Event: Big Debate 2025

This event is now sold out. Please email [email protected] to be added to a waitlist.

The Big Debate returns in 2025, providing the perfect stage for local businesses to engage in BBC Question Time-style discussions on the most pressing challenges shaping our county’s economy and future. Featuring a panel of local business leaders, MPs, and policymakers, this is the ideal platform for you to share your perspectives and have your say on the decisions that matter. 

This year’s we’ll be covering the following topics: 

• Norfolk’s Brand: Perception of Place – How can we enhance and communicate Norfolk’s identity to drive growth and investment? 

• Support for business growth – What initiatives can best empower businesses to thrive in 2025 and beyond? 

• Skills, recruitment, talent retention, Workplace Health, and Wellbeing – Strategies to build and sustain a dynamic, healthy workforce in Norfolk. 

• Impact of Tax and Public Finance on Business – Focusing on financial policies and their effects on our local economy.  

Why Attend? 

• Engage in meaningful debate – Participate in thought-provoking discussions on the key issues impacting you and other Norfolk businesses. 

• Network with key decision-makers and influencers – Use the breakout sessions to enjoy a warm beverage and connect with MPs, policymakers, and fellow business leaders. 

• Drive Change – Ensure your voice is heard in shaping policy and action in Norfolk. 

What to Expect 

• Insightful panel discussions – Dive deep into today’s most urgent business challenges with experts and policymakers. 

• Interactive Q&A Sessions – Ask the questions that matter to your business directly to senior decision-makers. 

• Networking Opportunities – Elevate your brand, build relationships and collaborations that can help shape the future of your business. 

Agenda & Panellists:

13:00 – Event Opens

13:25 – Hosts’ Welcome (Nova Fairbank & Jack Weaver, Norfolk Chambers)

13:30 – Sponsor Talk – Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia

13:35 – Debate 1: Norfolk’s Brand: Perception of Place
How can we enhance and communicate Norfolk’s identity to drive growth and investment?

• Nick Steven-Jones (Jarrold Group)
• Steffan Aquarone MP (North Norfolk, Liberal Democrat)
• Mike Rigby (Eastern Promise CIC)
• Mark Bousfield (Aviva)

14:05 – Debate 2: Support for Business Growth
What initiatives can best empower businesses to thrive in 2025 and beyond?

• Jamie Minors (Minors and Brady)
• Chris Starkie (Norfolk County Council)
• Samantha Graham (AIP LLP)
• Neal Smith (Crown Commercial Services)

14:35 – Refreshment Break (Teas, Coffees, and Cakes by Bread Source)

15:10 – Debate 3: Impact of Tax and Public Finance on Business
Focusing on financial policies and their effects on our local economy

• Claire Mackintosh (Norfolk Community Foundation)
• Jonathan Denby (Greater Anglia)
• Neil Orford (Lovewell Blake)
• David Chaplin (Chaplin Hotels)

15:40– Debate 4: Skills, Recruitment, Talent Retention, Workplace Health, and Wellbeing
Strategies to build and sustain a dynamic, healthy workforce in Norfolk

• Clive Lewis MP (Norwich South, Labour)
• Chris Perry (Swarm Group)
• Dean Pierpoint (Norfolk Chambers)

Have your say 

This is your chance to actively participate in discussions that shape Norfolk’s business future. Ask questions, share insights, and engage directly with a panel of decision-makers and local leaders driving change in our region. If you need any further information, please reach out to us at: events@norfolkchambers.co.uk