Chamber News

We’re pleased to share that our Chief Executive, Nova Fairbank, has been interviewed as part of Copper Consultancy’s ‘Five Questions With…’ series, a platform highlighting views from leaders across infrastructure, business, and public life.

In this latest instalment, Nova speaks to James Hyde about Norfolk’s transport priorities, the opportunities and challenges of devolution, and the role of collaboration in unlocking the region’s economic potential.

With Norfolk and Suffolk set to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) in 2026, Nova reflects on how greater local control could help target investment where it’s most needed – from road and rail upgrades to supporting skills, clean energy, and digital connectivity.

She also explores how Norfolk Chambers, alongside partners like National Highways, Transport East, and the Chambers East alliance, is working to ensure business voices help shape the future of infrastructure across the region.

Nova was joined in the conversation by contributors from BTTC, M Group Highways, Norfolk County Council, and National Highways, each posing a key question around connectivity, opportunity, and regional growth.

You can read the full interview on Copper Consultancy’s website here:
Five Questions With Nova Fairbank

• Business confidence remains weak following the employer NI rise, with just 40% of firms in the East expecting turnover to increase in the next 12 months 

• The proportion of businesses expecting to put up prices over the next three months eases to 49% (from a spike of 71% in Q1)

• Tax remains the main concern for firms, with a significant 71% citing it as a worry, followed by inflation at 52%

• No significant change in sales indicators, with only 25% of business reporting a rise in sales, down from 30% in Q1

• Nearly a third (32%) of firms have cut back on investment in the past three months, while only 15% have increased investment

In the largest survey of business sentiment since April’s employer National Insurance rise, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2, shows confidence among firms remains weak.

While price rise expectations have eased back from near historic highs in Q1 – tax remains the biggest concern cited by firms. Only a quarter say domestic sales have grown over the last three months.

The survey was carried out by the BCC Insights Unit and the UK’s wider Chamber network after the National Insurance rise came into force, with the fieldwork conducted between 12 May and 9 June. Over 4,500 businesses across the UK (88% of whom in Norfolk are SMEs) responded online.

Business confidence remains subdued

Levels of confidence among businesses remain weak, with only 49% of responding firms across the UK expecting their turnover to increase over the next 12 months. This loss in confidence is even more stark in the East of England where the figure is just 40%. Nationally this is the second lowest figure since the aftermath of the mini budget in late 2022. Nearly a third (30%) of our region’s businesses expect turnover to worsen and another 30% expect no change.

Confidence levels remain lowest in the hospitality sector (33%) and retail (44%), showing the continued struggles these sectors face, particularly in Norfolk where the sector is especially prevalent.

Profitability confidence has dropped slightly in the East from 34% to 32% of firms expecting profits to increase over the next year, while 40% expect them to worsen (42% in Q1).

Fewer firms planning to increase their prices

The proportion of businesses in our region saying they expect to raise their prices in the next three months has dropped significantly. In Q1 64% expected to raise prices which has dropped to 49% in Q2. This suggests a moderation in new price rises after firms made adjustments ahead of the NICs increase. Just under half (49%) say their prices are likely to remain the same, and only 3% are expecting them to decrease.

Labour costs continue to be far and away the main cost pressure for firms, cited by 84% of respondents – almost unchanged the previous quarter. Nationally this issue is most significant for transport and logistics businesses (88%) followed by the hospitality sector (83%).

Tax remains the biggest concern as NI rise bites

Following the employer NI contribution rise at the start of April, tax continues to be the biggest worry for businesses. In the East this concern is felt much more strongly than elsewhere, with 72% citing it as a worry compared to just 56% nationally. This quarter’s figure is the third highest on record, following the previous two quarters.

Concern about inflation also remains high among businesses, but has dropped slightly – 48% compared with 52% in the previous quarter. Worries about interest rates are slowly dropping for businesses in our region, with 18% citing them in Q2, down from 21% in Q1.

No significant improvement in business conditions

The percentage of responding businesses reporting increased domestic sales has shown no noticeable improvement, 25% compared with 24% in Q1. 38% reported no change and over one third (37%) said they had seen a decrease in sales.

Just over a fifth of businesses (21%) report an increase in cash flow over the last three months, up from 16% in the previous quarter. 35% report a fall in cash flow (down from 39% in Q1), while for 44% cash flow remained the same.

Most firms struggling to invest

As businesses face increased cost pressures, nearly a third, 32%, say they have cut back on investment plans (compared with 35% in Q1). 53% of firms say their investment strategy has remained the same, while only 15% have increased their plans.

Once again, the issue is more marked in certain sectors across the country, with 39% of hospitality firms reporting a scaling back of investment plans.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The rising cost of doing businesses means confidence levels remain at their lowest levels since 2022.

“However, it’s encouraging to see a drop in the number of firms planning to raise prices. Any signs of inflationary pressures easing is good news for business and the wider economy. But prices remain volatile.

“Last week, the Prime Minister acknowledged at the BCC’s Global Annual Conference that business has been asked to shoulder a huge tax burden. We now need the Government to rule out any further business taxes in this year’s Budget.

“Businesses have welcomed the series of long-term strategies from Government in recent weeks, all designed to drive forward economic growth. Our research shows businesses are stuck in a rut and more needs to be done at pace by ministers to turbocharge the economy and boost business confidence.

“Our Blueprint for Growth report provides a clear set of proposals to drive business innovation and investment. We urge ministers to work with us to implement these ideas.

“Businesses are clear – they want their costs reduced, regulation reformed, and skills barriers removed. Action by policymakers now, will help businesses out of this confidence slump and give firms the tools to boost growth.”

Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“Business sentiment in Q2 remains fundamentally subdued, following last autumn’s tax increase announcements and the more recent introduction of global tariffs. And in the East of England, we see even more stark confidence and investment issues than the national average.

“April’s rise in National Insurance contributions means taxation as again the dominant concern for firms. Businesses are now contending with ever-higher labour costs and administrative requirements, fuelling increased anxiety about redundancies. This is particularly acute in Norfolk where sectors like hospitality and tourism, retail and transport and logistics are sizeable employers.

“While there has been some easing in our price expectations indicator, this follows a spike to near historic highs and may mean that firms already baked in the recent NICs increase. As the Bank of England has indicated, inflation is likely to remain volatile in the short term, as any geopolitical turbulence could trigger renewed shocks to prices.

“SMEs are operating in an increasingly unpredictable world and have limited capacity to absorb further disruption when compared to larger businesses. A roadmap to easing tax and administration, de-escalation of global tensions and improvements to the UK-EU and UK-US trading relationship would go a long way in reassuring our business community.”

Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce have had another successful year of engaging employers and key stakeholders through the delivery of the Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and the Annual Progress Report and annex has now been published today (Monday 30 June 2025).

The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) plays a crucial role in the strategic skills landscape of Norfolk and Suffolk by aligning skills development with the region’s economic priorities and taking into account employer demand across the region.  With a rapidly evolving skills agenda, both locally and nationally, having a skilled workforce is essential for driving growth and innovation.

Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith said: “I am pleased to see the progress being made to bring these Local Skills Improvement Plans to life.  We remain committed to the LSIP model as part of our Plan for Change, and have strengthened the role that Mayors and Strategic Authorities will play in identifying and addressing the local skills issues in the plans.

“Skills England will work hand-in-hand with businesses, education providers, Mayors and Strategic Authorities, unions, and other bodies to tackle skills shortages, co- creating solutions to ensure more opportunities for young people and existing workers wherever they are based in the country.”

Since the start of the LSIP in September 2022, the Chambers have collectively delivered 16 employer-driven LSIP events across both Norfolk and Suffolk and has reached a further 1,300+ employers through direct meetings, skills survey work and the creation of Keystone Employers, who share their best practise and thoughts with the sector groups across our region.

Commenting on the LSIP engagement, Dean Pierpoint, the Skills Director for the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP, said: 

“Over the past year, we have undertaken a comprehensive engagement programme with local businesses to identify critical skills gaps and explore effective solutions to address them. In collaboration with local authorities and key stakeholders, the LSIP has translated employer feedback into actionable strategies aimed at shaping the future of skills training and provision across Norfolk and Suffolk.

“Our engagement has been varied, including in-depth one-to-one business interactions, sector-specific skills group meetings, stakeholder workshops, employer roundtables, and targeted surveys. Through this multi-faceted approach, we have captured a granular level of insight from businesses of all sizes and sectors, ensuring we are capturing the employer voice.

“This collaborative effort has solidified the LSIP’s role as a central voice in the regional skills ecosystem. By aligning employer needs with training provision, we are working to ensure that the workforce of Norfolk and Suffolk is equipped with the relevant skills to support economic growth. Our work ensures that the voices of employers are not only heard but actively shape the local skills landscape.”

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP aims to bridge the gap in understanding, translation, and the development of new provision to the skills that employers need; those that individuals possess; and the provision available through local Further/Higher Education (FE/HE) colleges and the independent training providers.

Commenting on the need for the Local Skills Improvement Plan, John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is fundamentally driven by the needs of employers; therefore, employer engagement is of paramount importance in guiding skills development and provision across the region.  By placing businesses at the heart of the process, the LSIP can ensure that our future skills programmes are truly aligned with the demands of the local labour market, to help support  economic growth and boost productivity.”

The skills landscape continues to evolve, especially at a national level, which has an impact on the regional and local level.  In recent months, the government has launched both Skills England and its Modern Industrial Strategy. Skills England aims to simplify the skills landscape and ensure the workforce has the necessary skills to drive economic growth.

Their priorities include: Identifying skills gaps at the national level and creating strategies to address them; unifying the skills landscape across England, in collaboration with local government, businesses, training providers, and unions; shaping technical education to meet skills needs; advising on the highly trained workforce needed for the future economy.

Their ten sector priorities, which align with the Modern Industrial Strategy, are:

1. Advanced Manufacturing

2. Clean Energy Industries

3. Construction

4. Creative Industries

5. Defence

6. Digital and Technologies

7. Financial Services

8. Health & Social Care

9. Life Sciences

10. Professional and Business Services

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP must adapt and innovate to align with the new priorities coming from central government.

Commenting on how this will be done, Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers, said: “The work of the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP must be employer-led and we will continue to listen and support employers to help them achieve a fully skilled workforce.  We are pleased to say that the priorities of Skills England are already being reflected in multiple ways in the work of the Norfolk & Suffolk LSIP:

– Identifying and Addressing Skills Gaps: The Norfolk & Suffolk LSIP directly addresses this priority by identifying the specific skills gaps within the region and working to ensure provision is in place to meet those needs.

– Unifying the Skills Landscape: The LSIP promotes collaboration between various education and training providers (FE, HE, private providers) and employers, which aligns with Skills England’s goal of unifying the skills landscape.

– Shaping Technical Education: By emphasising employer engagement and tailoring training to meet industry demands, the LSIP is working to shape technical education to be more responsive to skills needs, a key priority for Skills England.

– Focus on Priority Skills: The LSIP’s focus on priority skills, such as digital and soft skills, aligns with Skills England’s emphasis on its 10 priority sectors.  The LSIP in Norfolk and Suffolk is working to ensure that the region has a skilled workforce to support these sectors, as well as locally-nuanced priorities such as agri-food/tech.”

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP relies on the support of a wide range of employers, including our Keystone Employers, as well as stakeholders, including local authorities, colleges, universities, and independent training providers.  Without their ongoing support, the LSIP would not be achieving the success and helping to drive change and innovation in the skills landscape across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Norfolk Chambers is proud to support the launch of the Norfolk Ambassadors Programme, a new initiative from the Norfolk Business Board designed to celebrate and promote Norfolk as a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring place to do business.

The programme brings together respected voices from across the county, including business leaders, educators, volunteers, and public sector figures, united by a shared goal: to tell the real story of Norfolk and its people.

Why Norfolk? Share Your Story

As part of the launch, we’re asking individuals and organisations to contribute to ‘Why Norfolk’ — a growing collection of real-life testimonials from across the region. Whether you’re a start-up founder, an apprentice, a community leader, or a long-standing local business, we want to hear from you.

Please tell us:

·      Why is Norfolk a great place to run or grow a business?

·      What advantages has your business found here?

·      What makes this county special to you?

We’re looking for authentic stories told in your own words, whether that’s a short video, a photo of your business in action, or a few sentences that covers why Norfolk from your own perspective.

Submit your story now via our quick and easy form: 

https://form.jotform.com/NorfolkChambers/why-norfolk-submission-form

A Programme Built on Local Pride and Real Voices

The Norfolk Ambassadors Programme isn’t about polished branding or tired clichés. It’s about real people with real pride in their county, showcasing innovation, creativity, and community spirit across Norfolk’s towns, coastlines, and city centres.

Whether you’re based in Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Norwich, Thetford, or anywhere in between, your voice matters. Your experiences help shape the bigger picture of what Norfolk offers businesses, talent, and future investors.

Get Involved

Over the coming months, your stories will be featured across the new Norfolk Ambassadors website, social media, and local events, including a special showcase at next week’s Royal Norfolk Show 2025, where visitors can record live testimonials in the Business Zone.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to champion the place you call home, you now have the perfect platform.

Saxon Air – Trusted non-scheduled aviation leader.

Alex Durand Saxon Air’s Managing Director explains how the LSIP has benefitted them.

“We’ve been involved with the LSIP from the outset, contributing to early workshops and now chairing the Norfolk and Suffolk Green Skills Sector LSIP. We’ve also been involved with feedback meetings with Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and the Dept for Education. We’ve also taken learning and feedback from this to the Department for Transport Aviation Skills forums”.

“It’s the most important skills development work we’ve seen, for the first time taking a business led approach to determine the skills that need developing for the workplace.  It’s also helped shape a more collaborative approach between local authorities and businesses, which is needed to bridge the chasm that exists between skills the education system is(n’t) producing and those skills needed in the current and future workplace”.

“The LSIP adds value in terms of identifying the skills that need developing, but the process itself has the potential to be transformative. Businesses have had good reason to be frustrated with the lack of suitable vocational or work ready skills being produced by the education system , but it’s also highlighted areas where businesses aren’t getting involved or investing – apprenticeships, training budgets, engagement with schools/colleges/training providers. Where the LSIP process can work best is getting the full range of stakeholders to do more and in closer collaboration”.

Cory Brothers Limited has been a trusted supply chain partner for businesses for over 180 years providing freight forwarding, project logistics, customs clearance, liner, and warehousing.

Head of Strategic Development Mike Bowden explains why they are a Keystone Employer in Suffolk:  

What are the benefits of engaging with the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP?

“At Cory we are committed to supporting young people who are considering a role in shipping. As a keystone employer and by engaging with the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP at events and through one-to-one conversations, we are able to showcase what a rewarding career in shipping can be to the next generation of employees.”

What is the importance of the LSIP within the local skills Landscape?

”The most important thing is the ability to articulate the employer needs and creating a better alignment between the employer and educator. This will ensure that the workforce is better prepared for current and future job markets.” 

What is the value of supporting skills within your workplace? 

“One of the key values at Cory Brothers is developing our people. We believe in setting ambitious goals and constantly pushing our own limits, and encourage our team members to surpass themselves, explore new ideas, and innovate. Through this we create a positive and inspiring work environment where people can develop, collaborate, and enjoy what they do.”

Flagship Group – solving the housing crisis in the East of England.

Nadine Tapp Head of Group Academy tells us why the LSIP is important to them.

“As Chair of the Building Growth sector group, I’ve seen first-hand the difference a strong, responsive skills system can make. Working with the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has given me clearer insight into the skills landscape – and a platform to voice the real challenges employers like Flagship face”.

“At Flagship, we’ve always taken a hands-on approach to training and growing new talent. But partnering with the LSIP has helped sharpen that focus. It’s allowed us to raise concerns, highlight gaps, and work closer with local providers. A great example is our collaboration with one of our local colleges – a relationship that grew through this work and helped us win the LSIP Sponsored Large Employer Award at the Norfolk Apprenticeships Awards.”

“I’m also proud to contribute as a Keystone Employer for the LSIP, where I can bring a housing and construction perspective to the table and help shape a skills agenda that’s built around the needs of our sector and our places”.

PCE Automation provide bespoke solutions to global manufacturing challenges, and a Suffolk Keystone employer for the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP.

Managing Director Shaun Wigley explains more:  

What are the benefits of engaging with the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP?

“PCE Automation actively contributes by participating in LSIP surveys and speaking at local events. This engagement has enabled us to share our experience collaborating with local colleges and apprenticeships, while gaining insight into how the LSIP is shaping the skills agenda for Suffolk”.

What is the importance of the LSIP within the local skills landscape?

“The LSIP plays a critical role by giving local businesses a voice to identify specific skills needs within our county and industry. This ensures that training programmes and qualifications are effectively tailored to meet the evolving requirements of the Suffolk economy”.

What is the value of supporting skills within your workplace?

“The future strength of our sector depends on developing talent internally. Through collaboration with educators, trainers, and businesses, the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP helps maintain a steady pipeline of skilled individuals, safeguarding the sustainability and growth of our industry”.

Swarm was established to improve the availability of apprenticeships for both learners and employers. The latest LSIP survey indicated that many businesses feel current apprenticeship programs do not meet their diverse needs, particularly for smaller companies where they require employees to perform multiple roles. In response, Swarm have developed over 30 professional business standards across various fields which allows them to tailor apprenticeships to address unique employer requirements. This includes soft skills training, all delivered online for improved accessibility, which is also available to the wider business community, not just apprentices. In the last Ofsted inspection, Swarm was rated as a GOOD provider with outstanding features, and boasts an excellent apprenticeship completion rate exceeding 70%, one of the highest in the industry! Read more including how they can help you with funding and eligibility challenges.

Please tell us a little bit about the work you’ve done with the findings of the LSIP

Swarm was set up with the fundamental aim in mind of making apprenticeships more readily available to learners and employers alike. The LSIP survey showed that businesses felt that apprenticeship programmes didn’t align with their specific business needs; a lot of small businesses need employees who wear multiple hats and the current apprenticeship standards model is more often than not, defined by one specific job role. We can’t change that but our solution is to offer over 30 + professional business standards – ranging from Marketing and Accounts all the way through to Engineering and Carpentry. Although many businesses have people who hold multiple job roles we can tailor the apprenticeship to cater as closely as possible to their unique needs. Our extensive enhanced curriculum allows us to add considerable value by responding to employer and learner needs, including those much needed soft skills, through a programme of additional CPD training offered throughout the year.

Training accessibility still remains an issue so the majority of our business apprenticeships are delivered via one to one or group webinars so anyone with an internet connection can access their learning. Our engineering centre is a ten minute walk from Norwich train station so our apprentices have multiple transport options to get to us and access the innovative Swarm Reagit centre.

We have recognised that there is a significant gap in funded training around ‘soft skills’ so for our apprenticeships we offer our comprehensive and responsive CPD programme but for the wider business community we have put together a low cost selection of accredited soft skills courses, which are delivered both remotely and physically, and can suit any budget.

We understand how confusing the funding and eligibility criteria can be, and how this can be a huge blocker for businesses wanting to train their teams so we ensure our Engagement team are fully up to date on the funding rules and can offer advice, guidance and signposting to businesses who need that help.

Business Growth Support has been a passion of Swarm since day one and we are currently putting a strong bid together to deliver several Enterprise skills bootcamps focussed on setting up, scaling and growing small to medium size businesses.

Please also provide a brief description from your Ofsted report

We were visited by Ofsted in February who came to do an audit of our provision and activities and confirmed that we are a GOOD provider. Amongst so many other things, we were proud to be able to present to them an extraordinary apprenticeship completion rate of over 70% which we know is well above the national average. The inspectors were impressed with all aspects of our provision awarding us outstanding for our leadership and management as well as outstanding for the behaviour and attitudes of our learners. One of the inspectors observed: “The stand out feature is the engagement with employers, that employers support the development of the curriculum, and that Swarm Training are meeting regional needs.”

“Financial advice for you and your business.

As proud Headline Sponsor of the Business Zone at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show, we are excited to be part of one of the region’s most anticipated events.

Our presence at the show reflects our commitment to championing Norfolk’s businesses and the future of succession planning. With a strong focus on intergenerational wealth, business continuity, and legacy, we’re here to connect with individuals, families, and business owners who are thinking ahead.

Our experts on the day can talk you through inheritance tax planning, strategies to minimise tax liabilities and ensure that more of your wealth is preserved for future generations.

For both you and your business

Our specialist Employee Benefit Consultants provide employee benefits advice, consultancy and support to clients of all types and sizes, whether they need assistance with workplace pensions, group risk or staff communications.

We are dedicated to servicing local businesses and our aim is to offer our clients unrivalled employee benefits expertise and unmatched levels of service.

How we can help

Whether you need holistic financial advice, understand the evolving landscape of inheritance tax, scaling up or looking to sell your business, our experienced professionals are here to guide you through every decision, we’d love to welcome you to our stand.

Book time with us at the Royal Norfolk Show: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/

Succession Wealth is a trading style of Succession Wealth Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number 588378. For further details on authorisation and registration details, please refer to the Key Disclosures section.”

At this year’s Festival of Knowledge, we had the pleasure of speaking with a representative from Lovells, a leading construction company passionate about inspiring the next generation of talent. Their message was clear — construction is not just about bricklaying; it’s a world full of diverse career opportunities that often go unrecognised.

“Construction is such an underrated industry,” they explained. “There’s a common misconception that it’s only for people who aren’t academic, but in reality, there’s a huge range of roles — from architects and designers to quantity surveyors, estimators, and even administrators — that keep the industry moving.”

The construction sector plays a critical role in building our communities, and yet there’s a noticeable skills gap. Lovells highlighted that for every tradesperson on-site, there are 10 to 15 people behind the scenes ensuring the project runs smoothly. This includes project managers, engineers, health and safety officers, and more — roles that require a broad range of skills and talents.

A Career for Life

One of the most inspiring takeaways from the conversation was the potential for career progression in construction. “There’s a real pathway for growth,” they shared. “You can start as a carpenter or bricklayer and end up as a site manager, construction manager, or even a regional managing director. I know people who started out on the tools and now earn six-figure salaries.”

It’s not just the career progression that makes construction a compelling industry; it’s also the variety of work and environments. “You’re outside, meeting new people, learning new skills, and constantly developing,” they added. “It’s a career where no two days are the same.”

Opportunities for Women in Construction

A key point raised was the increasing number of women in construction roles. Lovells is proud to have female bricklayers, site managers, and other professionals driving their projects forward. “One of our site cleaners is now a trainee site manager — it just shows how accessible career growth is in construction.”

The team emphasised that construction isn’t a ‘one-path’ career. People can start in one role and transition into another, carving out a career that suits their skills and interests.

A Focus on Mental Health

Another inspiring aspect of the conversation was Lovells’ commitment to mental health. Their team has expanded its number of Mental Health First Aiders and regularly runs mental health workshops to ensure their workforce feels supported.

“We’ve seen a shift in recent years. More people are opening up about their struggles, and it’s important they know there’s support on-site,” they explained. “It’s not just about building houses — it’s about building people up too.”

Why Events Like Festival of Knowledge Matter

Lovells’ team praised the Festival of Knowledge for giving them the chance to engage with young people directly. “Events like this are crucial,” they said. “It helps break down the stereotypes around construction and shows students that it’s a career full of opportunities — for everyone.”

As Lovells highlighted, the construction industry has space for every skill set, background, and ambition. Whether you’re hands-on, creative, analytical, or a people person — there’s a role waiting for you.

So, to all the young people who attended the Festival of Knowledge — the future is being built, and you could be a part of it.