries are open from any individual, organisation, business or partnership involved in regeneration or renewal work, whether in the public, private or voluntary/community sector within any of the five districts of Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, South Staffordshire and Tamworth

Though Southern Staffordshire may not, in the traditional sense, be seen as a centre for regeneration activity it has already benefited from a range of economic, social and environmental interventions though these are often overshadowed by those of its neighbouring more urban areas.

Commenting on the initiative Partnership Director Jeff Marlow notes, “We are keen to address regeneration in a holistic way and strive to make our communities more economically and environmentally sustainable in the longer term.  An Awards Competition will be central to this as we seek to recognise and promote the breadth and quality of regeneration activities across southern Staffordshire. In addition to some of our flagship multi million pound projects we are, in particular, keen to showcase those enduring initiatives that are inspired by local people which enhance our local neighbourhoods and communities”

The Partnership are currently scoping out all the regeneration activities across the area through their extensive network and encouraging projects, organisations, individuals and business to put themselves forward for the Awards. Southern Staffordshire is one of the few non urban areas to run such an Awards Programme reflecting the importance that is given to economic, environmental and social regeneration across the area. It is likely that any project in the area will be able to enter as there are individual categories for economic, for social and for environmental regeneration projects

The Awards are part of a wider initiative to develop the knowledge base on regeneration using exemplar projects, promote and share best practice on regeneration schemes across southern Staffordshire, create a culture of, and reputation for, innovative regeneration, and to raise the profile and relevance of economic regeneration within the partner organisations.

Jeff added, “Whilst the Awards Competition will reward the best in Southern Staffordshire this is as much about supporting all the projects, organisations, individuals and groups involved in regeneration. We want to show that in many cases we have the ability to deliver, and that we are always looking to boost our capabilities and skills. This is key to whole initiative where we will be looking to support continuous improvement and development across all those involved in regeneration. As well as for projects in the specific themed categories we also have awards for individuals, and for young people.”

The Partnership is also keen to adopt as wide a definition of regeneration as possible noting firstly that towns, communities and business are continually going through a renewal process and secondly that small scale projects addressing community safety, service provision, skills development and environmental improvements are as relevant as many of the larger scale redevelopment programmes.

There are Award categories to cover Economic, Social and Environmental regeneration and renewal activities as discrete interventions. These would broadly reflect interventions that impact on business, people and place respectively. However we recognise that some activities have more than just  an  economic, social or environmental focus and we will therefore allow projects to be entered into up to two categories, and we have also included a “cross cutting” category for projects that clearly make contributions to all three areas of activity.

In addition we recognise the important role that individuals can have on regeneration activity and therefore this year we have a category to recognise an outstanding contribution made by an individual during the past 2 years, and also one for a group of young people who have made a contribution to local regeneration.

Our objectives are to:

• develop the knowledge base on regeneration using exemplar projects
• promote and share best practice on regeneration schemes across southern Staffordshire
• create a culture of, and reputation for, innovative regeneration, and
• raise the profile and relevance of economic, social and environmental regeneration within the partner organisations.
• Promote and celebrate volunteering
• to reward the best in regeneration across southern Staffordshire

Fo further information or to register your interest visit http://www.southernstaffs.org.uk

Friday 2nd July 2010 at Coventry TechnoCentre

About the event:

Exporting can bring significant benefits to any business through opening up new markets for its products and services. This event is an exciting opportunity for small and medium sized West Midlands companies interested in developing new overseas market to meet with the experts.
You will have the opportunity to meet with Commercial Officers from a number (currently over 45 countries) of the British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates from across the world for discussions about accessing their markets, including: North and South America, Australasia, The Gulf States, Europe, Africa, Baltics and Russia.

Event Schedule:

0800 - 0830 Registration and Breakfast
0830 - 1000 Discussion Forum - Panels of Country Experts providing sessions on Europe, Americas, Asia and UAE
1000 - 1330 Book one to one appointments with Commercial Officers

You are welcome to participate in both sessions or to just attend one session.

This free event is a unique opportunity for West Midlands SMEs to:

• Investigate which new markets may be of interest to you
• Learn how to approach and develop new markets overseas
• Discover what services are available to help you grow internationally
• Investigate which new markets are emerging and growing at a high rate
• Make new 'in-market' contacts and network with SME's already successfully trading in overseas markets

For more details and to register visit our website http://www.exploreexport-coventryjuly10.com/public/

For any enquires please email the Event Team or call 024 7623 6406

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

“CPI inflation was slightly lower than expected and supports our assessment that inflation peaked in April.

Given the continued weakness of the economy, and the tough deficit-reduction measures expected in next week’s Budget, it is important for the MPC to maintain low interest rates for a prolonged period. Any premature rise in interest rates would heighten the risk of triggering a new downturn.

With growing confidence that the UK will be able to deal with its deficit, the MPC can be reassured that maintaining low interest rates will not worsen inflationary pressure. This will create the right circumstances for businesses to invest and drive a sustainable economic recovery.”

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for April 2010, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“These figures were mildly disappointing and slightly weaker than expected. But, coming after a very strong increase in March, the small fall in April still leaves manufacturing in positive territory when compared with a year ago and with the previous quarter. The figures support the view that GDP is likely to record an increase in the second quarter of 2010.

“There is no room for complacency. The manufacturing sector is still fragile and it is important to support the modest signs of recovery. With a competitive exchange rate, UK manufacturers are in a position to respond well to any increased demand for exports. But, as the trade figures published earlier this week show, the rebalancing of the economy towards exports is not proceeding quickly enough.

“The forthcoming Budget provides the Government with an opportunity to announce further measures aimed at helping manufacturers drive recovery.”

The British Chambers of Commerce has challenged the Chancellor to drop unsustainable ring-fences on health and overseas aid as he seeks to slash spending in next week’s Budget.

The BCC argues that by protecting certain budgets and programmes without clear justification, it will force more drastic cuts to capital investment, which is essential to underpin Britain’s long-term economic recovery. By contrast, health and aid budgets were cut in Canada’s successful 1990s consolidation – preventing ‘slash and burn’ elsewhere.

The business group is also calling for the Chancellor to introduce an immediate two-year freeze on the total public sector wage bill; commit to a full reversal of the employer National Insurance rise; and, to avoid potentially damaging increases in Capital Gains Tax.

The measures form part of the BCC’s 11-page Budget submission, which has been sent to the Treasury ahead of the coalition’s emergency Budget. Some of the submission’s key points include:

• Introduce an immediate two-year freeze on the total public sector wage bill
• Avoid deep cuts to capital investment, which supports growth of the productive economy
• Fully abolish the April 2011 employer NICs rise, paid for by using a portion of any increases in VAT
• Proceed with the simplification of Corporation Tax, but only after a careful study of how the elimination of allowances could affect business investment
• Do not raise CGT to near-income-tax levels. If a rise is unavoidable, clear and concrete exemptions and reliefs for business activity must be detailed, along with taper relief and indexation

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

“The Chancellor faces a difficult balancing act next week. The right choices would put business growth at the very heart of government policy. But short-term moves on tax or infrastructure spending could hurt business confidence and economic recovery.

“The government must avoid punishing new taxes that negatively affect private sector growth. Short-term revenue gains would be outweighed by longer-term economic consequences, from reduced business investment to lower rates of job creation. If tax rises are unavoidable, they should be targeted at consumption taxes rather than payroll, income or profits.”

On spending cuts, Mr Frost added: “As politically unpalatable as it may be, the decision to ring-fence spending on health and overseas aid is unrealistic and unsustainable in the current circumstances. Ring-fencing health will mean deeper and more drastic cuts to important investment elsewhere, without the benefit of clear justification.

“Spending cuts must focus on programme spending and waste, rather than vital capital investment. There should also be an immediate two-year freeze on the public sector wage bill, and urgent reform to rein in the huge costs of public sector pensions.”

Wednesday 16 June 2010 09:00 – 13.00 hours followed by lunch

Port Vale Football Club, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW

UK Trade & Investment would like to invite you to an overview of business opportunities in South East Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

If you are already trading with any of the above countries, or you would like to find out about exporting to these markets then come and listen to these informative presentations from the people who know!

Presentations will include:

• Thailand Board of Investment – Ms Orasa Paiboon, Director
• Malaysian Industrial Development Authority – Mr. Zuhari Nor, Director MIDA
• Harvey Nash Ltd – Mr Paul Smith, Chairman of Offshore & Outsourcing
• Indonesian Investment Promotion Centre – Mr Guyub Wiroso, Head of IIPC
• HSBC  - a bankers perspective on SE Asia
• UK Trade & Investment & South East Asia Link (SEAL)

Indonesia – UK exports to Indonesia totalled £ 350 million in 2009. According to official Indonesian Statistics, the UK is a leading investor in Indonesia with Foreign Direct Investment Planning Approvals worth US$ 119.9 million in January 2009.

Malaysia – today a middle income country with an economy based on services and manufacturing – key sectors include oil & gas, education & training, ICT, environment, power, water, aerospace, construction and healthcare.

Singapore – the government spends $1.7 billion on IT projects and is ranked No 1 in Asia in the Global Information Technology report -  key sectors are Digital Media and ICT

Thailand – Following the Government’s recent stimulus package, opportunities exist in; consumer goods, health care, education/ training and ‘light infrastructure’

The Philippines - The Philippines is a consumer-oriented society which has a propensity to buy imported goods. There are also privatisations and reforms in the electricity, water and waste management sectors. Infrastructure projects are increasingly being opened up to private finance

Vietnam -  a growth market for consumer goods with priority sectors including transport (specifically ports), rail, environment, financial & legal services and ICT.

The Staffordshire International Trade Team will be organising market visits to Malaysia/ Indonesia and Vietnam in the latter part of 2010 – further details on the visit, eligibility and support will be available at the event.

Whether or not you are able to attend the morning presentations you will also have the opportunity of a 1 to 1 appointment throughout the afternoon with the speakers.  Please tick the appropriate box on the registration form and you will be contacted with a convenient appointment.

This event is aimed at Commercial or Export Managers who already export and would like more information on SE Asia or business development managers who would like to increase their market share during these difficult times by entering foreign markets.

This seminar is free of charge to members, exporters and potential exporters thanks to sponsorship by Thai BOI, MIDA, IIPC and HSBC but places are on a first come first served basis so book early.
 
For further information or to reserve your place/s email: international@nscci.co.uk

Commenting on the first phase of the new government’s “action plan to bring an end to the excessive regulation that is stifling business growth” announced today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“BCC research shows that new employment regulations over the next four years will increase business costs by over £11 billion – so the announcement of an immediate review of all red tape in the pipeline is very welcome.

“At a time when we need business to drive recovery and create jobs, the cost of employing people clearly needs to be reduced. Employers consistently tell us that they will get on with creating jobs and wealth, but they need government to get off their backs and let them do it.

“While the initial signs from this government are very positive on reducing the burden of red tape, the coalition should remember that we will be subjecting them to the same level of scrutiny that we have with other initiatives over the years.”

Commenting on David Cameron’s first major speech as Prime Minister, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The Prime Minister is absolutely right to lead from the front and focus this government’s attention on rebalancing the economy in favour of manufacturing and the private sector.

“For too long the focus has been on consumption, debt, the public sector and financial services. If we have learnt anything from the last few years, it is that businesses up and down the country will be the real source of future job creation and economic growth.

“The challenge for this government is to turn the rhetoric into action. In June’s Budget, we need measures that will help create the best possible business environment. That means clearing up questions over business taxation, especially around capital gains tax and corporation tax allowances; delivering on the promise for less red tape; ensuring there is continued investment in key infrastructure, and providing tailored support when it is specifically needed.

“If we truly want a lasting recovery, growing the private sector must be at the very heart of the new government’s thinking.”

Commenting on the April retail sales figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Although these figures were marginally better than expected, they confirm the broad picture of a fragile recovery that is still facing many obstacles.  Businesses are still struggling, and it is clearly too early to consider raising interest rates - a prolonged period of low interest rates is essential to help support the recovery.

“However, following this week’s higher inflation figures, the MPC will not be able to disregard the risks to confidence without a credible plan to reduce the unsustainable budget deficit.

“While there are welcome signs that a detailed deficit-reduction plan will be announced in next month’s emergency Budget, it may be necessary for the Chancellor to announce meaningful measures even earlier, starting with an immediate freeze of the total public sector wage bill.” 

The Chancellor and Chief Secretary to the Treasury have today announced around £6.2 billion of spending cuts this year. Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We applaud the coalition’s early and specific action to reduce the deficit. While significant additional cuts will be required at the emergency budget, businesses will see this announcement as an important first step to restoring confidence in the public finances.

“BCC is particularly pleased to see a freeze on new civil service recruitment – and would urge the government to go further with a freeze in the total public sector wage bill and a clear plan to reform public sector pensions.

“We will, however, scrutinise cuts carefully to ensure that investment that supports business growth is not a casualty of the spending squeeze. We will analyse new cuts to business, transport, and local government spending to ensure that these do not undermine investment and job creation. While action to eliminate lower value spending is necessary, we must not axe investment in productive infrastructure.”

Keep fit, promote your business and support your local community

17th July from 10am

Cathedral Close, Lichfield
                                                                                                
The annual Chariots of Fire inspired sprint event the Festival Dash takes place in Cathedral Close Lichfield on Saturday 17th July and organisers KP Events are calling on Chamber members to join in the fun and recruit teams for the annual Fun Relay race that takes place on the morning of July 17th.

The Festival Dash itself takes place on final Saturday of Lichfield International Festival and has done since it started in 1998.The dash sees top invited athletes from all over the UK take on each other and the 12 o’clock chimes in a sprint inspired by famous quadrangle scene in Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire. But the day begins from 10am when the closed road becomes an athletic track with lots of races and relays to entertain the crowds throughout the morning in build up to 12 noon.

The Fun Relay sees teams of 4 people taking on a lap each of Cathedral Close (430m) at a team cost of only £40 with all monies raised being split between St Giles Hospice and the Acorns Children’s Hospice. Teams are also invited to be sponsored to raise even more funds for two very worthy causes.

Anyone interested should contact Chris Plant on 08450 710191 or email chris.plant@sscci.co.uk

Commenting on the April inflation figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures complicate the Monetary Policy Committee’s job. Given the weak economy and the serious pressures still facing businesses, it would be wrong for the Bank to overreact to a rise in inflation that is likely to prove temporary.

“Clearly, the MPC cannot ignore the risk that inflationary expectations could worsen, particularly if sterling continues to weaken. However, this risky backdrop makes it even more important for the new Government to urgently produce a detailed plan for reducing our unsustainable Budget deficit.

“If the market regains confidence in the UK’s ability to deal with the deficit, it will be easier for the MPC to maintain low interest rates for a prolonged period. Low interest rates make it possible for businesses to drive and sustain the economic recovery.”

Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), added:

“We in the business community see two ingredients as fundamental to recovery. Deficit reduction to deliver confidence and low interest rates to encourage investment. It is absolutely critical that we get both right.”

Commenting on the March trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, (BCC) said:

“These figures were much worse than expected, with exports recording a decline on a monthly and quarterly basis. Longer-term comparisons show exports rising considerably slower than imports.

“It is clear that the much-needed rebalancing of the economy towards export-led growth is not happening. With a competitive exchange rate, the UK’s international trading performance is still too weak.

“Businesses urgently need short-term trade finance support, so that our exporters can get their goods and services out to the global market as the recovery continues. We must remember that business exports will be at the centre of any meaningful UK recovery over the next few years.”

Commenting on Vince Cable’s new appointment as Business Secretary, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Vince Cable understands business and is popular with many small and medium-sized companies.

“His work as the Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Chancellor means that he knows where the UK fits within a global context, and the important role the private sector will play in driving future job creation and economic growth.

“His relentless focus on making sure that the banks lend to viable, credit-worthy businesses will be a critical part of his new position. However, with reform of the banking system on its way, he must ensure that these reforms do not lead to an upheaval for businesses.

“We look forward to working with Dr Cable and want to see him push British business to the forefront of the new coalition Government’s entire thinking."

Commenting on the creation of a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition Government, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We look forward to working with the new coalition Government during a critical time for the economy.

“We will judge the new administration on the basis of what it does to promote business recovery across the UK. The BCC wants to see the delivery of a clear and achievable plan for business over the first ninety days of a new administration – a plan that puts business growth at the centre stage.

“Fixing the public finances must be at the top of the agenda. The Conservative-led coalition must be absolutely clear about where spending cuts will fall, and about the need to curb relentless growth in the size and cost of the public sector. They must also follow through on their promise to roll back the planned employer National Insurance rise in any emergency Budget.

“The next ninety days are crucial for recovery. We need concrete proposals to reduce red tape and tax burdens on business; action to move the economy away from consumption and the public sector and towards exports; and commitments to improve Britain’s key business infrastructure.”

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“The labour market figures are disappointing for the second month in a row, and support our forecast that unemployment is likely to hit 2.65 million towards the end of the year.

“In addition to the rise in unemployment, the figures show a large decline in employment, and a further increase in inactivity. The phenomenon of ‘under-employment’ – the number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job – increased to a new record high.

“Additionally, public sector earnings continue to grow at a much faster rate than the private sector – an unacceptable and unaffordable trend.

“In light of this, it is vital that the new government takes forceful measures to enable businesses to create jobs and growth. It must go further than its early announcements, and scrap the entire planned rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions without delay.  Business confidence would also be helped by an immediate freeze of the total public sector wage bill, and swift moves to tackle unfunded and expensive public sector pensions.”

A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) snap poll of 500 businesses has revealed that a majority of companies (58%) want a new Government to prioritise reducing the UK’s budget deficit once ministers are in place.

Asked how the result of the election would impact on the UK’s ability to cut the deficit, 49% stated it would make it “somewhat harder” or “much harder”. This compares with just 17% that suggested it would make it “somewhat easier” or “much easier”.

Respondents were also asked what form of Government they would now consider to be the best for UK business. Nearly half (45%) selected a Conservative-led coalition, given the outcome of the election. 19% suggested a Conservative minority would be the best option, while 15% opted for a Labour-led coalition.

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

"Businesses nationwide have watched negotiations between the parties closely since the election result became clear. This poll shows that business's overwhelming priority is for a strong and stable administration to be formed in order to cut the UK's unsustainable budget deficit. This single goal must be the focus of a new Government's first ninety days, and beyond."

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for March 2010, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures are much stronger than expected and reinforce hopes that GDP in the first quarter of 2010 will be revised upwards. But, there is no room for complacency - the manufacturing sector is still fragile and it is important to support these signs of improvement.

“With a competitive exchange rate, UK manufacturers should be able to respond well to increased demand for exports. However, it is vital for the current political uncertainty to be brought to a swift end, so that a stable government can pursue policies aimed at creating the conditions for a sustained, business-led recovery.”

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

"We support the decision to leave interest rates and Quantitative Easing unchanged. Given the dangers still facing the economy, the MPC must persevere with expansionary policies.

“Any thought of raising interest rates and withdrawing the QE stimulus must be rejected until there is conclusive evidence that growth is secure. The UK recovery is still fragile, and businesses require a prolonged period of low interest rates to cope with the huge pressures facing them.

“Risks of adverse market reactions to the inconclusive election result increase the threats to our credit rating. The MPC will not be able to ignore the inflationary consequences if sterling and the gilts market come under serious speculative attacks.

“To pre-empt these dangers, it is critical that the political leaders agree a detailed and credible plan for tackling the UK’s unsustainable deficit within the next few weeks. Only such a plan can forestall market pressure for damaging immediate cuts, and will make it easier for the MPC to keep interest rates low for an extended period.”

Commenting on the electoral outcome as of 0930 BST, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Companies across the UK have expressed significant concerns about how a hung parliament could affect the decisive action needed to cut the deficit and improve the business environment.

“The electorate has spoken – and opted for a hung parliament. But the business community has also spoken – and expects the parties to put political horse-trading to one side and put the UK economy at the heart of their thinking. Strong leadership and consensus are required to deal with the serious threats still facing the economy.

“This week’s lesson from the eurozone is that we must avoid a crisis of confidence at all costs. British business wants to see a speedy resolution to political negotiations, the formation of a Government, and an agreed policy of putting the economy first.”

Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for the first quarter of 2010 published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Coming at the end of a week of mixed economic data, these figures are weaker than expected, but not entirely surprising.  Lower growth in the first quarter of this year compared with the last quarter of 2009 was anticipated by the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey, and is consistent with our forecast published in March.

“Although still weak, GDP has now recovered for two quarters in a row, so it is important for policy-makers to focus on ensuring that the recovery continues and a double-dip recession is avoided. 

“As soon as the election is out of the way, it is critical for a new government to put in place a credible deficit-reduction plan that allows business to lead a sustainable recovery.  Without a credible plan, there are serious risks that the fragile economic upturn will fizzle out.”

Commenting on the labour market figures released today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures are disappointing, but not surprising given the worrying trends that have been apparent in recent months. They support the BCC’s forecast that unemployment is set to reach 2.65 million later this year.

“In addition to a rise in unemployment that reverses recent declines, we have witnessed a large fall in employment and a sharp increase in inactivity. The number of people working part-time has risen to a record high.

“Whatever the result of the election, a new Government must enable businesses to invest and create jobs. Scrapping the proposed employer National Insurance increase next year appears even more important in the light of these figures. It is equally important that the regulatory burdens on business are limited in the coming years.”

Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the BCC added:

“As the election campaign continues, there are two additional issues that must be addressed.

“There are over one million ‘under-employed’ people in the UK – people who want to work full-time but are unable to do so. This could have a significant effect on the recovery, and makes scrapping the costly NICs increase all the more important.

“Despite the UK’s huge deficit, the figures also show that public sector earnings are still increasing at more than double the rate of private sector earnings. This is unsustainable - and must be addressed whatever the result of the election.”

Commenting on the March inflation figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The higher-than-expected inflation figures complicate the Monetary Policy Committee’s job. Given the weak economy and the serious pressures facing businesses, it would be wrong for the Bank of England to overreact to a surge that is likely to prove temporary. 

“With prices now rising faster than wages, the initial impact of higher inflation is to reinforce the squeeze on disposable incomes and suppress demand.

“One key issue for the MPC is a new Government’s ability to produce a more credible plan for reducing the unsustainable deficit over the medium-term. If a plan can be presented shortly after the election, it would be easier for the MPC to maintain low interest rates for a longer period, making it possible for businesses to lead and sustain the recovery.”

Commenting on the February trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures are better-than-expected, but there is no room for complacency.  They come after very poor January figures, while in the longer-term exports are still growing more slowly than imports.

“The improvement in February, which was anticipated in our Quarterly Economic Survey, must be built on to consolidate the much-needed rebalancing of the UK economy towards export-led growth.  The favourable international environment for British exporters, with a competitive exchange rate, is an opportunity that must not be missed.

“To strengthen Britain’s international trading position, the Government must do more to support our exporters, especially in critical areas such as trade finance.  We must not forget that strong business exports should be at the core of any sustainable UK recovery.”

Director of Policy, Adam Marshall, added: 

“To date, all political parties say that they want to rebalance the economy and improve Britain’s export potential.  Despite the improvement in today’s figures, both seasoned and first time exporters are still waiting to see concrete policy proposals that help the UK build new high-export industries. What’s more, businesses urgently need short-term trade finance support, so that our exporters can get their goods and services out to the global market as the recovery continues.”

Results from the Quarter 1 2010 British Chambers of Commerce Economic Survey – published a day ahead of the MPC’s April rate setting decision – show that the UK’s upturn is still on course and the economy has not slipped back into recession. However, the recovery is weak and serious risks of a setback remain.

Data from over 5,500 businesses show that the service sector’s performance is improving, with most indicators now positive and making gains on the previous quarter. The results in manufacturing are disappointing with too many key measures worsening, and several still in negative territory.

Highlights from the Q1 QES include:

• Confidence, although weak by pre-recession standards, is firmly in positive territory confirming businesses’ resilience in the aftermath of the recession.
• Exports have mostly improved and remain strong for manufacturing. Export orders grew from +17 in Q4 to +21 in Q1 – a highlight of this quarter’s survey.
• Worryingly, critical indicators such as investment in plant and machinery and cash flow are still negative across both sectors.
• In manufacturing, the key domestic measures point to stagnation in Q1 - with sales barely positive and orders still negative. In services, both sales and orders have turned positive.
• Employment over the last three months in manufacturing has recorded a large decline. It has moved back into negative territory from +3 in the fourth quarter to -16 in Q1.

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

“Although these results are mixed, they contain some positive features - most notably the service sector’s improvement and relatively strong export balances for manufacturers.

“Businesses are showing resilience despite difficult and uncertain trading conditions. Confidence is building, and the Government must nurture this with well-thought out policies that support business growth and job creation. Special attention must be paid to bolstering our exports in goods and services, which will help rebalance the economy away from an over-reliance on debt and the public sector.

“Whatever the result of the General Election, a new Government must avoid additional business taxes that could stifle recovery. Within the first 90 days of a new administration, the 1% hike to employers’ National Insurance Contributions, planned for 2011, should be scrapped and replaced by a less damaging 1% rise in VAT.

“With companies facing an extra £25.6bn in costs stemming from new employment laws and taxes over the coming four years, there should also be a three-year moratorium on any new employment legislation. These are measures that will boost confidence and investment, create jobs and drive recovery over the long-term.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added:

“These results support the view that GDP growth stayed positive in Q1, but the recovery is set to remain fragile and sluggish. While the upturn in the service sector is gradually gathering momentum, the manufacturing sector is still struggling to enter the recovery phase.

“It is disturbing that the measures for investment in plant and machinery have worsened, and are still negative across both manufacturing and services. Unless the sharp declines in capital investment are reversed, the UK’s productivity will plummet further and the economy will lack the capacity to meet growing demand when the recovery gains momentum.

“The negative cash flow balances in both sectors indicate that many businesses are still facing serious financial pressures, although this is often due to lack of demand, rather than to reluctance on the part of the banks to lend.

“With pressures on capacity modest and price pressures mostly under control, it is important that the MPC maintains an expansionary stance to reduce the risk of an economic setback.

“Whatever the outcome of the election, a new Government must produce a more credible medium-term plan for cutting the country’s huge Budget deficit and reducing spending. This will strengthen Britain’s credit rating, make it easier for the MPC to keep interest rates low for a prolonged period, and underpin the recovery.”

Government plans for a 50p-a-month tax to fund super-fast broadband have been scrapped due to a lack of time before the dissolution of Parliament next week. Commenting, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“British business wants and needs a super-fast broadband infrastructure that brings us into line with our major competitors. The UK must be at the forefront of the digital revolution, rather than continually playing catch-up.

“That said, most companies do not see a 50p-a-month tax as the best or only means of funding super-fast broadband. It is critical that any incoming Government reopen the debate on alternative sources of funding. Providers, businesses and Government will all need to play their part.”

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for February 2010, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“These figures are better-than-expected, although the February increase is partly due to a reversal of the large fall in January. The figures reinforce the prospect that GDP recorded positive growth in the first quarter of 2010.

“A manufacturing upturn remains critical to secure the much-needed rebalancing of the British economy towards exports and investments. The competitive position of sterling should provide the sector with some of the necessary advantages to stage a sustainable recovery, but the exchange rate is not enough on its own.

“The manufacturing sector must be better supported and access to finance improved, particularly for exporting companies. Steps must be taken to help businesses create jobs and wealth, and the planned National Insurance rise must be scrapped. Whatever the election result, we expect a new Government to address these issues urgently.”

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

"We expected and support the MPC’s decision to continue with a holding approach. But, it should consider new techniques aimed at improving the effectiveness of the quantitative easing programme.

“A fragile recovery is now under way, but the upturn must be nurtured to counter risks of a relapse. Despite the upward revision to GDP in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the prospect of positive growth in the first quarter of this year, the economy remains weak and vulnerable to a setback. Businesses remain under pressure and there is absolutely no room for complacency.

"It would be wrong to contemplate raising interest rates or reducing QE at present. Given the dangers still facing the economy, it is important that the MPC perseveres with an expansionary strategy. Threats of a double-dip recession remain more serious in the near future than risks of higher inflation."

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is urging businesses to get ready for major changes to VAT and PAYE coming in this spring.

The following VAT changes come into effect on 1 April:

• VAT-registered traders with annual turnovers of £100,000 or more (excluding VAT) will have to file their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically;

• All businesses registering for VAT from April will have to file their returns online and pay electronically;

• All VAT cheque payments sent by post will be treated as being received by HMRC on the date when cleared funds reach HMRC’s bank account – not the date when it receives the cheque. Businesses must allow enough time for their cheque to reach HMRC and to clear its account no later than the due date shown on their VAT return, or they may be liable to a surcharge for late payment. However, this change does not affect any cheque payments made by Bank Giro; and

• Anyone issuing an invoice that includes VAT, when they are not entitled to charge it, will be subject to a new VAT wrongdoing penalty. The penalty charged will be a percentage of the amount charged as VAT on an unauthorised invoice.

From May, two key PAYE changes come into effect:

• All employers must file their Employer Annual Return (P35 and P14s) online by the 19 May deadline – there is no longer a paper filing option for small employers with fewer than 50 staff. File your return on paper, even if it’s before 19 May, and you could receive a penalty.

• HMRC is introducing new penalties for late payment of PAYE. Under these changes, employers and contractors may incur penalties if they don’t make payments of PAYE, National Insurance contributions, Construction Industry Scheme deductions and student loan deductions on time, and in full. Penalties will be calculated as a percentage of the late amount and, for in-year payments, the percentage charged increases as the number of late payments in the year increases.

To file your VAT or PAYE online, you must first register with HMRC’s online services by visiting www.online.hmrc.gov.uk  clicking “Register” under the “New user” section and then following the instructions.

Stephen Banyard, Director of HMRC’s Business Customer Unit, said:

“If you’re a VAT-registered trader or an employer, make sure you’re up to speed with all the VAT and PAYE changes coming in this spring. If you’re well prepared for the changes, you’ll help avoid a last-minute rush when the new measures take effect.”

HMRC recently launched a ‘super podcast’ covering the VAT and PAYE online filing changes, as well as changes to corporation tax filing and payment coming in next year. It can be downloaded free from HMRC’s podcast pages at www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts.

Further information on all the changes is available on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Responding to the Conservatives’ proposal to roll back planned increases in National Insurance, David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said:

“George Osborne’s commitment to roll back NICs increases for employers is an important step in the right direction. However, the job is not yet done. Despite these positive proposals, companies up and down the country will still face higher costs to keep people in work from April of next year.

It is nonsensical for any Government to ask the private sector to drive economic recovery and create jobs while simultaneously raising direct taxes on employment. To secure the recovery, we must completely eliminate this damaging ‘tax on jobs’.”

Commenting on the further revision to the GDP figures for the fourth quarter 2009, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
 
“These figures are stronger than earlier estimates and better than most analysts’ expectations.  It is important to stress that UK growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 was stronger than that of the Eurozone. Nevertheless, it is clear that the UK recovery is still frail, vulnerable, and businesses are facing serious pressures.
 
“From now onwards, the main aim must be to ensure that the modest recovery consolidates and gathers momentum. It is critical for both the Government and the Monetary Policy Committee to pursue policies that make it possible for business to invest and export.
 
"A double-dip recession is still a potential threat that must be avoided at all costs. Given the dangers still facing the economy, policy must remain expansionary. Any consideration of raising interest rates and withdrawing the QE stimulus must be postponed until there is more conclusive evidence that growth is secure."

Commenting on the revised business investment figures for the fourth quarter of 2009, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although marginally better than the original figures, these numbers still show alarming declines in business investment – with particularly large falls in the manufacturing sector.

“In the face of weak demand and severe financial pressures, businesses have had little choice but to cut investment and stocks. This situation cannot go on indefinitely without damaging consequences. Unless investment picks up, the UK economy will lack the capacity to meet rising demand when the recovery gathers momentum.

“In order to promote investment, companies need continued low interest rates. For smaller firms, the doubling of the Annual Investment Allowance in this week’s Budget will help, but a credible plan for the nation’s finances would give many more businesses the confidence to start investing again.”

The relentless flow of complex employment law is stifling UK competitiveness and risks future job creation, according to a new report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Employment regulation: up to the job? is published a day ahead of the official labour market figures, expected to show that unemployment has surpassed 2.46 million. It argues that basic workplace protections have been supplemented with burdensome rights to request, extended time-off provisions, and unreasonable health and safety restrictions.

Some of the most striking problems identified in the business group’s report include:

• The average waiting-time for a first hearing at an employment tribunal is an unacceptable 20 weeks.
• It is extremely difficult for an employer to prove gross misconduct has taken place. Even in the case of a security guard who was dismissed for leaving his post unattended, the tribunal found this was not grounds for gross misconduct.
• Employers have ‘the same responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of home workers as they do for staff based at their own premises’. This includes carrying out a risk assessment and an assurance that lighting and glare within a worker’s home is safe.
• Employees are allowed to make claims against their employer without taking any advice on the merits of their claim.

The BCC makes a series of constructive recommendations to help reduce and rebalance the burden of employment red tape, and suggests an urgent overhaul of the UK’s dysfunctional tribunal system. These include:

• Employers should not have to wait more than 16 weeks for a first tribunal hearing.
• The law should be changed to allow employee dismissal if an employer ‘reasonably believes’ that a member of staff’s actions constituted gross misconduct.
• Employers should only have responsibility for equipment they have provided to a remote worker; otherwise remote workers should be responsible for health and safety in their own home.
• Employees making claims must receive advice from either a solicitor or Acas, the workplace dispute advisory service, before submitting a formal claim or complaint.

Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the BCC said:

“There is an emerging consensus that employment law is now weighted too far in favour of the employee. Many rights come from EU legislation, which is informed by and aimed at labour markets very different to our own. The result is that the UK and the EU are becoming increasingly uncompetitive due to the rising cost of labour.

“Encouraging job creation – and therefore wealth creation – must remain the government’s priority as economic recovery continues. A three year moratorium on the implementation of new employment law is crucial, as is cancelling the 1% hike in employer National Insurance contributions, planned for April 2011.”

Lord Mandelson and Ken Clarke will be challenged with the report’s findings when they meet to debate at the BCC’s annual conference on Thursday.

Google, Enterprise UK, the Department for Business Innovation & Skills and e-skills UK have been working together, to develop a proposition to help get small businesses in the UK online through a campaign called Getting British Business Online.
 
The campaign aims to help 100,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs create their first website and attract new customers online by the end of 2010 through:
 
• A free customised website
• A free .co.uk web address
• A free self help tool to attract new customers online
• A bespoke accredited training unit offered through training providers and colleges

To see more information on the support and free services we are providing please visit www.gbbo.co.uk

Should you require any further assistance please contact Carli Parry by email cparry@getbusinessonline.co.uk or telephone 0800 500 3123

• What will the next Government do to help your business?
• Which Party has the best vision for UK plc?
• What will they do for Birmingham and the West Midlands?

Birmingham and Solihull Chamber of Commerce seeks to be the voice of business in our region. In the run-up to the 2010 General Election, we are working hard to encourage politicians from the main political parties to adopt business friendly measures which will allow our firms to grow and create the wealth which will drive recovery.

To make sure politicians understand what Birmingham and Solihull businesses want, we are holding a ‘Question Time’ event with senior representatives from the main political parties. This major interactive business event offers the chance to hear leading Members of Parliament debate what their Party will do for business.

Speakers will include: Lorely Burt MP (Liberal Democrats), Caroline Spelman MP (Conservative) and Gisela Stuart MP (Labour). The event, sponsored and hosted by Aston Business School, will allow Birmingham and Solihull’s business community to ask the questions that matter to you and your business before you vote in one of the most important elections of recent years.

The event details are:
Date: Friday 16th April 2010
Time: 5.15pm for 5.45pm start
Venue: Lakeside Conference Centre at Aston University, Birmingham
Cost: FREE for members, with wine, networking and a buffet provided.

Formal proceedings will close at 7.30pm and will be followed by networking, drinks and a buffet. There is no charge to attend this event. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come,
first served basis. To reserve your place, please register at: www.abs.aston.ac.uk/events .
For more information, please contact Katie Teasdale, Head of Policy on 0121 450 4204.

The Government’s plans for high-speed rail have been announced today by Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary. Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Continued investment in Britain's transport infrastructure will underpin economic growth, support business in driving recovery and create jobs. That is why the BCC supports a comprehensive high-speed rail network that provides vital extra capacity and helps British companies compete on a global scale.

"With the public finances in such a poor state, the budget for this important project needs to be carefully considered. High-speed rail is a long-term investment but it cannot be built at the expense of the current rail network. There must now be a binding, cross-party political consensus to ensure that both HSR and upgrades to the existing rail system proceed over the next two decades.”

WHAT COMES AFTER A RECESSION: IT’S RECOVERY!

UKTI Trinidad & Tobago invites YOU to be a part of the region’s largest and most effective forum for Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters, Buyers, Distributors, Wholesalers, Service Providers, regulatory Agencies, Financial Institutions, Investors & Consumers. Yes, you can be present without spending thousands of £ on: Airfare, Hotel Accommodation, Transfers, Entertainment, Shipment Fees, Meals & Taxis! Save thousands of pounds and gain access to new customers by participating in our UKTI British-Branded Premium Exhibition Booth at this event! NOW is the time to secure your business’ future! “Capture new customers, grow your market share, consolidate regional relationships,: Come to TIC - Trinidad & Tobago.”

Facilitated US$400 M in Trade Deals GUIDELINES FOR TIC 2010:

Our UKTI T&T Team will:

 Include your company's logo/name in a printed banner for the booth.
 Co-ordinate receipt of your company’s marketing material
 Display & distribute your business cards, brochures, promotional items etc.
 Collect & issue business cards of interested customers' etc.
 Prepare & issue visitor feedback forms to ascertain leads for follow up
 Prepare a market report customised for your firm based on the above
Total Cost: £500

Deadline for Bookings: Friday 30th April, 2010

UK Companies will:
 Provide their business cards, brochures, promotional items & other marketing material. We suggest quantities of 500 each.
 There are 3 days of business to business, and 1 day of business to consumer, please separate and indicate if there is different material for each target audience.
 Customers must arrange shipment of the above to the T&T UKTI Team at:

UKTI Section
British High Commission
P.O. Box 778
19 St. Clair Avenue
St. Clair
Trinidad W.I.

 The T&T UKTI Section must receive all items by 10th May 2010.
 We may be able to accommodate very small signage, such as a banner/banner, please ask your UKTI T&T team for details.
 All costs of shipping & printing of these materials must be paid directly by the customer. If companies register early, shipment may be alternatively arranged via UKTI’s London Office, please ask T&T’s UKTI team for information.
 We have sourced funding for the exhibition booth, so companies will not be required to contribute towards this.

Save thousands of £££ & access new customers by working with the Trinidad & Tobago UKTI Team

Our UKTI T&T Team awaits your booking:

 Natalie Dookie, Head, Trade & Investment; natalie.dookie@fco.gov.uk – 001 868 350 0402
 Bernadette Bacchus, Trade & Investment Officer; bernadette.bacchus@fco.gov.uk – 001 868 350 0435
 Lazena Abdool-Gay, Trade & Investment Assistant; lazena.abdool@fco.gov.uk – 001 868 350 0431
Address: 19, St. Clair Avenue, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad ,W.I. Tel: 001 868 350 0444 Fax: 001 868 350 0427

Commenting on the January trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These dismal figures may have been distorted by recent bad weather, but trends over the past three months show a disappointing pattern, with the volume of imports growing more strongly than exports.

“It is clear that the much-needed rebalancing of the UK economy towards export-led growth is not happening.  Given the favourable global background for British exporters, with a competitive sterling exchange rate, our international trading performance is still weak.

“To strengthen Britain’s global trade, the government must do more to support our exporters, as many other countries are doing, and adopt measures to ensure adequate trade finance is available. It is critical to remember that business exports will be at the centre of any meaningful UK recovery over the coming year and beyond.”

The India Pakistan Trade Unit invites West Midlands companies to attend a FREE seminar on
India Infrastructure

25th March 2010

This free seminar, organised by UK Trade and Investment in conjunction with IPTU, aims to promote the infrastructure opportunities in India to UK companies and help them join the global supply chain.

Senior executives from Indian companies who are major players in infrastructure will address the seminar. Speakers include:

*S Ramachandran – Director Business Development and Corporate Strategy, IVRCL Infrastructure and Projects Limited.
*Phillie Karkaria – Executive Director, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited
*Saud Siddique – Joint Managing Director, SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited
*Nripesh Kumar - Assistant Director, Corporate Finance, Price Waterhouse Coopers – UK
*Jayalakshmi Jayaraman – Senior Trade & Investment Adviser, UK Trade and Investment, India

Programme will include:
                                                        * India Infrastructure - the Big Picture
                                                        * Infrastructure Financing and PPPs
                                                        * Opportunities in Infrastructure, EPC and BOT
                                                        * Project Implementation - the issues and challenges
                                                        * Help and Support from the UK Trade and Investment team in India
 

Venue: Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 75 Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3DH

Time: 13.30 - 14:15 Registration and Networking Lunch followed by seminar programme - 17:00 Seminar Close 

Cost: Free of Charge. Book now!

For further details and a booking form please contact Amerdeep Mangat on 0121 607 0105 or email <mailto:a.mangat@birminghamchamber.org.uk>

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for January 2010, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The new figures were worse than expected, even after making allowances for the adverse effect of January’s bad weather. There is now a serious possibility that GDP in the first quarter of this year will show a slowdown compared with the last quarter of 2009.

“A manufacturing recovery is crucial in order to secure the much-needed rebalancing of the UK economy towards exports and investment. The competitive sterling exchange rate provides manufacturing with the necessary advantage to stage a meaningful recovery.

“The sector must be better supported, access to finance improved, and steps taken that help firms to preserve their skills base – starting with the cancellation of the increase in NICs, planned for 2011.  We expect the government to address these issues in the Budget.”

Professional Service Cluster Market Visit to Russia

Lawyers, accountants, marketers, architects, educational organisations, financial services providers and business consultants from the West Midlands are invited to join a visit to Russia from the 17th to the 21st of May 2010. The principal destination will be Moscow, with an optional second centre destination of St Petersburg. It forms part of the AWM Cluster initiative aimed at developing the international links of business and professional services companies in the region.

Please see the attached flyer for further information.

For further information please contact;

STEVEN CUNNANE
Regional International Trade Adviser
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry
0121 450 4205
07980 567748
s.cunnane@birminghamchamber.org.uk
www.birminghamchamber.co.uk

Do you have a loving, busy household where never having a dull moment also means never having a moment’s peace?

Perhaps your family run a business together?

Is 2010 going to be a year to remember for your family?

Perhaps you know of a family who would be interested in taking part?

As with the recent series we’re looking for a vibrant, fun loving family with a sense of determination to overcome life’s ups and downs.

We want to be there for the important milestones in the family’s life; birthdays, weddings or a challenge the family will be facing together. We also want to explore the ordinary things that are part of family life.

For one family this will be a unique opportunity: to capture an extraordinary two months of their lives on film.

If you think you could be that family, please email nicola.comber@dragonfly.tv with your telephone number, address, and a brief description of your family or call 0207 033 2290 for more information.

Calling all West Midlands businesses: finditinsandwell has teamed up with Advantage West Midlands to stage a massive networking and business insight day in West Bromwich on Thursday 18 March.

finditinsandwell’s next big event will showcase some of the biggest UK organisations currently operating in the ‘green’ markets. We've signed up green industry leaders, Rolls Royce, Corus, Westinghouse, Mitsubishi, e-on, RIBA, Carillion, Balfour Beatty plus many more to speak and exhibit, we've also recruited influential designers, manufacturing, engineering and construction professionals, the major developers and procurement decision makers from around the region to attend and with 600+ business people attending, the networking opportunities will be HUGE, they'll be lots of opportunities to make some quality business leads and make new contacts so this is a NOT TO BE MISSED event.

Visitors to the event will be able to learn about the full business potential generated by the need to develop, source and specify renewable energy solutions, eco-building technology and greener transport solutions and they'll get an insight into the changing ways, we build and work. You can read more about the event on the attached flyer and by clicking on this link> Growing Green

Our aims for the day?

* To show you how huge the scope is for doing business with these organisations - and let you hear first-hand about the materials, components and fabrications they need from suppliers like you.

* The event will show you how to make changes today to improve your energy efficiency and reduce your production costs tomorrow.

* If you do have a patent or just an idea for a green product, we will bring you support and advice on taking it to new markets. 

As well as bringing you valuable business leads, networking opportunities and inspirational speakers, this CPD-certified event will include a learning ‘zone’, where you can attend seminars on innovation in design and environmental issues in engineering, and learn how to access £billions of green development grants.

When?  Thursday 18 March, 9:00am - 3pm (Registration starts from 08:30)
Where? Bethel Convention Centre, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich B70 7JW
How much does it cost? It’s completely FREE
How do I sign up? To register your place, phone Steve Massey today on 0121 569 2105 or email nathan_boyce@sandwell.gov.uk

The UK’s leading business groups have formed a unique coalition promoting an internet petition that calls for the 1% employer National Insurance Contributions increase - planned for April 2011 - to be scrapped.

The petition, found in full at the dedicated website www.no-nics-rise.co.uk, says:

“We, the undersigned, call upon the Government to reverse the 1 percentage-point employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) increase planned for April 2011.

“Businesses across the country know that it is imperative for the Government to begin the difficult job of repairing the public finances. But this NICs increase is a 'tax on jobs' - and will discourage companies of all sizes from taking on new staff at a critical point in our economic recovery.

“We urge the Government to work with business groups to find alternative ways to close the UK's budget deficit - beginning with a credible plan to reduce inefficiency in public sector spending. Any Government has to realise that additional taxes on businesses, especially small-and medium-sized companies, must be a last resort, not an easy way forward.

“The respected and independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has commented that 'employer [NI] contributions bear no relation to benefits provided under the NI scheme. These contributions are in effect simply a payroll tax'. From our perspective, further rises in NI mean fewer jobs, more people signing on, and a slower recovery for UK plc.

The case is clear. No NICs increase - no tax on jobs.”

The petition was signed by the leaders of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), British Retail Consortium (BRC), Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Forum of Private Business (FPB), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Institute of Directors (IOD), and the Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC).

Have you ever considered exporting? Or are you already exporting and wish to identify
new overseas market opportunities?

UK Trade and Investment invites West Midlands SMEs to join them for two FREE regional seminars which will showcase the best the region has to offer with support for
entering new markets in International Trade.

The seminars will provide insights from SMEs already successfully exporting overseas, highlight the support available to assist your strategic export drive, and provide
expert and informed views on specific country opportunities, World and European trade overviews and the importance of innovation and product development in
internationalisation.

To register for an Event:

2nd March, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham>>
3rd March, Hilton Metropole, Birmingham>>

Why attend?

Exporting can bring significant benefits to your business through increased sales, increased market share and increased profits
A panel of West Midlands SMEs will discuss their experiences of doing business internationally dealing with foreign currencies, distribution and logistics, getting paid,
cultural barriers, use of technology and highlight their experiences of exporting and how they took on global markets -market selection, penetration and identifying
contacts.

Exporting companies are more innovative and productive

It is a well recognised fact that SME's who deal with and compete in overseas markets are more productive and innovative. To help with this a panel of experts discuss
New Product Development, Design, Diversification,Intellectual Property Rights and R&D Tax Credits and how it will assist you.

Weathering the Storm showcase As well as the seminars there will be a mini Trade Fair of Financial and Business Support organisations
showcasing the possible assistance for doing business in Europe or Global Markets.

* Taking West Midlands Business to Europe 2nd March 2010 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

Focusing on trading with Europe with the opportunity to meet with expertsfrom Germany, France, Ireland,Belgium, Poland, Romania and
speak with SME's already successfully trading in Europe. Created in 1993, the European Union has developed into the world's largest international single market
now including 27 member States with a population of approximately 500 million people and is a bigger trading area than the US and Japan combined.

* Taking West Midlands Business to the World 3rd March 2010 Hilton Metropole, Birmingham

Focusing on trading with global markets of Brazil, America, India and China and the importance of innovation and product development for internationalisation. With the opportunity to meet successful
SME's and country experts. The UK is the fifth largest trading nation in the world; the second largest exporter of commercial services and seventh largest exporter of merchandise in the world.
Over 4,500 West Midlands companies already export across the world worth over £15 bn

For further information contact Steve Morrison on 08450 710191

Commenting on the preliminary business investment figures for the fourth quarter of 2009, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The new figures are worse than expected and show alarming declines both quarterly and annually. With annual falls in business investment of 24%, and 35% for manufacturing specifically, the longer-term threats to Britain’s productive potential are very serious.

“In the face of weak demand and acute financial pressures, businesses have had little choice but to slash investment and stocks in order to survive. But, such a situation cannot persist over the long-term without damaging consequences.

“Unless business investment picks up, the UK will lack the capacity to meet growing demand when the recovery eventually gathers momentum.

“In order to promote investment, companies need continued support now – and the confidence that a credible plan is in place to mend our public finances as the recovery takes hold.”

Following the amendment of the Pregnant Workers Directive in the European Parliament today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"The Pregnant Workers Directive should be about setting minimum EU standards for the health and safety of pregnant workers - not adding new payroll costs for overburdened companies and national social security systems.

“This vote introduces complexity and uncertainty, which are totally unnecessary, as the UK and other EU countries already have well-developed national maternity pay systems.

“Companies need to be given the space to deliver growth and jobs - without being hamstrung by new and costly maternity rules.

“As the Directive moves forward, we urge the European Parliament as a whole and the Council to overturn these costly amendments."

Full details of the £29million West Midlands-based project that will ensure Britain’s place at the heart of the low carbon vehicle revolution were revealed at a launch event held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire today.

Over 150 representatives from government, stakeholder organisations and small/medium-sized businesses heard how the Low Carbon Vehicle Technology Project (LCVTP) will shape the future of passenger transport.

Following an address from Geoff Dart, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Industries at BIS, guests heard presentations from the project’s partners: Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors, Zytek, Ricardo, MIRA, WMG (formerly Warwick Manufacturing Group) at the University of Warwick and Coventry University - who set out their vision for low carbon vehicles and invited like-minded potential suppliers to work with them in close collaboration.

Commenting on the launch, Project Director John O’Connor from WMG (which is leading three of the project’s workstreams) said: “Today we have announced details of the LCVTP’s 15 workstreams and the project partners have shared their low carbon vehicle technology plans, the aim being to secure active participation from forward-thinking businesses across the UK.

“All of the businesses present are expert in their chosen fields and have been invited to register their interest in working alongside these globally recognised organisations over the next five years to develop tangible, market-ready technologies that will revolutionise how vehicles are powered and manufactured in the future.”

Speaking at the event Dr Geoff Davis, MIRA’s Business Development Director, said: “There’s no one technology that will deliver a low carbon future. It requires a fundamental reassessment of how we approach vehicle engineering; from advanced battery and motor technology for efficient propulsion, light weight materials and aerodynamics to minimize lost energy, through to intelligent control systems for efficient operation in urban environments.

“MIRA is naturally at the heart of all these areas and we are delighted to work alongside those here today to ensure we continue to deliver the technological solutions to the pressing issues facing our society. What’s more, the low carbon agenda has for the first time in decades changed the rules of engagement in the auto industry. The need for completely new components, sourced from new partners and assembled into new modules is forging new alliances. If we are adept in this time of change, this region will emerge stronger than ever as the primary source of low carbon technology for the global marketplace.”

The Low Carbon Vehicle Technology Project comprises 15 separate technical R&D workstreams, each of which is led by a partner who will work closely with selected SMEs to develop solutions spanning: Battery Cells & Packs, Drive Motors, Power Electronics, High Voltage Electrical Distribution, Auxiliary Power Units, Vehicle Supervisory Control, Lightweight Structures, Vehicle Dynamics & Traction Control, High Efficiency Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) and System Cooling, Reduction of Parasitic Losses, Waste Energy & Energy Storage, Aerodynamic Performance, Human Machine Interface (HMI) Engineering, Large Saloon Vehicle and Optimised Electric Vehicle Package.

Professor Neville Jackson, chief innovation and technology officer of Ricardo plc (Lead partner on the Waste Energy & Energy Storage workstream) and chair of the UK Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, said: “Ricardo is extremely pleased to be an active participant in the LCVTP both as a member of the project and lead partner in a number of work streams. The programme is heavily focused on vehicle electrification technologies where we have a real opportunity to capitalise on some key UK innovations and capabilities. We look forward to working with our partners to help catalyse the development of low carbon technology and innovation.”

Dr Clive Hickman from Tata (Battery & Battery Packs and High Voltage Electrical Distribution Lead Partner) added: “Our first generation electric vehicle, the Indica Vista, will be on Britain’s roads later this year, but this is just the start.  We are already planning next generation Electric Vehicles and the LCVTP programme is integral to our plans. Our intention is to provide radical innovations in system technologies, which we will deploy across deducted Electric Vehicle programs.”

Companies from across the UK with relevant expertise and the desire to get involved are invited to register their interest by e-mailing lowcarbon@warwick.ac.uk

The LCVTP has been made possible through a £19million investment (£9.5million funding from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and £9.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund Programme (ERDF)) and a further £10 million contribution from the industry partners involved.

The project will create between 3,000 and 11,500 jobs in the UK by 2020, the majority of those being in the West Midlands and will also safeguard jobs in the supply chain as businesses switch to low carbon opportunities. In addition, research estimates wealth creation resulting form the project at between £690m and £2.8bn.

The LCVTP brings Advantage West Midlands’ investment in low carbon vehicle initiatives £41.2million. The Agency has already invested more than £22million in a range of low carbon vehicle projects, including: a pioneering intelligent transport systems test facility (innovITS ADVANCE) and the national ultra low carbon vehicle trial (known in the West Midlands as CABLED).

Wednesday 10 March, 12.30pm for 1.00pm, Springvale Sports and Social Club, Millfields Road Bilston WV14 0QR

Co-operatives WM, the organisation representing co-operative enterprise in the West Midlands, are holding a free networking lunch on Wednesday 10 March at Springvale Sports and Social Club in Bilston, near Wolverhampton.

The keynote speaker will be Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK. Ed Mayo will be speaking on “The case for Co-operation”.

The three course lunch offers the opportunity for guests to learn about the latest developments in the co-operative sector in the West Midlands and nationally, with a chance to network with local co-operative businesses. Co-operatives are enjoying a high profile recently as trustworthy, ethical bodies demonstrating sound business practice.

Co operatives West Midlands is a regional body promoting the co operative model of business, representing co operative enterprises, facilitating networking between co operatives and helping to support existing and new co operatives. The organisation was launched at Voice 09 Birmingham in February 2009.

Co-operatives West Midlands is part of Co operatives UK, the national membership body for co operative enterprises. Co-operatives UK calculate that there are 222 co operatives in the West Midlands, employing over 12,000 people with a turnover of £1.7 billion. These range from large, multi billion pound retail societies through to worker co operatives, credit unions, community development finance institutions and housing co operatives.

Paul Kalinauckas, Chair of Co-operatives West Midlands, says, “We are delighted to welcome a speaker of the calibre of Ed Mayo to the event. This will enable guests to find out more about the importance of the Co-operative movement and how Co-operatives WM can help them work together to develop their businesses in a trusted, mutual, co-operative manner. I encourage anyone interested in setting up a co-operative and learning about good business practice to come along and learn from the people who have being doing it successfully for well over a century.”

Anyone interested in attending the free lunch should contact Jenny de Villiers, Secretary on 07773 705552 or jdevilliers@btinternet.com

Commenting on the January retail sales figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“A decline in January’s retail sales was predicted because of weather-related disruption, but the fall was worse than expected, and December’s figure was also revised down.  British retailers are obviously facing difficulties, and there is no significant sign that the economic recovery is gathering momentum.

“These figures show that there is clearly no case for the MPC to scale down its £200bn QE programme, or to contemplate higher interest rates.  Risks of a double-dip recession remain serious, and unless we see evidence that the economy is improving - from retail and other sectors - further measures to support growth may be needed.”

Friday 26th February 2010 from 08.15am until 16.00
Coventry Hilton Hotel

Facing the strategic and operational challenges, the agenda will cover the following subjects;

• Manufacturing the recovery – options for the West Midlands
• Keynote Address – Ian Austin MP
• Achieving Success, through Lean & Agile Collaboration
• Development of the Electric Vehicle Market
• Securing Fund Flows
• Business Support & SMEs

To register, please contact Bernadette Edwards at info@businessvoicewm.org.uk or Tel: 0121 245 0139.

Commenting on the January public finance figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The worse than expected January figures further emphasise the dangers facing Britain’s international credit rating.  The public finances are always in surplus in January due to large seasonal tax revenue, but the deficit this year reinforces the need for credible and specific deficit-cutting measures in next month’s Budget.

“As well as explicitly spelling out its medium-term spending plans, it is now necessary for the Government to announce a freeze in the public sector wage bill, and an immediate review into the cost of public sector pensions.  This would persuade the markets, and the rating agencies, that the Government is serious about cutting the unsustainable deficit, and enabling the private sector to drive Britain’s recovery.”

Commenting on the labour market figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“While these figures are broadly welcome, they hide some worrying trends: Full-time employment continues to fall; the number of people working part-time is at a record high; there was a large increase in those claiming benefits; and inactivity has risen further.

“The gap between public and private sector wages is unacceptably large, reinforcing the need for a freeze in the overall public sector wage bill, which will be a key measure in reducing Britain’s unsustainable budget deficit.

“The economy is still very weak, and there is clearly no justification for an immediate tightening in monetary policy. The forthcoming Budget provides the Government with a perfect opportunity to introduce measures that will support businesses’ ability to increase employment – with particular emphasis on full-time jobs. It should start by scrapping the hike in employer National Insurance Contributions, planned for next year, and substitute it for a 1% rise in VAT.”

In the current economic climate every business needs to stay one step ahead. A 0% loan from the Carbon Trust could help you do just that. You can borrow between £3,000 and £500,000 (flexible to your business needs), interest free and unsecured. Applying is straightforward and with no arrangement fees, you can even access capital without denting your cashflow.

Save money while investing in your company’s infrastructure

Investing in energy efficient equipment will cut your energy costs. With loan repayments calculated to be covered by your estimated energy savings, and your equipment continuing to save you money long after the loan’s repaid, you win twice over.

Cut costs without cutbacks
UK businesses that implement cost effective energy efficiency measures could save around 20% a year on energy costs. And money that’s not being spent on energy bills is money that can be put to good use elsewhere.

Get a loan and start saving.
Applying for your loan is easy, there are no arrangement fees and you’ll have a decision within 24 hours. To find out more visit http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/energysavinghub or pick up the phone and call on 01865 885 837.

Graduate Advantage has over 200 bursaries to give to West Midlands businesses looking to take on a graduate for a placement of between four weeks and 12 months. With a range of graduates and post-graduates looking for work across the West Midlands – this will this is an excellent opportunity to add skills and resources to your business NOW!

Graduate Advantage offers a FREE recruitment service to find your perfect match. We now have a graduate bursary of up to *£800 to help kick start your placement; useful for helping to cover the cost of the salary so your new recruit can hit the ground running!

In 2009, companies across the West Midlands benefited from high level skills covering Marketing, Business, IT, Science, Design, Engineering and Sales. Make sure you beat the rush and get on board today!

Already found your new recruit?
Have you already found your ideal placement graduate? Or is your company actively targeted by graduates wanting to work for you?  Many companies are often inundated with requests to work for them and are unable to take people on due to cost restraints. If you find yourselves in this situation we may be able to help!

Subject to a few terms and conditions, our £800 Graduate Bursary* offer could help you pay the wages or training costs of a graduate this spring.

If you would like to discuss how we could help you further please contact Sandra Roberts on 07920 547 391 or s.a.roberts@graduateadvantage.co.uk 

*Full terms and conditions
Offer available to private sector and third sector organisations, based in the West Midlands region, subject to criteria.  Your graduate recruit must be in post by no later than 30th April 2010.  You must invoice Graduate Advantage for up to a maximum of £800 (this equates to £200per/wk graduate bursary for 4 weeks).  £250 per/wk is the minimum level of remuneration your company is able to offer your graduate recruit. pro rata for part-time.
Payments made by Graduate Advantage will be processed and paid by BACS transfer into the business bank account approximately 6 weeks after all paperwork is received.

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

“The report acknowledges that inflation is likely to breach the 3% level over the coming months. However, we believe that this is a temporary spike – and are pleased that the MPC seems unlikely to overreact by raising interest rates. It is also welcome that the £200bn Quantitative Easing programme is likely to be maintained for the time being.

“We believe that the growth forecast in the report may still be unduly optimistic.  There remains a significant danger of the economy slipping into a double-dip recession. The Bank and the Government must use all the tools at their disposal to prevent this from happening.”

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent alert to employers in the West Midlands – important PAYE changes are coming this spring, so make sure you’re prepared for them.

HMRC is writing to all employers in the region this month to remind then that, from this year, they must file their Employer Annual Returns online by the 19 May deadline – there is no longer a paper filing option for small employers with fewer than 50 staff. So, if you file your return on paper, even if it’s before 19 May, you could receive a penalty.

There are around 104,000 small employers with fewer than 50 staff in the West Midlands who will be affected by these changes.

To file online, employers must register with HMRC’s PAYE Online service – they can do this by visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye and clicking ‘Register for PAYE Online’. Smaller employers can then use HMRC’s own free software to file their employee data securely online, while larger employers can purchase a range of commercial software. Alternatively, an intermediary can file on an employer’s behalf.

Further help on employer filing is available from the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye  or from HMRC’s Employer CD-ROM, which is being sent to all employers.

Also from May 2010, HMRC is introducing new penalties for late payment of PAYE – this includes Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), student loan deductions and Construction Industry Scheme deductions.

Under these changes, employers may incur penalties if they don’t make PAYE payments on time, and in full. The penalties will be calculated as a percentage of the amount paid late, and, for in-year payments, the percentage charged increases as the number of late payments in the year increases.

Employers who think they may have difficulty paying should call HMRC’s Business Payment Support Service, before the payment is due, on 0845 302 1435. If they do, and HMRC agrees time to pay, it will not charge late payment penalties – provided the business keeps to the agreement.

More information on the new penalties can be found on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/paye-penalties-faqs.htm

HMRC’s Stephen Banyard said:

“Major changes to PAYE filing and payment are only a matter of weeks away, so employers need to make sure they’re well prepared for them. We will be writing to affected employers over the coming weeks, so please look out for this information, and take the time to read it.

“One key thing to flag up at this stage is that employers do not need to keep a hard copy of their Employer Annual Return if they file it online themselves. As a consequence, HMRC will be reducing its stocks of hard-copy PAYE forms – P35s and P14s. So please carefully consider your PAYE stationery requirements before ordering paper forms from HMRC.”

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent alert to employers in the East Midlands – important PAYE changes are coming this spring, so make sure you’re prepared for them.

HMRC is writing to all employers in the region this month to remind then that, from this year, they must file their Employer Annual Returns online by the 19 May deadline – there is no longer a paper filing option for small employers with fewer than 50 staff. So, if you file your return on paper, even if it’s before 19 May, you could receive a penalty.

There are around 87,000 small employers with fewer than 50 staff in the East Midlands who will be affected by these changes.

To file online, employers must register with HMRC’s PAYE Online service – they can do this by visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye and clicking ‘Register for PAYE Online’. Smaller employers can then use HMRC’s own free software to file their employee data securely online, while larger employers can purchase a range of commercial software. Alternatively, an intermediary can file on an employer’s behalf.

Further help on employer filing is available from the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye  or from HMRC’s Employer CD-ROM, which is being sent to all employers.

Also from May 2010, HMRC is introducing new penalties for late payment of PAYE – this includes Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), student loan deductions and Construction Industry Scheme deductions.

Under these changes, employers may incur penalties if they don’t make PAYE payments on time, and in full. The penalties will be calculated as a percentage of the amount paid late, and, for in-year payments, the percentage charged increases as the number of late payments in the year increases.

Employers who think they may have difficulty paying should call HMRC’s Business Payment Support Service, before the payment is due, on 0845 302 1435. If they do, and HMRC agrees time to pay, it will not charge late payment penalties – provided the business keeps to the agreement.

More information on the new penalties can be found on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/paye-penalties-faqs.htm.

HMRC’s Stephen Banyard said:

“Major changes to PAYE filing and payment are only a matter of weeks away, so employers need to make sure they’re well prepared for them. We will be writing to affected employers over the coming weeks, so please look out for this information, and take the time to read it.

“One key thing to flag up at this stage is that employers do not need to keep a hard copy of their Employer Annual Return if they file it online themselves. As a consequence, HMRC will be reducing its stocks of hard-copy PAYE forms – P35s and P14s. So please carefully consider your PAYE stationery requirements before ordering paper forms from HMRC.”

Commenting on the December trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures show a further welcome increase in exports. However, imports have risen more strongly, the trade deficit has widened, and it is clear that the much-needed rebalancing of the economy towards export-led growth is not progressing quickly enough.

“Given the favourable international environment for British exporters, with a competitive sterling exchange rate and global growth edging up, our overall trading performance is not strong enough.

“To strengthen Britain’s international trading position, the government should back our exporters more forcefully - as many of our competitors are doing - and adopt measures aimed at ensuring that adequate trade finance is available.”

The Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne, has outlined the Conservative Party’s eight economic benchmarks today. Commenting, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“This was a business-focused speech that provides a clearer road map for what a potential Conservative government would try to achieve.

“There wasn’t a huge amount of detail, or new policy. However, the broad ambitions to rebalance the economy towards exports and investment, a desire for lower taxes and less regulation, and a push to grow the private sector across every region are moves that Chambers of Commerce have been campaigning for throughout the recent recession.

“What our members will want to see is the Conservatives sticking to this road map, and actually delivering on these ambitions should they win a General Election. In the meantime, it is equally important for the Government to set out clear plans to bring down the budget deficit and enable a business-led recovery – both in the short and longer-term.”

2 Roles: Project Director  – c £60,000 p.a.
  Project Manager – c £25,000 p.a.

Seeking a new challenge in Business and Professional Services (BPS)? 
Want to use your expertise across a wider range of firms and exciting new markets? 
Already got excellent communication and networking skills?

Birmingham Forward is seeking to recruit two exceptional individuals to lead a new project to stimulate growth in the West Midlands Business and Professional Services Sector in new and existing markets.

The Market Development Hub will promote growth in BPS firms in areas of current strength, identify and take on new market opportunities and seek new international business, through business collaborations.  The Hub will also promote to a wider audience the strengths of the sector in the West Midlands and raise the profile of the work of the sector within the region, nationally and internationally.

Working with the six sub-regional networks (Birmingham Forward, Coventry First, Finest (North Staffordshire), Telford Business Partnership, SucceSS (South Staffordshire) and Alliance 4 the Black Country) and a range of other professional bodies – the Market Development Hub will provide new services for existing network members and attract new firms to participate in Growth Networks.

To lead this development, a Director and Project Manager will be required from early 2010 to June 2012 in the first instance.  While your office will be Birmingham, the project will work across the whole of the West Midlands.

Secondments from regional BPS firms would be welcome.
 
For more information, please contact Richard Brennan at Birmingham Forward on 0121 632 2206 or by email at richard@birminghamforward.co.uk

Marie Curie, INTERREG and LIFE+

Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2011- Secondment Opportunity and/or job share welcome - Full or Part Time

Salary £31,754 - £34,549 pro rata

EU Connects (funding advice centre), which works with regional partners to raise both the quality and quantity of bids coming forward from the region, in the key EU programmes need someone with an understanding of at least two (Marie Curie, INTERREG and LIFE+) of these EU trans-national programmes, with experience of working with European partners, and with highly developed partnership working skills.

To get the best for the West Midlands, you will work with a wide range of partners from the public, university, voluntary and business sectors as well as our Brussels office, West Midlands in Europe.

Experience of training and/or capacity building and project management skills would be useful and a good knowledge of the West Midlands region and its needs.  This is an exciting opportunity to join to a high profile dynamic team of experts in the European funding programmes.

For an informal discussion about the posts, please contact Tatiana Panteli, Manager, EU Connects on 07827 894739.

An application pack which includes a job description, relevant information and an application form can be downloaded from www.wmjobs.co.uk
If you are unable to access the pack electronically please telephone 0121 678 1057 or e-mail recruitment@wmleadersboard.gov.uk.

Closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 3rd February 2010 @5pm.  Interview date is Wednesday 17th February 2010.

West Midlands Leaders Board the employing body for West Midlands Regional Assembly welcomes applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, race, gender, sexuality or disability.

These posts are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund

2 Roles: Project Director  – c £60,000 p.a.
   Project Manager – c £25,000 p.a.

Seeking a new challenge in Business and Professional Services (BPS)? 

Want to use your expertise across a wider range of firms and exciting new markets? 

Already got excellent communication and networking skills?

Birmingham Forward is seeking to recruit two exceptional individuals to lead a new project to stimulate growth in the West Midlands Business and Professional Services Sector in new and existing markets.

The Market Development Hub will promote growth in BPS firms in areas of current strength, identify and take on new market opportunities and seek new international business, through business collaborations.  The Hub will also promote to a wider audience the strengths of the sector in the West Midlands and raise the profile of the work of the sector within the region, nationally and internationally.

Working with the six sub-regional networks (Birmingham Forward, Coventry First, Finest (North Staffordshire), Telford Business Partnership, SucceSS (South Staffordshire) and Alliance 4 the Black Country) and a range of other professional bodies – the Market Development Hub will provide new services for existing network members and attract new firms to participate in Growth Networks.

To lead this development, a Director and Project Manager will be required from early 2010 to June 2012 in the first instance.  While your office will be Birmingham, the project will work across the whole of the West Midlands.

Secondments from regional BPS firms would be welcome.
 
For more information, please contact Richard Brennan at Birmingham Forward on 0121 632 2206 or by email at richard@birminghamforward.co.uk

Both these full time roles are for a fixed contract period until June 2012.

A series of regional events in London, 8 Feb n Coventry, 10 Feb n Manchester, 11 Feb

Places are booking up fast so register now!

Come and hear expert advice on a wealth of business opportunities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia,Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria,
Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and Palestine.

The Middle East is one of the most dynamic and potentially rewarding regions in which to do business and these events are a must for
any business interested in the fantastic opportunities there. There will be a focus on the markets identified as presenting the best opportunities in the
next few years in sectors such as transport, infrastructure, energy and environment, education, healthcare and creative industries. Whatever your business,
whether you are new to export or an old hand, these events are for you.

REGISTRATION

Registration is only £50 per person
including lunch and refreshments.
Register now at www.partnerME2010.com

DATES/LOCATIONS

LONDON
Monday 8 February, Grand Connaught Rooms
With expert panellists from:
Corrotherm International; ICON Display; FIAN
International; British Offset; British Expertise; CMS
Cameron Mckenna and Trowers & Hamlyns

COVENTRY
Wednesday 10 February, Hilton Hotel
With expert panellists from:
Forensic Pathways; Mecatherm; Eurologix;
Aqua Vita Films and University of Birmingham

MANCHESTER
Thursday 11 February, Renaissance Hotel
With expert panellists from:
AvonChem; EA Technology; E-Tech Components;
Telford Hart; UVGI Systems and Totis

PROGRAMME

Stay ahead of the competition – One-to-one meetings with 19 UKTI commercial staff from the 13 Middle East markets represented.
n Get practical advice on your next steps – Access to expert advice from a broad range of business support organisations based in or focused on
the Middle East – including national trade and investment promotion organisations; trade associations, International Trade Advisers (ITAs)
and Middle East embassy staff based in the UK.

Take the opportunity to network and share experiences with other UK companies, organisations and UKTI staff. Learn from experience – A programme of
interactive panel discussions on opportunities in the booming Gulf markets of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; as well as
opportunities in the wider Middle East region. Hear from local companies who have succeeded in Middle East markets who will be passing on
practical information, tips and advice. Have your questions answered – Drop in sessions on key sectors across the Middle East
– including transport, education, health, creative industries, energy and the environment.

FOR FURTHER PROGRAMME INFORMATION GO TO: www.partnerME2010.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Jayasekera

Email: carl.jayasekera@ukti.gsi.gov.uk

Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 8411
Fax: +44 (0)20 7215 4074/5

Commenting on the December retail sales figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The weaker than expected increase in retail sales points to a more challenging Christmas season than initially indicated by a number of larger retail chains. Although the figures are still consistent with a return to positive economic growth, it is clear that any recovery remains fragile and patchy.

“These figures suggest that smaller, independent retailers – those outside the major chains – are facing the biggest hurdles.

“While the Monetary Policy Committee need not increase its quantitative easing stimulus, it is too early to contemplate a reduction in the programme or an increase in interest rates. The main policy priority remains preventing a double-dip recession.”

Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce  has updated the information we have to help your members weather this recession.

There is now a free service that businesses can use – called the Financial Intermediary Service. This service – accessed via Business Links – is free and it helps those businesses who feel they are having trouble sorting their arrangements out at their bank. This service can talk to the bank on behalf of the business to see if suitable arrangements can be made.

The service can be accessed by calling 0845 002 0900. Full details of the help available can be accessed on the link – as below: www.businessvoicewm.org.uk/creditcrunch.html

We hope this information is useful.

Background

The BCC would like to hear from Chambers who have views on non-planning consents or have members with experience of this aspect of the development process.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills launched its consultation document entitled, the Penfold Review of Non-Planning Consents on 15 December 2009. The consultation is a continuation of the government’s strategy into looking at improving investment for business developments.

The full consultation document and terms of reference can be found at the following web-link - http://www.bis.gov.uk/penfold. If you wish to submit evidence to the BCC please respond before Friday 29 January 2010.

Scope of the Report

Non-planning consents: In order for developments (buildings, large scale engineering infrastructure etc) to be approved, various (environmental, heritage and highway etc) consents are sometimes required to allow building to start. These consents are often obtained alongside, after or separate from the planning process through either a local authority other public body.

Non-planning consents for business development involve the following:

- Land acquisition consents e.g. compulsory purchase orders;
- heritage consents e.g. listed building and conservation area consents;
- highway consents;
- authorisation for pipeline construction;
- and environmental consents for waste, water and air quality.

Types of Development: The review will not look at households or national infrastructure projects but instead focus on development for business use such as:

- engineering machinery;
- buildings including major material changes;
- mining operations;
- and land use.

Aim of the report

The review will look in detail at the process of non-planning consents and in particular:

- Its role and barriers for investment decisions in development;
- and any unnecessary costs, burdens or delays.

It will then look to make a series of recommendations to the government on ways to improve co-ordination between agencies granting consents and improving their decision-making processes.

BCC Position

The BCC is supportive of the aim of this review. The BCC believes it is critical that development consent processes are simplified to aid economic development. 

We would therefore really like to hear case studies and examples of particular problems from members of the Chamber Network who have had problems in dealing with the non-planning consent process.

Questions to answer

In particular;

1. Is the planning consent process in your locality easy to access and co-ordinate? For instance, do you find there to be a number of forms to fill, websites to visit or different departments to visit.

2. When applying for non-planning consent what obstacles do you encounter, specifically:
a. administrative burdens;
b. costs;
c. uncertainty and risk;
d. length of decision making?

3. Which obstacles in the non-planning consent process are most burdensome?

4. Have there been any positive impacts from the non-planning consent process to your development(s)?

5. Can you quantify the monetary impact of the non-planning consent processes for your development(s)?

6. In what ways could the decision-making process be improved?

Contact for the Review

If you wish to submit a case study or find out more information about this review please contact Chris Potter on 020 7654 5824 or alternatively to c.potter@britishchambers.org.uk by Friday 29 January 2010.

UKTI is delighted to co-operate with Réseau Ferré de France (“RFF”) and other leading French rail organisations to enable Tier 1 and Tier 2 UK Rail Infrastructure engineering contractors and system and equipment providers to gain first-hand information about the developments which are planned in Track Renewal & Maintenance Programmes and High Speed Rail (“LGV”) Projects in France today and in the near future.

Opportunities

• Learn about specific project opportunities
• How to approach the French rail market and win business
• Understand French PPP procedures and the EU regulatory and public procurement environment
• Identify the support available to your business from UKTI

Seminar Programme

9.00 Arrival & Registration
9.30 Introduction & Welcome
9.35 RFF – Keynote Speech by TBA , Director of Investments on “ les Grands Projets LGV” (High Speed)
10.05 RFF – Procurement Strategy by François Meyer, Procurement Director
10.50 Coffee Break
11.05 SYSTRA – International Projects by Andrew Boagey, Director Northern Europe
11.30 Case Study – Successful UK Rail Co. in France TBA
11.45 RATP – Paris Orbital Metro Line by Thierry Du Crest
12.15 French PPP Structures by DLA Piper, Paris Office
12.35 Q&A Session
12.45 Networking Lunch
13.00 Opportunity for 1-2-1 meetings with UKTI Commercial Officers
14.00 Close

Speakers

TBA RFF Director of Investments
François Meyer RFF Director of Procurement
Thierry du Crest RATP Director ‘Grand Paris’ Projects
Fabrice Rué DLA Piper Senior Partner French PPP transactions
Andrew Boagey Systra Director Northern Europe

Date: Monday 22nd February 2010
Time: 9.00 – 14.00
Venue: BIS Conference Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET
Cost: Free to UK registered companies

If you would like to attend this event, email vicky.wilcock@sscci.co.uk for a reservation form.

New research from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) reveals that upcoming employment regulations and taxes will cost UK businesses a staggering £25.6 billion over the next four years, which could adversely impact on future job creation.

Despite official unemployment figures likely to surpass 2.5 million tomorrow (Wednesday), and companies continuing to struggle in difficult trading conditions, a blizzard of fresh red tape and taxes directly related to employment are planned between April 2010 to April 2014 - with no less than eight major changes in 2011 alone.

Over half - £14bn - of the £25.6bn comes from employer National Insurance contributions, which will see a 1% increase from April next year.

Some of the most costly regulations in the pipeline include:

• 2010: The Equality Bill will have a one-off cost to business of £190m
• 2011: The Agency Workers Directive will have an annual recurring cost to business of £1.5bn
• 2012: Pensions Reform will have an annual recurring cost to business of £4.8bn

The BCC argues that the daunting extra costs support their campaign for a three year moratorium on new employment laws in the UK. A moratorium would allow the upcoming regulations to bed-in, promote job creation, and help drive economic recovery.

The business group is also calling on the UK government to lead a campaign for an EU-wide moratorium.

Commenting on the research, David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said:

“The cost of employing people must be reduced if future governments are serious about giving businesses the freedom to create jobs and drive our economic recovery.

“What must not happen after a general election is that a new government - from whatever party - comes to power and decides to add to this already sizable burden on business.

“From what employers tell me, they will get on with creating jobs and wealth, but they simply need government to get off their backs and let them do it. A good start would be to abolish the planned increase in National Insurance in 2011 - it’s a tax on jobs and will hinder recovery.”

Glimmers of better times ahead for the West Midlands’ beleaguered manufacturers are forecast in a new survey released on Thursday, January 7.

Although they took a step back in the last quarter of 2009, the number of firms reporting an increase in orders for this year rose from 23 to 29 per cent, according to the Quarterly Economic Survey of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce (WMCC).

Simon Topman, chairman of the WMCC, said: “This implies conditions are beginning to improve as retailers start to rebuild their stocks. This is encouraging and the service sector experienced a similar upturn.”

However, the performance of manufacturers in the final quarter of 2009 revealed that trading conditions were still extremely tough and any future improvements will start from a low point.

Forty per sent of companies stated that sales had decreased in compared with 30 per cent in the previous quarter. This ties in with national figures which showed that the economy shrank by 0.2 per cent in Quarter Three.

The domestic market for manufacturers worsened with a percentage balance of
 -12 reporting a decrease in sales but forward orders (- 8) were more encouraging.

The export market continues to provide cause for optimism with improving figures for both sales and orders. Companies reporting increased sales rose from a 2009 low of 18 per cent in March to 33 per cent in December.

Orders also reached a yearly low at 18 per cent in March but had recovered to 30 per cent by the end of the year.

Mr Topman added: “The business community has continued to benefit from the weak pound but it is integral that this is sustained in the coming months as our economy continues to lag behind our European counterparts.

“The fall in the pound has helped exporters improve their margins and encouraged domestic customers to buy British goods, rather than those from overseas.”

The service sector across the region remained more buoyant with home and export sales showing slight increases.

Said Mr Topman: “We await the New Year retail figures with interest. All indications are that shops in major centres like Bullring in Birmingham,  Merry Hill in Dudley, Touchwood in Solihull, Coventry and most towns enjoyed large footfalls.

“This will provide an encouraging platform for improved figures in the first quarter of 2010. The shops have led the way by being innovative in encouraging sales and some even decided not to pass on to customers the two-and-a-half per cent increase in VAT.

“However, businesses in the West Midlands are still calling on the Government to reconsider their plans to increase all National Insurance contributions by a further 0.5 per cent from April 2011 and to also opt against raising the National Minimum Wage above the rate of inflation. These increases will jeopardise job creation opportunities and business investment. “  

Businesses invited to join a market visit to Paris (Based around Paris International Spa & Beauty 2010) Closing Date for Applications: 5th February 2010

Costs

Non refundable administration fee of £100 (required with application to secure a place) Return flights, food and accommodation, taxis

Programme
Sunday 14th: Evening departure from Birmingham airport
Monday 15th: Walk the show plus individual company meetings. Evening dinner at “La Coupole” followed by Paris by night tour (included in package cost)
Tuesday 16th: Morning visit to a Nez (perfume specialist who creates fragrances) followed by debriefing lunch (price not included)
Evening return to Birmingham

Benefits of the Visit

• Opportunity for face to face meetings with potential clients or representatives in the market
arranged by the British Embassy in Paris
• Excellent networking opportunities
• Reduced costs through fi nancial package offered
• Support of two International Trade Advisers including native French speaker
• Shared intelligence within the market visit group

Opportunities in Paris

The visit coincides with the International Spa & Beauty show (Mondial Spa & Beauté). Dedicated to spa, wellness, beauty, cosmetics and nails professionals, the show takes place at the Palais des Congrès. Now in its fi fth year it attracted 12722 international visitors in 2009.

Eligibility

Small to medium sized enterprises based in the West Midlands operating in the health and
beauty sector including: Beauty treatments (body and face),spa treatments (body and face),cosmetics, make up, nails, equipment and material for beauty salons, equipment and material for spas, equipment and material for tanning centres, accessories (spas, beauty centres, nails), massage training, hydrotherapy training, food supplements, organic products, image consulting, beauty institutes, beauty schools, training centres (list not exhaustive).

OMIS Service

In order to make the best use of your time in Paris, the package includes up to 6 individual
contacts/meetings with potential French business partners arranged by the British Embassy in
Paris. These will be held at the show on Monday 15th March. Interpreters will be provided as
required.

Travel
Delegates are free to make their own travel arrangements or extend their visit and still qualify
for the grant, however our arrangements are as follows: www.expedia.co.uk

Return flight Flybe Birmingham to Paris (depart: 17:55/return:20:55)
Hotel Meridien, Etoile-81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr , 75848 Paris

Approximate cost from £400 - This itinerary is strongly recommended

For further information and to apply please follow the contact details below:

CHRISTINE ARMISTEAD
International Trade Advisor
UKTI Shropshire
Tel: 07779720451/+44 (0) 845 641 1515
Email: christinea@shropshireinternational.co.uk

KARINE BARATEAU
International Trade Advisor
UKTI Shropshire
Tel: 07730982714/ +44 (0) 845 641 1515
Email: karineb@shropshireinternational.co.uk
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Companies are invited to join a market visit to Cyprus focussing on environmental technologies but including other business activities

Dates of Visit: 8th to 12th March 2010

Closing Date for Applications: 8th February but companies requiring research (see top of final page) should apply by 8th January.

Financial assistance may be available for qualifying small and medium sized enterprises

Benefits of the Visit:

• Credibility through British government backing
• High level contacts in Cypriot Ministries, Municipalities and the private sector with an opportunity to meet with them and assess the opportunities for your products and services
• Assistance of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce
• British High Commission Briefing on the market and how to do business
• Excellent networking opportunities through support of British High Commission and participation in a West Midlands UK Trade & Investment market visit
• New contacts and shared intelligence within the market visit group
• Plenty of time to meet with potential customers and partners
• Reduced costs through group travel and financial package
• Support of an International Trade Adviser pre and post visit
• Services of an experienced market visit manager during the visit
• Research can be commissioned through UKTI to enable you to maximise the benefit of your visit

Why you should visit Cyprus:

Substantial E.U. backed investment is being made in Cyprus with more to come over the next few years to clean up the environment and establish up to date facilities particularly for waste disposal and recycling. Substantial opportunities can also be found in the water and waste water industries where Cyprus is facing severe problems. Renewable energy also presents opportunities.

Cypriots are familiar with the U.K. and doing business with the British but the UK’s competitors are aware of the opportunities. The time is right to visit now to investigate the market and to meet Cypriot businesses your company could work with in the future.

Although the focus of this visit is environmental technologies, companies in other sectors, such as but not exclusively, tourism and leisure related industries and food and drink are also encouraged to participate, as substantial opportunities also exist in these sectors.

Eligibility:

Any UK based company particularly from the clusters/sectors identified above can join the mission. Some companies may be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to £400 and you should discuss this with your International Trade Adviser. Special provisions are being made for West Midland companies. Again discuss in the first instance with your International Trade Adviser or speak with Graham Ashmore, Head of European and Cluster Policy, who will be managing this mission and can discuss market opportunities and advise you on your options.
Graham’s contact details are given at the end of this information sheet.

Costs:

Airfares vary greatly according to route and carrier chosen. Cyprus Airways from Heathrow to Larnaca return should be in the region of £180-£210

Experience has shown that companies prefer to make their own flight arrangements and so are free to do so. All participants will stay in the same recommended hotel in central Nicosia. We will book this for you at special rates obtainable through the British High Commission. You will need to budget c£90 per night

Travel Arrangements:

Although it is becoming easier and easier to book flights and make other travel arrangements on line and you are free to do so, it still takes time exploring the options. With this in mind we have appointed Travel Management Group Ltd - contact Shaun Derrick -  Tel:  01926 332266 Fax: 01926 831578 shaun.derrick@tmguk.com'  to act as agent for the mission, if members would like to use an agent. In our experience using Travel Management: at worst costs very little more than booking on-line yourself; can sometimes be cheaper, as they might know of options that you do not discover; and certainly can save time.

Programme:

On Tuesday 9th March there will be a briefing by the British High Commission commercial team and professionals on the Cypriot market and ways of doing business. Following this, meetings will be arranged with relevant Ministry and Municipality officials and business representative organisations. These meetings will be carefully chosen to enable you to get a good understanding of the potential of the market. An evening reception will be organised to enable mission participants to give hospitality to known contacts and to meet new contacts.

Mission members are free to arrange their own meetings for the rest of their stay in Cyprus and to decide how long this stay is. Whilst EnvirotradeWM will meet the costs of arranging the group programme in Nicosia and the general research involved in it. If you are new to the market, you are encouraged to commission research through UKTI’s Overseas Market Introduction Service. This service can not only brief you on the opportunities for your specific product or service in the Cypriot market but can advise on the appropriate routes to market, identify Cypriot contacts that would be useful for you to meet and arrange a visiting programme tailored to your individual needs. This is a chargeable service and your International Trade Adviser can help you decide on the level of service appropriate for you. The service is heavily subsidised. To get a good view of how the market works for your product and service and to have a programme arranged with pre-vetted contacts for say two days, you should think in the region  of £1,000 

Contact Details:

For further information on this market visit please email Graham Ashmore grahamashmore@blackcountrychamber.co.uk If you want to discuss any aspects of the mission to Cyprus before returning any forms, do not hesitate to telephone Graham on 0781 037 7794

Or contact your UKTI International Trade Adviser based at your local Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The welcome fall in unemployment raises hopes that next week’s GDP figures will confirm that the recession is over. But, the labour market figures also show that there was a fall in employment, and more significantly, the level of economically inactive people has increased.

“The gap between public and private sector wages has widened, reinforcing the need for a freeze in the total public sector pay bill as a key measure in battling the UK’s unsustainable budget deficit. We cannot have a situation where public sector wages are outstripping those in the private sector.

“With wages overall increasing much slower than prices, there is clearly no need to tighten monetary policy in the near-term.”

Commenting on the December inflation figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The surge in inflation is slightly higher than expected, but it was widely predicted and does not justify tightening monetary policy.

“The UK economy is still weak, businesses continue to face serious problems, and there is ample spare capacity out there. With this in mind, it would be a major error to start tightening policy too soon. It is important to focus on steps aimed at allowing businesses to drive the economic recovery.

“The MPC must maintain a steady course on both interest rates and quantitative easing. While there is no need to increase the QE programme beyond £200bn, it is too early to withdraw the support, and it is certainly much too early to contemplate raising interest rates.”

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for November 2009, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
 
“These figures were weaker than expected. Manufacturing’s inability to show any growth for the second month in a row in November is disappointing, and it increases concerns that a return to economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2009 is not guaranteed.

“A manufacturing recovery is vital in order to secure the much-needed rebalancing of the UK’s economy towards exports and investment. Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey showed that manufacturers are starting to export more as global demand returns. But to underpin these trends, the sector must be supported, access to finance improved, and steps taken to enable firms to preserve their skills base. We expect the Government to address these issues without delay.”

The results of the British Chambers of Commerce Q4 2009 Economic Survey show improvements in most key national indicators, and a particular boost for manufacturing. However, progress has generally been weaker than it was in the third quarter of last year.

The results support the view that the economy is on the brink of leaving recession, but they do not provide conclusive evidence of any robust and significant growth during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Several key measures are still negative in both the manufacturing and service sectors. In manufacturing, home orders, employment expectations, and investment in plant and machinery are still in negative territory.

The survey suggests that the service sector performed worse than manufacturing in Q4. Service balances are negative for home sales and orders, employment, cash flow, and investment in plant and machinery.
 
Commenting on the results, David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said:
 
“Although these results are not as impressive as hoped, they do contain some positive features - most notably strong improvements in employment and exports within the manufacturing sector.

“Businesses are showing resilience despite difficult and uncertain trading conditions. Confidence is improving, and the boost in exports must be nurtured in order to strengthen Britain’s trade position globally, and to help rebalance the economy away from an over-reliance on the public sector.

“It is vital that the government now demonstrates a determination to support wealth-creating companies in 2010. Additional business taxes must be avoided, and the 1% increase to employers’ National Insurance Contributions planned for 2011 should be scrapped.

”Unless the private sector is given the freedom to create jobs and wealth, the UK’s economic recovery will be slower than it should be, and we will face the serious risk of a double-dip recession.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added:

“With improvements in most key national indicators, the Q4 results support the view that we are on the brink of leaving recession. However, with a number of critical measures still in negative territory, the economy is struggling to enter the recovery phase.
 
“All the Q4 domestic indicators are disappointingly feeble, especially in the service sector. Negative balances for investment in plant and machinery highlight the risks to Britain’s productive potential if sharp falls in business capital spending are not reversed.

“The continuing need to improve access to finance for credit-worthy businesses is confirmed in the survey’s cashflow balances, which are barely positive for manufacturing, and have actually moved deeper into negative territory for services.

“With current pressures on capacity modest, and price pressures muted, the Monetary Policy Committee can afford to maintain an expansionary stance, so as to reduce the risk of a double-dip recession. The government must also play its part, and strengthen Britain’s AAA credit rating by urgently producing a more credible medium-term plan for cutting the country’s huge budget deficit, and restraining public spending.”

Commenting on the Government’s economic growth strategy which was published today, David Frost, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The BCC welcomes Lord Mandelson’s clear statement that it will be business that is at the heart of the economic recovery.  We now need to ensure that the initiatives announced today are supported by policies that stimulate enterprise, as any additional taxes on business will merely stunt growth.

“We are also encouraged by the understanding that we must put more emphasis on production. The UK has world class manufacturing companies, but we need more of them.  It will no longer be the public sector and the consumer that drive the UK economy.  It is now time for it to be rebalanced, with business, including high-tech and innovative manufacturers, playing a central role."

As we start a new trading year, local businesses around the country are experiencing weather-related disruption.  According to a new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce and Sky News, 68% of businesses surveyed say that the condition of local roads is having the greatest impact on trading, and on employees trying to get to work. 

However, businesses say their employees are dedicated - with 61% of companies reporting less than 10% of their staff absent, and two-thirds reporting that any staff members facing poor travelling conditions are able to work from home.

Commenting, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The impact of winter weather on businesses has varied around the country - with some areas far worse hit than others. Nationally, though, businesses and their employees are responding with characteristic common sense.
 
Even though three-quarters of businesses say their activities are being disrupted, they are also reporting relatively few absences, and high numbers of staff working from home.   Taken together, business flexibility and employee diligence will limit the economic impact of the latest cold snap.”

Free golf coaching; a series of taster sessions for ladies are available at St Thomas’s Priory Golf Club, Wednesdays starting on 3 February at 10am or Sundays on 7 February at 12pm.

Are you a small business with big goals? Are you frustrated by the speed of your company’s growth? Would you like someone to inject some energy into your trade?

Optomen Television, creators of award winning television, including BBC2’s Mary, Queen of Shops are aiming to address these questions by producing a major new series for Channel 5.  They will tackle the issues that small businesses face on a daily basis in today’s recession soaked world with advice from one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs.  Optomen Television will help investigate everything from controlling cash flow to increasing your profit margin and with an innovative plan of action to further your business we’ll help you get on the road to success. 

Britain is alive with creativity – we have more passionate entrepreneurs than any other country in Europe – but when it comes to the practical business skills we fall down.  And with 30,000 independent businesses estimated to go bust this year we all acknowledge that it couldn’t be a tougher time to run a small business in Britain.
  
So let’s help you along with this once in a life time opportunity and get your small business to lead us all out of this recession.

If you’re interested in being involved please email smallbusiness@optomen.com or call
TEL: 020 3227 5900

Commenting on the choices facing the MPC today, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although we do not expect the MPC to announce policy changes at today’s meeting, the Committee must consider measures aimed at helping the UK to start a sustainable recovery without delay.

“Given the need to maintain Britain’s international credit rating, it would be too risky to increase the QE stimulus beyond £200bn. However, the MPC must make more determined efforts to remedy the persistent weakness in bank lending to businesses. The problems facing credit-worthy small and mid-sized firms, trying to obtain adequate finance remains a major obstacle delaying Britain’s exit from recession. 

“While solving this problem requires the Government to become involved, the MPC could make a significant contribution by imposing a negative interest rate on deposits held by commercial banks at the Bank of England, to discourage the hoarding of cash while providing an incentive to lend to viable businesses.”

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"The MPC’s decision to maintain a ‘wait and see’ stance - with no changes to either interest rates or QE – was widely expected. However, we are disappointed that specific measures aimed at stimulating bank lending to credit-worthy companies have not been adopted.
 
“Until the Government presents a more credible medium-term plan for curbing Britain’s budget deficit, the MPC has little room for manouvre. It faces the difficult task of balancing potentially conflicting priorities - countering threats of a double-dip recession, while avoiding actions that might endanger the UK’s international credit status.
 
“Both the Government and the MPC must realise that the persistent weakness in bank lending, particularly to small and medium sized firms, remains a key factor delaying Britain’s exit from recession. Decisive action is needed in order to unblock the impediments facing viable businesses that require improved access to bank finance.”

Commenting on the further revision to 2009’s third quarter GDP figures, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The upward revision to Q3 GDP was smaller than expected. The figures confirm that the UK has made slower progress exiting the recession than many other major economies. While most analysts expect a return to positive growth in the next few months it is important to stress that recovery is not yet guaranteed.

“The MPC must persevere with quantitative easing and explore other measures aimed at boosting bank lending. To minimise risks to Britain’s credit rating, the government must remedy the Pre-Budget Report’s shortfalls and announce a more credible plan that will bring stability to our public finances over the medium-term.”

Commenting on the Bank of England’s trends in lending figures, and the revised business investment data published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The latest business investment data raises hopes that the GDP figures for the third quarter will also be upgraded. However, there is no room for complacency. Business investment still shows a year on year decrease of 20% and if this ominous trend is not reversed, the UK’s productive capacity will decline, making it difficult to secure a sustainable recovery.

“Dangers to the UK’s productivity are reinforced by the new lending trends figures, which show that the flow of credit to business remained negative in October, with annual growth rates across all company sizes continuing to weaken. Access to finance remains a critical obstacle to a much-needed revival in investment.”

Commenting on the November retail sales figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The unexpected fall in November retail sales highlights the obstacles facing Britain’s economic recovery. Although it is likely that the economy will register small growth in the fourth quarter of 2009, any recovery will be difficult to sustain if access to finance is not improved, and the regulatory burden on business is not eased.

“It’s too early for the Bank of England to consider withdrawing the stimulus provided by the quantitative easing programme, but the emphasis must be on measures aimed at boosting bank lending to small and medium-sized companies.”

Commenting on the labour market figures released today by the ONS, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Thanks to business, which has made Herculean efforts to keep and train their staff during the worst recession in decades, these unemployment figures are lower than expected.

“It's now time for the public sector to step up by ensuring that its pay settlements reflect conditions in the real world. We cannot have a position where public sector pay increases are running at around double the rate of the wealth creating private sector. We should not forget that public sector employment has continued to increase throughout the recession.

“Only business has the capacity to drive our economy out of recession. The current over-reliance on public sector employment and the worrying gap in pay trends must end to provide the conditions for a sustainable recovery.”

Commenting on the November inflation figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“These figures are marginally higher than expected but are not really surprising. The Bank of England and the Treasury had forecast that inflation would accelerate over the next few months, probably approaching 3% before falling again.

“This temporary surge in inflation does not justify a tightening of monetary policy, but reinforces the need for the Treasury to be more transparent about medium-term plans for cutting the UK’s budget deficit.

“Demand in the real economy is still weak, and as spare capacity remains ample, it is important to concentrate on measures that allow business to drive recovery. While there is no immediate need for the MPC to increase quantitative easing beyond £200bn, it must consider additional steps aimed at reviving bank lending to credit-worthy companies.”

Commenting on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Following last month's increase in the Quantitative Easing programme, we expected the MPC to adopt a ‘wait and see’ posture - with no changes to interest rates or QE.

“As the Pre-Budget Report has not provided a credible medium-term plan to curb Britain's budget deficit, the MPC’s job has become more complicated, making it harder for them to increase QE beyond £200bn.

“If the economy remains very weak, an increase to £225bn may be needed early in 2010. But, given the risks to the UK’s international credit status, it would be more prudent for the MPC to persevere with the existing QE programme.

“For now, the MPC and Government should focus their efforts on specific measures aimed at removing obstacles to bank lending. One critical factor delaying our exit from recession is the difficulties credit-worthy small and mid-sized firms face trying to obtain adequate finance. This issue must be addressed quickly to ensure that a recovery gets under way.”

Opportunity Title Archery Targets Package

Buying Organisation The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd

Website www.london2012.com

Opportunity Method Contract Opportunity
Opportunity Type London 2012 supply chain (private sector)
Nature of Opportunity Goods
Estimated contract value (GBP) Not disclosed

Description About the buyer:
LOCOG requires the supply and maintenance of approximately 80 number of archery targets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and related Test Events. Although the contract will be placed now, supply wont be required until late 2011 for the Test Event Targets and mid-2012 for the Games-Time targets.

About the Opportunity:
LOCOG requires the following equipment which will need to be up to FITA standards. We welcome expressions of interest from companies who can provide some or all of these items. We would be interested to hear options for purchase and hire of any of the below items.

Mats/Bosses - 80 required. Must be to FITA specification with the centre section of the target in yellow measuring a minimum of 26cm in diameter.

Replacement Cores - 60 Target Centres required to replace cores as required in the above bosses. These must also be yellow also.

Stands - 70 required. Wooden Target Stands to hold the above bosses. Preferibly in a dark green colour.

Back Stop Mats - 40 to prevent arrows passing through the bosses (if required with supplier of bosses) and the ties to attached the matt to the stands.

Target Covers - to cover the targets when not in use to protect against weather conditions such as rain and strong sun light.

Trolly - 6 designed for easy use by the workforce to move one whole constructed target (boss on a stand).

Target Pins - 1000 required, for attaching target faces to the targets.

It is desirable but not essential to have a supplier that will be able to offer all of the above items in a package. We would be looking for a supplier with proven ability to supply targets for the highest level of competition. In addition, it is desirable to have the chosen supplier to be able to provide after care and maintenance service during the events.

About the buyer's selection process:
In addition to responding to these questions on CompeteFor, applicants should be prepared to provide evidence to their responses, in the event of being shortlisted.

CompeteFor is an e-brokerage tool. The advertisement of LOCOG opportunities does not constitute the start of a tendering process, but an Expression of Interest only.

LOCOG reserves the right at any time to alter the scope of work requested pursuant to this opportunity or to withdraw the opportunity completely.

LOCOG regrets being unable to provide feedback following responses on CompeteFor.

Suppliers will be required to sign up to LOCOG Terms & Conditions available at www.london2012.com/business

Delivery point London, England

Business Categories  1. Sports clubs and associations
2. Sports goods shops
3. Sports equipment mnfrs and distributors
4. Sports equipment repairs
5. Toys, games and sporting goods - mnfrs
CompeteFor response deadline 10/12/2009 15:00
Estimated tender close date 08/01/2010
Estimated contract award date 29/01/2010
Estimated contract start date 01/09/2011
Additional information for bidders Include any special notes for bidders LOCOG will issue shortlisted suppliers with an Invitation to Tender (ITT) in December 2009.

Commenting on the October trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The October trade deficit was broadly as expected, and the reported growth in exports was a positive feature. However, imports continue to grow more rapidly than exports, and it is clear that the much-needed rebalancing of the UK economy is not happening.

“The underlying background - with Sterling competitive and recovery emerging in our main trading partners - provides opportunities for British exporters. 

“To take advantage of this, the Government needs to support our exporters more effectively, as other countries are doing, and must take action to ensure that trade finance is readily available.”

Commenting on the October trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The October trade deficit was broadly as expected, and the reported growth in exports was a positive feature. However, imports continue to grow more rapidly than exports, and it is clear that the much-needed rebalancing of the UK economy is not happening.

“The underlying background - with Sterling competitive and recovery emerging in our main trading partners - provides opportunities for British exporters. 

“To take advantage of this, the Government needs to support our exporters more effectively, as other countries are doing, and must take action to ensure that trade finance is readily available.”

The Committee on Climate Change has today published its report into UK aviation emissions. Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"The business community has continually stated that the aviation industry should work within strict environmental guidelines, and this report correctly points out that it can grow competitively to service the needs of our economy, without causing undue harm to the environment.

"With these independent recommendations now published, it is vital that the country is able to get the added capacity that it needs, and as quickly as possible."

VAT-registered businesses in Staffordshire are being urged to get ready now for major changes to VAT return filing and payment coming in next April.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has sent a leaflet to all 1.9m VAT-registered businesses to alert them to the fact that, from 1 April 2010, those with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more (excluding VAT) will have to file their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically.

Under the changes, businesses registering for VAT on or after 1 April 2010 will also have to file their return online and pay electronically, whatever their turnover.

Every year, around 2,937 businesses register for VAT in Staffordshire. And HMRC is calling on all VAT-registered businesses in the region to take notice of the changes, as well as local firms who are planning to register for VAT in the coming months.

On average, the following number of businesses register each year in Staffordshire:
Stoke-on-Trent Unitary Authority 532
Cannock Chase 293
East Staffordshire 340
Lichfield 351
Newcastle-under-Lyme 272
South Staffordshire 312
Stafford 383
Staffordshire Moorlands 254
Tamworth 200

To file a VAT return online, businesses new to HMRC’s online services need to register for the VAT Online service by visiting www.online.hmrc.gov.uk, clicking “Register” under the “New user” section and then following the instructions. Current HMRC online service users can add VAT Online to their portfolio in the ‘Services you can add’ section of ‘Your HMRC services’.

HMRC’s Stephen Banyard said:

“Filing your VAT return online has a number of benefits: it’s secure, convenient, does arithmetical checks and calculations for you, and provides you with an immediate online acknowledgement that your online return has been safely received by us.

“So, if your turnover is £100,000 or more, and you’re not already filing your VAT return online, sign-up now for VAT online services – that way, you’ll avoid a last-minute rush, and be able to enjoy the benefits of online filing sooner rather than later.”

HMRC will also be sending formal letters, in February 2010, to all existing businesses affected by the new online filing and electronic payment requirements, confirming that in future they must file online and pay electronically. And, from 1 April 2010, a letter explaining the requirement to file online will be included in all registration packs issued to newly registering VAT businesses. Both letters will be accompanied by a handy guide on registering for VAT Online.

Further help and advice, including an online demonstrator and a step-by-step guide to filing online, is available on HMRC’s website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat, or by calling its VAT helpline on 0845 010 9000 (available between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday).

The final nominations for the 27 EU Commission posts have been announced today. Commenting, Kieran O’Keeffe, Head of European Representation at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“All the new Commissioners, especially those in key strategic posts, will need to focus on completing the Single Market and building a better business environment, that is conducive to job creation and economic growth.

“With economies across Europe still in a fragile state, there is no room for any Commissioner to be dragging their feet or playing national politics when it comes to making the necessary reforms that will drive recovery and prosperity across the continent.”

The deadline to get involved in the provision of bus and coaches for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is less than 2 weeks away.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is procuring over 1,500 buses and coaches to transport athletes, media, officials and marketing partners between airports, accommodation and venues for up to 77 days during summer 2012.  A wide range of vehicle types are needed – from single to double deck buses, midi to full size coaches and mini-buses. Bids will be invited from companies of all sizes. 

The four steps to getting involved are:

1) Register now on London 2012’s business opportunities portal at www.CompeteFor.com
Ensure you fully publish your Business Profile and that at least one of the following Business Categories is selected:
• Coach hire
• Mini-buses – hire and leasing
• Bus & coach operators and stations
If your organisation does not met the simple CompeteFor ‘business readiness’ criteria, you will be automatically referred to your local business support agency to help you meet the required criteria.  We therefore recommend you register without delay.
2) In order to express an interest for the provision of vehicles for the Games, search and respond to our ‘Bus and Coach Service’ opportunity by completing an ‘Opportunity Search’ on the CompeteFor portal. It is important that your business responds via CompeteFor by the deadline: 3pm on Friday 4th December 2009    
If you need any help in using CompeteFor, please contact the CompeteFor Helpdesk:
0845 217 7804 for UK callers
18001 0845 217 7804 for callers with impaired hearing
3) In December 2009 operators which successfully pass the CompeteFor short-listing stage will be asked to complete a pre-qualification process that will request further details about your organisation.

4) In January 2010 the operators which pass the pre-qualification stage will be invited to submit bids in the main tendering process.  Operators will be given eight weeks to submit their bids.

Contract awards will be made in summer 2010

CompeteFor is the online business networking and matching service bringing together London 2012 contractors and potential suppliers.  CompeteFor is the portal through which London2012 and its contractors will publish Games related subcontracting and supplier opportunities.

The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games represent the world’s biggest sporting events and it is essential that we prepare this far ahead.  There are opportunities for companies of all sizes to get involved in this once in a lifetime event.  If you haven’t already done so, please act today and register your interest (without commitment) by the 4th December 2009 to ensure that your company has the opportunity to play its part.

Commenting on the revised GDP figures for Q3 2009, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although broadly expected, these figures are disappointing and indicate that the UK was still in recession in Q3. We continue to lag behind other major economies. The small rise in exports in the quarter is welcome, but it is less than many anticipated given the recent growth recorded in other European countries.

“Our economy is still excessively relying on the public sector. Government consumption and investment have both increased, but the fall in business investment threatens our future productive potential.

“With the economy still facing significant problems, the government and MPC must take urgent action to end the recession. This should focus on sustaining demand and removing the obstacles restricting companies’ ability to invest and grow. Next month’s Pre-Budget Report will be a perfect opportunity to announce some of the most pressing measures.”

My Story is about finding remarkable true stories of ordinary people that could be turned into bestselling books.  We’re looking for extra-ordinary true life stories from all over Britain. They might be dramatic, heartwarming, funny or sad - as long as they’re true, we want to read them.

Within the businesss world, your story might be one of rags to riches, losing everything and starting again, inventing something incredible, overcoming great challenges and turning your life around, doing something inspirational within the business community or none of those.

Fifteen people's stories will be told in a major new five part series to go out next year on BBC1.  Five of these people will win book deals plus a cash advance of £20,000.

My Story is not a writing competition as the winning stories will be ghostwritten by the publisher Harper Collins. But if your story is chosen, your name would appear on the cover of your own book.

Applications should be made via the website:
www.bbc.co.uk/mystory  and add a summary of your story in no more than 1500 words.  All applications should be written in English or Welsh.

If applicants don't have access to the internet, please apply via post to My Story, PO Box 65655 London W12 2BG. The closing dates for entries is 16th December 2009.

It gives us great pleasure to invite you to a free lunch to debate the recession and what the Midlands needs to do to get out of the downturn with the Economics Editor of the Guardian newspaper, Larry Elliott

This is your chance to shape the policy agenda that is hitting your bottom line by engaging with a senior influential national journalist.

The event is taking place thanks to the University of Worcester and Forrest Research.

This event will be held at the University of Worcester in Worcester on 4 December from 12.30pm

To attend this free special event – which includes lunch - please contact Business Voice WM on 0121 245 0140 or email info@businessvoicewm.org.uk

Successful businesses invest time to create and manage budgets, prepare and review business plans and regularly monitor finance and performance. The guide below is designed to help your business plan for survival and future growth:

• Most potential investors will want to see a business plan before they consider funding your business so make sure you put as much effort as possible into preparing a professional business plan;
• Regularly review and update your business plan. This will allow you to create a focus for the direction of your business and provides targets that will help your business survive. It will also give you the ability to anticipate problems well in advance and get back on course;
• Prepare or review your budget. Not only will this make you sit down and consider the future but it also gives you something to refer back to regularly to access whether actual performance varies against your planned budget;
• Use your budget as a control mechanism. If there are significant differences between your budgeted figures and the actual figures then you need to understand what caused these differences and take action. For example if your sales are too low, you may need to reconsider your pricing strategy;
• Remember that your cash flow forecast is as important as your budget as this will alert you to working capital shortfalls;
• Review your current performance against last year/current years targets. This should give you improved clarity and provide sound financial information on which to base any important decisions;
• Set aside some uninterrupted time to develop a marketing plan. Most small businesses don’t have a marketing plan but by implementing one your business will gain a unique opportunity to stand out above the competition;
• Prepare a realistic sales forecast. Accurately forecasting your sales and building a sales plan can help you to avoid unforeseen cash flow problems;
• Constantly review your range of products and services by studying patterns of demand. There may be trends emerging which you need to be aware of. Innovation and product diversification may be the answer to a downturn in sales;
• Remember, failing to prepare is preparing to fail especially in times of economic difficulty.

Business Link is a Government-funded service, which provides the information, advice, and support you need to start, to maintain and to grow a business. For impartial advice or information please contact us:  Tel:  0845 113 1234   www.businesslinkwm.co.uk

Cash is the oxygen that helps your business survive and prosper and is the primary indicator of business health. The tips below highlight common cash flow problems and how to avoid them:

• Keep a close eye on your cash book and sales ledger and plan ahead for expenses such as utility bills and tax payments. Cash flow problems are best caught early, and the more time you can give yourself to respond the better;
• Fully investigate every possible source of finance. You may need to consider loans, overdrafts, asset financing, business angels, factoring and invoice discounting;
• Don’t let debts become overdue. The sooner you ask the sooner you get so speak to your debtors and watch for signs of impending insolvency;
• Consider charging interest on outstanding debts. Balance your statutory  right to claim interest on late payments with potentially losing customers though;
• If you can’t pay a supplier on time talk to them immediately. The sooner you do this the better as they may be able to be flexible and extend payment deadlines;
• Prepare an accurate cash flow forecast or regularly update your existing one. This will help you anticipate working capital problems;
• Review your trade credit policy and consider tightening it up. A sale isn’t a sale until it’s been paid for;
• Talk to your bank or financier as soon as you realise you may have a cash flow problem. They may be able to help or at  least advise you of your options;
• Consider Asset Finance, Commercial Mortgage, Contract Hire and Invoice factoring to ease cash flow.... But take appropriate 3rd party advice first of all
• Consider credit insurance if your business would be more comfortable trading with protection against bad debts and late and non payment;
• Make sure you do not breach credit limits. This will not only result in additional charges but can also lead to your bank not honouring important cheques and direct debits;
• Negotiate with your suppliers. You may be able to get an early payment discount;
• Run credit checks on all of your customers, failure to do so can be risky especially if your debt collection strategy is inefficient;
• Remember the golden rule – ‘cash is king’. Managing cash effectively is the best defence for your business.

Business Link is a Government-funded service, which provides the information, advice, and support you need to start, to maintain and to grow a business. For impartial advice or information please contact us:  Tel:  0845 113 1234   www.businesslinkwm.co.uk

Keeping a tight control of your expenditure is essential for cutting costs, saving cash and increasing your profits. Follow the tips below to help identify areas of potential savings:

Energy

• Review you energy suppliers tariffs to make sure you are getting the best deal and if not consider changing your energy supplier;
• Don’t waste heat or electricity; review the amount you use and when you need it. Look at past and current activity to identify patterns of usage. Regular monitoring will identify where you can reduce energy consumption;
• Simple procedures like turning off computers and lights when not needed all helps to cut costs;
• Reduce your waste. Many measures are easy to implement e.g.  Set photocopiers to use both sides
• Well maintained vehicles can be more fuel efficient;  Encourage drivers to drive more efficiently and plan deliveries to make them more cost effective;
• Cut down on the need for work travel.  Do you really need to meet face to face? Arrange virtual meetings or ask suppliers to visit you.

Premises

Are you in the right premises for your business? They may have been ideal when you first started out but is it time to review your buildings?
• If you no longer occupy all the space in your building is there a possibility that you may be able to rent out some of the vacant space?
• Have you reviewed the rateable value of your property recently?
• Postpone longer terms projects e.g. refurbishments;
• Consider relocating to an area where rents and other costs are cheaper.

Stock

Are you in control of you stock or does it control you? Could it be the time to undertake a complete Stock Review?
• Make sure you keep your stocks at the right level. What are your minimum stock levels? Have you built too much up?
• What are your most profitable lines? Have you got new lines to promote and need to get rid of old stock? Consider discounts and have a sale;
• Consider implementing a  stock control method e.g.   JIT (Just in Time) – reduce costs by cutting stocks to a minimum or First in, First Out – particular useful with perishable goods.

Staff

Staff are an essential part of your business. They can improve productivity, competitiveness and profitability. Savings can be made but consider these things carefully:

• Are your staff levels correct? Have you too many staff (or too little) for the amount of business that you do?
• You might consider implementing new work patterns; Look at the levels of production or your busy and quiet periods. Consider shift patterns or flexible and part time working;
• Allow staff to work from home;
• Employ temporary agency workers rather than permanent staff  to assist over high or low production times;
• Identify areas where you can improve your staff performance. Do they have the correct skills for the job? Can they be trained for another position?
• It may be necessary to make redundancies. This is not a step to take lightly. Remember that it costs money to recruit and train new staff rather than keep existing ones. Make certain to follow strict redundancy procedures if it does become necessary.

Business Link is a Government-funded service, which provides the information, advice, and support you need to start, to maintain and to grow a business. For impartial advice or information please contact us:  Tel:  0845 113 1234   www.businesslinkwm.co.uk

1 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Chasing payment.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on chasing payment. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_07_Chasing%20payment.pdf

2 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Credit insurance.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on credit insurance. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_05_Credit%20Insurance.pdf

3 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Factoring and financing options.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on factoring and financing options. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_06_Factoring%20and%20financingoptions.pdf

4 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Invoicing.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on invoicing. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_03_Invoicing.pdf

5 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Knowing your customer.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on knowing your customer. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_01_Knowing%20your%20customer.pdf

6 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Payment terms.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on payment terms. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_02_Payment%20terms.pdf

7 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
Treating suppliers fairly.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice on treating suppliers fairly. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_04_Treating%20suppliersfairly.pdf

8 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
When all else fails.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice for when all else fails. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_09_When%20all%20else%20fails.pdf

9 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
When cash runs short.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice for when cash runs short. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_08_When%20cash%20runs%20short.pdf

10 MANAGING CASHFLOW GUIDES
When your customer goes bust.
Provides straightforward and speedy advice for when your customer goes bust. Includes a checklist and top tips.

http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/media/ICM_10_When%20your%20customer%20goesbust.pdf

Commenting on the Bank of England’s latest Trends in Lending report, and on the retail sales figures released today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The Bank of England’s report confirms our assessment that the flow of lending to UK firms remains negative. While some larger firms reported that credit availability had eased, many others had concerns about access to finance. We believe that persistent weakness in lending poses very real threats to a sustained UK economic recovery.

Mr Kern added, “October’s retail sales figures are positive. They reinforce hopes that the economy will return to growth in the fourth quarter, and that the initial GDP estimate for the third quarter will be revised upward.

“Yet, any positive developments will prove to be temporary unless business has the capacity and finance needed to respond to rising demand. The Monetary Policy Committee and the Government must implement measures to improve access to finance and boost confidence.”

Commentng on the Bills announced in the Queen’s Speech today, David Frost, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

On the Fiscal Responsibility Bill

“Fiscal responsibility is neither the preserve of legislation nor of politics. It should be every government’s guiding principle. The UK urgently needs a credible plan to cut the deficit, reduce public borrowing, and enable businesses to lead our return to growth.

“Work to cut borrowing needs to start now – protecting areas of spending that underpin the productive economy, such as infrastructure, while paring back the overall size of the public sector.”

On the Equality Bill

“We support the intentions behind this legislation, but the mechanisms it uses will increase the administrative burden on business, and are unlikely to have the desired impact in terms of equality.

"The Equality Bill's original purpose, to simplify and consolidate, is welcome. However, the additional burdens included in the Bill must be removed before it becomes law.  The BCC supports the removal of new powers for tribunals, removal of the dual discrimination clause, and the removal of mandatory gender pay reporting.”

On the Digital Economy Bill

“Universal, high-speed broadband is a crucial piece of business infrastructure that the UK badly needs. A commitment to two megabite broadband is a start, but the target could be more ambitious.

“How to fund this infrastructure without financially impacting on businesses is not yet clear. A new telephone line levy will add to business costs at a time when they can least afford it.

“We would prefer that the government looked again at their spending commitments and other taxes to fund what is a critical piece of investment for our future economy.”

Are you trying to find a member of your family?  Has your search gone cold? Or do you just not know where to begin?  You may be a birth parent, adopted person, a separated sibling, estranged parent or someone who has grown up in care - hoping to be reunited with lost relatives.

From Wall to Wall - the makers of the hit family history series Who Do You Think You Are? and BBC ONE drama New Tricks, a new documentary programme will aim to reunite long lost families.  With a team of experts in tracing and finding people and in providing trained emotional support along the way, the programme will aim to reunite those on a quest to find their family members. 

Each programme will follow the story of two different people who want to be reunited with a relative.  The programmes will explore the issues involved when families separate in a sensitive and non judgmental way, as well as exploring the lengths some go to reunite and find answers.  By featuring positive stories about the search and reunion process we hope to make family reunion more accessible and inspire people who have long thought about tracing a relative to take the next step.

If you are over the age of 18, have experienced family separation and now feel ready to seek a reunion then please get in touch.

Visit: www.walltowall.co.uk/findmyfamily.aspx or go to www.walltowall.co.uk and follow the link to the application form.

Staffordshire County Council has joined forces with Black Country Reinvestment Society to make loans available to small businesses across Staffordshire. The County Council is making £500,000 available, to be matched with funding from the European Regional Development Fund, to enable businesses to access a total of £1million.

Businesses with up to 50 employees may be eligible to apply for a loan of £10,000 to £50,000 to help with working capital. Applications should be made directly to Black Country Reinvestment Society. If you would like to find out more about this programme, we would be delighted if you would attend an informal launch event. An introduction to the aims of the fund, and the ways businesses may apply, will be given by Councillor Mike Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Enterprise, and Paul Kalinauckas, Chief Executive of Black Country Reinvestment Society.

The launch event will commence at 13:00 on Wednesday 25 November.

The event will be held at the White Room, County Buildings, Martin Street, Stafford. The buildings are marked at point 1 on the attached map of the town centre. A simple buffet lunch will be available. Please notify the contact above, by 23 November, if you are able to attend.

The Bank of England’s latest Inflation Report included an upwardly-revised growth forecast which suggested that GDP would be growing at an annual rate of 4% by 2011.  But Mervyn King’s opening statement was appreciably more cautious, adding to speculation that some MPC members may have sought a bigger expansion of quantitative easing (QE) at last week’s meeting.  Mr King’s remarks, coupled with a report from the Fitch rating agency which questioned the sustainability of the UK’s AAA rating, put downward pressure on sterling which dipped below $1.66 on Wednesday.  In contrast to these somewhat gloomy prognostications, this week’s UK data releases included some positive reports from the labour market, from retailers, and from the housing market.

UK retail sales   The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported that total
sales in October were up by 5.9% from a year earlier, while like-for-like sales were up by 3.8%.  These figures were stronger than September’s growth rates (of 4.9% and 2.8% respectively), and on both measures were the strongest October showing since 2002.  But the BRC cautioned that these growth rates were flattered by exceptionally weak sales during the corresponding month of last year.

UK labour market   The latest unemployment figures were better than
expected, October’s 12,900 rise in the claimant count being the smallest increase since April 2008.  The broader ILO measure meanwhile rose by 29,000 in the three months to September (compared to quarterly increases of around 200,000 earlier in the year), leaving the official unemployment rate unchanged at 7.8%.  During the same period, moreover, the number of people in work rose by 6,000 – the first increase in over a year – though this was entirely due to a rise in part-time employment.  Pay growth remains very subdued, with average earnings (excluding bonuses) in the three months to September up by just 1.8% from a year earlier, the lowest rate since records began in 2001.

UK housing market   The RICS survey showed that a balance of +34% of
respondents reported rising prices in the three months to October, up from
+21% in September and the highest since December 2006.  The survey also
reported that the sales-to-stock ratio rose for a tenth consecutive month, suggesting that a shortage of properties for sale is still supporting prices.

UK trade   The goods deficit with the rest of the world widened
unexpectedly to £7.2 billion in September from £6.1 billion in August.
Although exports managed a respectable monthly gain of 3.9%, this was outweighed by a 7.5% jump in imports.

Euro Area   The preliminary estimate of GDP indicated that the Euro Area
has emerged from recession with growth of 0.4% during the third quarter.
Germany and France grew by 0.7% and 0.3% respectively, while Italy reported its first positive growth (of 0.6%) after five quarters of contraction.
Spain, however, remained in recession, though the third-quarter contraction of 0.3% was better than the previous quarter’s 1.1% fall.  The Euro Area recovery partly reflects an improvement in the industrial sector, where September’s 0.3% rise in output was the fifth consecutive monthly gain.

China   Consumer prices in October were down by 0.5% from a year earlier,
compared to an annual decline of 0.8% in the previous month.  Other data for October generally suggested that economic recovery remains on a firm
footing:  industrial production was up by 16.1% from a year earlier – its strongest in 19 months – while the annual decline in exports slowed to 13.8% from 15.2% in September.  Fixed-asset investment during January-October, however, was up by ‘only’ 33.1% from last year, compared to growth of 33.4% in the year to September.

The week ahead…
                                                                            
 Mon |    USA    |Retail sales (Oct)                                        
 ----+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------
 Mon |   Japan  |GDP (Q3, first estimate)                                  
 ----+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------
 Tue |    UK      |Consumer prices (Oct)                                     
 ----+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------
 Tue |    USA    |Industrial production (Oct)                               
 ----+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------
 Wed |    UK     |CBI Industrial trends survey (Nov);  MPC minutes (November meeting)                                                 
 ----+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------
 Wed |    USA   |Consumer prices (Oct)                                     
 ----+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------
 Thu  |    UK     |Retail sales (Oct);  Public finances (Oct)  

An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme which leads to national recognised qualifications and can be used to train both new and existing employees. Apprenticeship funding is available from the National Apprenticeship Service. The size of the contribution varies depending on your sector and the age of the candidate. If the apprentice is aged 16–18, you will receive 100 % of the cost of the training; if they are 19+, you will receive up to 50 %.

As the employer you must give your apprentices an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training.  The majority of the training is at your premises with the rest being provided by a local college of specialist learning provider. An apprentice should earn a minimum of £95 per week.  You are also responsible for paying your apprentices’ wages.

In a recent survey*, the majority of employers said that Apprenticeships helped them to improve productivity and to be more competitive. They also said that training apprentices is more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.

Employers in the survey said they relied on their Apprenticeship programmes to provide the skilled workers they need for the future as apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs. They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.

In any form of recruitment it is important to recruit the right individuals for the right jobs right from the start. Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them. Remember, an apprentice is with you because they want to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and a commitment to a specific career.

59% of businesses report that training apprentices is more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff, with 59% believing that apprenticeships lead to lower overall training costs and 53% feeling that they reduce recruitment costs*

For help and advice with recruitment and selection, contracts of employment and more telephone 01455 852028 or email qed@qdosconsulting.com alternatively for more information regarding apprenticeships please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Would your business benefit by hiring temporary staff?  Are you in the retail sector and need extra help over the Christmas period? Is your workload is too high and you need some help? Or do you need a one off job completed which you do not have the time for? Or is one of your employees away for a short while?  If the answer is yes then you may wish to look at a temporary solution.  So where do you go to find your temporary staff and how does employment law impact on this?

Possible options are to use an agency who will provide workers either on a daily basis or for a specified period of time.  Employer's national insurance is included in the rate that the agency charges along with their admin fees.  It will also include an element of holiday pay and costs of employment.

Employing a worker directly through your own limited company would be more appropriate if you are looking for someone to work for two or three days per week.  This involves registering as an employer with HMRC and administering a payroll scheme. PAYE/NIC will need to be deducted, payslips prepared and various returns made to HMRC throughout the year.  Temporary workers who are directly employed should be paid in accordance with the national minimum wage.  They will also be entitled to holiday pay, being a minimum of 20 days, including statutory/bank holidays paid on a pro rata basis and these would accumulate from the first day of employment.  Direct employees will also be entitled to maternity/paternity leave, statutory sick pay and other employment rights.

If you choose to use a self employed contractor for your temporary solution you need to:
obtain evidence that the self employed contractor is registered with HMRC; and keep a record of their national insurance number and address. If you are in doubt regarding the self employed status of a contractor who represents themselves as being self employed (and is therefore hoping to be paid without deduction of tax), it is very important that you seek professional advice or obtain clearance from HMRC, prior to making any payments to them otherwise HMRC can seek payment from you of the PAYE and National Insurance together with interest and penalties.  Qdos can help here, contact us for more information.

If you choose a contractor who operates through his own limited company, then you can accept their company invoices for gross payment, without deduction of any taxes.  VAT can be recovered if they are registered for VAT, unless you are operating the flat rate VAT scheme.  In case of HMRC enquiries a copy of their Certificate of Incorporation and VAT certificate should be obtained.

In light of the current postal strikes it must be stressed that Regulations amended in 2007 state that an employment business may not supply a temporary worker to replace an individual taking part in an official strike or any other official dispute.

If you require any help regarding the employment law issues of taking on temporary staff please contact Chamber HR on 01455 852028 

Royal Mail bosses were planning to hire extra staff over the Christmas period as they do each year however this figure has now nearly doubled due to their national strike and the backlog this has created.  More than 85,000* applicants are chasing the 30,000 temporary posts being created and will be taken on much earlier than previously intended.

Regulations amended in 2007 state that an employment business may not supply a temporary worker to replace an individual taking part in an official strike or any other official dispute. However Royal Mail argue that they are only trying to lessen the disruption over modernising the service, thus complying with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations.

What is an Agency Worker?

An agency worker is usually considered to be a ‘worker’ rather than an employee but should receive all the same employment rights, as well as some additional rights to help protect them.

What are the Agency Worker’s employment rights?

All workers, including agency workers, are entitled to the following rights:

 paid holiday
 rest breaks and limits on working time
 no unlawful deductions from wages
 the National Minimum Wage
 not to be discriminated against under any of the equality legislation protection under health and safety laws

Workers are generally not entitled to redundancy pay or to claim unfair dismissal, which are rights available to employees.

An agency worker has the right to:

 Maternity or paternity pay, but not maternity or paternity leave.

 Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the same way as can other workers.

 Special rules exist for agency workers on paying tax and National Insurance contributions.

Do you need Agency Workers?

The government has delayed the introduction of the Agency Workers Directive until October 2011.  The AWD gives temporary staff the same employment rights as permanent staff after 12 weeks’ work, including pay.

Employers should consider conducting a workforce planning review now and examine what staffing leads and skills they will need to resource for their business.  They should also assess to what extent they rely on temporary workers supplied via third parties – technically employment businesses, but usually called employment agencies – and determining what premium is paid to the agency for enjoying such flexibility.

Training budget running low?  No room to promote your employees who are exceeding your expectations?  Think laterally!

Retaining talent can be a serious problem for any organisation, but particularly if you are a small or medium size business.  Have you ever thought of moving some of your employees sideways in order to develop their skill base?

Not only does the employee benefit from this strategy, a company often benefits from this approach, as positions that are sometimes difficult to recruit for can be solved internally with a little bit of imagination.    For example a Marketing Manager can often be transferred to an Operational Manager or a HR Consultant could be moved to a Business Development Manager given the right core skills and company support.  This not only fulfils the company requirements but also gives the employee another “string to their bow” and enhances their long term career prospects. 

In the interest of retaining talent, giving employees a new opportunity and encouraging them to transfer their skills can often re-energise a company, department and employee.

If you are interested in learning more about talent retention or if you would like Chamber HR to devise a talent retention strategy, please contact Ivan Spibey on 01455 850000.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working jointly with local authority environmental health practitioners to visit businesses nationally in particular food/catering businesses, restaurants, pubs, takeaways and other catering businesses across the country can expect a visit from inspectors over the forthcoming months to make sure their gas appliances are safe.

Inspectors will be advising owners and managers that they must only use Gas Safe registered engineers, as well as checking how gas appliances are maintained and who carried out the work.  Faulty appliances can be taken out of use by an inspector if deemed necessary.

Following a number of recent prosecutions, those being targeted are people who may be doing unsafe work on gas appliances.  In the latest case, a Warwick gas engineer was ordered to pay £25,630 after a hearing at Rugby Magistrates’ Court, July 2009.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas which can be emitted from a faulty heating or cooking appliance or any appliance that burns a combustible fuel, such as gas, solid fuel, petrol, or paraffin.  It does not smell and therefore special equipment is required to detect it.  If a sufficient amount is inhaled, carbon monoxide can be lethal.

On average, carbon monoxide poisoning arising from the use of gas appliances claims the lives of 14 people each year.

Neil Craig, HSE’s Principal Inspector for Warwickshire, said:

“We are working in partnership with local authorities across the county to root out rogue gas engineers who are putting people’s lives at risk.  This project is about being proactive and not just waiting on reports to come in before we take action.

“Anyone who is directly involved in the installation or servicing of appliances in commercial and domestic premises is breaking the law if they are not registered with the Gas Safe Register.

“Exposure to carbon monoxide can be easily prevented and simple measures can save lives.  If your engineer says you need to have work done to make your appliance safe, please follow the advice given as you may not get a second chance.”

Gas engineers undertaking gas work must be registered with a body approved by HSE.  The only body currently approved is the Gas Safe Register. Further information about the gas registration scheme, is available on the website www.gassaferegister.co.uk
 
For further information please telephone 01455 850000 or email qed@qdosconsulting.com

A new initiative launched by Business Link West Midlands will help regional businesses to improve their performance through more effective use of IT in the workplace.

Technology at Work is a new initiative geared towards improving performance in the workplace by helping businesses identify the right IT solutions to help them grow. The service will be delivered by expert IT advisers who will work with businesses to improve their IT deployment whether it’s using IT for the first time in a business, specifying a website, improving sales on line or more complex issues such as systems integration or process management.

Technology at Work will provide a broad range of free support from telephone advice to face-to-face expert consultancy to ensure technology is closely tailored to the firm’s needs.

Alan Downton, Interim Programmes Director, Business Link West Midlands, comments on the launch of the new initiative: “Businesses in the West Midlands are lagging behind the rest of England when it comes to using IT and this new programme of support is just what is needed. Technology at Work is a pioneering service, which aims to turn this around and help unlock the benefits that better workplace technology can bring to all the SMEs in the region. “

Businesses looking to unlock the power of their PCs programme should call Business Link West Midlands on 0845 113 1234 or contact info@businesslinkwm.co.uk.

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, in cooperation with the Philippine Trade & Investment Center in London, cordially invite you to a seminar and networking event entitled Best Value Outsourcing to the Philippines.

The Business Forum will be held on 16 November 2009 at the Tudor Rose Room, Sheraton Park Lane, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX. Speaking engagements will take place from 9AM-12NN, followed by a networking session from 130-330PM for a chance to meet the key players from both the
government and the private sector. A complimentary sandwich lunch will be served during the break.

The Business Forum will provide comprehensive and valuable information on the Philippines as an Offshoring Destination, and will serve as a platform to meet the key players from both the government and the private sector. You are invited to take part in this unique event. Online registration and the profiles of participating companies are available at: http://www.investphilippines.org.uk/events/best-value-outsourcing-2009.html

This Business Forum is free to attend and subject to availability of seats.

London 1 December - Edinburgh 2 December - Leeds 3 December - Birmingham 4 December at The International Convention Centre (ICC)

The Asia Task Force invites you to attend a major series of events around the UK on Doing Business in Asia. These events bring together 17 senior UK Trade & Investment officials from
across Asia and businesspeople with hands on experience of doing business in the region.

They are an exciting opportunity for small and medium sized UK companies active in the
region or interested in expanding into Asia, to find out about the latest developments affecting
business in Asia today.

Some of the interactive sessions you can register for include:

• Thailand briefing from Steve Buckley (Director of Trade & Investment, Thailand) and Ian
Hutchins (Tesco Plc)
• Singapore briefing from Amanda Brooks (Deputy High Commissioner, Singapore) and
Keith Birmingham (VBC Group)
• India briefing from Jane Owen (Director of Trade & Investment, India) and Jog S. Lall
(Cosworth Ltd)

Confirmed Keynote Speakers:

• Asia Task Force Co-Chairs: Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord Powell of Bayswater.
These events are a great opportunity for small and medium sized UK businesses to:
• Stay ahead of the competition - latest briefings on the business climate from senior
representatives from UK Embassies and High Commissions in 11 Asian markets
• Learn from experience - case studies and practical advice from UK companies succeeding in Asia today
• Have your key questions answered - interactive Q&A sessions on 11 Asian markets
• Make contacts and network - pre-book one-to-one meetings with UKTI's experts from Asia and network with speakers and delegates
• Get practical advice on your next steps - learn how UKTI services and support can help you take the next steps to succeed in Asia

Markets covered:
• China • India • Indonesia
• Malaysia • Philippines • Singapore
• Southern China & Hong Kong • South Korea • Taiwan
• Thailand • Vietnam

There will be a charge of £40+VAT for attending each event, with a reduced rate for members of our partner organisations.

For more details and to secure attendance at one of these events please visit
www.businessinasia.co.uk

For any enquiries please contact the Event Team: businessasia@ontracpr.co.uk or call 0117
933 9549

Find out how your company could benefit from the rapid growth in construction activities
in these markets – creating opportunities for UK companies

Opportunities:

* Brazil – Huge infrastructure investment and the 2014 World Cup and now the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
* Russia – Massive investment for the 2014 Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the related infrastructure. These sporting projects are also stimulating private sector development in hotels, offices and retail.
* Turkey – Turkey commands a unique position bridging Europe and Asia and provides opportunities to penetrate the Middle East, Central Asia and Russia. Opportunities also exist from the investment of EU preaccession funding, the regeneration of city centres and the growth of tourism.
* Mexico – The ‘National Infrastructure Programme’ of both infrastructure projects and new satellite cities has created rapid growth and opportunities in the construction sector.
* Gulf Region – Opportunities in the Gulf Region are associated with major infrastructure and city
development projects such as the four economic cities in Saudi Arabia and the New Doha International Airport and Education City in Qatar.

UK companies who are interested in taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity should contact:
Kim Newton on 02476 236290 or email: kim@btob.co.uk

FREE EVENT

Find out how your company could benefit from the rapid growth in construction activities in these markets – creating opportunities for UK companies

This interactive event is free of charge and will allow you to:

● Understand the business opportunities in the markets of Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Mexico and the Gulf region and
what construction services and products these markets want to buy
● Identify the funding opportunities for overseas visits and export initiatives
● Establish the best routes to access these dynamic markets
● Gain specific advice to develop your links with these overseas markets
● Benefit from case studies of successful construction exporting companies
● Receive support on the identification of potential markets and much more
● Receive valuable market reports on Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Mexico and the Gulf Region – designed to help your business begin exporting to these countries

The event is repeated across the country to give all UK construction companies the opportunity to benefit. Because this is a free event places are limited. Reply NOW and we will send you a map and more details on the itinerary for the day. You will also receive a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Date and Region
Tuesday 1 December 2009 - East Midlands (Nottingham)
Wednesday 9 December 2009 - London
Tuesday 15 December 2009 - South East/South West (Swindon)
Wednesday 13 January 2010 - North East (Newcastle)
Thursday 14 January 2010 - Yorkshire & Humber (Leeds)
Tuesday 26th January 2010 - North West (Manchester)
Wednesday 10th March 2010 -  Scotland (Glasgow)
Wednesday 17th March 2010 -  East of England (Cambridge)
Wednesday 14 April 2010 - West Midlands (Birmingham)

Friday 20th November 2009 at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
75 Harborne Road, Birmingham B15 3DH

7:15-9:00am (with a FREE breakfast available from 7:15am)

The Services Directive is a European law that aims to make life easier for businesses providing or using services in the European Union. The Directive comes into force across the EU on 28 December 2009 and it will enable many firms to: let up a new business or branch under simpler and faster procedures, at home or abroad

Easily offer services in other EU countries without having to set up a business there
Obtain information and complete administrative procedures through one place in each country
Gain access to a large range of services for your own business

The Services Directive: Sell your services to Europe
The EEN West Midlands and West Midlands Chambers of Commerce are hosting this FREE event to help businesses understand the changes, how to take advantage of them - and how they will benefit you. Speakers Malcolm Harbour MEP and Jane Swift, Deputy Director of the Department for Business’ EU Services Directive Implementation Team will explain just how you can benefit from the Directive - providing practical advice and case studies.

Who should attend?
The Directive will apply to two thirds of all service sector firms, including: distributive trades, constructions services, craft services, most professional services (including legal and fiscal advisors, architects and veterinaries), business related services (such as advertising and
recruitment services), tourism, accommodation and food services, training and education services, real estate services and household support services.

IF YOU OPERATE IN ANY OF THESE AREAS THE SERVICES DIRECTIVE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO AFFECT HOW YOU DO BUSINESS WHETHER YOU OPERATE ABROAD OR NOT SO COME ALONG AND LEARN HOW!

How to register your place? If you would like to attend this event, confirm your FREE place to Katie Teasdale at k.teasdale@birminghamchamber.org.uk or on 0121 450  4204. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to please confirm ASAP and by 15th November at the latest.

Energy Minister, Ed Miliband, has announced plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power plants today. Commenting, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Decisions involving nuclear power are never easy. Yet British business is clear that nuclear power will be a crucial part of a more sustainable future energy mix. A faster, more streamlined planning process is also required to safeguard the UK's energy supply in the decades to come.

“This announcement is a positive step forward and should speed up the construction of badly needed new capacity. What's more, it could create a substantial number of jobs, in both SMEs and larger companies."

A new initiative launched by Business Link West Midlands will help regional businesses to improve their performance through more effective use of IT in the workplace.

Technology at Work is a new initiative geared towards improving performance in the workplace by helping businesses identify the right IT solutions to help them grow. The service will be delivered by expert IT advisers who will work with businesses to improve their IT deployment whether it’s using IT for the first time in a business, specifying a website, improving sales on line or more complex issues such as systems integration or process management.

Technology at Work will provide a broad range of free support from telephone advice to face-to-face expert consultancy to ensure technology is closely tailored to the firm’s needs.

Alan Downton, Interim Programmes Director, Business Link West Midlands, comments on the launch of the new initiative: “Businesses in the West Midlands are lagging behind the rest of England when it comes to using IT and this new programme of support is just what is needed. Technology at Work is a pioneering service, which aims to turn this around and help unlock the benefits that better workplace technology can bring to all the SMEs in the region. “

Businesses looking to unlock the power of their PCs programme should call Business Link West Midlands on 0845 113 1234 or contact info@businesslinkwm.co.uk.

Commenting on the choices facing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Thursday, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Disappointing economic developments reinforce the case for immediately raising the QE stimulus to at least £200bn, with the option of an additional increase to £225bn next month.

“Every effort must be made to bring the recession to an end. The current situation - in which our economy is still declining while other countries are already growing - entails serious dangers and must not be allowed to continue.

"Increasing QE, though critical, is not enough on its own. Urgent action is needed to boost lending, particularly to smaller businesses. We urge the MPC to consider a negative interest rate on deposits held by commercial banks at the Bank of England. This will penalise banks hoarding cash and provide an incentive to lend to viable, credit-worthy customers.”

Commenting on the substantial shake-up at RBS and Lloyds Banking Group announced today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“If implemented properly, these plans have the potential to increase the availability of finance to business.

“The new banks must be well capitalised, and there will have to be changes to the current situation, which leads the banks to exaggerate risks associated with lending to smaller companies. It is vital that what emerges from this shake-up is a competitive system that offers business real choice.

“In the short-term, we still need to persuade the MPC and the Government to implement more policies that will increase the availability of finance to small and medium-sized firms.

“The Government, European Commission and the banks must never lose sight of one core principle: without access to finance for viable businesses, the UK economy will pay a serious long-term price.”

Nationwide postal strikes will go ahead tomorrow after negotiations between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union failed to reach agreement. Commenting on the continued strike action, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“There was a moment of hope that this damaging dispute would be coming to an end when the unions and Royal Mail began formal negotiations this week. Disappointingly, it appears this madness is set to continue.

“No one is benefiting from ongoing industrial action and hard-pressed businesses are the innocent victims. With the country still in recession, this really is a poorly timed strike. Companies simply cannot rely on the postal service, and Royal Mail is paying for it in lost contracts and revenue.

“All parties have got to stay round the table and hammer out a solution that provides businesses with the reliable postal service needed to help drive an economic recovery.”

Commenting on the retail sales figures for September, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Disappointing retail sales figures for a second month in a row highlight concerns over the strength of the UK recovery. While there is still some hope that the forthcoming GDP figures will officially confirm that the UK’s recession has ended, it is clear that that the risks of a double-dip recession remain serious, even if a fragile recovery is now under way.

"Given the weakness of the productive sector in the economy, countering the risk of a setback remains the key policy priority. There is clearly a strong case for the Bank of England to reinforce the QE stimulus and to stimulate bank lending.”

Commenting on the public finance figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The budget deficit was marginally lower than expected in September, but the figure is huge by historical standards. Unless there is a clear improvement in the next few months, there is a danger that net borrowing in the current financial year will total even more than the £175bn forecast in the last Budget.

“Although there is hope that the UK recession is ending, the economy is still weak and it is too early to start tightening policy. The UK must produce a credible medium-term plan to cut the deficit, to ensure that our international credit rating is not threatened.

“The scale of the adjustment facing the UK over the next few years is unprecedented. Unless the Government demonstrates that it can tackle the deficit without damaging wealth-creating businesses, the recovery will be threatened, the deficit will worsen further, and the country will face serious risks of further declines.”

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

“The MPC was again unanimous in deciding to keep Bank Rate at 0.5% and to maintain the QE programme at £175 billion, despite differences of view within the Committee on the balance of risks.

“Figures due later this week are expected to confirm that the recession has ended, and that the economy has returned to positive growth. However, there are still serious risks of a double-dip recession, and the weakness of bank lending to companies remains a major obstacle to a sustainable recovery.

"We urge the MPC to increase the QE stimulus to £200bn in November, and to encourage the banks to lend, by imposing a negative interest rate on deposits held by commercial banks at the Bank of England.”

Just Days Left to File Your Paper Tax Return

If you’re planning on filing your 2008/09 tax return on paper this year, there are just a few days left to send it to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the 31 October deadline.

More than 9m people file a Self Assessment tax return every year, including around 711,000 people in the West Midlands.

If you want to avoid a last-minute rush, one option is to switch to online filing. This has a number of advantages: online returns don’t have to be filed until 31 January, so you get three months longer to file; your tax is calculated automatically; you get an immediate online acknowledgement once you’ve filed; and it’s processed faster, so any money you’re owed is repaid more quickly. Registering is simple – visit the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa and click “Register for Self Assessment Online”.

However, if you are filing your tax return on paper, you’ll need to act immediately if you want to beat the deadline. Leave it too late, and you could end up with a £100 late-filing penalty.

If you need help, it’s available from the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Breakdown of those filing a Self Assessment tax return in the West Midlands includes:

Shropshire                  60,000
Staffordshire               124,000
Warwickshire               92,000
West Midlands            259,000
Worcestershire            98,000
All West Midlands UA   78,000

Total 711,000

The Board of Advantage West Midlands announced it has reached agreement on a two year extension of the current Business Link West Midlands contract to deliver business support services to companies in the West Midlands.  The extension will run from April 2010 through to March 2012.

In addition Lorraine Holmes has been appointed as Chief Executive of Business Link West Midlands, with effect from Monday 5th October 2009.  This follows the announcement by former Chief Executive, Alison White that she was standing down from her post.

Mick Laverty, Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands, said:
“I’m delighted to announce the two year extension to Business Link West Midlands’ contract.  It is vital that there is continuity in business support services to the companies in our region, particularly in these turbulent economic times.

“We will be working very closely with Business Link West Midlands to further improve the services they offer to the business community and ensure they play a part in helping businesses become fitter and more able to seize new opportunities as we emerge from this recession.

“What is critical right now is providing a service that offers relevant, high quality services and which represents value for money.  We are confident that these announcements today will achieve that aim.”

 Richard Barnes, Chairman of Business Link West Midlands commented:
“We are pleased to be given the opportunity to deliver another two years of business support and delighted to welcome Lorraine Holmes back as our Chief Executive.

“As many will know, Lorraine has many years experience of delivering Business Link services and as Advantage West Midlands’ Director of the West Midlands Taskforce has a unique understanding of the current economic and business environment and the needs of business.

“I’ve no doubt Lorraine will bring additional clarity and focus to Business Link West Midlands operations, in particular ensuring that we work in collaboration with our partners to deliver further improvements to our services.”

A record 83,000 scam emails offering fake tax refunds were reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in September. The online attacks, known as ‘phishing’, have continued this month, with an unprecedented 10,000 reports of the fraud made to HMRC on one day alone.

The scam email tells the recipient they are due a tax refund and then asks for bank account or credit card details. Anyone who gives these details to the fraudsters risks their bank accounts being emptied and credit cards maxed to their limit. The victim also risks having their personal details sold on to other criminal gangs. The latest version of this scam originates from various different websites, which operate for 20 minutes before changing their domain name.

John Harrison, Head of HMRC Customer Contact Online, said:

 “We only contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post. We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances. I would strongly encourage anyone receiving such an email not to open it, send it to us for investigation at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it from their computer.”

HMRC is taking action to disrupt these attacks and through co-operation with other law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas a number of scam networks have been shut down.

HMRC strongly advises customers to:
• Check the advice published at www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/index.htm to see if the email you have received is listed.
• Forward suspicious emails to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it from your computer/mail account.
• Do not click on websites, links contained in suspicious emails or open attachments.
• Follow advice from www.getsafeonline.co.uk
• If you have reason to believe that you have been the victim of an email scam, report the matter to your bank/card issuer as soon as possible.

If in doubt, please check it out with HMRC at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Unemployment has risen at a much slower pace than expected in the three months to August, confirming our assessment that the recession is ending. However there is no room for complacency, and a sustainable recovery is not guaranteed.

"Although confidence is strengthening, businesses are still facing serious pressures, particularly small and medium sized firms. Lending is still too weak, and many are struggling to retain their skills base.

“The continuing fall in average earnings shows that inflationary pressures, whatever the long-term risks, are not a short-term concern. The earnings figures, which show much higher wage increases in the public sector, demonstrate that private businesses and workers are making most of the sacrifices during this downturn.”

"In spite of the welcome figures published today, many risks persist, and the key policy priority is to avoid a double dip recession. The MPC must persevere with, and extend, the Quantitative Easing programme."

Commenting on the Government's decision to delay implementation of new UK and EU regulations, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“With these announcements, the government is sending out a positive message to business. Additional employment legislation would be a real barrier to job creation at a time when unemployment could approach 3 million. 

Small businesses consistently report that new employment legislation is the area of red tape that is most harmful to growth.

Smarter regulation - reducing the burdens on business - is opening up as a key battleground between the main political parties. This can only be good news for the UK economy.”

Commenting on the Communications Workers’ Union’s (CWU) decision to widen postal strikes, and on-going disruption to mail services, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The announcement today will be a serious knock to business confidence.  The run up to Christmas is a vital trading period for firms and if this strike goes ahead orders will be lost and the fragile recovery will be undermined.

“It is about time those involved in the industry showed some much needed leadership and brought an end to this disruption.”

At Relate’s premises in Cannock, bereaved children and young people can now:

• Talk to other children of a similar age and circumstances 
• ask questions
• express feelings
• search for answers
• be accepted

 Groups are run by qualified staff who enable children and young people to talk and engage in activities  

Prior to joining a group, children attend an assessment session together with a parent or carer. 

Children must want to attend a group and not be coerced by adults.  Children and/or carers can opt for one-to-one support if preferred

Schools are usually willing to allow parents to collect their children and bring them to the sessions which are up to an hour – children can leave before the end if they do not want to stay

Parents can wait for their children at the premises, or visit local shops which are nearby.  Group support for waiting parents/carers is available if sufficient people want to attend

On occasions schools have a number of families who are coping with bereavement.  When resources allow, we provide a counsellor in school for a morning or afternoon to offer three or four assessment sessions

33 Park Road Cannock WS11 1JN        Tel. 01543 577281 

Commenting on today’s MPC decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Though we are not surprised by the MPC’s decision to keep Bank Rate at 0.5%, we are disappointed by their reluctance to increase the QE programme beyond £175 billion.

“There is worrying evidence that earlier hopeful signs of improvement in the economy are weakening. To counter serious risks of relapse, we urge the MPC to raise the QE programme to £200 billion.

“Persistent weakness in lending to companies, particularly to small businesses, is a serious risk that the MPC must address. To unblock impediments to lending, the MPC should cut the interest rate paid on deposits kept by commercial banks at the Bank of England, and make this rate temporarily negative. This would discourage hoarding of cash and encourage banks to lend.”

Commenting on the Communications Workers’ Union’s (CWU) decision to widen postal strikes, and on-going disruption to mail services, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"This strike announcement defies logic at a time when businesses and government are working hard to move the UK economy back to growth. Postal delays are already hurting small businesses and major companies across the country.

“At a time when businesses are taking drastic measures to keep as many people in employment as possible, the CWU's call for strike action in the run-up to the busy Christmas period is akin to a death-wish."

Commenting on the choices facing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Thursday, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Despite some positive signs that the UK recession may be ending, the very disappointing recent decline in manufacturing output provides a stark reminder that recovery is not guaranteed.

“Large-scale job losses and the persistent weakness in lending to companies remain serious problems that must be resolved. Recent figures show that annual growth in lending to non-financial companies remains negative, and the pace of decline continues to worsen.

“To counter the threat of a relapse, we urge the MPC to increase the quantitative easing stimulus to at least £200bn, and to consider a lower - or even negative - interest rate on deposits held by commercial banks at the Bank of England. This would penalise banks hoarding cash, and provide an incentive to lend to viable, credit-worthy customers.”

Staffordshire Education Business Partnership are looking for Business and Admin work experience placements for young people in the South Staffs and Chase areas who are undertaking a Young Apprenticeship programme. These are bright young people aged between 14 and 16, destined to achieve at least 5 A* –C grades in their GCSEs and are studying full time at school.

They have chosen as one of their options a 2 day a week Young Apprenticeship course in Business and Administration which requires that they undertake 50 days* of work experience over a period of 2 years, during which placement they will also be accredited through an NVQ Level 2. Further information is attached.

Can you help by offering a place to one of these young people? If so please contact Shan Jones at the Staffordshire Partnership: 01889 571999 or email
shan.jones@bestaffordshire.co.uk

The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will begin some of its functions tomorrow (October 1). Chaired by Sir Michael Pitt, the IPC will make decisions on development consent for infrastructure proposals that are of national significance. Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We are pleased to see the Infrastructure Planning Commission finally getting underway. The IPC will play a key role in speeding up the UK’s cumbersome planning process for important national projects, such as high-speed rail and the push for more green energy.

“It is important that the IPC remains free from political interference and starts taking the crucial decisions that will drive our economic recovery. The renewal of the UK’s infrastructure base must continue – even in the face of the toughest public spending climate in decades.”

Employers prevented from including tips in minimum wage
1 October 2009

National minimum wage legislation is amended to stop employers using tips to top up staff pay in order to meet the national minimum wage. Currently, employers can count service charges and gratuities processed through the payroll towards their obligation to pay the minimum wage.

Work and Families (Increase of Maximum Amount) Order 2009 comes into force
1 October 2009

The Order increases the maximum weekly amount from £350 to £380 that can be used by employment tribunals to calculate awards such as unfair dismissal and redundancy payments and payments made by the Secretary of State out of the National Insurance Fund on an employer's insolvency. The Order also suspends the uplifting of this sum in February 2010.

National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2009 come into force
1 October 2009

The Regulations increase the rate of the national minimum wage. The main rate rises from £5.73 per hour to £5.80 per hour and the development rate from £4.77 per hour to £4.83 per hour. The rate for workers aged 16 to 17 years increases from £3.53 to £3.57 per hour. The Regulations also specify new classes of persons who do not qualify for the national minimum wage and increase the day value of the accommodation amount that can be taken into account where an employer provides an employee with housing from £4.46 to £4.51.

Supreme Court Rules 2009 come into force
1 October 2009

The Supreme Court Rules prescribe the practice and procedure that will apply in the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. The Supreme Court will replace the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords and comes into operation on 1 October 2009.

Data Protection (Notification and Notification Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 come into force
1 October 2009

The Regulations amend the fee that must be paid by a data controller to register with the Information Commissioner. A data controller must be included on the register of data controllers maintained by the Information Commissioner in order to process personal data and pays a registration fee. The flat fee is being replaced by a two-tiered structure.

Centralised vetting system for people working with children and vulnerable adults comes into force
12 October 2009

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act will introduce a centralised vetting system for people banned from working with children and vulnerable adults. Employers will be able to make checks online, with information updated straight away when any individual is added to the list.
Employers will be informed where possible if an individual becomes barred. There will be fines of up to £5,000 for employers that knowingly employ individuals on the list or fail to make the relevant checks.

Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 come into force
12 October 2009

The Regulations amend the purposes for which an application for an enhanced criminal records certificate can be made, to enable certificates to be sought for individuals undertaking regulated activities relating to children or vulnerable adults under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. The Regulations also prescribe the circumstances in which those making an application may receive information on whether or not an individual is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.

For further information Chamber Members can contact Chamber HR on 01455 852028 or email qed@qdosconsulting.com

Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? That you could enhance your employee's benefit package without impacting on the company’s direct costs. Chamber HR has undertaken a review of employee benefits options and concluded that an attractive benefits package does not have to break the bank!

Chamber HR has researched the market to find Free Employee Benefits in conjunction with reviewing Salary Sacrifice Benefits, Flexible Benefits, Voluntary Benefits and concluded their research by providing their view of the future of Employee Benefits.

As a result of our research, we have concluded that the answer to increasing Employee Benefit packages may not necessarily mean increasing the Employee Benefit budget. There are indeed many solutions in the market place that could be added to the Company’s Benefit Package that do not cost anything.

In addition, there are even more solutions that could be added to the benefits package that has a tiny cost attached to them, which in a year of recession driven salary freezes may be the answer to drive down salary increases but retaining or even increasing motivation.

When reviewing your overall costs, can you afford not to review the costs of your benefit package? An overhaul of your benefits package could be just what both your Company and employees need in order to boost both morale and the bank balance.

For those of you that are innovative in your approach, please take a look at the future of employee benefits, to see what the future of benefits may look like in your business …

For more information on how you could increase your employee benefits package without increasing costs, Members can contact Andrew Baines at Chamber HR on 01455 850000 ext. 232.

It has been brought to our attention that some members have received calls from people claiming to work for the Chamber, when they do not. In one instance, a member was called with reference to an outstanding payment of a sizable amount which was not legitimate.

Should you receive a call whereby, you wish to check identity of the persons who work for or on behalf of the Chamber telephone 0845 710191 or email members@sscci.co.uk

Reacting to Gordon Brown’s speech to the Labour Party Conference today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"As we emerge from the worst recession since World War II, businesses must be given the freedom to create much-needed wealth and jobs. Business must not be caught up in the rush to regulate the excesses of the banks.

“While we support some of the Prime Minister's commitments, such as investment in innovation, guaranteed minimum wage rises and higher National Insurance contributions for employers will hinder Britain's return to growth."

The government has launched a consultation today entitled, Workplace Pension Reform: Completing the Picture, which seeks views on plans to automatically enrol workers into company pension schemes from 2012. Commenting, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We are pleased that the government has acted on our initial concern that the regulations were too prescriptive and costly, and have made substantial changes to address this. However, they are still hugely underestimating the cost of these reforms to small businesses. In this second consultation, the government needs to look again at the burden imposed on SMEs in particular, and should make the reforms simpler and cheaper for them to administer.

“Government needs to start thinking about these changes in their totality. Taken together, these reforms, the Agency Workers Directive and the planned increase in National Insurance contributions in 2011, represent significant new costs to business at a time when economic growth and job creation will be key to recovery. Automatic enrollment alone will cost businesses £5.6 billion a year - so pension reform must be continually reviewed on this basis.”

Staffordshire University & The Business Brokers invite you to their exciting new event: Using Technology to Streamline your Business on Wednesday, 7th October 2009

Time               6.00pm to 8.30pm

Place              Staffordshire Fire and Rescue HQ, Pirehill, Stone, ST15 0BS

Cost                FREE to attend
                       
Includes          Buffet

Booking           Pre-booking is essential - 1 delegate per business only

What?
Using Technology to Streamline your Business is an event hosted by Staffordshire University and Business Link who will advise on various aspects of streamlining technology from RFID, to communication using the web and businesses processes.

Why?
The event will give you the opportunity to leave with thought provoking ideas for a solution to a challenge your business may be facing.   The event also includes Café conversation with a light buffet giving you the opportunity to network with other delegates and to walk away with details of at least one contact, who could help to solve your particular challenge.

Who?
This event is designed for leaders of businesses of all sizes, based in Staffordshire, who are open-minded when looking for solutions from sources that they may not have thought about before. 

Book online at
• www.businessbrokerproject.co.uk or
• Click on Using Technology to Streamline your Business logo below, then go to ‘book now’

Note: It is essential to confirm your attendance, as numbers are limited to 40 delegates per session.  To maximise your potential for meeting new contacts, the event is limited to one delegate per business.

Kind Regards

Staffordshire University in partnership with the Business Brokers

Staffordshire University Tel: 01785 353807    
Business Brokers Tel:  017822139292

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

“Although these figures are slightly higher than expected, CPI inflation fell further below the Bank of England’s 2% target, and the RPI measure remains firmly in negative territory. The figures do not alter the basic fact that signs of recovery remain fragile, and the main policy priority is to avoid a set back.

“The persistent weakness in bank lending is still a major problem, which threatens small firms in particular. Against this background, it is important for the MPC to increase the quantitative easing programme to £200bn, and to consider special measures, such as a negative interest on deposits held by banks at the Bank of England.”

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Following last month’s welcome decision to increase quantitative easing to £175bn, we are not surprised that the MPC has chosen to persevere with the current programme and keep interest rates at 0.5%. However, persistent weakness in lending to businesses, particularly to small firms, poses serious risks to the early signs of economic recovery.

“As a temporary measure, the MPC should consider cutting the interest rate paid on deposits kept by commercial banks at the Bank of England, and in some circumstances make this rate negative. This might discourage hoarding of cash and encourage the banks to lend more.

"Positive signs of recovery cannot obscure the risks of a relapse. The economy is still very fragile and the productive sector is vulnerable. We urge the MPC to raise the QE programme to £200bn and to purchase more company debt.”

SEE. MEET. TRADE.- Thursday 15 October 2009 - Sixways Stadium, Worcester Rugby Club

In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to understand business trends, to be in front of your company's prospects and to be networking face-to-face. This established and unique business event is designed specifically for time poor business owners to do just this.

By attending you will be in an exciting business environment where you will be able to learn cutting edge business techniques, listen to inspiring speakers, network with likeminded individuals as well as sourcing products and services from a diverse exhibition.

FREE Business Exhibition 9.15am-3.30pm
FREE Business Seminars 9.30am-3.00pm (see overleaf for full details)
Business Breakfast 7.45-9.15am £15+VAT Members £30+VAT Non members
Business Lunch 12.30-1.30pm £22.50+VAT Members £45+VAT Non members

To order tickets for this ‘MUST ATTEND’ business event visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/bizexpo or contact the Events Team NOW on 0845 641 1641

An unmissable opportunity to trade and generate business for the year ahead and beyond. Book your stand now to avoid disappointment. Stand cost: £150+VAT Members £200+VAT Non members (Includes; 2m x 1.5m area, table, one free breakfast and one free lunch)

Commenting on the July manufacturing output figures, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The larger than expected increase in July manufacturing output supports our assessment that the third quarter of the year may show a return to economic growth. However, the manufacturing sector is still facing serious problems and longer-term comparisons show big falls.

“The early stages of any upturn will be driven by a turnaround in stock levels, so it is important to maintain and reinforce the stimulus provided by quantitative easing. Recent falls in bank lending to non-financial firms are worrying and it may be necessary for the MPC to consider additional measures.”

Are you interested in developing a Leonardo da Vinci project for vocational education and training around these themes?

 building a skilled workforce through European partnerships
 overseas work placements
 developing training materials with the objective of improving the provision of Vocational Education and Training (VET) across Europe

If yes, then don’t miss out on a choice of two free events to help organisations in the West Midlands develop your ideas into bids to the Leonardo da Vinci programme for application deadlines in February 2010.

Come along and find out:

 An overview of the Leonardo da Vinci Programme and general information on the strands by experts from the National Funding Agency
 Hear a successful applicant speak about their experience and what kind of project they have funded
 Tips for a good application and why bids fail
 Networking and partnering opportunities from European organisations

EU Connects are holding a choice of two identical workshops, one urban and one rural.  The workshops take place on Tuesday 29th September 2009 in Birmingham and Tuesday 20th October 2009 in Telford.

Places are allocated on a first come first serve basis on sufficient completion of the registration form.  Once a place is confirmed the exact venue details will be revealed.

To register and for more information please contact EU Connects on 0121 678 1036 or email
euconnectsmarketing@wmlga.gov.uk

Thursday 24th September 2009, 11.00 - 14.00 hrs

South Africa is a sophisticated and promising market, offering a combination of well-developed First World economic infrastructure with a vibrant emerging market economy. South Africa and the UK are natural trading partners, with English as the main business language and similar legal systems and business cultures. The world’s attention is on South Africa in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, but there are real business opportunities to be had now, and beyond 2010.

The South African Government has embarked on an ambitious ten-year Capital Expenditure Programme which has proved extremely timely with the worldwide economic down-turn. The programme is worth approximately £60 billion, with the majority of the expenditure in the transport
and power generation sectors. South Africa is a land alive with possibility and there are opportunities for UK companies across almost all sectors of the economy. Come and learn about opportunities in the following sectors and how UK Trade & Investment can help you: Rail and Advanced Engineering
Education & Skills Construction, Environment, Power ICT and Healthcare

SOUTH AFRICA: ALIVE WITH OPPORTUNITIES

Format of the Event:

At this roundtable meeting UK Trade and Investment specialists, including Duncan Hill - Deputy Trade Commissioner at UKTI in Johannesburg, will provide an economic and business environment overview. Business experts from South Africa will also be on hand with knowledge of how to set up a business in South Africa. So come and meet the experts, ask questions and network with other companies interested in doing business in South Africa over a buffet lunch.

Who should attend:

Company owners and managers with strong interests in exporting or investing in South Africa.

Location & Time:

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry
75 Harborne Road
Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3DH
11am until 2pm (buffet lunch included)

To book:

Email: ukti@birminghamchamber.org.uk
Tel: 0121 450 4205

This event is free of charge but places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Commenting on the revised GDP figures for the second quarter, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“After this week’s poor business investment figures, the GDP revision comes as a slight relief. Fears that GDP would be revised downward have proved too pessimistic. However, the small improvement cannot obscure the severity of the UK recession and the challenges facing us.

“The new figures are consistent with the expectation that GDP will increase slightly in the second half of the year. But, the productive sector of the economy is still very weak and the government must manage the task of repairing our public finances without damaging wealth-creating businesses.”

Network Rail has proposed a £34 billion High Speed Rail (HSR) link from London to Scotland, via Birmingham and Manchester. Commenting on the report, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Despite the squeeze on the public finances, Government must continue to rebuild Britain's business infrastructure. This means sustained long-term investment in rail, air and road projects that cut the costs of congestion, improve productivity, and promote growth.

“Chambers of Commerce around the country support High Speed Rail, which would help connect Britain's regional cities with new national and international markets, and boost transport capacity. But any future HSR network cannot be built at the expense of upgraded road junctions, commuter services, and improved connections to our ports and airports.

“The BCC has long called for a medium-term plan to pare back public spending - once the recession has been contained. As part of that plan, Government should protect essential infrastructure investment, and also make it clear when we can afford both long-overdue transport upgrades and HSR.”

Commenting on the preliminary business investment figures for the second quarter of 2009, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The further sharp decline in business investment signals serious threats to Britain’s long-term recovery. In the face of weak demand and mounting financial pressure, businesses have little choice but to cut investment and stock.

“Unless this trend can be reversed, the long-term productive capacity of the economy will be damaged, and the country will lack the necessary capital stock to sustain a recovery. This must be kept in mind when the government plans a fiscal strategy to repair the public finances. It is critical not to impair the business sector’s ability to invest and create wealth.”

The first set of results for hundreds of students taking the government’s new 14-19 Diploma have been released today. Commenting, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“It’s far too early to question the effectiveness of Diplomas after just one year of teaching. We believe that they could offer a 'third way' between pure academics and vocational education for young people who need alternatives to the existing system.

“If Diplomas are of a high quality and have rigorous standards, employers will come to value them. Given the need to rebalance Britain's economy over the next decade, a flexible qualification that offers both practical skills for employment and a university entrance route could play an important role in the future.”

The Sochi Organising Committee for the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games appreciates the procurement activities relates to the office operations of the organisation, construction activities, and Games-specific expertise for early planning.

Businesses interested in supplying goods or services to Sochi Organizing Committee are encouraged to visit http://sochi2014.com/sch_procurement and fulfill the required information.

HMRC is writing to half a million companies and tax agents this month, to alert them to important changes to Corporation Tax (CT) filing.

The mail-shot contains a new HMRC leaflet on the changes, which will require all company tax returns delivered after 31 March 2011 to be filed online, for accounting periods ending after 31 March 2010.

The leaflet explains how, after 31 March 2011, CT returns must be filed online in a specified data format (known as Inline XBRL or iXBRL). Companies will be able to file online either through commercially available software or by using HMRC’s own CT filing software, which is aimed at companies with less complex tax affairs.

As the leaflet explains, there is no need for companies to re-engineer their accounting processes to comply with the requirement to file online using iXBRL, as either HMRC’s CT filing software or their commercial software will do this for them.

Mark Holden, Director of HMRC’s Carter Programme, said:

“While March 2011 might seem a long way away, agents and businesses need to be thinking about these changes now, as they will affect accounting periods ending after 31 March next year.

“HMRC is hoping to release its CT filing software towards the end of this year.  We’re also working closely with software developers, and a number of commercial products will be available to support the iXBRL standard from November 2009, with more to follow. This will mean the majority of companies who wish to familiarise themselves with filing online before it becomes compulsory will have the opportunity to do so.”

Do you want to understand how good design can maximise sales of existing products, develop new
products and make your business more profitable?

The Designing Demand business growth programme helps you discover how to become more
innovative, more competitive and more profitable. It does it by giving you the skills to exploit design by spotting opportunities in all aspects of your business from branding and packaging to new product design.

How does it work? The first step is to attend a FREE half-day workshop to show you how good design makes money. At the workshop you’ll discover the benefits of design and identify your own design opportunities, as well as being introduced to other Designing Demand services which can help you realise them.

Available workshops: -
The Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ - 2nd September 2009
Start Time: 8:00am, Finish Time: 1:00pm
The RAF Museum, Cosford, Shifnal, TF11 8UP - 24th September 2009
Start Time: 8:00am, Finish Time: 1:00pm
The Wedgwood Museum, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ES - 7th October 2009
Start Time: 8:00am, Finish Time: 1:00pm
Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7QU - 20th October 2009
Start Time: 8:00am, Finish Time: 1:00pm

Following the workshop, intensive support is available to help you make strategic design decisions,
set up and manage design processes and run successful design projects. Eligible companies will
get up to five days’ FREE, dedicated one-to-one support from a Design Associate, who will help
you identify and run the right project to move your business forward.

To book onto a FREE workshop please call 0845 113 1234 or book online at http://awm.designingdemand.org.uk

Every small business in the UK will now have free access to thousands of lower value government contracts on the Government’s website www.supply2.gov.uk.

For three years, supply2.gov.uk has advertised thousands of public sector procurement opportunities worth up to £100,000 – making the website ideally suited to small and medium sized businesses.

The fee that was previously charged to search the site across the UK will now be removed, providing firms with better access to public sector contracts to help their businesses grow.

Business Minister Shriti Vadera said:

“Small businesses are facing significant pressure in this downturn and new contracts are essential for their return to growth.

“We want to support small businesses by making it easier to access the thousands of Government procurement opportunities that are directly relevant to them.

“This free service is an interim step along the way to introducing a single website for all public sector contracts next year.”

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Ian Pearson said:

"Small and medium sized businesses are a crucial part of the UK economy and in these challenging times it is essential that we support them in as many ways as possible.

"By introducing a free to use national search service we are helping to create a level playing field on which SMEs can compete with their larger counterparts. This will realise benefits for SMEs, the economy as a whole, and help drive further innovation in public services.

Debasish Sen, Federation of Small Businesses Trade and Industry committee member, said:

“The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been working closely with the Government to put better policies on procurement in place and we welcome this first step to create a free, national, on-line portal that small firms can use to apply for public sector contracts next year.

“FSB research shows that half of SMEs do not tender for public contracts because the process is too complicated and the contracts are too difficult to find in the first place. Making supply2.gov free to access is a first step in the right direction and something the FSB has been pushing for, for a long time.”

Searching for lower-value contracts across the UK was previously only available as part of a commercial subscription service, which cost up to £180 per year.

This announcement is a move towards delivering on a key recommendation outlined in the Glover Review - that by the end of 2010 all public sector contract opportunities should be accessible through a single, free online web portal.

This year the men and women who make the local business world tick will gather at the prestigious and refurbished Holte Suite at Villa Park, to celebrate on a grand scale the ' best in business'.

Held on the 20th November the evening will be a combination of competition and fun and the only event to be seen at if you are a winner in business.

Walk the red carpet to a champagne reception and after a four course meal, the highlight of the evening, the glittering awards ceremony. The event will be hosted by esteemed Midland compere Dave Ismay and then there will be dancing into the small hours with our evening entertainment.
The Midlands Business Awards is not just about winning; it is about raising funds and the profile of a local charity.

If you want to be part of this years' bigger and better awards visit the contact  Jo Bailey on 01889 580232 or 07725 575282

Tickets for this prestigious event are priced at £50.00 each or tables for 12 guests at £550. The evening includes a Champagne reception, four course meal, special awards, charity raffle and evening entertainment.

Please remember to book early as numbers are limited.

Commenting on the public finance and retail sales figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The further improvement in retail sales confirms our assessment that the recession is ending. However, any recovery is likely to be weak and fragile.

“The worse than expected public sector deficit emphasises the huge scale of adjustment that the UK is facing over the next few years. While it is impossible for the government to properly tighten spending when the economy is weak and unemployment soars, a clear medium-term plan must be formulated to illustrate how the public finances will be returned to health.”

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

“The minutes highlight an appreciation from the MPC of the severe recessionary threats still facing the economy. It is particularly welcome that three members, including the Governor, voted for an increase in quantitative easing to £200 million. The MPC rightly realises that the risk of inaction at the present time greatly exceeds the dangers of pursuing a large stimulus.

“In view of the dangers facing businesses, the MPC should reject suggestions to reduce or suspend the QE programme following this week’s inflation figures. The main priority must be to alleviate the recession by getting money back into the real economy, and to help stem the persistent rise in unemployment.”

Commenting ahead of the release of A-level exam results tomorrow (Thursday), Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Too much attention is focused on the annual ritual of exam results, and too little on whether our young people are getting the skills they need to succeed. In a tough economic climate and with the number of ‘Neets’ heading towards the one million mark, it’s more important than ever that Britain’s education and training systems work for learners and for businesses alike.

“Companies up and down the country tell us that too many young people are still leaving school, college or university without the tools needed to get into work. So rather than focus on A-level pass rates, councils, colleges and local businesses need to form a closer partnership – ensuring that employers can recruit locally, and that young people get the training they need to get ahead.”

Contract initial until end of September 2010
Secondment Opportunity and/or job share welcome

Salary £30,598 - £33,291 pro rata

The West Midlands Regional Assembly is expanding its successful new funding advice centre, EU Connects, which works with regional partners to raise both the quality and quantity of bids coming forward from the region, in the key EU programmes of Lifelong Learning, Competitiveness and Innovation, LIFE+, Marie Curie and INTERREG.
 
We need someone with an understanding of LIFE+ programme at least another transnational fund (preferably energy or environment theme), with experience of working with European partners and, and with highly developed partnership working skills.

To get the best for the West Midlands, you will work with a wide range of partners from the public, university, voluntary and business sectors as well as our Brussels  office, West Midlands in Europe.

Experience of training and/or capacity building skills would be useful and a good knowledge of the West Midlands region and its need.  This is an exciting opportunity to join to a dynamic team as it expands to meet demand for the service.

For an informal discussion about the posts, please contact Tatiana Panteli, Manager, EU Connects on 07827 894 739.  For an application form please email recruitment@wmleadersboard.gov.uk

Closing date for completed applications is 18th August 2009 @ 5pm.

West Midlands Local Government Association the employing body for West Midlands Regional Assembly welcomes applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, race, gender, sexuality or disability.

These posts are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although the rise in unemployment was not as large as some had feared, there has been a worse than expected decline in the level of employment. If there had not been a steep rise in the number of economically inactive people – those not in employment or claiming benefit – the increase in unemployment would have been much worse.

“Even if the economy starts growing later this year, it is likely that unemployment will continue rising at a rapid pace. There is still a realistic chance that the jobless total will exceed 3 million next year and it is important for the Government to address this. The planned increase in National Insurance contributions in 2011 will slow a recovery in the jobs market, and it must be scrapped.”

The Bank of England published its Quarterly Inflation Report today. Commenting, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The inflation report acknowledges the present fragility of the British economy and indicates that any recovery will be slow and protracted. We believe this is the correct view, and it reinforces the need for continuing with an expansionary policy stance.

“At the very least, the Bank should use the full £175bn now allotted to the QE programme. The possibility of increasing the QE programme further may have to be considered if the economy weakens.”

Today’s businesses are facing tough times and the most successful know what help is available and make use of it.   That help is at hand for businesses in the West Midlands next month when HM Revenue & Customs brings a free Business Advice Open Day (BAOD) at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham on Wednesday, 16 September 2009.

Whether you’re new to business or well established, finding customers, meeting your liabilities and getting to grips with tax and cash flow can be a real challenge.   The BAOD brings together the expertise of a wide range of organisations eager to provide practical, free advice under one roof. 

HMRC will be offering businesses practical advice and offering information on its time saving and business support initiatives.  Information on the Business Payment Support Service, which can allow businesses to delay tax payments during difficult times, and its quick and easy online services, will be available.   There will also be seminars explaining the basics of VAT and what you need to do if you’re self employed.

Partner organisations such as the Environment Agency, Age Positive, Jobcentre Plus and others will be at the event to advise on environmental legislation, age discrimination, health and safety and more.  And while seminar places should be booked to guarantee a place, you don’t need to book to visit the exhibition and can call in as you wish.

Roger Lovell, Business Liaison Team manager said:

“It’s inevitable that some people will find tax issues daunting, or be worried about meeting their liabilities during today’s tough times.  This event allows us to bring our advice directly into the heart of the West Midlands and offer practical assistance where it is needed. 

“HMRC runs a number of schemes to make tax as hassle free as possible, and engages with our customers.  And our attitude has always been to assist businesses in short term difficulty so that we can help keep viable businesses afloat.  Our partner organisations will also be on hand to explain their services and how they can help small and medium sized enterprises.”

A recent review commissioned by the department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) considered the information services provided by Government to small and medium sized enterprises.  The Anderson Review – published in January 2009 – praised HMRC’s BAODs saying: ‘Businesses do not have a lot of time to gain information about regulations and these Open Days represent an easily accessible way for them to do so locally.’

Last year, more than 10,000 people attended a BAOD.  You don’t need to make an appointment for the exhibition, but booking for seminars – which can be found on our web site – is advisable. 

Among the exhibitors are:
- Age Positive
- Better Regulation Executive
- Business Link
- Environment Agency
- Health and Safety Executive
- HM Government
- HM Revenue & Customs
- Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys
- Jobcentre Plus
- NetRegs
- Prime
- Intellectual Property Office

The event takes place on Wednesday, 16 September 2009, 9am to 5pm at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham,
 
For further information about HMRC’s range of Business Advice Open Days, please see our website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/advicedays send an email to open.days@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk, or telephone us on 0121 697 4065.

Responding to the Local Government Association’s figures demonstrating that Local Authorities have seen a £4bn deficit in income over the last two years, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Like businesses, councils are currently facing tough financial times and hard choices. These figures on local authority income are therefore no surprise.

“Local businesses and councils work well together in many parts of the country. But as budgets tighten, that partnership could be damaged if businesses are seen as a source of revenue to plug funding gaps.

“Additional local business taxes now would be a tax on recovery. Instead, councils should continue to seek out efficiency savings - much as the private sector is doing."

“Deliberate tax defaulters always risk considerable financial penalties but now they can add a significant reputational risk to the consequences of their actions.  Legislation to be introduced in the Finance Bill 2009 will permit HMRC to publish the names and details of individuals and companies who are penalised for deliberate defaults leading to a loss of tax in excess of £25, 000,” says Gary Rooney, Director of Tax Investigations Services at Dains, the Lichfield-based chartered accountants and business advisers. 

The exact date that this is intended to commence remains unknown but it seems that HMRC intend to publish details of defaulters on a quarterly basis, after each case is resolved or otherwise settled.  The public ‘naming and shaming’ will include a defaulters name and address, their trade or profession, the amount of tax, interest and penalties and the periods involved.  

Anyone who deliberately understates their tax position or fails to notify HMRC that they are in business or commits certain other offences will be caught under the proposed legislation.  The proposal has caused significant comment in the profession and raised concerns that HMRC will be breaching confidentiality and even human rights legislation.  Gary comments: “Whilst there is indeed a right to privacy enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights (Art.14), the State is also given authority to override certain rights if it is in their own interests.  Because tax geared penalties are ‘criminal charges’, for the purposes of the convention it would seem HMRC are likely to argue that publicising details of the associated conviction and punishment will act as a deterrent to others and so it is in the interests of the State to do so.”

Gary comments: “Even those with potentially serious issues have the opportunity to avoid the unwelcome publicity this may bring.  HMRC will not publish the details of those who come forward to make appropriate disclosures or those who co-operate fully with HMRC within certain parameters.  This new risk makes it essential to get specialist advice at the first opportunity to properly manage any dealings with HMRC where this may apply.  Most individuals and companies will clearly not wish to see their names and misdemeanours highlighted on HMRC's website - this will be a disaster for any individual with a high profile or any business in general.”

For further information or specialist advice contact Gary Rooney on 0845 555 8844 or grooney@dains.com   

The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Monthly Business Survey, published today (Friday), reveals the continued threat to the UK labour market, with one in two firms considering or certain to make redundancies over the next 6 months.

The results from 450 companies across the UK also confirm that demand remains low, with not a single business reporting that they will increase stock holdings over the next three months.

The key findings from the survey include:

• 51% of companies are considering or certain to make redundancies over the coming 6 months.

• None of the businesses surveyed plan to increase stock holdings. 83% will maintain stock at their current levels, while 17% will decrease stock in the next 3 months.

• 1 in 5 businesses see growth returning to the UK economy by the end of 2009, while 1 in 2 are more uncertain and do not see growth returning until the first half of 2010.

Commenting, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“With half of firms still thinking about cutting their workforce by the end of the year, the government must continue to promote measures that stimulate growth in investment and jobs.

“It will be business that drives an economic recovery, boosting employment along the way. Policies to help businesses retain jobs, and increase employment, will be critical over the next 12 months. Scrapping plans to raise National Insurance contributions in 2011 is an obvious place to start.”

The latest in a series of online, bite-sized videos for new and small businesses is now available to download free.

Episode three in the “Start Up Diaries” series follows recent developments in the lives of three budding entrepreneurs – Ruth, Nick and Hannah.

The video diary series provides a unique insight – in the trio’s own words – into how they’ve coped with the ups and downs of going it alone. It can be viewed or downloaded free from the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp, and is essential viewing for anyone who’s recently started up in business, or is thinking of doing so.

HMRC recently launched a range of 10 video guides, fronted by TV presenter Dan Snow, which provide a helpful overview on a range of key tax issues. These include: setting up in business, income tax for the self-employed, corporation tax, and VAT. They can also be downloaded for free from www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp

HMRC is committed to making the tax system simpler.

Stephen Banyard, Director of HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Business Customer Unit, said:
“Our aim is to improve our customers’ experience and contribute to improving the UK business environment. We will reduce the administrative burden of the tax system on business and make changes that will make a noticeable difference to business.

“From April 2009, we are committed to reducing the administrative burden on business by at least 10 per cent by March 2011 – worth over £510m to them.”

This includes the delivery of tough targets on administrative burdens set by the Chancellor at Budget 2006.
• Reducing the administrative burden on businesses of dealing with HMRC's forms and returns by at least 10 per cent over five years
• Reducing the administrative burden on compliant businesses of dealing with HMRC's audits and inspections by 10 per cent over three years and at least 15 per cent over five years.
Mr Banyard continued: “To do this we would really welcome ideas and suggestions from those of you at the cutting edge of business. If you would like to suggest how we can change a process or form that would make running your business easier, please tell us at www.hmrc.gov.uk/better-regulation/feedback.htm.“ 
HMRC is also making it easier for businesses to understand and comply with their tax obligations, which will free up valuable time for them to spend on running, developing and growing their businesses.
So what does all this mean for UK business?
Since the targets were introduced, significant progress has been made, with a number of changes being implemented, including Simpler Reporting for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA).
In April 2009, the ITSA Three Line Account (TLA) turnover limit was increased to permanently align with the VAT threshold. This means a significant majority of the SA business population will be able to benefit from simpler reporting. 
The new threshold will apply to the self-employment, trade and UK property pages from the 2009-10 Main Tax Return, short Tax Return and Partnership tax return issued from April 2010.
A free Online Tariff for businesses involved in Import & Export is now also available. The tariff was previously only available in hard copy purchased from HMRC. This saves businesses the £250 subscription fee and offers 40 more information guides and additional logic tools.
From April 2009, there will be a reduction in the number of occasions when employers need to complete form P46 (Car) when one company car is replaced with another.
In addition, an Annual Investment Allowance has been introduced. This is a 100 per cent tax allowance permitting business to deduct the whole cost of any plant or machinery they buy (except cars) from taxable profits, up to an annual amount of £50,000.00.
The department is also making continued improvement to Online facilities and customer support.
In his Budget statement the Chancellor announced further help for businesses facing difficulties in paying their tax under the Business Payment Support Service (BPSS). From April 2009, any viable business anticipating making a trading loss in the current tax year has been able to have the anticipated loss taken into account as part of any rescheduling of its Corporation Tax or Income Tax payments.

In addition, businesses that want to reschedule VAT, PAYE and national insurance contributions or who have already entered into a time to pay arrangement, but have found their circumstances have changed for the worse, can also contact the BPSS for a new or revised time-to-pay arrangement, depending on individual circumstances. Businesses can call HMRC and in most cases get a decision within 10 minutes on the help they can receive. Further information is available at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/pbr2008/business-payment.htm.

HMRC has also launched a series of “Start-up Diaries” – an online video diary following the progress of three businesses. They can be downloaded free from the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp. A selection of bite-sized video guides can also be downloaded for new and small businesses on a range of tax issues, including setting up in business, income tax for the self-employed, corporation tax and VAT.
The department’s website also regularly carried podcasts covering items of interest to business and accountants.
HMRC has also created a Tax for Business “widget”, a free, online application which media can carry on their websites and which gives tax advice.
In addition, HMRC continues to work with the Administrative Burdens Advisory Board to identify issues that matter to business. 
You can see details of what HMRC is doing to support businesses in the current economic climate in the department’s Budget report Delivering a new relationship with business.

Commenting on today’s MPC decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"We welcome the MPC’s decision to increase the QE programme to £175bn. This should be sufficient for the time being, but in view of the risks still facing the economy, more may be needed later in the year.

“Although QE has helped to prevent a worse downturn, it is not yet fully effective. Money supply is not growing at an adequate pace, bank lending to businesses has recorded outright declines in recent months, and many viable small firms are finding it difficult to access credit.

“Recent positive developments in the economy do not guarantee a sustainable recovery and the productive sector is still very fragile. Signs of confidence must be nurtured as there are still dangers of a relapse. The risks of not persevering with an aggressive policy stimulus are much bigger than the risks of extending the QE programme.
 
“The MPC should raise the proportion of private sector assets that it buys.”

As the consultation on the UK implementation of the Agency Workers Directive closes, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has written to the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, expressing major concerns about the legislation’s impact on the UK economy and flexible labour market.

When the Directive is implemented, it will be one of the most costly regulations to British business in the last 10 years, with an annual burden on the private sector of at least £1.5 billion.

In the letter, David Frost, Director General of the BCC argues:

“With the economic downturn, it is even more important that implementation of this Directive is done in a way that does not discourage the use of the flexible workers that are so important to economic growth returning to the UK.

“1 in 4 businesses in the UK use agency workers, rising to 1 in 2 for the largest companies so implementation of the Directive will clearly have a big financial impact. It is imperative that implementation is delayed until the last possible common commencement date, October 2011. Implementing earlier risks crippling the agency sector, hampering job creation, and stifling economic growth.”

Bank of England figures show that UK companies repaid more bank loans than they have taken in the year to June. Commenting, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Unless money supply and bank lending strengthen, it will be difficult for any economic recovery to be sustained.

“These weak lending figures reinforce the need for the MPC to boost its quantitative easing programme beyond £125 billion. It is also desirable for the Bank of England to increase the proportion of corporate bonds that it purchases.”

HEALTH, WORK AND WELL-BEING CO-ORDINATOR – WEST MIDLANDS (1 POST)

Grade 7 (or Band 8b within NHS Agenda for Change Framework)

Salary:  £43,348 to £45,949.

In March 2008, Dame Carol Black’s Review of the health of Britain’s working age population highlighted the importance of integration between health and employment bodies at a local and regional level in forwarding and promoting the health and work agenda.

In its response to Dame Carol Black’s Review the Government outlined its commitment to funding Health, Work and Well-being Co-ordinators (HWWCs) in the English regions and in Scotland and Wales. As a result of the review and the Government’s response we are creating a new post based with the Regional Public Health Group in the West Midlands, as part of a network of all English regions and Scotland and Wales. This post will be accountable to the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health and will involve working with the Regional Development Agency, Local Authorities in the West Midlands and regional partners, including Government Office, the Strategic Health Authority, Small and Medium Enterprises and local employment partnerships to develop and encourage partnerships between employment and health networks within the West Midlands Region.

In this region we are now recruiting 1 new post, on a secondment or fixed term contract for two years.  This will provide an excellent career opportunity, as you will gain an understanding of both national and regional policy and issues around the health and well-being of the working age population. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a new initiative which is supported by both DH and DWP. You will be part of a network of Health, Work and Well-being Co-ordinators. There will be one in each English Region and one in Scotland and one in Wales and will each have responsibility for supporting the facilitation of the strategic work of local/regional partners - in particular, developing collaborative relationships with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), Employer Coalitions, Business Link, CBI, TUC and other relevant local and regional partners. The Health Work and Well-being Co-ordinators will also administer the Challenge Fund.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills. They will have a background in partnership working and a good working knowledge of health and employment issues in this region.

Post holders will be based in the Government Office for the West Midlands in Birmingham and will be expected to travel across the region and attend monthly meetings in London. Applicants seeking a secondment will need the support of their current employer.

The job description is attached.

If you are interested and would like to arrange an informal discussion, contact
Janet Baker, Deputy Regional Director of Public Health – West Midlands, Tel: 0121 352 5314

To apply you need to send a CV to Janet Baker, Deputy Regional Director of Public Health at janet.baker@dh.gsi.gov.uk

DH West Midlands
Government Office for the West Midlands
5 St Philips Place
Birmingham
B3 2PW

Please note that your CV should demonstrate that you have the skills required to undertake these roles. It should be sent with a covering letter saying why you are applying at this stage in your career. Please also make clear if you are applying on the basis of a secondment or a fixed term contract.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on 14th August 2009.

Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 2 September 2009.

Commenting on today’s meeting between the Chancellor and bank bosses, which will discuss lending to small businesses, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“It will be business that drives the UK out of recession, but that can only happen if the banks are prepared to play their part. I am still hearing too many stories of small businesses being unable to access appropriate financing.

“The situation is complicated but the government certainly needs to keep the pressure up. Banks need to be transparent and open about their approach to lending to small firms.”

Commenting on the preliminary GDP figures for the second quarter of 2009, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“On the basis of these figures, the UK recession is almost as bad as that of the early 1980s. June’s positive retail sales were more than offset by declines in other areas of the economy.

“There is no room for complacency and suggestions of suspending quantitative easing are misguided. It is important to persevere with an aggressive policy stimulus to ensure that the economic downturn does not worsen.”

There are more than six months to go before the deadline for filing your tax assessment online so now could be a good time to set some money aside to pay that tax bill. To help, HR Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has set up a flexible Budget Payment Plan which means that you could set up regular payments by direct debit right now.

The Budget Payment Plan is available to all customers who want to sign up and whose payments are up to date. The scheme takes away the stress involved with finding a large sum of money by 31 January 2010. Users decide their own weekly or monthly payment amount. The scheme is so flexible that people are free to take a break at any time and suspend payment for a period of up to six months, or just cancel completely.

Working online with HMRC means you can work much faster, at your own convenience, while at all times knowing that you are working in a secure environment.

Direct debit is a well proven method of making payments and it takes only one or two minutes to set up a Direct Debit Instruction and payment plan.

As well as the Budget Payment Plan, a self assessment customer can set up a single payment. If you have a payment on account to make on 31 July you can set that up now for collection on or before 31 July. The Direct Debit Instruction you set up can also be used to pay another eight types of taxes and duties.

To learn more, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk and click on “Paying HMRC”. If you already use HMRC’s online service and wish to set up a direct debit payment, log in to Self Assessment Online, select “direct debit payment” from the main menu and follow the on-screen links. Make sure you have to hand your bank or building society account number and sort code, your 11-character taxpayer reference (10-digit UTR + K) and details of how much you want to pay and when.

If you have not used Self Assessment online before you will need to register for online services. This is a very easy process - just visit www.hmrc.gov.uk and click on the self assessment link in the “do it online” menu. You will be given immediate access to direct debit online and we will send you an activation PIN through the post a few days later. You must activate the PIN within 28 days, otherwise you will lose access to self-assessment online and direct debit payment.

All payments made under the Budget Payment Plan go towards reducing your overall tax bill - which normally needs to be paid in full on 31 January or 31 July. You can view your account online. Paying by direct debit means you avoid having to write cheques and save paying  postage.

HMRC has developed the Budget Payment Plan as part of its improved customer services. It puts you in control of your finances at the same time as giving you a chance to budget.

The Government has announced plans to invest £1bn into the electrification of the Great Western Main Line. Commenting Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“With the public finances under real pressure, it is crucial the Government makes investments that underpin economic recovery. Electrifying the Great Western Main Line is a good long-term commitment, which will cut emissions, improve the reliability of the service for businesses, and promote economic growth.

“Lessons must be learnt from the unnecessary delays caused during the improvement work on the West Coast Main Line. The chaos just after New Year cost business nearly £13 million a day.”

Swine flu could have serious consequences for small and medium size businesses, so ensuring your business is properly prepared is essential.

The British Chambers of Commerce is hosting a live WebTV show on Tuesday 28th July at 11am to discuss the current situation, how businesses should prepare for swine flu and how you should react if it hits your business.

Joining presenter Ian Collins in the studio is David Frost, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce. He will also be joined by representatives from two SMEs – Robert Stead and Sue Hill – who will discuss how their businesses are coping with the crisis.

This is an excellent opportunity to give businesses a chance to share their own contingency plans and ideas they have implemented to deal with the spread of swine flu in the workplace.

To submit a question live to the panel visit the website http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/video-and-podcasts/live-webtv-show.html on Tuesday 28th July at 11:00-11.30am.

Does your business not have enough time or money to comply with your statutory HR obligations?  Do you know what they are?

Chamber HR is a Chamber Members one stop shop for compliance documentation, offering a comprehensive online human resource service and a dedicated human resource advice line.

For more benefits and information, visit www.chamberhr.co.uk

A very dynamic Enterprise Day was recently held at Fair Oak Business & Enterprise College in Rugeley organised by the Young Chamber Programme.

The morning introduced students aged 11-12 years to the concept of developing products, the importance of unique selling points, how to market goods and financial considerations. In small teams they had to come up with an idea and then produce an item made from recycled materials. Each tutor group had to vote for the best initiative to take forward to a “Dragons Den” which was held in the afternoon.

Six local business people gave up their valuable time to sit on the panel of “Dragons” and were greatly impressed with the excellent and innovative ideas that were presented which included a “jewelry box”,  “Bonkers bookmarks” and “The Recycled Rabbit” which was a colourful litter bin to be used in playgrounds to encourage children to recycle drinks cans.  The “Dragons” however voted unanimously for  a team of boys who had come up with the “Filter 4 U”. 

This was a water filter made from a plastic bottle with various layers of sand and cotton wool to clean dirty water, this had been a well thought out idea with the boys working well as a team each one taking on a different role, what greatly impressed everyone was a practical demonstration where muddy water was put through the filter and then drunk by a student, even one of the Dragons was brave enough to accept a drink of the filtered water and has since suffered no health problems.

Frances Wearing YC Coordinator from Southern Staffordshire said “the enthusiasm of all students was amazing they were full of energy and came up with quite inspiring and imaginative ideas and their awareness and zeal for business enterprise was undoubtedly evident, many thanks must go to the business people Darren & Suzanne Rushton, Simon Roberts, Chris Plant and Gemma Wearing who gave up their time to advise and assist at this enjoyable event”,  

After competing for funds at the “Dragons Den” held earlier in the year, 9 students aged 12-13 from the Young Chamber at Paget High School in Burton on Trent, saw all their hard work and dedication come to a very successful outcome recently.  Their business project had been to make jewelry, phone and handbag charms and to decorate candles which would be on sale at the schools Enterprise Day in July. 

Over 40 stalls were competing for the customers’ attention and cash but these very enterprising young women impressed the public with the quality and originality of their goods and practicing their selling skills they made an amazing profit of £174.40. Half of the profit will go to the cervical cancer awareness charity and the rest will go towards making new stock to be sold at a Christmas Market they are already planning for December.

Frances Wearing YC Coordinator from Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce commented “It has been an absolute delight to work with this group of students, their energy and enthusiasm for the project has been overwhelming and they have shown they can operate a fantastic business venture which will further develop as they continue to learn more entrepreneurial skills from Young Chamber activities”.

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

“Regrettably, the MPC has not provided an adequate explanation for its disappointing decision not to extend the quantitative easing programme beyond £125 billion. We believe that the risks of a relapse in economic activity are still serious.

“With bank lending remaining weak and unemployment continuing to rise, there is still an urgent need to reinforce the stimulus. We urge the MPC to increase the QE programme at its next meeting. A credible exit strategy will clearly be needed but it cannot be implemented until the recession ends.”

Nine Young Chamber members aged 11/12 from John Taylor High School recently visited the offices in Barton to learn how the Chamber of Commerce operates and the services provided to its business members. The morning commenced with a short presentation by the Chief Executive Peter Ralphs who explained to the enthusiastic audience the “Ultimate Business Network” that extends to the whole of the UK, Europe and indeed the World. The students then proceeded to interview members of the staff about their job roles and responsibilities and were given the opportunity to add information to the membership database.  The International Trade Advisors explained how they assist and support companies in the UK who wish to export their goods abroad which the students found fascinating.

The Marketing Coordinator then interviewed each small group about their experiences as members of the Young Chamber, Harriett Connolly and Poppy Vanes-Jones commented “Our Young Chamber project is very exciting, it has given me more confidence, allows us the freedom to make our own decisions and we now find public speaking a lot less scary”.  Zach Hayes also said “Young Chamber has helped us realize that we want a career in business, giving us an insight into the many different types of jobs that are available when we finish school”.

The morning concluded with Frances Wearing the Young Chamber Coordinator issuing achievement certificates and badges to this student business team, she commented “The first year of the YC programme has been incredible at this school and the entrepreneurial minds of these young people has been amazing and I look forward to working again with them in the next academic year”.  

Commenting on the public sector finances for June published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“Although slightly smaller than feared, these figures confirm the grim state of our public finances. We are still heading towards a deficit of £175 billion this financial year, in line with the Chancellor’s forecast.

“It would be wrong to tighten policy while the recession continues, but maintaining Britain’s international credibility requires a robust plan for restoring our public finances over the medium-term. This must focus on curtailing public spending across the board, while avoiding damaging measures that would harm wealth-creating businesses.”

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“These figures make grim reading and confirm our assessment that although the recession is easing, unemployment is set to continue rising at a rapid pace. On the basis of these numbers, we reaffirm our forecast that unemployment will peak at around 3.2 million next year.

“The serious labour market situation highlights the need for persevering with a forceful policy stimulus. The MPC must increase quantitative easing well above the current level of £125 billion.”

Staffordshire companies are continuing to struggle in the face of the recession, with hundreds facing either significant or critical problems in the last quarter, according to Begbies Traynor’s latest Red Flag Alert.

Even though the rate of increase in companies facing problems has slowed since the first quarter of the year, there is little evidence yet of a real recovery emerging, according to experts at the business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist who compile the monitor of the early signs of company distress.
In Staffordshire, there has been a 10 per cent fall in the number of companies facing significant problems from the first quarter, but a 21 per cent rise in those facing critical difficulties.

In the West Midlands as a whole, there were 15,590 companies with significant problems in the second quarter, up 46 per cent on the same period in 2008 but down 15 per cent on the first quarter of 2009. The number of companies facing critical problems – 514 – was up 49 per cent year-on-year and down four per cent on the first quarter.

Companies with significant problems are defined as those with either a court action and/or average, poor, very poor, insolvent or out date accounts. Companies with critical problems are those with County Court Judgments totalling £5,000 or more and/or Wind-Up Petition related actions.

Nationally, the number of companies with significant problems is up 43 per cent year-on-year to 190,559, but down 14 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2009. There are 6,088 companies facing critical problems, again up 43 per cent year-on-year but down one per cent compared with the first quarter.
Recruitment, engineering and manufacturing are bearing the brunt, with a substantial increase in problem companies, while construction and professional services have in contrast shown reductions Bob Young, partner at the Stoke on Trent office of Begbies Traynor, said: “It’s still tough out there and all the signs are that it will take some time for any recovery to take effect.

“The overall increase in the number of problem companies has undoubtedly slowed for the last two quarters, which is better news. “However, we believe that corporate and personal insolvencies, as with unemployment, tend to be indicators that lag any change in economic activity and are therefore likely to continue to rise for up to two years after the commencement of economic recovery. 

“Previous experience, together with an analysis of the current recession, strongly suggests that the period from this year to 2012 will see a large number of corporate insolvencies, probably above the peak levels experienced during the height of the last major recession in 1992.”

Red Flag Alert looks at information daily and makes quarter on quarter and on year on year comparisons of detrimental data. A significant number of companies with significant or critical problems tend to enter into a formal insolvency procedure within a year.

Commenting on the June inflation figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“There was a marked fall in inflation in June, with the CPI measure falling below the 2% target and RPI moving further into deflationary territory. The figures confirm the BCC’s assessment that in the short-term, the main policy priority must be countering the risks posed by recession and deflation.

“Inflation is a longer-term threat which must be dealt with by a credible exit strategy, but this can only be applied when the recession ends. In the near future we urge the Bank of England to increase the scale of quantitative easing well beyond £125 billion.”

Each year the runway is delayed costs the country £1bn.

Building a third runway at Heathrow would add £30 billion to the UK economy, according to a new study published today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The report, entitled Economic Impacts of Hub Airports, forecasts that building a third runway at the airport would deliver between £8.6bn and £12.8bn in increased productivity, and approximately £20bn in wider economic benefits, such as higher levels of employment. Some 60% of this benefit is predicted to be outside London and the South East.

The research, which was conducted by leading economics and transport consultancy Colin Buchanan on behalf of the BCC, reveals that each year the building of a third runway is delayed the country loses between £900m and £1.1bn.

By reducing delays and increasing the frequency of flights, a third runway would save business passengers time and increase their productivity. Passengers would also benefit from flights to new destinations, removing the need to wait for transfers at airports outside the UK.

The wider economic benefits include direct and indirect increases in employment and gains to London as an international business location adding to its ability to recruit highly skilled people from around the world.

The £20bn of wider economic benefits over 60 years would be in addition to the £3.8bn forecast to arise from the High Speed 1 rail line (the Eurostar line) and the £10bn estimated for high speed rail (High Speed 2) from London to the North of England.

The study highlights the extent to which Heathrow’s shortage of capacity is leading it to fall behind Continental competitors, such as Schiphol and Frankfurt. Over the last 20 years, Heathrow has fallen from being the leading airport in Europe by destinations served to fifth place.

Meanwhile, the number of UK regional cities it serves has fallen from 21 to six, with the result that UK passengers are now effectively subsidising hubs in Continental Europe. The airport has also been left behind by its rivals in serving the growing BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The report notes that a key benefit of a hub airport is that it can sustain a large network of routes with far lower levels of traffic than would be needed to support a point to point network of similar size. Heathrow’s transfer passengers mean that UK residents and businesses have access to more direct destinations, more frequent flights and lower fares.

Commenting David Frost, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“This comprehensive study clearly outlines the economic benefits of expanding Heathrow – an important part of the debate which too few people fully understand.  Connectivity is vital to the UK economy as businesses seek to develop new global opportunities that will allow them to generate wealth and jobs. Without additional capacity at our major hub airport, we will continue to fall behind our Continental competitors.  The age old phrase ‘time is money’ is apt as we look for solutions going forward. We must invest now to safeguard our economic future or we risk wasting £30 billion fumbling around for an alternative.”
                               
Commenting Richard Lambert, Director General, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said:
“We support the creation of a third runway at Heathrow, which will increase capacity, and is important for the long-term future of the UK economy. We therefore welcome this contribution to the debate, which sets out the economic benefits for the country.”

Commenting Brendan Barber, General Secretary, Trades Union Congress (TUC) said:
“This is an important report. By making clear the business benefits of airport expansion it backs up the TUC’s view that, within very strict environmental limits that are rigorously scrutinised and enforced, it can help safeguard jobs and the UK economy. Doing nothing is not an option. Without a third runway, the UK will fall further behind our competitors, losing jobs to the bigger and more robust hub airports elsewhere in Europe.”

Commenting Tony Woodley, General Secretary, Unite the Union said:
“My members welcome this report.  An expanded Heathrow operating within very strict environmental limits is vital if we are to safeguard jobs in the UK and ensure we continue to compete and trade with the rest of the world – particularly the new emerging market of Brazil, China, India and Russia.  Today we stand at a crossroads where we can take the difficult decision and expand Heathrow and compete or not expand and begin the slow decline of steadily losing destinations served by Heathrow and the jobs that are associated with them. This reports clearly flags up the cost of not expanding Heathrow and estimates it to be about £1bn per year. To recover from the biggest banking crisis since the 1930s we can ill afford not to expand Heathrow.”

Commenting Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive, London First said:
"The whole of the UK benefits from London’s position as a leading world city. But to succeed, London needs excellent international transport links to reach its markets around the world. Today’s report provides evidence of Heathrow's pivotal role in maintaining London's global competitiveness. A third runway will deliver clear economic benefits, but needs to be accompanied by independent monitoring of strict environmental conditions, world class customer service and reduced delays.”

Commenting Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said:
“The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes this authoritative new report. A reliable, world class, global hub airport, with connections to all parts of the globe is vital if we are to maintain London’s lead in financial and business services.  This report makes the business case even more compelling for a third runway at Heathrow as soon as possible.”

Commenting Miles Templeman, Director General, Institute of Directors (IoD) said:
“Based in an island trading nation, UK businesses understand that a world class hub airport, with connections to all parts of the globe (not just holiday destinations) is vital for our future prosperity.  Heathrow expansion is an emotive issue, but it is important that the pros and cons – including its environmental impact - are discussed properly and rationally.  This report makes an interesting and valuable contribution to that debate.  The figures speak for themselves.  The key question for me is can we afford the cost of £1bn per year of not building a third runway at Heathrow?”    

The Design Council and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have announced a new partnership that will see the two organisations working together to promote the value of design to UK businesses.

In a move specifically aimed at helping businesses survive the recession, the partnership will provide practical ways to help the 100,000 companies in the BCC network to use design to become more innovative and competitive. The partnership will also collaborate to promote a wider message nationally and internationally about the importance of design to the business sector.

The partnership aims to:

• Campaign to raise awareness of the importance and value of design in making the UK more competitive and creative.

• Collaborate on the development of specific initiatives which will offer practical support to businesses through the BCC network.

• Explore further opportunities for joint-working and avenues for communicating the shared principles throughout the UK and internationally.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The future of the UK economy is dependent on the dynamism and effectiveness of our private sector. By helping businesses make informed decisions about the power of design and the potential competitive advantage it can bring, we will help them through the recession and gain long-term commercial benefits.”

David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council, said: “This is all about designing out of a downturn. Companies that invested in design and R&D during the last recession re-invented themselves and came out stronger. This new partnership with the Chambers stands to help the thousands of UK firms that represent our economic future, with the opportunity to harness the practical power of UK design. “

Commenting on today’s MPC decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"We disagree with the decision not to use the final £25 billion allotted to the asset purchase programme. Quantitative easing is not yet fully effective and there is a strong case for raising the proportion of private sector assets that the MPC purchases.

“It is important to significantly increase the programme’s size, so as to underpin business confidence. We urge the Chancellor to increase the ceiling for the programme by a further £50 billion, to £200 billion.”

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey results – Q2 2009.

The results of the Quarter 2, 2009 British Chambers of Commerce Economic Survey confirm that the worst of the recession is over.

Data from 5,600 companies shows welcome progress in both the manufacturing and service sectors with most key indicators improving in the last quarter. However, almost all the critical measures remain in negative territory and many are still weak by historical standards.

Manufacturing recorded stronger improvements in Q2 than services, although in absolute terms, the manufacturing sector remains in a worse condition overall.

The most encouraging feature of the Q2 results is a marked strengthening in confidence following sharp declines over the previous two quarters. Turnover confidence has now entered positive territory for the first time since Q3 last year and it has improved dramatically for manufacturing firms, rising 40 points from -38 in Q1 to +2 in Q2.

Employment expectations in both sectors saw gains this quarter, but the BCC continues to predict unemployment will reach 3.2 million - some 10% of the workforce - by mid 2010.

While these results finally point to some good economic news, there is a risk that without a continued focus on limiting the impact of recession, the economy could drop-off suddenly, adding weight to the argument that we are heading towards a W-shaped recession. With official GDP figures revised heavily downwards only last week, it is far too early to say that recovery is secure.

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

“These results are sending Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling a strong message from the business community. It is absolutely vital that the improvement in business confidence is nurtured.

“Our economy is based on confidence, and wealth-creating businesses need to know they will be given the freedom and flexibility to drive the UK out of recession and into a sustainable recovery.

“The government needs to think long and hard about its policies on taxation and red tape, which threaten to stifle growth and employment. The planned increase in National Insurance contributions is nothing more than a tax on jobs and it should be abandoned immediately.

“Signs of improvement in the economy cannot be an excuse for the government to start increasing business tax as a remedy for the ill health of the nation’s finances. Risking any fragile gains would be a huge mistake.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added:

“The pace of decline in the UK economy is clearly moderating. The worst phase of the recession is over, but serious downward pressures persist across all sectors and regions. Most key balances are still in negative territory and remain weak by historical standards. Recovery is now possible but it is not yet secure.

“Further corrective measures are still needed to support the economy. The marked improvement in confidence, albeit from exceptionally low levels, is welcome. However, these recent gains can only be sustained if the economy continues to stabilise and the recession ends.
 
“With cashflow, capacity utilisation, and price pressures remaining weak, it is important that the short-term policy stance stays expansionary. Quantitative easing should be pursued aggressively.

“At the same time, sustaining any future recovery and preserving Britain’s international credit rating, depends heavily on the adoption of a credible medium-term strategy for improving our public finances. To avoid undue damage to our productive base, painful cuts to spending programmes must be the main tool for repairing our public finances.”

A group of Year 7 students put on a fantastic fashion and talent show on Friday 3rd July and proved that without doubt Kingsmead really has got talent! The event was organised by the student Young Chamber Members to raise funds for Newlife (Birth Defects Trading Ltd) in conjunction with Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The student business team of 38 organised the whole event from auditioning the models and talent acts, designing the promotional material, stage design and entertainment. 12 volunteer models gave an amazing catwalk display with outfits depicting the “Four Seasons” all provided by Newlife. The event had lots of glitz and glamour and included six varied and very talented acts competing for votes from the enthusiastic audience.  Felicia Robertson whose beautiful voice captivated everyone stole the show and became the winner of the talent competition. A local dance group from “The Primera Dance Centre” kindly volunteered to perform an amazing street dance and were hugely entertaining.

Erin Robinson aged 12 said “We have never had anything like this at school before it has been great fun and we have learned a lot about business”. Frances Wearing YC Coordinator at SSCCI commented “The enthusiasm of these young people for this project has been amazing they have been working very hard since March to make this show the slick professional event that was evident on Friday and I look forward to working with them on their next venture”. 

Young Chamber places the initiatives firmly in the hands of the students themselves to learn from direct contact with businesses, students determine their projects entirely by themselves, in their own time and outside the curriculum and recognizes real world business principals.

Commenting on the publication of the Government’s Cyber Security Strategy, and the creation of a Cyber Security Operations Centre based in Cheltenham, Gareth Elliott, Senior Policy Adviser at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Almost three-quarters of companies feel there should be a national body set up to deal with the issue of e-crime, so the establishment of a new Cyber Security Operations Centre is the right move.

“With more companies reporting computer related fraud and data theft than ever before, the business community is pleased to see the Government giving the issue some serious attention

Are you self-employed or running your own business? Maybe you’re a potential entrepreneur, someone who runs a busy payroll department or working as a contractor in the construction industry? Whichever way, if you find tax issues daunting or are just interested in keeping up with new developments now could be the time to contact one of the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Advice Teams.

HMRC have set up their own network of trained Advice Teams who run free workshops and presentations in many different locations and on many topics. Their aim is to make anything that is tax-related as hassle-free as possible. HMRC understand how time consuming running your own business can be and that paperwork may not always be a top priority. That’s why the Advice Teams are there to give practical assistance in areas where it is most needed, so that you understand what needs to be done and will have the confidence and knowledge to get it right the first time.

The workshop, the presentation, the Employer Talk and the Business Advice Open Day
During a workshop you will learn about the product of your choice. Most of the workshops last about half a day and here you will learn, discuss and join in with some practical demonstrations.
Presentations usually last about two hours while Employer Talks are the perfect opportunity for you to meet the experts, face to face, and learn all the very latest news relating to employers and payroll professionals while Business Advice Open Days are a unique opportunity for you to obtain all the quality advice and information you need under one roof in order to run your business successfully

An Employer but not confident with Pay As You Earn (PAYE)?
If you need help understanding the benefits of online filing and are unsure of what forms you need to file online, how to register with HMRC and where to go for more help if you need it, then you should sign up today.  There are also presentations that show you how you can calculate tax and National Insurance using the employer CD –ROM or fill in a P45/P46 for new employers and leavers. You can learn how to pay expenses, about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), including how to operate your own sick pay scheme and which employees would be eligible for sick pay. You can also learn about Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) and Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP). There are Workshops that show you
how to complete an employer’s End of Year Return or how to complete your End of Year expenses and benefits return, including the calculation of Class 1A National Insurance contributions.

Self-employed?
If you are planning on becoming self-employed there is a special workshop that will introduce you to the basic things you need to know on tax, National Insurance, VAT, record keeping and important dates in the tax year. There is another workshop on how to complete the self-employment pages of your Self Assessment tax return, explaining which expenses and allowances you can claim for, when you need to send in your tax return, and how and when to actually pay your tax.

How to set up a limited company
If you are about to, or have recently set up, a Limited Company the HMRC Advice Teams provide a workshop where you can learn all about companies, how to form one and your obligations to Companies House and the taxman. An introduction to VAT will explain registration, rates, tax points and what you can and can’t claim. It covers all the different schemes, record keeping and how to fill in a VAT return.

Work in the construction industry?
The Construction Industry Scheme was introduced in April 2007. A tailored presentation lets contractors and subcontractors know how it works, including how to make returns and how to run their payroll.

International Trade
If part of your business involves importing or exporting goods outside of the European community then attending the ‘Introduction to International Trade’ presentation may well save you time and money. Here you can learn about import and export procedures and all of the various regimes.

Interested?
It couldn’t be easier to book yourself in. More information can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk/bst. or just pick up the phone and call 0845 603 2691.

The latest edition of Agent Update – HMRC’s electronic update for tax agents - is now available.

Madeline McGrillen, Head of Tax Agent Communications, said:
 
“Agent Update is a bi-monthly publication that rounds up all our latest tax information services and consultations and directs agents to further information online.  We did some research earlier in the year which showed that nearly 90% of agents who read the Update found its section on tax issues useful - it’s a great way to stay in touch with what is going on.

“Agents can now sign up to receive automatic reminders when Agent Update is published by registering online at www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxagents/register”

The Update provides tailored information specifically for agents so they can;
stay informed across a wide range of taxes and services
Be totally up to date so they can give their clients the latest advice.

The latest edition of Agent Update looks at how agents can file self assessment returns online for earlier tax years and the new PAYE upgrade.

Go to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/update12/index.htm to see the latest edition of Agent Update.

Most businesses agree with the recent sentiments expressed by the Bank of England Governor, Mervyn King, over the need for a clearer plan outlining how the public finances will be improved.

In the latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Monthly Business Survey, over three quarters of companies said they believed the Government had so far failed to present an appropriate strategy explaining how they will restore the UK’s finances to health.

The results from 400 companies also revealed that despite commitments to increase lending, businesses still face real difficulties accessing finance. A mere 6% of firms thought credit was easier to get hold of over the last 3 months, while a fifth said access had worsened.

The key findings from the survey include:

• Less than a quarter of firms (23%) think the Government has outlined an appropriate strategy to improve the UK’s finances.

• 20% of companies believe access to finance has worsened over the last three months; 6% believe it has improved; and 74% think it remained unchanged.

• Approximately three quarters of firms (76%) believe uncertainty surrounding Gordon Brown’s leadership is distracting the Government from tackling the recession.

• Just one in four businesses (25%) has the capacity to recruit a new graduate over the next 6 months.

• In spite of recent falls, over 60% of businesses believe inflation will rise within a year. 8% of firms believe inflation will shoot up by more than 3%.

Commenting, Director General of the BCC, David Frost, said:

“It is clear the Government has more to do if businesses are to be convinced there is a comprehensive strategy in place to improve the dire state of the nation’s finances.

“What is particularly concerning is how few businesses are reporting improvement in access to finance. If the banks do not grasp the nettle and start lending effectively to the private sector they will simply be playing a part in prolonging this downturn.

“Banks have a responsibility not just to lend, but to lend to the wealth creating sectors of the economy.”

In advance of the Business Rate Supplement Bill receiving Royal Assent today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

“It is deeply worrying that during a recession, the government has decided to introduce a new power for Local Authorities to raise taxes on cash-starved businesses.

“Companies are already paying business rates, corporation tax, VAT and National Insurance. On top of this, they could also be looking at a combination of Business Rate Supplements (BRS), congestion charging and a workplace parking levy.

“The BCC believes that any BRS proposals should only be for necessary infrastructure projects with a business vote on whether to go ahead with the plans.

“By allowing this legislation to pass into law, companies will face a situation where decisions on BRS could be taken unilaterally by Local Authorities. We urge Councils to listen to local firms and reflecting the current economic climate, decide not to make use of this new power.”

British Chambers of Commerce – June 2009 Economic Forecast

There are growing signs that the worst phase of the recession is behind us, according to the British Chambers of Commerce’s June Economic Forecast. However, the BCC warns that recovery is neither imminent nor guaranteed, arguing that prospects are still hazardous.

Borrowing

Britain’s fiscal position is unsustainable in the medium-term, with public sector borrowing of more than 12% in both 2009-10 and 2010-11, and with debt rising to dangerous levels.

The UK’s international credit rating will be under threat unless credible measures are taken to curb fiscal deficits and debt in the medium-term. The Government must present a realistic exit strategy with most of the emphasis on major cuts in spending programmes. There can be no sacred cows when it comes to making these cuts and politicians must be honest about the reality of the situation.

Employment

The BCC continues to predict that UK unemployment will rise to 3.2 million, or just over 10% of the workforce in the second half of 2010, unchanged from our March forecast. The greater flexibility of the UK labour market is likely to prevent a worse outcome in the current recession, with smaller falls in employment than in the early 1990s recession. It is critical to avoid measures threatening our labour market flexibility.

GDP

In annual average terms, the business group is now forecasting a GDP decline of 3.8% in 2009, followed by a very small rise of 0.6% in 2010. In March, the BCC predicted a GDP fall of 2.8% in 2009, and a 0.8% increase in 2010.

Q1 2009 was probably the worst point in the recession. From now on it is expected that the pace of decline in UK GDP will moderate significantly, with much smaller quarterly falls in Q2 and Q3. In Q4 2009, a small quarterly GDP increase is expected; the pace of quarterly positive growth, although remaining low, is likely to improve slowly in 2010 and 2011.

In terms of cumulative declines in GDP, the current recession is much worse than that of the early 1990s: 4.9% in 2008-09 versus 2.5% in 1992-93. Importantly, the current recession is still likely to be less severe than the early 1980s recession.

Interest rates

The BCC forecast assumes that the UK Bank Rate will remain at 0.5% until Q2 2010. Thereafter, very modest increases are assumed, with rates reaching 1.25% in Q4 2010. The forecast also assumes a further increase in the Asset Purchase Scheme to at least £150 billion. Additional increases should not be ruled out if recessionary pressures worsen.

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

“Since businesses will drive any sustainable recovery, it is vital to support wealth-creating firms. The Government must avoid additional business taxes, higher National Insurance Contributions, and policies that stifle enterprise and innovation.

“Manufacturing and exports will be at the heart of the recovery. We must ensure that companies can maintain their flexibility in order to hold onto their skilled employees. The UK’s skills base cannot be further eroded.

“The scale of debt facing this country is enormous. We cannot defer making hard decisions about cutting public expenditure. Business expects action and there should be no sacred cows.”

BCC Chief Economist, David Kern, added:

“A return to positive GDP growth before Q4 2009, though unlikely, cannot be ruled out.  A temporary rebound driven primarily by the stock cycle will not produce a sustainable recovery, unless consumer spending, investment, and net exports start to improve.

“The immediate risk is that the recession will worsen because stimulus is withdrawn too early. In the short-term, economic policy must remain expansionary. Longer-term inflation threats cannot be shrugged off and they need to be addressed with a credible exit strategy, but only after the real economy stabilises.

"The UK medium-term economic outlook is grim and we are facing a period of austerity. The need to slash Government borrowing and reduce debt after the recession ends will inevitably dampen UK growth prospects for a considerable period. Over the next 4 or 5 years, the trend growth of UK GDP is likely to be considerably weaker than in the period proceeding the current recession.

"Unless huge falls in UK capital investment are halted and reversed, our productive potential will be seriously weakened in the medium-term. Falling investment increases the danger that industry will find it difficult to boost output once the recession ends and demand starts recovering. The Government must ensure that wealth-creating businesses have adequate capacity to respond to an eventual upturn in demand when the recession ends.

"The reduction in Government debt and borrowing, which will have to be implemented once the recession is over, should primarily entail curbing public spending growth in all areas except for vital infrastructure expenditure. Given the dire state of our public finances, tax increases are also unavoidable; these should mainly focus on indirect consumption taxes that are least likely to damage incentives."

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson today announced changes that will mean many more firms can now purchase top-up cover as part of the Government’s trade credit insurance scheme. 
 
Since 1 May, companies who have had their credit insurance cover reduced have been able to purchase six months top-up cover under the £5bn Government Scheme.
 
In response to requests from business, from today eligibility for the scheme will be backdated to include suppliers who had their cover reduced since 1 October last year. Previously, the Scheme was available to companies who had cover reduced since April this year.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:

“This extension will give more small and medium sized businesses flexibility to respond to a reduction in their credit insurance cover. We are acting decisively to help more businesses and allow them the breathing space to adjust their business models in response to the current climate.”
CBI Director-General, Richard Lambert said:
“This change, which the CBI called for, gives more help to those businesses left vulnerable without sufficient trade credit insurance cover since the autumn. Restoring confidence is critical to improving the economy, and this gives companies more certainty about their ability to trade.”
Also from today credit insurance provider HCC will join the three largest credit insurers (Euler Hermes, Atradius and Coface) as a provider of the Government Scheme.

The Scheme, which runs until 31 December 2009, allows suppliers to purchase Government-backed insurance to either restore cover to the original level or double the amount they are able to obtain from the private sector up to the value of £1m (whichever is the lower).

To apply or for further information companies should contact their trade credit insurer. Further information is also available through Businesslink.

Lord Carter has today published the Digital Britain report which outlines plans for the future of the internet and communications industries. Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The quality of our ICT infrastructure and communications market is critical to the future of our entire economy. It is especially important to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who make up 99% of all UK businesses. Their interests should not be ignored and Martha Lane Fox’s Digital Inclusion Taskforce must have SME representation.

“The report does set out plans to meet the target of bringing two megabits of broadband to every household and business by 2012, but this is a very modest target. Given the rate at which content and technology usage is increasing, there is strong argument for a more ambitious long-term strategy.

“The creation of a national cyber crime security strategy is something the BCC has been calling for and supports.”

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“These jobless figures are slightly better than feared, but the overall situation remains grim. Jobs are being lost relentlessly and many businesses are facing a major threat to their skills base.

“It is much too early to talk about the end of recession and it is important not to withdraw the policy stimulus before there is firmer evidence that the economy has stabilised. The government should consider easing harmful labour market regulations that are adding pressure on businesses.”

Since 2005, the government has published an enormous 3,254 pages of planning guidance and yet the system still lacks a clear framework for decision-making, according to a new report released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC report, Planning for Recovery, argues that in the current economic climate the existing levels of uncertainty, risk and delay within the planning system, and its inability to deliver on our infrastructure needs, are holding businesses back and damaging UK competitiveness as a result.

While recent government reforms have the potential to improve the situation, the business group believes further strategic changes are needed. The report makes a series of recommendations on how to improve the system, which include:

• The creation of Enterprise Zones to encourage development in specific areas through a simplified planning and tax regime.

• Strong and clear National Policy Statements and an Infrastructure Planning Commission which will speed up decision-making.

• The abolition of unnecessary regional planning processes. All Local Authorities should have complete local planning frameworks in place.

• A target set on limiting the extent of national planning guidance with parliamentary scrutiny of the progress.

• More joined-up infrastructure funding and a simplification of the planning obligations system to ensure they cannot be layered on top of each other. How and where they are spent should be made public.

Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said:

“If we do not have a world-class infrastructure base on which companies can do business, we run the risk that our competitors will. Critical to the delivery of these projects, which are so important for our economy, is having a planning process that works.

“Unfortunately the reality of the current system is too much uncertainty, risk and delay. This is a source of frustration for companies up and down the country. Bad experiences are all too common, and now that we are facing a recession and a collapsed property market, this situation is no longer acceptable.”

Commenting on the May inflation figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although the drop in inflation was less than anticipated, these figures indicate that CPI inflation is set to fall further in the coming months, while RPI is likely to move deeper into deflationary territory.

“Whatever the longer-term inflation risks may be, they are unlikely to materialise in the near future and can only be dealt with after the recession ends.

“The main priority must remain on easing the severe downturn in economic activity and to contain the relentless increases in unemployment. Economic policy must stay expansionary and it would be dangerous to withdraw the monetary and fiscal stimulus too early.”

Employers across the Midlands are being urged by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to be on guard against a minority of employees who may be selling illicit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco to co-workers in factories, warehouses and company car parks.

The warning comes as Customs officers continue their efforts this summer to stamp out tobacco smuggling, which sees around £3 billion in revenue drained from the public purse each year – money that could be funding local schools, hospitals and care homes

Keith Morgan, Inland Detection Manager for HMRC, said: “We are determined to crackdown on illicit tobacco sales. The majority of businesses will not tolerate illegal trading. However business premises and car parks have often been used by a minority of employees to buy and sell illicit cigarettes and tobacco when they think the boss isn’t looking.

Alarmingly, those buying cheap cigarettes are unlikely to be aware they could be buying counterfeit cigarettes. This is a real possibility as around 50 per cent of large cigarette seizures tested last year were found to be fake. With expertly crafted packaging, by the fraudsters, it is almost impossible to distinguish from the genuine product.”

He added: “The proceeds from cigarette smuggling are often used to fund serious and organised crime such as drug smuggling. Illicit cigarette trade breeds contempt for the law by encouraging otherwise honest people to trade with criminals. It also undermines honest retail businesses whose trade is damaged by those undercutting them by evading tax.”

Customs officers continually visit companies, both large and small, throughout the Midlands. In the last year they have made a number of seizures of cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco, private vehicles and cash. In all these cases the companies concerned took disciplinary action against the individuals involved including dismissal.

However, companies could face fines of up to £5,000, along with damage to their businesses reputation, if they allow their premises to be used for illegal tobacco trading or fail to take steps to guard against it.

Counterfeit cigarettes provide a whole new set of risks to smokers. Tests on previous counterfeit hauls have revealed the cigarettes contained up to 60 per cent more tar, 80 per cent more nicotine, and 133 percent more carbon monoxide.

In addition research has shown counterfeit cigarettes can contain three times the levels of arsenic, five times the level of cadmium and nearly six times the level of lead found in genuine brands.

They have also been found to contain rat droppings, camel dung, sawdust and tobacco beetles.

HMRC is keen to work closely with the local business community and local people in the fight against crime. Individuals with information relating to illegally imported goods or tax evasion and fraud are encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or online at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs-hotline/email or customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

West Midlands business leaders are calling on Britain’s new MEPs to address the current economic crisis and begin building for long term prosperity by lobbying for changes in European regulations.

These include lifting current barriers to global trade, reducing the amount of regulation burdening businesses, creating a more flexible labour market and increasing legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Simon Topman, Chairman of the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce says: “Trade is the most serious casualty of the global financial crisis, with a vicious circle emerging of falls in exports leading to falls in production and rising job losses. A significant reduction in global trade barriers, such as amending the current duties/quotas on imports will help to encourage free trade and will create a stronger voice for the business community, particularly SMEs. 

“The cumulative cost of new regulation to West Midlands businesses since 1998 has gone up in the last year by over a billion pounds. Surely now is the time for a complete moratorium on further business regulation”
 
“During these recessionary times, flexibility is paramount. Any legislation, such as the Temporary Agency Workers Directive, which reduces the flexibility of today’s labour market, will only service to harm the economy.

“The European Union has a vital role to play in protecting the environment and in ensuring that Europe’s energy resources are sustainable.

“However, for this to be effective, it is essential that a level playing field exists regarding the availability and price of energy. UK firms currently pay more than any other EU country for their gas and electricity, and this needs to be tackled.”

Simon Tulitt, Divisional Director of the local Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce said:“Britain, along with the other twenty six members of the EU, is already committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by twenty per cent by the year 2020. All political parties accept that even more has to be done in order to tackle the problem of climate change. It is vital however that any action undertaken by national and EU government maximises the potential competitiveness gains for the EU and limits the potential costs.

“For businesses in the West Midlands, it is imperative that the new European MEPs lobby to remove barriers which will prevent a rapid recovery from this current economic crisis and begin building for our long-term prosperity.”

Lord Mandelson has today announced that eligibility for the government’s £5 billion trade credit scheme will be backdated to include suppliers who had their cover reduced since October last year.

Commenting, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), David Frost, said:

“The extension of the scheme is necessary, as problems surrounding credit insurance cover became apparent in late 2008. For it to be a success, however, the availability of the government’s intervention needs to be communicated swiftly and efficiently to the businesses that have been affected. Chambers of Commerce will ensure our members are kept fully informed.”

Six Young Chamber Ambassadors from Fair Oak Business & Enterprise College attended a welcome reception for five teachers from the Peshwar region of Pakistan who recently visited  Rugeley to forge closer links with the UK and to build greater cultural understanding amongst young people and their teachers.
 
Fair Oak, Western Springs and Etching Hill schools will be working on classroom-based projects to enable shared learning across geographical boundaries, on topics including climate change and global citizenship. The activities aim to broaden students’ and teachers’ international horizons, stimulate innovation and motivation in learning and teaching, and prepare young people for life and work in a global society.

Jasmin Burgess from the Young Chamber explained some of the projects that the Young Chamber at Fair Oak had been involved in, which greatly impressed the visitors. Frances Wearing Young Chamber Coordinator commented “British Chambers of Commerce  supports and advises businesses in all areas of International trade and it is vital for our future business people to gain a better understanding of the importance globalisation will have on the UK economy in the future.”