Keeping skills on the agenda across Norfolk and Suffolk 

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has once again shone a spotlight on the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening Norfolk and Suffolk’s workforce and supporting long-term economic growth.

The week is an important moment to reinforce why skills must remain firmly on the agenda. LSIP exists to ensure that local training provision is shaped by employer need, aligning education and skills delivery with the realities of the regional labour market, addressing priority sector gaps, and creating clear, high-quality pathways into employment.

Apprenticeships are central to that ambition. They provide practical, employer-led routes into skilled careers while enabling businesses to build capability, productivity and resilience.

Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2026

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2026 took place on the evening of 12^th February, marking their fourth year and continuing the support of the East of England Apprenticeship Ambassador Network as headline sponsor.

The event brought together apprentices, employers, mentors, advocates and training providers from across the county to recognise the outstanding contribution apprenticeships make to individuals, organisations and the local economy.

With 12 categories spanning apprentice achievement (Intermediate through to Degree Level), employer recognition across all sizes, green impact, advocacy, mentoring and exceptional circumstances, the awards reflect the breadth and diversity of apprenticeship success across Norfolk.

LSIP was proud to sponsor the Large Apprenticeships Employer of the Year (250+ employees) category. Large employers play a significant role in shaping workforce development at scale, embedding apprenticeships into organisational strategy, creating progression opportunities and demonstrating leadership within their sectors.

We are delighted to congratulate all those who were shortlisted and all of this year’s winners, whose commitment to skills development is helping to strengthen our regional workforce.

Large Apprenticeships Employer of the Year (250+ employees)

Shortlisted – Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norfolk County Council, Aviva

Winner – Aviva

We would also like to extend our thanks to the organisers, hosts, sponsors and judging panel whose work ensures the continued success and credibility of the awards. The continued growth in engagement reflects the increasing recognition of apprenticeships as a cornerstone of workforce development in Norfolk.

Dean Pierpoint, Skills Director for Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP, said, “National Apprenticeship Week provides an important opportunity to recognise the impact apprenticeships have across Norfolk and Suffolk. Not only for individuals building their careers, but for the employers investing in their future workforce.

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards demonstrate the strength of collaboration across our region and the commitment businesses are making to developing skills at every level.

LSIP is focused on ensuring that apprenticeship provision aligns closely with employer demand, addresses priority sector challenges and supports sustainable economic growth. The calibre of finalists and winners this year highlights the depth of talent and leadership we have across our county.”

Apprenticeship Success Stories Across the Region

Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, Norfolk Chambers members also shared powerful examples of apprenticeship impact in action.

Swarm Training Supports Employers During National Apprenticeship Week

Chambers Gold Patron Swarm Training hosted a pop-up drop-in at Norfolk Chamber’s Business Hub in Norwich as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

The initiative gave employers the opportunity to speak directly with Swarm Training’s team about how apprenticeships can be used to upskill existing employees, introduce structured apprenticeship programmes into organisations, and support workforce development across commercial and professional roles.

Providing accessible, face-to-face engagement opportunities for businesses is an important part of keeping skills on the agenda beyond awareness campaigns. The pop-up demonstrated practical support available to employers looking to embed apprenticeships into their workforce strategy.

Read more:  https://www.swarmtraining.org.uk/national-apprenticeship-week

College of West Anglia: Back to the Floor 2026
Members of the senior management team from the College of West Anglia swapped their usual roles to experience life as an apprentice first-hand, as part of the College’s 2026 ‘Back to the Floor’ initiative.
Read more: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-news/cwa-staff-step-into-the-world-of-apprenticeships-for-back-to-the-floor-2026/

Norfolk County Council Awards Grant to College of West Anglia
A new grant awarded to the College of West Anglia supports continued investment in training provision aligned to local workforce needs with more than 1,300 students set to benefit.
Read more: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-news/norfolk-county-council-awards-college-of-west-anglia-grant/

Springwood High Students Explore Professional Cookery
Students experienced the hospitality sector first-hand during a CWA Novus takeover, highlighting the importance of early exposure to vocational career pathways.
Read more: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-news/springwood-high-students-step-into-the-world-of-professional-cookery-during-cwa-novus-takeover/

Hospitality Students Support Royal Visit
College of West Anglia hospitality students showcased industry-ready skills by providing catering during a royal visit to Prince’s Wisbech.
Read more: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-news/college-of-west-anglia-hospitality-students-provide-catering-for-royal-visit-to-princes-wisbech/

Digital Marketing Apprentice Spotlight
A digital marketing apprentice’s journey highlights how apprenticeship pathways are supporting entry into fast-growing digital sectors and helping businesses build future-ready capability.
Read more: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/member-news/digital-marketing-apprentice/

Continuing the Momentum

While National Apprenticeship Week provides a valuable focal point, LSIP’s work continues year-round. By engaging directly with employers and sector leaders, Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP is focused on identifying and addressing priority skills gaps, strengthening alignment between employers and training providers, and ensuring the local skills system remains responsive and employer-led.

Apprenticeships are not simply a training route, they are a critical pillar of a resilient, future-focused local economy.

About the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

The Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is designed to put employers at the heart of the skills agenda in this region.

 Working in collaboration since September 2022, Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce, in conjunction with the Department for Education (DfE), continue to highlight the fundamental skills requirements for key sectors across our region and have developed a roadmap for change to help address those skills shortages.

The LSIP fosters stronger relationships with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, colleges and independent training providers and has continued to ensure that the employer voice is clearly heard.

Now we may be biased, but we wholeheartedly believe that Norfolk is a great place to work. And we’re not alone in that view… The Daily Express has recently published a series of articles that shine a spotlight on what makes Norwich and Norfolk such special places to live, work, and do business.

The newspaper’s coverage over the festive period highlighted Norwich’s recognition as the UK’s kindest city, celebrated its remarkable collection of over 300 independent shops thriving alongside major retailers, and featured our member Jarrolds, recently crowned best independent department store for the second consecutive year at the Drapers Independents Awards.

Norfolk Chambers representatives Jack Weaver and our former CEO Chris Sargisson (who just so happened to be working in the Norfolk Business Hub the day the journalist was in the city) contributed insights that helped showcase the region’s collaborative business community, strong sense of place, and the quality of life that attracts people to stay or return to Norfolk.

Read the full Daily Express coverage:

Norwich: The UK’s Kindest City

Norwich’s Vibrant Independent Retail Scene

Jarrolds: Award-Winning Independent Department Store

Why we love working in Norfolk

But don’t just take the Daily Express’s word for it. Our own team members are passionate advocates for working in the county, and their experiences echo many of the themes explored in the articles.

Adam Cracknell, Marketing Manager at Norfolk Chambers, says: “I previously took the early commute into London, but I’ve always lived right here in Norfolk, which I’m proud to call home. The Daily Express articles really captured what makes this place special, that sense of community and quality of life that Jack and Chris talked about. I’m now really happy to be permanently based here and very happy not to be commuting away from our fine city every day. Norwich has everything you need without the stress and sprawl of London.”

Jacob Percy-Griffiths, Customer Experience Manager at Norfolk Chambers, shares: “I joined up with Norfolk Chambers last year and have the pleasure of working with a varied range of businesses, large and small. The articles really hit the nail on the head when they highlighted Norwich’s vibrant and diverse economy. I’ve been genuinely impressed with the breadth of industries and sectors represented here, from the independent retail scene the Daily Express featured so prominently, to innovative tech companies and everything in between. It’s that blend of traditional and contemporary that makes Norfolk such an exciting place to build a career, and here at Norfolk Chambers I get to experience that diversity first-hand every single day.

Haze Carver, Creative Digital Manager, adds: “I’ve established a wide network of members that I’m delighted to call friends. The Daily Express described Norwich as the UK’s kindest city, and I’ve experienced that first-hand across the business community. I was at the Chambers during the difficult times of Covid, and what really impressed me during those challenging days was how much the Norfolk business community came together to support each other. That collaborative spirit that is mentioned in the articles, where competitors work together for the greater good, isn’t just talk – it’s real. After living in London for 20+ years, working in Norfolk genuinely feels so different from anywhere else I’ve experienced.”

Share your Norfolk story

Do you love living and working in Norfolk?

We’d love to hear from you. Visit the Norfolk Ambassadors website to share why you’re proud to call Norfolk home and help us spread the word about our wonderful county.

Visit the Norfolk Ambassadors website to find out more.

A Round of Santa-plause

In amongst the doom and gloom, we must recognise some wins this year. Interest rates fell by a very welcome 1%, making the cost of borrowing easier for many businesses. We’ve also seen a steady number of new trade agreements and some warming of relations with our biggest trading partner, the EU. Most recently, the UK rejoining the Erasmus scheme is something the Chamber network had campaigned for. Another win for the Chambers network was the compromise the government made on day 1 employment rights.

Locally, work finally began on the Thickthorn A11/A47 junction, alongside the A47 dualling and completion of the long awaited A140 Long Stratton Bypass – bottlenecks which have plagued the movement of people and goods for years, constraining our economic growth potential.

2025 was also the year we gave members a complimentary co-working space in Norwich city centre. Our membership grew, we invested more in services to our members, and we delivered over 100 events in every corner of the county. Connecting, supporting and giving voice to every business in Norfolk.

Frosty Forecast

But, 2026 is going to be a tricky one for fiscal policy. The Bank of England predict much slower interest rate cuts next year, and their consensus seems to be that the closer we get to the 2% inflation target, the harder it will get to achieve. Meanwhile, businesses will start to feel some of the impact of the 2025 budget – ‘making tax digital’, business rates re-evaluation and new multipliers for retail and hospitality, dividend tax increase and APR/BPR property relief…all changes that will impact businesses to varying degrees.

In other policy news, the Employment Rights Bill now has ‘royal assent’ (i.e. it’s now law.) This means our network’s campaigning now needs to switch focus to the ‘secondary legislation’ to ensure the concerns and needs of businesses are properly considered as the minute detail is ironed out.

Closer to home, Norfolk and Suffolk’s Devolution deal has been postponed until 2028. This means we have to wait another two years to see the benefit of more localised decision making and funding.

Regardless of the turbulence, we will continue to fight the corner of Norfolk business in 2026, investing more time and resource into putting your voice to local decision-makers, MPs and central government.

Sleigh-ing it in 2026

Despite these challenges, 2026 is a year to celebrate. Norfolk Chambers was founded back in 1896. It was the year of the first cinema screening, the first X-ray, the founding of the Dow Jones and the first ever ‘wireless’ communication. 2026 is our 130th Anniversary. We’ll be celebrating 130 years of bringing business together throughout the year so keep your eyes peeled.

This legacy of 130 years will be a running theme through our flagship events programme. From February’s Big Debate to the Future Careers Expo in March, and the Business Zone at the Royal Norfolk Show in June to our 29th Annual B2B Exhibition in October…all of which can be booked now so you don’t miss out!

We will also be asking our business community what support they need for the future and taking a forensic look at our membership model to ensure it keeps adding real value to you.

That’s all to come, so for now from everyone at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, we wish you a restful break over Christmas and New Year and a prosperous 2026 – we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Please take a look at our Business Hub opening times over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

Norfolk Chambers has responded to today’s announcement that mayoral elections in Norfolk and Suffolk will be delayed from May 2026 to May 2028.

The government confirmed that elections for newly-created mayors will be delayed in four areas of England, with the BBC reporting that more time is needed to reorganise local government in these regions.

New mayors were expected to be elected in Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton in May next year, but will now have to wait until May 2028.

Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said, “Norfolk and Suffolk have expended a huge amount of energy across business, education, third sector, local councils and beyond to prepare for a new political landscape from May 2026. So, to have the timelines moved again is immensely frustrating. Not least because this is Norfolk’s third opportunity in recent years for a form of devolution that brings more decision-making and funding to local people.

“The business community have ridden the waves of uncertainty for too long now, be it COVID-19, the inflationary shock of the Ukraine War, the 2022 ‘mini-budget’ and last year’s first Labour budget which was a sledgehammer to businesses.

“Data from our Chambers of Commerce members in July shows that business confidence remains subdued with only 40% of businesses in the East expecting turnover to increase in the next 12 months, and 30% expect it to drop. Meanwhile 32% have had cut back on their investment plans.

“We need certainty more than ever, and whilst we appreciate the predicted complexity of local government reorganisation, it just adds more instability for an already hesitant business community. A community that nevertheless remains steadfast in its resilience and passion for Norfolk.”

This marks the third time in recent years that Norfolk has faced delays or setbacks in efforts to secure devolution arrangements that would bring greater decision-making powers and funding to the local area.

Read the full BBC report

At the invitation of Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, Co-Chair of the East of England All Party Parliamentary Group and member of the Education Select Committee, representatives from the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) went to Westminster yesterday to debate what the future direction of the skills landscape in Norfolk and Suffolk could look like, particularly in light of forthcoming devolution.  

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP puts the employer at the heart of the local skills system and is delivered collaboratively by the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce.  Joining them in Westminster to consider the current skills landscape and the future landscape, were business leaders, key stakeholders from colleges/providers and the public sector.  Plus a range of cross-party MPs from both counties.

The group took the opportunity to review the current local skills landscape – its complexity, the potential for duplication, and the continued existence of skills gaps.  They also took into account the large number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) such a Sizewell C, National Highways schemes and Reservoirs, as well as Offshore Wind that all have the potential to displace regional skills talent and leave large future skills gaps in some sectors.

All agreed that there was an urgent need to continue to gain even more collaboration across all sectors and that, as a region, we needed to be able to clearly articulate the skills ask to all the mayoral candidates for the Mayoral Combined County Authority.  Simplification and a clear direction of travel for the skills landscape would also help support employers understanding of the system and how to access it better.

Commenting on the discussions and the need to gain local political support, Dean Pierpoint, the Skills Director for the Norfolk & Suffolk LSIP, said: “The role of Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers and the LSIP is to develop and draft the next iteration of the LSIP for 2026/2029.  We need to ensure that both our MPs and the Mayoral candidates are clear about the growth opportunities and the needs of our local skills system and we thank Jess Asato for bringing us all together in Westminster to debate a collaborative way forward.”

Also in attendance at the meeting was John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, commenting on the need to gain further support for the LSIP and the local skills landscape. He said: “Ensuring that our local skills system works effectively for both employers and learners is critical if Norfolk and Suffolk are to seize the opportunities ahead. This was a timely and proactive discussion, providing a valuable forum to engage with political leaders and share insights from businesses. As we move towards the next stage of the LSIP, we look forward to securing parliamentary support, shaping a clear future for skills across Norfolk and Suffolk.”

For more information on Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP, please visit:  Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP.

Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget focused on shoring up the UK economy, with measures including planned increases to the national minimum wage and expanded free apprenticeships for under-25s. While these steps may help tackle skills shortages and improve job prospects, rising labour costs and insufficient long-term infrastructure investment in the region pose challenges for business growth.

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Chancellor’s Budget today held absolutely no surprises and certainly no ‘rabbits out of hats’ for the Norfolk business community.  Businesses across our region were looking for the government to demonstrate their long-term thinking and clarity on their plans, in order for those businesses to be able to commit to their own strategic investment decisions, that will ultimately drive economic growth and jobs.

“What we heard today was a shoring up of the UK economy, in terms of reducing our overall long-term debt and the repeating of existing funding announcements, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, plus some tinkering around the financial edges.  Small and Medium Size businesses (SMEs) will welcome the expanding of the offering of free apprenticeships for the under 25s (under 21 apprenticeships were already free) and the permanently lower business tax rates levels for those businesses in the hospitality sector.  Employees across our region will also welcome the increase in National minimum wage of 85p per hour for those aged 18 – 20 and an additional 50p for those over 21 years old.  However, SMEs now have to find the additional funding in their already tight budgets to afford this further wage rise.

“Again, the East of England was pretty much ignored in terms infrastructure investment i.e. no funding for the Ely/Haughley rail junctions, which would have supported both passenger and freight growth and nothing for the further dualling of the A47, including the Acle Straight.   But home-owners will welcome cuts in the cost of energy and employers and their employees will welcome caps on bus fares and the freezing of rail fares which puts a hold the cost of the commuting to work.

“So all in all a relatively safe budget, that gives UK PLC better long-term financial stability, but very little in terms of clearing the path to support businesses to deliver growth.”

Norfolk Chambers is delighted to announce that National Grid has joined as a Gold Patron.

National Grid’s Gold Patronage demonstrates their dedication to supporting the regional business community through their extensive community engagement and social value initiatives.

National Grid brings valuable energy sector expertise to bear on critical infrastructure challenges facing Norfolk and will work collaboratively with our members to address regional priorities.

The partnership comes at a crucial time as National Grid delivers The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest investment in the UK’s electricity network for generations, which will have significant benefits for Norfolk’s economy, sustainability and future growth.

Jack Weaver, COO of Norfolk Chambers, said: “Our members frequently tell us that infrastructure improvements and tackling the regional skills challenge are two of their highest priorities.

“Welcoming National Grid into our membership as a Gold Patron is a fantastic opportunity to bring their energy sector expertise to bear on both regional priorities.

“The Great Grid Upgrade is a generational shift in how energy is distributed around the region, and we’re excited to be working with them to ensure our business community benefits from the direct capital investment in infrastructure, alongside their knowledge and support for economic growth, jobs and positive social outcomes.”

Andy Mower, National Grid’s Regional External Affairs Manager, said: “We’re delighted to join the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and to work with its members to support the county’s growth, sustainability and innovation.

“National Grid is upgrading the electricity network across the country through The Great Grid Upgrade – the biggest investment in the UK’s electricity network for generations.

“The Norwich to Tilbury project will help deliver more clean, secure and affordable energy to homes, businesses and public services in Norfolk and beyond. By strengthening the network, the project will support the UK’s shift away from imported fossil fuels, improve energy security and attract clean industries and investment in skills and local jobs.”

About National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade

The Great Grid Upgrade is a multi-billion pound investment programme to modernise and expand Britain’s electricity transmission network. The Norwich to Tilbury project is a key part of this upgrade, strengthening connections between Norfolk and the South East to enable the transition to cleaner energy, support economic growth, and enhance energy security for homes and businesses across the region.

About Gold Patronage with Norfolk Chambers

Gold Patronage represents the highest level of partnership with Norfolk Chambers, providing organisations with enhanced opportunities to engage with the business community, influence regional priorities, and demonstrate their commitment to Norfolk’s economic development. Gold Patrons work closely with Chamber leadership and members to address strategic challenges and create positive outcomes for businesses across the county.

For more information about Gold Patronage please visit: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/homepage/about-membership/gold-patronage/

The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), led by the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce as the designated Employer Representative Body, welcomes the publication of the government’s new statutory guidance for the next round of LSIPs and the launch of Skills England’s national ‘roadmap’ for local skills.

The updated guidance sets the framework for developing the next three-year plan, which will be approved in summer 2026 and will run through to 2029. It reinforces the central role of employers in shaping local skills systems and outlines how businesses, education providers, local authorities and wider partners must work together to address current and future workforce needs.

Dean Pierpoint, LSIP Skills Director, said “The launch of the new statutory guidance for Local Skills Improvement Plans and the Skills England ‘roadmap’ marks a crucial next step in the national skills agenda. This guidance affirms that the employer voice must remain at the heart of the skills system, reinforcing the mandate for our business-led approach. As the Employer Representative Body, the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce are committed to driving this change through the collaborative work we are leading with businesses, providers, and stakeholders to ensure a resilient and skilled workforce for Norfolk and Suffolk.”

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP will now begin gathering insights with employers across priority sectors, alongside colleges, independent training providers, universities, councils and strategic economic partners, to map current provision and shape practical actions that will support alongside economic growth, productivity and opportunity.

The plan encourages businesses of all sizes to engage with the LSIP process. Insight from small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the majority of the region’s economy, will be particularly important in identifying skills barriers and ensuring that training provision is relevant, flexible and responsive.

Local areas know best how to tackle the unique skills needs of their communities and economies. LSIPs are vital for making this a reality, with Employer Representative Bodies working alongside Strategic Authorities to lead on development tailored to Norfolk and Suffolk’s specific challenges and opportunities. These local plans provide in-depth insight on skill needs across the region, from supporting people at every stage of progress in employment through to postgraduate level 8, and the actions required to meet them.

By tailoring skills training to local needs, LSIPs will remove barriers to opportunity and ensure businesses and communities across England have access to the skilled workforce they need.

Businesses, training providers and stakeholders across Norfolk and Suffolk are encouraged to engage with the LSIP process to help shape the future skills landscape of the region. For more information about the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP, please visit: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/homepage/norfolk-and-suffolk-lsip.