Skills leaders, training providers, employers and key stakeholders gathered at the Oaksmere Hotel on 30th September 2025 for the inaugural Norfolk and Suffolk Skills Summit, exploring how the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is addressing regional workforce challenges. The event was delivered in collaboration between Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce and funded by the Department for Education.
The afternoon event brought together diverse perspectives on the region’s skills landscape, focusing on aligning employer needs with training provision through the LSIP.
Panel discussions and speaker presentations highlighted how the LSIP is enabling training providers to respond more effectively to employer requirements using data-driven insights. The initiative has also simplified navigation of the education system for businesses struggling to access appropriate training support.
Key themes emerged around the need for flexible, tailored approaches to skills development. Panellists emphasised that businesses of different sizes require varied methods of support, though all successful organisations share a common commitment to investing in their workforce.
The summit also addressed cultural barriers, with speakers advocating for businesses to engage directly with schools as part of the community, making careers relevant and appealing to young people by integrating real-world business into the curriculum.
When asked what more could be done to close gaps between employers and training provision, attendees highlighted the need for improved skills brokerage, clearer signposting to available training, and better communication of training opportunities across the region.
Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Norfolk and Suffolk Skills Summit. The event was the culmination of three years of hard work and events like these highlight the power of collaboration between employers, educators, and local stakeholders in shaping a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“This region is home to some of the most innovative business in the UK, and aligning local skills needs with training provision gives us a great opportunity to take positive strides into the future with a highly skilled workforce leading the way.”
Bianca Mortimer, Business Hub Manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, added: “It was extremely encouraging to see so many businesses from across the two counties eager to engage with the LSIP. This demonstrates that the work that the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers are doing to actively educate the local business communities about how to face skills gaps challenges is on course to really make a difference.”
Notes to Editor
For media enquires please contact [email protected].
About the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
The Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is designed to put employers at the heart of the skills agenda in this region.
Working in collaboration since September 2022, Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce, in conjunction with the Department for Education (DfE), continue to highlight the fundamental skills requirements for key sectors across our region and have developed a roadmap for change to help address those skills shortages.
The LSIP fosters stronger relationships with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, colleges and independent training providers and has continued to ensure that the employer voice is clearly heard.
About Norfolk Chambers of Commerce
The Norfolk Chambers is a not-for-profit independent business and is one of 53 accredited Chambers by the British Chambers of Commerce.
We are a business membership organisation, from start-up businesses, small and medium enterprises, and on to global brands, the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce embraces and represents the County’s business community.
About Suffolk Chambers of Commerce
The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has been providing unwavering support for the success of businesses in Suffolk, and the region’s thriving economy, since 1884.
As a private sector, not-for-profit member led organisation, our core competencies of Connect, Support, Inform, and Inspire reflect our commitment to advocating for our members’ interests at all levels. Through lobbying and advocacy, strong relationships with policymakers, networking events, professional development, business resources, and access to exclusive services, we empower businesses to grow and thrive.
