Norfolk Chamber members were out in force on 7 November to welcome the Chancellor to Norfolk and to ensure that he was in no doubt as to the potential growth of its business community given the right investment.
As part of the event Chamber members were asked to take part in a text survey to identify their key priorities which will provide the keystone to the Chamber’s priorities in 2014. The clear priority with 34% of the vote was improvements to transport & infrastructure. The Chancellor then heard from Ian Hacon President Norfolk Chamber of Commerce about the Good, the Bad and the Ugly side of Norfolk, who emphasised Norfolk’s potential for growth.
Six Chamber members ranging from rural start-ups to established firms, such as Bernard Matthews and RG Carter, then gave highlights as to what they were particularly excited about relating to their businesses and identified what would help them be even more successful.
It was made clear that Norfolk businesses are at last feeling more confident, but continued to need the support of the Government in key areas. They highlighted how much faster businesses could grow and create jobs with the right infrastructure in place particularly improved broadband and mobile coverage, the railways, NDR and A47.
Young people are Norfolk’s future and Norfolk Chamber members sought assurances that business education would be high on the Government’s agenda.
Ian Hacon, President Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and MD Blue Sky Leisure commented “We were delighted to host a visit from George Osborne, Rt. Hon. Member of Parliament for Tatton and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I would like to think he left Norfolk with a positive view as to what a great county it is to live and work in, and how a relatively small amount of investment in projects and infrastructure could unlock Norfolk’s potential to continue to play its part in the economic growth of the country.”
Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “The Chancellor can be in no doubt about the innovation and dynamism of the Norfolk business community after today’s visit. We very much welcome his positive comments about Norfolk and its economy and will continue to encourage him to invest in this area in order to maximise the business community’s potential for growth and jobs.”
The Chancellor, George Osborne, in his speech stated that infrastructure investment was a priority for the government, from broadband and education, to road and rail, but that he was “here to listen, and here to learn”.
“We are doing what we can to create a competitive business environment. But we need your input, your thoughts and your ideas about where to take that next because by definition in a global race you cannot stand still.”
The Chancellor went on to outline that he was committed to the delivery of a faster rail service between Norwich and London (known as the Norwich in Ninety campaign). However, as this will take some time to implement, he also committed his support for the upgrading of the rolling stock, such as power points and refurbishment of carriages.
A number of members had the opportunity to ask the Chancellor questions and those not able to be heard due to time restrictions were assured that their questions would be answered after the event.
Brandon Lewis, MP Great Yarmouth who had organised the visit with Norfolk Chamber had to be in Westminster today but said “The Chancellor’s visit to Norfolk today is a real recognition of the economic potential of the area. I am delighted to have been able to help arrange this important visit and that Norfolk Chamber members had this opportunity to tell the Chancellor more about our area and the fantastic businesses that have made their home here. This is the perfect opportunity to signal to the Government that Norfolk is open for business and will be a key player in the UK’s continued economic growth. I shall continue to work closely with government departments to bring cabinet ministers to our area.”
Caroline Williams continued “The Chancellor has made it clear today that he values Norfolk and its business community and want to help us to reach our full potential. It is essential that we work closely together with our local MPs, our LEPs and public sector partners to take advantage of the exciting opportunities we have in Norfolk. The Chancellor has opened the door to communicate with him and his team and we will b ensure that the Norfolk business voice is heard loud and clear.”
