Ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget, Chamber members had the opportunity to highlight and discuss the challenges facing the local business community with Andrew Jones MP, Exchequer Secretary to HM Treasury today (Friday 17 November). The meeting was hosted at the premises of Norfolk Chamber’s Gold Patron, MIGSOLV.
Amongst the topics discussed were business rates; the need for better broadband and mobile coverage; road and rail improvements; and the skills and enterprise agenda.
On skills, the business community highlighted the challenge in recruiting and retaining skilled staff, particularly in the construction and hi-tech sectors. The businesses also outlined the need to improve the profile of Norfolk to help attract skills from outside of the county.
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.
Road and rail infrastructure was debated. Businesses highlighted the need to see improvements happen as quickly as possible and the capacity on the rail lines, including freight, were discussed.
Commenting on the meeting, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“We are really pleased to welcome Andrew Jones MP to the Norfolk and give him the opportunity to hear from the local business community. It is important that Government Ministers understand the needs of Norfolk businesses and the Chamber will continue to ensure our members views are hear loud and clear in Westminster.”
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Jones MP said:
“Thank you to the Chamber for arranging and to MigSolv for hosting this event, and to all those who participated. It’s important to hear first hand the views of local businesses. We discussed infrastructure and skills and the top message is Norfolk is open for business and has a positive vision”
