2022 has been a rollercoaster year of change, challenge, opportunity and resilience for the whole of the Norfolk business community. We have seen political upheaval, with a grand total of three Prime Ministers in one year; rising inflation and energy costs, significantly impacting on both business and homeowners; huge supply chain and skills opportunities, with the go ahead for Sizewell C Nuclear power station and the awarding of the Local Skills Improvement Plan. Through it all, the Norfolk business community has stayed strong, resilient and indeed truly amazing! More opportunity is coming to Norfolk, with the recently announced £600 million devolution deal (County Deal) delivering regeneration and skills powers. Businesses will be consulted on this deal during 2023 and Norfolk Chambers will work closely with Norfolk County Council to ensure the business voice is heard. Change came to Norfolk Chambers with the passing of the torch in August 2022, as former CEO, Chris Sargisson stepped away, having brought the Chambers firmly into the 21st century, with lots of new tech innovation and a strong customer centric culture and ethos. As the new CEO, my job is to continue that journey and build and grow on the strong foundations. We have also recruited a grand total of eight new Chamber Board members, who bring a wealth of experience and talent to support the rest of the Board, myself and our amazing Chambers Team. Our Business Climate Leaders programme, designed to support businesses on the path to net zero, has delivered a huge range of events, including a really well attended Climate Change Expo in King’s Lynn; created a BCL Board and brought together a cohort of businesses to talk about their experience and to give their knowledge and support to any and every business – all of which is free to access on our BCL Hub. Our climate change support work will continue into 2023, with new cohorts being created; more climate change events; and an online step-by-step guide to starting your net zero journey. Co.Next launched in early 2022 to empower, engage and encourage young professionals under 35 years of age. Chaired by James Groves, MD of Indigo Swan, this group has gone from strength to strength. They have delivered a range of networking events, some amazing speakers, Mentoring Mondays and training events. The initial Co.Next Advisory Board became Alumni and a new Advisory Board is being recruited right now – so look out in January for the announcements. Engagement Focus Groups is a new initiative launched this September 2022 to enable us to capture the thoughts, feedback and needs of local businesses in a range of market towns, villages and the main conurbations across Norfolk. We can then use the information to lobby and influence on your behalf. We started with Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn and will be coming to Diss, Snetterton, Heacham, Holt and many others throughout 2023. These are free to attend by any business – member or non member and will be supported by Norfolk Chamber Board members and the Chambers Team – you can find the dates for the whole of 2023 on our website – it would be great to see you! All of this activity is on top of our annual flagship events, such as B2B, Talking Tech and the Big Debate, a swathe of networking events, both face to face and online including paddleboarding, netwalking and support for our charity members. Oh, we also took our AGM on the road and held it at Banham Zoo! We are now looking for suggestions as to where we could hold it in 2023 – do let us know if you have any good ideas? Everything Norfolk Chambers has done this year and what we will do in 2023 is aimed at connecting, supporting and giving voice to every business in Norfolk. So, a huge well done to my fabulous Chamber Team who have worked tirelessly to support the Norfolk business community and congratulations to every business on surviving the roller coaster that was 2022. May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year and the Norfolk Chambers Team looks forward to supporting you in 2023. Nova
