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This event certainly highlighted that the East of England is leading in the Tech revolution. With over twenty of the top industry thought leaders and revolutionaries in Norfolk joining us to share their knowledge and expertise. They gave us clear directions for now and the future, of how to expand our use of technology to support, develop, maintain and grow all our businesses in this accelerating environment. It was a really positive and energising day which helped to brush away to gloomy and negative myths about technology. There was a great buzz at the event with over 180 people attending from all different sectors, wanting to learn more about the current thinking and debates too. So many topics about the world of ‘tech’ were discussed, shared and highlighted. The event helped to break down the barriers to understanding about the new and current technologies, their uses, and how we can apply new technologies to develop our businesses to support, grow and upskill our workforce.   Chris Sargisson our Chief Executive, got the event off to a great start with the introduction of ‘A paper free event.’ This year is the first year the Chamber worked on creating a ‘paperless event’ with the support from Thyngs. All the event information is stored on a re-useble card for each delegate, then you swipe or use your phone camera and the key event information pops up on your phone – Brilliant! The first speaker of the morning was Mark Donaldson, CEO from Casade.bi. Mark’s talk was focused on ‘how to improve your business decisions’. He gave a number of really useful insights into how SME’s can and should embrace technology, as well as ensuring your workforce is supported with educated about technology and the key business goals. His four key tips 1. Customers 2. Products 3. Cash and 4. Pricing, were very useful to supporting and growing all sectors and SME’s.  Following on from this was the first panel discussion, on the topic of ‘Virtual and Augmented Reality,’ with Peter Brady, CEO of Orbital Media, Dr Sabar Sami, University of East Anglia, Ryan Baxter from Viewing and Matthew Martin, Immersive VR. This panel discussion provided a fascinating insight into how VR is being currently used to support in the healthcare industry with particular focus on its aid in dementia research and training surgeons. Our audience sent in their questions throughout the discussion using an online platform called Slido. This brought up other topics such as education, training, marketing, ethics and whether the panel believed VR was ‘all the hype’ or if it would never be fully adopted like the 3D TV. It was a unanimous agreement that VR and AR were here to stay, and grow.  After a great discussion, it was time to move the focus towards technology in marketing. Our second keynote speaker of the morning was Rebecca Lewis Smith, Co-founder and Managing Director of Fountain. Rebecca told the audience that “90% of the data that is currently in existence has been collected in the last two years”. She followed this by encouraging businesses to automate as much of their marketing as possible whilst making sure that the technology used is tied together. Ending her presentation Rebecca emphasised the need to keep measuring, improving and reviewing your marketing strategies, given the rapid changes to marketing tools.  Up next was Mark Cook. Mark is the Digital Marketing Director of Candour and his keynote presentation focused on search engines and the future of digital marketing. Looking back, Mark highlighted how Google is changing from a search engine to an answer engine. Using keywords from websites to create knowledge panels means that users don’t have to go to your website anymore to get the answer they’re looking for. Mark encouraged businesses to label their data for search engines using Schema; a collaborative community designed to structure data on the internet.  After a knowledge filled morning, our speakers and audience then took a break from the conference. This enabled them to not only process what they’d learnt so far, but to meet some of Norfolk’s brightest tech companies in our specialist exhibition. Our exhibitors this year were:

• Breakwater IT
• Barclays Eagle Labs
• Rebecca Osborne
• Zing Insights
• Spicule
• Empresa Limited
• CSSCloud
• Bigfork
• Computer Service Centre
• 101 Smart Ltd
• Aston Shaw
• Data Crush
• Red Shed Media
• Charterhouse Voice & Data

  Once all of our delegates were refreshed the main conference resumed. Host Chris Sargisson welcomed them back into the auditorium by making sure they were all awake with a quick tech themed quiz. The second panel discussion was then introduced bringing together Paul Grenyer CEO of Naked Element Ltd, James Gulliver Managing Director of Netmatters, Claire Riseborough founder of Step into Tech and Nicky Lawlor co-founder of Cyberfen to discuss and debate the tech skills gap and gender imbalance. The panel addressed the need to bridge the gap between education to higher education and work by creating a community to support young people with the right connections and support. The panel discussion then moved onto the gender imbalance in the industry, something both Nicky and Claire feel very strongly about. Nicky said “the root of the problem is the image of the industry. Women hear cyber security and imagine hoodies hunched over a laptop and armoured vehicles. Women can do the job, but it’s bringing in women.” From this, Claire added “you just have to go into a toy shop to see the problem. The mechanical, engineering todays are in the blue boy’s aisle, and the girls is full of domestic games and dolls in the pink aisle.”  Continuing the theme of educating young people, our next speaker was Katherine Wood, CEO and co-founder of Phonics Hero. Katherine’s talk concentrated on how she took her offline company, online. Giving an insight into how Phonics Hero starts, Katherine urged businesses to “find your hacks”, try “freemium model” and to engage with your offline customers as much as online. Starting up users would pay a fee to use Phonics Hero, but when Katherine decided to make it free and market this online, it went viral seeing trail users grow from 50 to 3,500 in just 3 months. With this growth Katherine has been able to spend more time volunteering in schools being close to those who use Phonics Hero.  Welcomed on stage next was Callum Coombes, CEO of Safepoint speaking on the future of the workplace. Asking the audience whether they felt the future was Dystopian or Utopian, many had a negative dystopian view; something Callum was on a mission to change. Agreeing that while many jobs were at risk from technological innovations, Callum highlighted the need for more skilled workers, showing that whilst admin jobs may reduce by 20%, the need for healthcare staff would rise by 30%. He gave the audience some useful tips to make their current working lives more efficient, using tools such as QuickBooks, Google Docs and even Safepoint. These simple, time saving solutions allow businesses to give back to their employees through wellbeing.  Our final panel made their way to the stage ready to answer the audience’s questions on disrupting industries. Joining the panel was John Fagan, CTO of Axon Vibe, Arthur Soames, Business Development Manager of Hummingbird Technologies, Simon Coward, Managing Director of Hethel Innovation and Michelle Monck, Director Client Marketing Services at Xerox. The panel had great focus on the uses of AI in disrupting their industries including agri-tech, customer service, marketing, transport, engineering and many more.  Closing the event, Chris welcomes Fiona Lettice, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Fiona’s talk ended the conference on a positive note, encouraging them to embrace how technology allows firms to do more with less. Agreeing that in the past many jobs have been affected by new technologies, but overall job creation has been greater than job loss. “I am a keen advocate of responsible research and innovation – I believe that we need to ensure that we develop these technologies including multidisciplinary and diverse perspectives to consider the future of work, privacy, ethics and society and ensure that science and technology works for society.”   The main conference came to a close with a feeling of positivity for the future of technology in the room. Throughout the event, we had live graphic recording artist Rebecca Osborne drawing the talks The close gave attendees to view to final drawings, which are available in our side gallery.  Attendees got to enjoy our exhibition over lunch, then had a choice of two workshops to finish the day: Preparing for Industry 4.0 with Stuart Easton, Transparent Choice or The Future of Your Digital Brand: Get Your Customer to make the Emotional Choice with Michael Stiff & Aaron Fickling, ALL is FLUX. Thank you to all who attending Talking Tech 2018. Norfolk Chamber were pleased to host over 180 businesses at the event, as well as our expert speakers, fantastic exhibitors and our sponsors. With thanks to Breakwater IT, Barclays Eagle Labs and Rebecca Osborne for sponsoring the event, and to Zing Insights who were our research partners, collected feedback to help us improve the event year on year.

The Norfolk Chamber Planning and Development Group met with planning officers from Norfolk’s local authorities last night to debate how the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could be used to unlock growth in the county.

The debate gave the local authorities the opportunity to outline how they intended to implement the NPPF in their areas, together with their concerns to an audience of surveyors, developers, engineers, lawyers and architects involved in the planning and development industry. Members of the Chamber Planning and Development Group highlighted areas of concern with aspects of the NPPF that they felt needed addressing from a planning industry perspective.

The local authorities have broadly welcomed the NPPF, as it was much less prescriptive than previous guidance and allows for greater accessibility and scope for regeneration and development.

The concerns surrounding aspects of the NPPF for both the development industry and the local authorities were remarkably similar, although they were being approached from different angles, therefore common ground could be sought and a way forward developed. It was agreed that Norfolk needed to be proactive to ensure the best possible environment for development was created within the guidelines. It was also agreed that the Norfolk local authority planners and the business community working together could show real leadership.

Jonathan Cage, Chair of the Norfolk Chamber Planning Group, said “Both the planning industry and the local authority planners agree that the solutions needed to be based on the private and public sectors working together to develop sustainable growth that would incorporate adaptability for social and economic reasons.”

Enterprise Europe Network and UK Trade and Investment are offering ten companies the opportunity to join a regional delegation visiting Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city, from 5 – 8 March.

The visit, which is arranged in conjunction with the British Embassy in Sofia and the Bulgarian Industrial Association, provides East of England companies with the chance to participate in a series of business – to – business meetings organised by Enterprise Europe Network.

Delegates will be introduced to potential customers, suppliers, distributors and technology partners in Sofia. The group will also attend an in – market briefing from the British Embassy’s UKTI team and hear the opinions of Brits already active in the Bulgarian market.

Enterprise Europe Network, which has nearly 600 partner offices in 54 countries around the World, will outline business support services available to East of England companies trying to break into the Bulgarian market.

The mission is being overseen by EEN European trade advisor, Mark Hofman, who said: “Bulgaria is one of the UK’s fastest growing export markets and this visit will hopefully help to open a few doors for firms looking to expand their overseas operations.

“Although the BRIC economies may be grabbing headlines, it is vital that regional businesses explore the potential of emerging markets closer to home. EEN and our partners UKTI are working closely together to enable firms to make that initial contact with Bulgarian businesses that will hopefully lead to a long and mutually beneficial business relationship.”

A grant is available to eligible East of England companies, of £350 per delegate, towards the cost of travel and accommodation.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit a multi-sector international trade fair and the option of attending a business networking reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in Sofia.

Take a look at the flyer hereor contact Mark Hofman on 01707 398069 or at [email protected]for further information.

Norwich City Council has released their latest Economic Barometer. The report highlighted that retail sales fell unexpectedly in January with volumes falling 0.6% over the month as a result of heavy snow. The Pound continued to weaken against the US Dollar and the Euro as a result of persistent worries about the health of the UK economy. In addition, umemployment has risen and has now surpassed the previous peak from February 2010. The UK housing market showed signs of improvement with mortgage lending increasing, led by a big rise in first-time buyers. The Council of Mortgage Lenders also reported that the number of homes being repossessed fell to its lowest annual level since 2007. InCrops, an Adapt Low Carbon Group initiative, based at the UEA, has received £750,000 of additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This additional funding will allow InCrops to continue their programme to promote innovation in alternative and non-food crops until March 2015. Two HMV stores in Norwich and one in King’s Lynn have survived a round of cuts by the adminstrator, Deloitte, despite increased speculation that a least one store in Norwich would closed to help drive down the debts of the beleaguered retailer. A new era in local television broadcasting was launched at the end of January with the start of the country’s first dedicated web TV. Mustard online will stream an array of videos aimed specifically at viewers in and around Norwich. The full Norwich Economic Barometer report is attached.

The British Chambers of Commerce, together with the accredited Chamber Network, including Norfolk Chamber, run Britain’s largest and most influential private business survey – the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).  The next fieldwork period for the QES will start on Tuesday 28 August 2018 and will be open for 3 weeks. 

But why should your organisation take part?  Nova Fairbank, Norfolk Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager outlines why she wants more input from Norfolk businesses:

“The QES is Britain’s largest, and longest-running, private business survey and it’s a leading economic indicator – often picking up big changes in the economy long before other surveys or official statistics.  With the uncertainty of Brexit and the UK economy effectively treading water at present, it is more important than ever that as many businesses as possible take part. 

“By completing the QES you are helping to identify how strong our local economy is and how well it is performing against the national averages. Norfolk has many dynamic and innovative businesses, we need to have a strong voice and ensure our region gets the credit and investment that it deserves.”

Below are just a few more reasons why your organisation should take part in this important economic survey:

1. It’s provided consistent data since 1989, and regularly receives over 7,500 business responses. Compare that to the average business survey, which garners only a few hundred responses.

2. Norfolk responses represent over 34% of the responses from the East of England.  (East of England includes: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire).

3. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee uses the QES as one of its key benchmarks when setting interest rates.

4. HM Treasury and the independent Office for Budget Responsibility use the QES to put together their forecasts for the UK’s economic performance.

5. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) use the QES when comparing the UK to competitors worldwide.

The more Norfolk businesses that take part – the louder the voice of the Norfolk business community will be. 

Details of the previous QES results from Q2  2018 can be found under Policy on the Chamber News section of the Chamber website. 

So what can your business do to contribute to the QES?  During the fieldwork period, the survey can be completed electronically.  There are several ways to access this online survey either:

• Use the link within the Chamber Policy news article or;
• Use the link that the Chamber can send direct to you

To be added to the Chamber’s QES email list, please contact Nova Fairbank or Jack Edwards.  Emails: [email protected] and [email protected].

The online survey takes less than 3 minutes and your input is vital to help ensure that Norfolk business has a strong collective ‘voice’.

The 1st October means one thing for the Norfolk Chamber calendar; The B2B Exhibition. Taking over two floors of Norwich City Football Club, B2B hosts over 100 business exhibitors for one day of face to face networking and relationship building – and it’s free to attend!  Taking place on Thursday 11 October, 10AM-4PM, B2B brings together businesses from across Norfolk with a wide range of sectors and businesses sizes. You’ll find everything from printing to banking, charities to staff wellbeing, and so much more; B2B has solutions for your business needs.  B2B has plenty to offer with our exhibitors running exclusive offers, competitions and giveaways on the day. There are discounted training courses, coffee machines up for grabs, free website proofreading and even the chance to win a Big Cat Experience at Banham Zoo! You can see some of these exclusive offers on the B2B page by clicking here.  Norfolk Chamber are also partnered with Ten-Go to offer you the chance to win a cash prize in our exhibition treasure trail. Grab a stamp card on arrival, visit our 10 stands exclusively taking part, hand your card back in when you leave and you’ll be entered to win a cash prize! If you visit the stands in a random, pre-generated order you could win a bigger cash prize of £5,000! Find out more. The exhibition isn’t just about its exhibitors though! Throughout the day you can expand your knowledge in our free 20 minute masterclasses delivered by expert trainers. These four sessions will give you bite-size, takeaway tips to help grow your business. Find out more. We also have a dedicated networking lounge where you can set up meetings, take a break from the exhibition with refreshments served all day, or just have a visit to see who is around. You never know who you’ll meet with over 750 attendees expected on the day.  Don’t forget to prepare yourself ahead of the day! Our B2B supplement will be released into the EDP on Wednesday 3 October. Grab your copy to read about our exhibitors and find out full details ahead of the big day! You can book your free tickets online now, B2B is open to all businesses to attend! Booking in advance will mean you can skip the queues on the day by simply handing in your ticket, and you’ll be entered into our prize draw to win one of four £25 Jarrold Vouchers.  BOOK NOW.

HMRC is introducing Real Time Information (RTI) for PAYE from April 2013. The majority of employers are required to start submitting PAYE returns in real time in April 2013 and all employers will be routinely reporting PAYE information in real time by October 2013.

From April, PAYE returns are electronically required each time a payment is made, as part of routine payroll processes. Employers operating their own payroll will need to consider and take the appropriate action to either update their payroll software, obtain new payroll software or, where an agent or payroll bureaux is used, discuss the changes with their payroll provider. During October HMRC will be writing to all employers telling them about RTI, advising what they should be doing to get their business ready for the changes to PAYE in April 2013, and signposting HMRC guidance.

A new national information campaign and website has been launched to raise awareness among UK employers of the introduction of PAYE RTI. The website is a not for profit collaboration of business and accounting professional associations, that is independent of government and HMRC.

The site aims to become the leading independent source of news and information on this, which will be one of the key issues for UK business in 2013.

Please email queries or requests for additional information, to [email protected].

For over fifteen years the Norfolk Voice has been communicating with our members through print and digital editions of the magazine. The publication has always acted as one of our key lines of communication for our members, containing a range of information from Members News, Chamber News, the Big Interview, featured articles, policy information, events, training information, and the last word.

Like many businesses, the Chamber now has several ways in which we and our members can communicate our news, events, and campaigns. For example, on our social media channels and the Chamber website. These channels act as a direct, instant, and current form of communication, as well as having a wider reach to the business community. Often the social media platforms can hold more current and upto-date content than the printed page. With this in mind, all of these elements have given the Chamber an opportunity for reflection and a chance to question how we can develop our magazine, to continue to ensure it acts as a professional and engaging read for the business community. Our plan for the magazine moving forward is for it to have a re-brand, re-style, new content, and a new publisher based in Norfolk.

The re-launch for the magazine is planned for early 2019. However, before we embark on these changes it would be good to get your feedback on the project. We have created a short questionnaire for you to add your feedback before Friday 12 October. Click on the link to have your say: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9W3GN7X

Norfolk Voice will be having a break for the next edition Nov/Dec, this is due to the changes being made. However, if you have any news articles you wish to share in the meantime, there is our website and social media platforms. You can add details to your own chamber page. Do let us know if you need any help at [email protected] or 01603 625977

Health and Safety Advice for Small Business

• Health and Safety Made Simple is a website, developed by the Health and Safety Executive that will help small businesses to get started in managing health and safety, by bringing the basic information they need into one place.

  The site will help businesses save time on managing health and safety by using the streamlined guidance and direct links to supporting material.

• The health and safety toolbox – how to control risks at work builds on the basics in Health and Safety Made Simple by providing the next level of advice to help businesses understand, manage and control workplace risks with just a few clicks of a mouse.

  It’s the first time that quick, simple guides and interactive tools on how to identify, assess and control common workplace hazards, such as slips and trips and working with electricity and machinery, have been pulled together.

Health and Safety Laboratory

• The Health and Safety Laboratory is undertaking research to gather evidence and investigate employers, schools / academies and work placement organisers’ perceptions of health and safety in relation to young workers (aged 18 and under), particularly for work experience.

  They are very keen to speak to businesses in the service, manufacturing and construction sectors about their views and experiences. This will involve a brief telephone interview to answer some key research questions.

  If you are able to help with this work please contact Jo Bowen on 01298 218460.

Greater Norwich is one of 10 city areas that have made the shortlist for the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which would give Greater Norwich a huge boost for  public transport infrastructure.

The shortlist was announced by the Prime Minister, Theresa May.  She said:

“Our great cities and their suburbs are home to millions of people and world-beating businesses.  “We want to help them succeed, so as part of our modern Industrial Strategy we will fund £840 million of upgrades for better, safer, faster transport links.

“These improvements to vital infrastructure will help spread growth beyond London and empower local businesses to create more, better-paying jobs – opening up more opportunities to help people get on in life and be rewarded for their hard work.”

The announcement means that Transport for Norwich (TfN) is in line for a share of an £840m pot of money specifically for promoting intra-city connectivity – aiming to make it easier for people to access jobs, training and retail.

At the heart of the bid, which was put together in partnership between Norfolk, Norwich, Broadland District and South Norfolk councils, is a new high-quality, integrated public transport network for the area.

It highlights three strategic routes to support the Norwich Research Park, Broadland Business Park and the airport industrial estate, each with a focus on where they meet the city centre.

Smart ticketing, cleaner vehicles, real-time information and faster journey times are all features outlined in the vision for Greater Norwich.

Welcoming the news, Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager for Norfolk Chamber said:

“The shortlisting of Norwich for the Transforming Cities Fund shows that the government is taking our city’s economic potential seriously.  Further funding will deliver greater transport integration and help businesses driver greater economic growth and jobs for Norfolk.”

Councillor Martin Wilby, Chair of Norfolk County Council’s Environment, Development and Transport Committee, says:

“Greater Norwich is ready for significant investment in public transport so it’s fantastic news that we’ve been shortlisted. Funding through Transforming Cities would help us deliver the integrated network we need to support growth in homes, jobs and the local economy over the coming years.

“We can now look forward to working with the DfT and in collaboration with Transport for Norwich partners to transform how we travel in and around the city.”

The next stage of the process involves the DfT working closely with the TfN team to develop a detailed package of projects to take forward.

Final decisions on the amount of funding will be made once all successful applicants’ proposals have been assessed.

To download a copy of the Greater Norwich bid document, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/transformingcities.

Discover King’s Lynn, the Business Improvement District for King’s Lynn is organising the first business week for the town this October from Mon 15 -Thurs 18.

Business Week will celebrate the diverse range of high quality services, skills, expertise, talent and entrepreneurship that exists in our town through a varied programme of events that will inspire and educate.

The week is set to be an annual celebration of all things business offering inspiring and informative workshops, B2B networking opportunities, a chance to debate and influence the future of the town centre and a chance for our quality professional services to showcase their offer to customers at a Meet the Expert event.

Norfolk Chamber are delighted to be invovled and have organised a Cocktail Evening at the Bank House Hotel, King’s Lynn on Wednesday 17 October from 6pm. Book your ticket here.

Come and visit the Norfolk Chamber exhibition stand at the Meet The Experts event on Tuesday 16th October, just pop by from 9am-2pm. Find out how your local Chamber of Commerce can support you and your business. Book your free place here.

There is lots going on that you can be involved with, with over 11 events taking place throughout the week  https://www.kingslynnbusinessweek.com/

Why People Don’t Buy – How to Sell Yourself & Your Business – Matt Sykes Monday 15th October, 7.30am, King’s Lynn Town Hall

Cloud Accounting with SAGE Software Monday 15th October, 5.30pm, Yours Business Network

Employee Engagement with Cassandra Andrews Tuesday 16th October, 7.30am, Alive Corn Exchange

Meet the Experts Tuesday 16th October 9am-2pm

The Regeneration of King’s Lynn Tuesday 16th October, 5.30pm, St Nicholas Chapel

Making the Most of LinkedIn Wednesday 17th October, 4.30pm, Yours Business Network

Protecting Your Business Against Cybercrime Wednesday 17th October, 7.30am, Yours Business Network

King’s Lynn Cocktail Evening with Norfolk Chamber – CANCELLED Wednesday 17th October, 6-8pm, Bank House Hotel

Wellbeing in the Workplace Thursday 18th October, 7.30am, Yours Business Network

The Debating Chamber Thursday 18th October,Dukes Head Hotel 5.30pm

To view the full programme of events click here

Vattenfall, the Swedish energy group, and Peel Ports, the infrastructure specialists, have agreed to reserve space at Great Yarmouth harbour to site an operations base for two major offshore wind farms.

Economic leaders described the move as a big confidence booster to Norfolk’s offshore wind supply chain, and hoped that Vattenfall’s investment, due in the early 20’s, will be a magnet to other inward investors.

The operations base will serve Vattenfall’s Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects. The low carbon energy developer has signed an agreement with Peel Ports that enables them to build a new operations base at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, if its applications for the wind farms are given the go-ahead by the Energy Secretary next year and in 2020. The base will be operational for at least 25-years.

The total combined installed capacity of both proposals is 3.6GW, capable of meeting the electricity needs of 10% of UK households every year.

Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for Norfolk Vanguard said: “It’s great to seal this deal with Peel Ports to reserve space for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind farms. Good for us of course, because we will have the ideal home for up to 150 skilled wind technicians looking after two wind farms which will be amongst the largest ever built. And good for Norfolk too, if built, as this major investment will send a strong signal to other businesses to consider investing in the County.”

Richard Goffin, Port Director Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, said: “Vattenfall’s commitment to reserve space for their operations base at Great Yarmouth is testament to the Port’s influential position in the wider offshore energy arena, which is complemented by a supportive County and Borough Council. This agreement enhances Great Yarmouth’s position as the East of England’s most successful offshore energy hub and will attract further investment in the existing world-class supply chain, bringing a host of employment and economic growth opportunities to the region.”

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber, said: “Vattenfall securing their operations base in Great Yarmouth is a welcome step forward.  It will cement the importance of our region for the offshore renewables sector and will help support improvements skills and future job opportunities.”

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Great Yarmouth and Norfolk. It really demonstrates Vattenfall’s dedication to the town and goes to show just how important the area is to the renewable energy sector. This level of commitment will only help to attract even more investment to the east coast and provide huge economic benefits to existing local companies.”

Cllr Graham Plant and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, political group leaders at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “These will be among the largest offshore wind farms ever built, representing multi-billion-pound investments, and Great Yarmouth will really benefit, with the base creating up to 150 skilled jobs for at least 25 years, plus supporting our extensive, skilled supply chain. We’ve been working closely with Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, with excellent support from the county council, New Anglia LEP and others, to maximise the exciting opportunities for Great Yarmouth across the energy sector, and Vattenfall’s commitment reflects huge confidence in Great Yarmouth’s strengths as the main service base for the Southern North Sea and a burgeoning offshore wind hub.”

Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “This will be a great boost for our existing clean energy sector which is already leading the way in the UK. It will also help deliver the ambitions for clean growth as set out in the country’s Industrial Strategy.

“One of our key aims is to create jobs with a focus on skilled opportunities in this fast-growing sector so we welcome seeing these being delivered here. The investment will also contribute in supercharging Great Yarmouth’s potential as a priority place for business growth.”

Today’s announcement by Vattenfall and Peel Ports is in line with UK Government ambitions to grow the fossil-free economy.

Energy & Clean Growth Minister, Claire Perry, said: “Government support for offshore wind farms is creating local jobs and boosting supply chain businesses across the UK.

“As part of our modern Industrial Strategy we’ve set out a further £557m of funding for new renewable projects, helping to tackle climate change and deliver clean growth.”

This summer, Vattenfall submitted final proposals to the Planning Inspectorate for its Norfolk Vanguard project. Its sister project Norfolk Boreas, will start its statutory consultation later this autumn.