The round table discussions at the Bank of England Lunch highlighted that, whilst Norfolk businesses are operating in the current challenging economic climate, there are many positive stories. The agricultural sector advised that they are doing well at present and, with confidence improving, many businesses are planning for the future by investing in new plant, machinery and training.
Many determined businesses are diversifying to take advantage of new opportunities and are looking for new markets, including overseas. Norfolk exports continued to go from strength to strength, however there are still some challenges, such as the need for the banks to be less risk averse in their approach to lending to enable exporters to access new overseas markets more easily.
Tracey Howard, International Trade Director for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “In the current challenging times, exporting is a key aspect to prosperity for many local businesses. Norfolk exporters continue to show resilience and will help drive economic growth. June was a record month for the Chamber processing export documentation, reaching the highest number we have ever recorded in one month”
