Chamber members had the opportunity to highlight and discuss the challenges facing the local business community with Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk today (Friday 08 September).
Amongst the topics discussed were Brexit; the need for better broadband and mobile coverage; road and rail improvements; and the skills and enterprise agenda.
Mr Lamb also highlighted his new role as the Chair of the Science & Technology Select Committee and advised that he was interested in hearing from businesses who were looking at AI (artificial intelligence), automation and the social implications of these issues.
On Brexit, the group noted the need for definition on what will happen to the flow of data across borders, following Brexit – in today’s digital world this will be critical to many businesses no matter where they are in the world. Also of concern was the need for clarity on overseas labour, with many firms facing skills shortages.
Health and wellbeing and how the increasing number of sick days impact on organisations’ productivity was also noted.
Mobile and broadband coverage was again raised as a considerable challenge to those businesses wanting to be able to take advantage of new technology developments and compete with the rest of the UK. They noted that unreliable connections act as barriers to growth, which put those companies most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.
All agreed that more work needed to be done to close the gap between business and education, some of which can be done locally, but more support from central Government was called for to help put more focus on the enterprise.
Commenting on the meeting, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager from Norfolk Chamber said:
“We are really pleased to welcome Norman Lamb to the Norfolk Chamber office to hear from the local business community. It is important that our MPs understand the needs of business and the Chamber will continue to ensure our members views are hear loud and clear in Westminster.”
