At a recent economic round robin discussion by Norwich Chamber Council members highlighted what was happening in their sectors. The feedback included the following:
Arnold Keys advised that despite the recent inclement weather, Norfolk house builders were still reporting positive sales with lots of valuation work being done on behalf of the high street banks.
John Lewis, Norwich reported that over the last 6 weeks local sales were up by 12%, particularly in home and electrical items. Marks and Spencer and Debenhams also reported increases in their sales in this period.
City College Norwich (part of the TEN Group) reported that their student retention rates were up. It was also noted that new legislation will mean that, from 2013, young people will be required to stay in education or training until they are 17 (this increases to 18 from 2015), which can include apprenticeships as well as full time courses in colleges and schools.
