The Norfolk Chamber’s high profile policy event that focused on the theme of ‘Look at Norfolk. See Success’ was an overwhelming success on Friday, with over 160 people taking part.
Expertly hosted by Adam Marshall from the British Chamber of Commerce, local Members of Parliament Chloe Smith, Simon Wright, Henry Bellingham and George Freeman focusing on their personal areas of expertise with topics ranging from young people, international trade, business growth and mobile and broadband.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith gave an update on Norwich For Jobs, the drive she has led to cut youth unemployment, and also outlined the ways the coalition government has helped young people, from improving the county’s schools’ funding formula to “revitalising an old currency” in fostering apprentices.
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman gave a progress report on improving broadband and mobile phone coverage but admitted there was still a lot of work to do to deliver adequate speeds for businesses to function in the countryside “to make a much more vibrant rural economy”.
Norwich South MP Simon Wright told the conference that SMEs were an important driver of the growth now taking place in the UK economy. And he highlighted all the ways in which the government had aided business from supporting skills and investing in infrastructure to cutting red tape and freeing lending through such initiatives as the British Business Bank.
West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham raised the importance of exports in cutting the budget deficit – and highlighted the fact only 20pc of SMEs in the UK exported compared to 25pc in France and Germany.
Richard Bacon MP was unfortunately unable to attend on the day, Jonathan Cage from Create Consulting took to the floor to update delegates on the topic of growth corridors with an update on plans for the A47 and Jamie Burles, Abellio Greater Anglia talked about the local improvements to the rail network.
The event was very well received with plenty of delegates taking the opportunity to comment on twitter:
- Listening to @ChloeSmithMP talking about the talent of the young people of #norfolk @norfolkchamber – The Space
- Today’s @norfolkchamber #WellConnected event expertly hosted by @BCCAdam – and good hospitality by team @Dunston_Hall. – Huw Sayer – Writer
- Great turnout today for the MPs Event 2015 @norfolkchamber #wellconnected – Ingrid Wrathall
For photos of the event please visit ourfacebook page.
