Event: Soaring Developments for RAF Marham: A West Norfolk Business Breakfast

On Friday 2nd October, over 60 members from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Chambers came together for our business breakfast event. We were delighted to be at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre, who welcomed us with a delicious breakfast buffet and one of their latest art exhibitions displayed in the light, bright Shakespeare Barn.

Heather Garrod, President of the West Norfolk Chamber Council, was our host for the event. She welcomed Group Captain Richard Davies, newly appointed Station Commander, to share with the local business community the latest developments at RAF Marham. As this was his first Norfolk Chamber event, he joked that it was ‘slightly odd but enjoyable…rather different to sitting in front of a Tornado!’

Nevertheless, he quickly got down to business with his discussion of £300m investment at the RAF base which in turn will generate more local contracts. The investment will start next year and includes building three hangers for new aircrafts, resurfacing the runway and some new helipads for the ‘hovers’ from further across East Anglia to use.

‘We will be the first F35 base [and] this plane is the future of the RAF’, said Richard, clearly showing why he is confident that Marham has significant growth ahead. Becoming an F35 base will bring 24.5 thousand jobs to the UK. ‘Our 10 thousand size force at Marham will stay at a constant level, with the tornado force starting to drop steadily, being back-filled with F35 forces’ explained Richard.

This investment will also lead to significant new contracts for local businesses, mainly in the construction industry. Richard highlighted that the Defence Infrastructure Organisation are aiming to issue these contracts before the end of the year, for work to commence in 2016, which also marks Marham’s 100 year anniversary.

Finally, Richard made a call to action for local business support to help him keep his talented young people in our region. If there are more opportunities for them to get involved in the local community, such as local charities or youth groups, then this is likely to encourage them to stay in Norfolk.

The event also included an RAF themed networking activity which caused some healthy debate amongst the tables. Delegates enjoyed the breakfast, with a selection of hot and cold foods enjoyed, plus that all important morning coffee!

Sound like something you don’t want to miss? Book now for our next business breakfast in Great Yarmouth on 12th November.