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The Big Debate 2026: Key Topics for Norfolk Businesses

JACK WEAVER – Norfolk Chambers

Driving home after co-hosting the Big Debate, optimism was the watchword. Norfolk has always been a county of ‘quiet capability’, but the business heart of our county beat a little faster on Friday. And we’re getting much better at shouting about it. 

This year’s event took place against the frustrating backdrop of a two-year delay to devolution, yet the atmosphere was one of focused pragmatism. Norfolk’s business leaders aren’t waiting for policy to catch up anymore; they’re defining the agenda themselves. 

As you scroll through the image gallery, you’ll see a room full of the energy and collaboration that defines our network. Meanwhile, our expert panels tackled the sticking points and opportunities that will define Norfolk’s economic trajectory over the coming decade. 

Norfolk’s Infrastructure

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

When it came to infrastructure, the story is one of powering up, but with a way to go. Norfolk has long felt bottom of the list when it comes to capital spend on roads, rail, and utilities. So, investment in the A11, A47, and A140 is welcome. And the rewiring of the country to supercharge investment in renewables and nuclear is long overdue, but moving forward positively. What’s lacking is similar government intervention in water infrastructure, integrated ticketing, and the ‘last mile’ connectivity that could make public transport much more attractive. And there was an animated discussion about maximising the appeal of Norwich Airport. 

Workforce and AI

The frontier of AI: Leave No One Behind

One of the most striking points of consensus occurred during our Digital, AI, and Workforce session. There was a clear, unified call for a radical shift in AI education. From suggestions that young people should be kept off generative AI platforms until they’re 16, through to a publicly funded scheme to give every adult access to a paid AI platform.  

What drew agreement was that for Norfolk to remain competitive, we must democratise tech literacy. Critically, this is about ensuring young people enter the workforce “AI-ready” and that SMEs have a trusted roadmap to harness automation without being overwhelmed by the learning curve, risk appetite cost. 

The Economy and Taxation

It’s the Economy, stupid!

Our final session on the economy and taxation felt like a discussion that could have continued long into the evening. At 2025’s event, businesses were still reeling from the first Labour budget in 15 years. And with it came a raft of increased taxes. Things were less raw this time, and the panel pointed to a welcome amendment of thresholds to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief. But there are still many founders and scaling businesses feeling that their growth is stifled by a lack of funding. The potential to develop stronger economic clusters, bringing together business, government, trade associations, and academia, also felt like a rallying cry to drive forward our sectoral lead in life sciences, fin-tech, agriculture, and energy. 

The consensus on Friday gives me reassurance that our work to lobby on your behalf, be it locally or through our British Chambers network in Whitehall, is worth its weight in gold. The wheels of politics turn slowly, but they also say that a week is a long time in politics. Our job is to keep our finger on the pulse and stand ready to use your insight to influence on behalf of every business in Norfolk. 

Thank you to our photographer, Paul Macro, for capturing some wonderful photos from the day. Please take a look through the gallery below.

We look forward to welcoming you back next year when we’ll once again be covering the topics that matter most to Norfolk businesses. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event so valuable.