Event: Unlocking Growth Conference

Our 2012 theme of Unlocking Growth got off to a fantastic start on 2 December with our Business Conference, at OPEN, in Norwich. The event was attended by nearly 200 delegates and we were delighted to welcome Dr Vince Cable MP as keynote speaker.

His presence at the event highlighted that Unlocking Growth is a key part of the Government’s agenda, and that engaging with the Norfolk business community as a whole is vital part of getting the UK back on its economic feet.

Conference highlightsDr Vince Cable – He acknowledged the opportunities that exist for Norfolk businesses, particularly within life sciences, energy and the creative sector. We took the opportunity to drive home to him the importance of Norfolk as a business community and that businesses need to be treated according to their size, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ solution, in matters such as employment law.

British Chamber of Commerce – President Martyn Pellew and Director of Policy Adam Marshall were very positive about how the British Chambers and Norfolk can work together to bring about growth. Adam asked how many people in the audience were positive about 2012 and there was an overwhelming show of hands.

Andy Wood – CEO of Adnams and Chair of New Anglia LEP talked about what Norfolk and the LEP has achieved in 2011, particularly the Regional Growth Fund, Enterprise Zone and Green Pathfinder.

David McNally – CEO of Norwich City Football Club focused on recruitment, underlining that employers need to assess candidates’ overall offering of experience, skills and attitude when recruiting. He also said that we need to exceed customer expectations when delivering service.

Johnny Hustler – Director of Archant Anglia, presented his thoughts on technology. He said we need to embrace new ideas and new methods of communication and marketing into the way we do businesses, and accept that they are an inevitable part of change and positive growth.

Davina Tanner – The General Manager of Chapelfield encouraged businesses to work more closely with the community and presented a film on the work Chapelfield is doing to reduce the prison population by giving work, and hope, to ex-offenders.

Old heads, young shoulders – the conference ended with an interview with two young entrepreneurs, Ben Farrin and Keiran Miles. These two young men have shown extraordinary initiative and drive to achieve remarkable business success at a very young age. They were incredibly positive and enthusiastic about the future and effectively summed up the tone of the conference. An inspiration to us all!

Event host Matthew Hudson – Business Reporter, ITV Anglia. A big thank you to Matthew, whose superb presenting skills and experience ensured that the conference ran smoothly and professionally.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, commented on the conference: “The conference was a complete success and showed that Norfolk is determined that the current economic situation will not curb their ambition or desire to grow. Norfolk has fantastic opportunities, but businesses need to work together to ensure every chance is maximised. The Chamber is dedicated to working with Norfolk business to ensure this happens.”