Chancellor Philip Hammond’s pledge at the weekend of an additional £500m to boost vocational and technical skills has been welcomed by East Midlands Chamber.

Mr Hammond described the “shake-up” to education that will come from the additional funding as “the biggest since the introduction of A-levels 70 years ago”.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said: “For many years we have been striving for closer integration between employers and education.

“The lack of skills demonstrated by young people looking for their first job is a recurrent issue in our quarterly economic surveys, but so is the paucity of available workers with enhanced and specialist skills, particularly in the engineering sector.

“For too long, apprenticeships were seen as the poor relation to a degree-level education, but this is far from being true as on-the-job training is the only real way to acquire the hands-on skills and experience employers need.

“With the potential scenario of not being able to recruit from a pan-European pool of trained workers once Britain has left the EU, now more than ever it is essential that young people leaving education in the UK have the skills to fill the void.

“The £500m pledged by the Chancellor for courses starting in the 2019/20 academic year will go some way towards helping to close the skills gap but that means it could be 2022 – five years from now and three years after we, potentially, lose the available pool of skilled workers – before employers begin to feel any appreciable benefit.

“We would urge Chancellor Hammond and Education Secretary Justine Greening to work together now to find funding and devise programmes to begin closing the skills gap much earlier than five years from now.”

Two exciting digital support programmes are being rolled out by East Midlands Chamber.

The D2N2 Digital Growth Programme and the LLEP Digital Growth Programme will offer bespoke and structured digital business support and advice across the whole of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Diane Simpson, the Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive, said:-

“Knowing the true value of digital technology and understanding what is right for your business can be a daunting challenge, making it all too easy to miss out on opportunities for improvement.

“The two programmes we’re delivering seek to encourage enterprises with growth aspirations to explore and introduce new and emerging ICT products to improve their competitiveness and productivity.”

Over the next two years the programmes will together deliver 580 action-planning workshops, annual digital conferences, dedicated digital business advice, workforce development skills advice and a technology grant scheme worth £3.8m – to be 60% matched by participating SMEs.

The programmes, which are open to businesses, charities and other organisations, will engage with at least 3,662 enterprises through dedicated marketing and activities, resulting in 1,534 enterprises receiving intensive support, the creation of 170 new businesses and 1,278 SMEs introducing new digital processes.

Both programmes will be delivered through the Chamber’s dedicated and specialist eBusiness Club team.

The D2N2 programme is part-funded by East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, The Creative Quarter Company, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Businesses attending the free launches will learn about the participation criteria and hear from specially appointed advisers before being given an opportunity to register for the programme and the available technology grants.

The programme will be launching in Chesterfield on 23rd March at the Proact Stadium.

The launch events provide delegates with opportunities to:

• discover how businesses can benefit from this new and exciting opportunity
• officially register with the programme (demand is already proving to be high)
• secure a place on future strategic action-planning workshops
• register an interest in applying for technology grant funding
• meet with a dedicated Digital Business Adviser to discuss business needs or technology investment in more detail.

The Government is being reminded of the need to put business at the top of the agenda for Brexit negotiations.

Using data collated from surveys around the country, including information from East Midlands Chamber, the British Chambers of Commerce is releasing its Business Brexit Priorities agenda.

It sets out a series of wants from business in key areas of concern, offering evidence of the importance of a business perspective for each.

All 52 accredited Chambers around the country have contributed to the work using information gathered from their own Quarterly Economic Surveys.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“This is a very detailed piece of work which clearly sets out the demands of business in seven key areas.

“As a Chamber, we are meeting with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy within the next few weeks to discuss these matters in more detail but in the interim we would urge Government to read the document carefully and make sure that during negotiations for the UK’s exit from the EU each of the considerations is given due diligence.

“Business is the creator of wealth and jobs and the driver of regional and national economies and, as such, it should be the loudest voice during exit negotiations.”

Launched at the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference today, the Business Brexit Priorities agenda lists the seven key areas as trade, customs, tax, regulations, labour market, EU funding and the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Trade:

Chamber members are concerned about the potential emergence of new trade barriers which could complicate trade with the EU. Over a third of respondents (36%) expect trade with the EU to increase despite Brexit.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Secure an EU trade deal on the best terms possible, including the ‘grandfathering’ of existing free trade agreements (FTAs) with third countries (with a proviso to revisit at a later stage)
2. Sign new FTAs with North America – 25% of respondents expect trade with North America to increase over the next five years
3. Focus on high-growth markets for new FTAs.

It also wants tariffs with the EU kept to a minimum, a focus on alleviating non-tariff barriers with the EU and the rest of the world, to ensure the UK can continue to benefit from existing FTAs post-Brexit, development of a robust consultation process to ensure business has a voice in negotiating FTAs, the programme of trade missions to be revitalised and to make sure there is no disruption to trade with the EU during the Brexit transition.

Customs:

The Government has suggested the UK will not be a full member of the EU customs union following Brexit. Leaving the customs union could require declarations at borders between the UK and the EU, which could disrupt supply chains.

Businesses have expressed concerns about the capacity for HMRC and the Border Force to deal with any changes to customs arrangements.

Chambers of Commerce stand ready to facilitate a wide consultation with businesses across the UK on customs and border management issues, and the adaptation of the EU Union Customs Code (UCC) to a UK Customs Code.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Reintroduce ‘earlier’ sale which would allow importers to value goods based on the previous sale in a supply chain before import to simplify the valuation of goods at the border for tariff purposes, resulting in lower duties.
2. Remove compulsory guarantees which meant that before the introduction of the UCC HMRC could waive the requirement for businesses to guarantee duty that might become liable. The introduction of compulsory guarantees has had serious cash flow implications for traders.
3. Reintroduce Inward Processing (IP) Drawback, which allowed traders to import goods into the IP procedure, pay duty at import, and reclaim the duty when the goods were exported. IP Drawback allowed traders a greater degree of flexibility as it meant the duty was already paid at import.
4. Allow preference documents, which would mean future trade agreements would rely not just on trader authentication schemes but also on preference documents which are well understood by businesses both large and small.
5. Reintroduce VAT deferment accounts so that, as previously, when goods are imported to the UK the VAT due could be deferred and offset against a VAT return. This has significant cash flow advantages for business.
6. Introduce a role for Chambers as Authorised Economic Operators so they can act as guarantors for companies which would support SMEs with faster custom declarations.

Chambers of Commerce are willing to support the Government to develop and implement a new model to ensure a seamless transition to a new UK rules of origin system.

The Government is also being urged to consider introducing Free Trade Zones to allow goods to be brought in to the UK, assembled and re-exported without customs red tape.

The Chamber network, with over 350 international trade experts, has significant expertise for advising on documentation and customs issues and stands ready to support Government in informing businesses about changes.

Tax:

There remains a high degree of uncertainty about changes to UK tax regimes post-Brexit. Businesses have expressed concerns about HMRC’s capacity to cope with major changes.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Ensure a clear transition period for the complex indirect tax issues facing businesses and trading partners. There must be no premature disengagement on Brussels-linked tax issues.
2. Provide greater clarity on future tax systems and arbitration processes. There needs to be clarification on whether VAT legislation will continue to mirror current core VAT principles.

Regulation:

The Government’s stated option is to avoid large-scale immediate regulatory change that could disrupt business. In the short-term, it has been said that all EU regulation will be transpose into UK domestic law and be reviewed post-Brexit.

Consultation with Chamber members has revealed that some firms find EU regulation bureaucratic and challenging and that there is too much of it, resulting in increased costs for compliance.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Maintain short-term stability of the regulatory framework and avoid major changes. Businesses value a stable framework. Any proposed changes should consider the level to which businesses have had to invest to comply.
2. Maintain equivalence of standards with the EU to ensure mutual recognition to enable two-way trade. Any significant divergence could make UK businesses less competitive.
3. Develop a flexible UK regulatory architecture that reduces complexity for businesses. The Government should entrust an independent body to promote a flexible domestic regulatory environment and identify burdensome regulations which could be repealed or amended.

Accredited Chambers of Commerce are ready to support Government in assessing which aspects of business regulation are impractical, poorly drafted of subject to continuous change.

Labour market:

Government has said it wants to protect the status of EU nationals in the UK, reciprocally with protecting the status of UK citizens in the EU, but EU member states have blocked this.

Businesses face a skills shortage that poses a threat to future productivity and growth. Over half of businesses reported that residency guarantees for EU workers would have a positive impact. There are concerns that restrictions to migration could prevent businesses hiring the staff they need.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Give certainty to businesses about the residency rights of existing EU workers and those arriving before Article 50 is triggered.
2. Give clarity to businesses about hiring from EU countries during the transition period.
3. Create future immigration policy that allows businesses to meet skills needs from available workers in EU countries.

EU funding:

Business welcomed guarantees from Government that funding would continue post-Brexit for existing EU-funded projects that offer “strong value for money and are in line with domestic strategic priorities”. But there are concerns about funding for local economic development, science, research and agriculture.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Develop a new economic development funding system with maximum local autonomy, a strong voice for business priorities and effectiveness in supporting economic growth.
2. Maintain UK access to the European Investment Bank.

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Government wants to maintain the Common Travel Area between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. But there are doubts about whether this is achievable if immigration controls are imposed.

Members of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce have expressed the importance of continued cross border activity. In some cases, firms rely on staff crossing the border each day to get to work.

The Business Brexit Priorities agenda calls on Government to:

1. Ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland where businesses are united in their desire to maintain free trade and people flows.
2. Enable whole-island collaboration and approach.

British Chambers of Commerce stands ready to convene representatives from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to further discuss with Government the impact of Brexit on business communities in these areas.

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is preparing to celebrate ‘National Apprenticeship Week’ by promoting the various different apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare.

Ahead of the week, which runs from 6-10 March, The Royal is advertising various apprentice positions in Administration, Theatres, Endoscopy and a range of clinical services.

One of the current apprentices at the NHS hospital is 18 year-old Alicia Birtles who started her apprenticeship after leaving sixth form.  She is currently doing a 2 year apprenticeship which could lead to a role as a qualified Pharmacy Technician.

Alicia said:-

“I’d recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone.  It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills and start a career in the NHS.  I’ve been made to feel so welcome and have really enjoyed working alongside the other Pharmacy apprentices, Beth and Laura. You get the best of both worlds in the sense that you’re gaining experience whilst learning from the professionals so you have an idea of what to expect from the job if I make it as a Pharmacy Technician.”

Ellie Varley, completed her Pharmacy apprenticeship in 2016 and has just secured a permanent job at The Royal.  Ellie said, “You really have to put hard work into an apprenticeship but it’s worth it for the opportunities that open up afterwards. It’s completely different from classroom learning and gets you used to what it’s like having a career. It’s not just the responsibilities of the job, it’s about your responsibilities, getting here on time, working with and dealing with other people. It’s another way of learning a skill and it’s really paid off for me with a full time job doing something that I enjoy.”

Martin Shepherd, Head of Medicines Management, said:-

“The apprenticeship initiative  plays a vital role  in supporting the training of pharmacy technicians who undertake  such important work in the safe and effective  management of medicines for patients cared for by the hospital.  The enthusiasm, energy and dedication of the young people who we have trained, and are currently training with us, is very encouraging and serves as inspiration to all members of the pharmacy team.”

Hayley Watts, Apprenticeship Champion, said:-

‘We’re very keen on supporting our local community and helping people to start their careers in healthcare here with us at The Royal. We’ve always supported apprentices and our managers are only too aware of the benefits that welcoming a new individual with fresh ideas and skills can bring’.

Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, National Apprentice Week is designed to promote the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, organisations and the economy.

The week  will bring together employers and apprentices from across England to celebrate the success of apprenticeships and encourage even more people to  take it as an opportunity to put themselves on the road to a great career.

Award-winning premium drinks brand Franklin & Sons launches 150ml tonics and mixer cans to complement its existing bottled offering.

The four-strong range of cans consists of the Great Taste Award-winning Natural Indian Tonic Water, Natural Light Tonic Water, and will also see the introduction of lemonade and soda variants in the next coming months.

The total spirits category is growing at +2% in volume & +5% in value, this trend is consistent within the mixer category as consumers seek to complete their drinking experience using premium mixers. Late night venues seek solutions to meet this growing demand and Franklin & Sons have maximised on this opportunity by crafting a selection of their mixers into a compact 150ml can.

Justin Horsman, Brand Controller at Franklin & Sons, said:-

“Cans are rapidly gaining popularity for premium drinks. This addition to the portfolio complements our existing bottled formats, providing more choice to our customers.

As Franklins continues to find success with our mixers range, we wanted to expand our portfolio to offer a full variety of product formats, so venues can continuously provide a premium experience. Late night venues face several issues serving glass bottles, to combat this we have created a premium can solution that no one else is delivering, thus ensuring outlets can continue to serve high-end drinks with ease and elegance”.

The new cans are ideal for late night venues, especially those with premium bottle to table serves as they create an appealing alternative to venues that are unable to use glass mixers. Produced with the same handcrafted liquids, the lightweight, sleek, recyclable cans cause less wastage and are easily transportable. The cans are diverse and will suit travel retail as well as featuring within hotel amenities, such as the minibar.

Justin Horsman adds:-

“The 150ml Natural and Natural Light cans provide the proper measurement to pair perfectly with a wide variety of premium spirits, cocktails or single serves, an ideal selection for any bar.”

After a hugely successful first year launch with impressive 4 digit growth, the move to expand the range by Franklin & Sons propels them further into the craft spirits market. The brand continues to carve the way for premium offerings to the trade whilst fast becoming the favoured partner for craft spirits.