In Norfolk, we’re blessed. Really blessed. We’ve got a historic city. We’ve got a reasonable claim to Stephen Fry. We’ve even got a decent football team. What is perhaps the crowning blessing of Norfolk, however, is the Broads.
Formed back in the Middle Ages, the iconic waters and wildlife have the captured the imagination of artists for centuries. From poets to painters to photographers, the landscape has served as a potent source of inspiration. As well as its postcard beauty, the Broads also boasts a unique infrastructure which has allowed local businesses to thrive.
The centre of this infrastructure, of course, has a great deal to do with boats.
Established as a popular British boating destination in the 19th century, the Broads host hundreds of yachts and small cruisers each summer. Perfect for idling along in the sunshine, the wide waterways have become the destination of choice amongst many families who enjoy their yearly getaway in England.
With more than 120 miles of navigable water, boaters are able to easily access the bankside attractions of places like Potter Heigham, Somerleyton, and Wroxham during their stay. Naturally, whenever they make a stop, these families head to nearby establishments for a spot of lunch or light refreshment.
Nowadays, it’s the likes of Norfolk Broads Direct who continue this tradition. Offering a wide range of cruisers and cottages for hire, the family owned business makes it easier than ever to discover the beauty of the Broads and surrounding countryside. Their sister company, Broads Tours, also provide guided and educational trips around the Broads.
To put the ‘Broads Effect’ into figures, the Broads Authority estimates that more than 7.6m visitors descend on the Broads each summer, generating an economic impact of around £568m. This number refers to the total spend of tourists on the Broads and is not just the amount spent with tour operators.
Not only are the Broads popular amongst tourists, but boat buyers too. Indeed, the Norfolk Yacht Agency is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year and recently reported busy sales activity. With a large selection of used boats for sale in Norfolk, as well new boats produced at the nearby Haines boatyard, the business is perfect for those looking to get more seriously into boating.
As a whole, the boating and yachting industry enjoyed a 3.4% rise back in 2018, and this trend is set to continue, with brokerages in Norfolk sure to benefit from this renewed interest in marine products.
Ultimately, the unique infrastructure of the Broads brings a great deal to the Norfolk economy and contributes to in various ways to local businesses. Whilst the businesses operating on the waterways are most obviously benefitting from the traffic, there can be no doubt that mainland establishments also enjoy trade from summertime visitors. With an illustrious history behind it, it’s reasonable to assume that this benefit will continue for many years yet.