Chamber News

Norfolk Chambers hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion on Friday, 17 January 2025, with the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Clare Lombardelli, and Kieran Dent, the Bank’s Agent for the South-East & East Anglia. The event, held at the Norfolk Chambers’ Business Hub, brought together a diverse group of Norfolk businesses representing a range of sizes, sectors, and geographies for a rare opportunity to engage directly with senior policymakers shaping the UK’s monetary policy.

The discussion centred on the challenges and opportunities facing Norfolk businesses in light of the current economic climate. The session aimed to provide the Bank of England with critical insights into regional concerns and strengthen the voice of the local business community in national economic policymaking.

Key discussion points from the Roundtable:

Economic Concerns – Investment confidence has dropped sharply due to the policy environment, with many businesses delaying growth plans. 75% of Norfolk businesses identify tax, including National Insurance, as a key concern following the October budget, according to the BCC Quarterly Economic Survey*.

Funding Challenges – Businesses are struggling to secure funding despite favourable interest rates, citing punitive covenants and high arrangement fees as significant barriers.

Labour Market Pressures – Wage increases are being stalled due to rising National Insurance and minimum wage requirements, forcing firms to explore alternative rewards like flexible working and annual leave. Several employers report losing staff to higher-paying projects in sectors like transport infrastructure, energy and to a perception of alternative job prospects outside Norfolk

Navigating the Planning System – Planning processes have seen improvement, with local authorities accelerating approvals for housing, infrastructure, and commercial projects.

Global Trade Concerns – Exporters express apprehension about upcoming US trade policies and competition from low-cost international markets.

Optimism in Uncertainty – Norfolk’s business community remains resilient, drawing strength from its ability to adapt through challenges such as COVID-19, energy shocks, and prior fiscal environment disruptions.

The Bank of England noted that the feedback from Norfolk businesses aligns with sentiments across the UK and echoed previous public comment to attendees that underlying inflationary pressures are consistently decreasing.

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the event, “The power of Norfolk Chambers is our ability to convene the Norfolk business community and ensure their voice is heard at all levels. Hosting this frank and open discussion with the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England is a testament to our role as the voice of Norfolk businesses. Opportunities like this demonstrate the unmatched influence and access that the Norfolk Chambers provides.”

Norfolk Chambers remains committed to championing the interests of the business community and delivering tangible policy impact. To learn more about our policy work and how you can get involved, visit NorfolkChambers.co.uk. 

ENDS

Notes to editor

*The QES survey was conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce to nearly 5,000 respondents between 11th November and 9th December, including those in Norfolk.

Press contact: [email protected]

About the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce

The Norfolk Chambers is a not-for-profit independent business membership organisation 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.

We provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, offer business services, signpost to business opportunities and inspire innovative thinking to enable companies to do better business. Our voice is your voice, amplified through established connections, to ensure that politicians both local and in Westminster are focussed on creating and enhancing the conditions that are most conducive for economic growth in our region. The Chamber’s long track record of 126 years and our diverse membership, make us the pre-eminent network and one of the most respected voices of business in Norfolk.

Looking for a workspace that’s professional yet welcoming, with all the perks you need to stay focused? Then you’ll be interested in the Norfolk Chambers Business Hub – a vibrant coworking and meeting space in the heart of Norwich. Whether you’re a solo business owner, part of a growing team, or just need a change of scenery, we’ve got you covered. 

Kami Robinson from Bold Creatures, a member of the Norfolk Chambers, recently spent some time at the hub and loved it… and there’s a video to prove it!

“As a solopreneur, I’m so glad to have this option when I’ve got a big workload. Sometimes, a coffee shop just won’t cut it.” 

Check out Kami’s video and take a sneak peek at what makes the hub such a great place to work – Watch on YouTube. 

Where you’ll find us 

The Business Hub is all about making your workday easier and more enjoyable. Nestled in the beautiful Hardwick House, it’s just a short walk from Norwich Train Station (8 minutes), Rose Lane Car Park (5 minutes), and Castle Quarter Car Park (2 minutes). 

Here’s what you’ll find 

• Comfortable workstations with monitors, charging points, and plenty of desk space. 

• Electric rise-and-fall desks for that perfect ergonomic setup. 

• Private meeting pods with soundproofing (speak freely, there’s no need to whisper here!). 

• A boardroom for up to 20 people, complete with a large flat-screen TV. 

• Breakout spaces when you need a quick catch-up or a little downtime. 

• High-speed WiFi so you can stay connected. 

• Free hot drinks (yes, free!) with access to our amazing bean-to-cup coffee machine. Because let’s face it—good coffee makes everything better. 

The Norfolk Chambers team is on hand to connect, support, and help you feel right at home. 

Why Not Give It a Try? 

From last-minute bookings to long-term plans, the Norfolk Chambers Business Hub offers a friendly and flexible space to get things done, with a discounted price for our members.

Whether you’re tackling a big project, hosting a meeting, interviewing job applicants, or just need somewhere quiet to focus, we’re here for you – with great coffee, of course. 

Book your space today and discover why the Norfolk Chambers Business Hub is the perfect place to work and meet. 

If you have any further questions about the Business Hub, please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In the largest business sentiment survey since October’s Budget, the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC’s) Quarterly Economic Survey, shows that tax has become the greatest concern for Norfolk based businesses.

Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement, three quarters (75%) of Norfolk firms now cite tax, including National Insurance, as their biggest worry, marking a significant increase from the 53% that raised this same concern in the previous Q3 survey.

Nationally, tax is a growing issue with 63% of businesses highlighting it as their greatest challenge.  This is the highest level recorded since tax concerns were first included in the survey in 2017.  By comparison, the previous quarter recorded concerns from 53% of Norfolk based businesses and 49% nationally.

Here are the main highlights of Q4’s business survey:

·75% of Norfolk businesses say tax, including national insurance, is now a concern, following the Chancellor’s Budget – the highest level since 2017.

· Business confidence has slipped to its lowest level since the aftermath of the mini-Budget in Autumn 2022.

· Most organisations (45%) now expect prices to go up in the next three months, with labour costs by far the biggest driver. 

· Only 25% of businesses have increased investment in the past three months – 26% have decreased.

· Business conditions are weak, with only 25% of firms reporting increased cashflow and 20% a decrease.

· Nearly half (45%) of responding firms in our county say they expect to raise their prices in the next three months, compared with 43% in Q3. The survey also showed that business confidence in Norfolk has declined significantly with just 44% of responding companies expecting their turnover to increase in the next 12 months, compared with 49% nationally. Across the country confidence levels are lowest in the retail and hospitality sectors (39% and 42% respectively). 

Tax now the top concern for organisations

As we’ve seen, tax is now the top concern for businesses nationwide and the levels in certain sectors are higher, with 72% of production and manufacturing firms, and 68% of construction and engineering businesses raising it as a concern. 

Concern about inflation among Norfolk’s businesses remains broadly similar to the national picture – 48% compared to 47%. This is only a slight increase on the 46% reported last quarter. Worry about interest rates has fallen slightly to 25% (27% in Q3).

Business confidence hit by Budget measures

There has been a significant drop in business confidence since the Chancellor’s statement. Only 44% of firms say they expect their turnover to increase in the next twelve months, down from 49% in Q3. This is the lowest figure since the aftermath of the ‘mini budget’ in late 2022. Over a third (35%) of businesses expect turnover to worsen, up from just 19% in Q3, and 37% expect no change. 

Profitability confidence has also been hit with only 35% of Norfolk firms expecting profits to increase over the next year (38% in Q3), while 30% of businesses expect them to fall. 

More businesses expecting to raise prices

Labour continues to be the main cost pressure for firms – but the issue is now raised by 91% of businesses, up from 85% in Q3. This is consistently higher than the national average, potentially reflecting the over-exposure to challenges in hospitality and tourism we consistently see in Norfolk.

Fewer firms have increased investment plans

Only 25% of Norfolk businesses say they have increased investment plans over the last quarter, down from 29% in Q3. 26% of firms say they have cut back investment plans, a rise from the Q3 figure of 25%. 46% of businesses say their plans have remained the same. Whilst this isn’t hugely encouraging, the figures are less concerning when compared to the national average which shows yet again the resilience of Norfolk’s business community.  

The issue is more marked in certain sectors though, with 42% of retail and hospitality firms reporting a scaling back of investment. 

Business conditions struggle

The percentage of respondents reporting increased domestic sales has fallen slightly from 24% in Q3 down to 22% this quarter. 52% reported no change and 23% of firms said they had seen a decrease in sales.  

Nationwide, retailers were the most likely to have seen a fall in sales (36%) followed by manufacturers (33%). 

What Norfolk Chambers members say

Rebecca Houston of Smash Marketing says “Times are hard, and budgets are tight, but history shows us that the businesses who increase their marketing efforts will come out on top. There are lots of things companies can do themselves like updating their websites, emailing their existing database and consistently posting on social media channels.”

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

“The worrying reverberations of the Budget are clear to see in our survey data. Businesses confidence has slumped in a pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes. 

“Firms of all shapes and sizes are telling us the national insurance hike is particularly damaging. Businesses are already cutting back on investment and say they will have to put up prices in the coming months. The Government is rightly coming up with long-term strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. But those plans won’t help businesses struggling now.

“Business stands ready to work in partnership to make the proposed Employment Rights legislation work for all, but the current plans will add further costs on firms.

“To help business we need to see quick action in three specific areas. Firstly, ministers should accelerate business rate reform to create a system that incentives investment. We also need the Government to speed up infrastructure investment, to help SMEs in supply chains across the country. Finally, it’s crucial to support exports, prioritising a better trading deal with the European Union.

“Without urgent Government action to ease the pain on businesses, the challenging economic landscape will get worse before it gets better.”

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

“This dataset is a clear signal that business sentiment has been significantly impacted following recent policy announcements, notably national insurance increases. Taxation is now by far the biggest concern. As ever though, the picture in Norfolk is more nuanced. Businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector consistently feel least confident about the future with entrenched concerns about skills, recruitment, staff retention and investment.

“Confidence has now dipped to 2022 levels, with less than half of firms expecting improved turnover over the next year and over a third now expecting it to worsen.

“Faced with rising costs, our survey paints a difficult picture and shows businesses are having to make some very difficult decisions. Many of our members tell us they expect to push up prices and cut back on investment and the BCC expect this to lead to a low or no-growth economic climate in the coming months. Whilst the feedback is not universally negative, it certainly isn’t positive. We want to see this new government come forward with some olive branches through the upcoming spending review, and through a renewed Norfolk devolution deal to show that they are serious about working with business to grow our economy.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

The QES survey was conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce to nearly 5,000 respondents between 11th November and 9th December.

Press contact: [email protected]

About the 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. 

We provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, offer business services, signpost to business opportunities and inspire innovative thinking to enable companies to do better business. Our voice is your voice, amplified through established connections, to ensure that politicians both local and in Westminster are focussed on creating and enhancing the conditions that are most conducive for economic growth in our region. The Chamber’s long track record of 126 years and our diverse membership, make us the pre-eminent network and one of the most respected voices of business in Norfolk.

Please take a look at our opening times over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce “Today’s budget will put pressure on many businesses.   Whilst the Chancellor has provided clarity on the Government’s manifesto, from an average business perspective, the significant increase in employers national insurance contributions, combined with the reduction on the employers secondary threshold from £9,000 to £5,000 will be challenging for many firms to be able to absorb the additional costs. Whilst, the smallest firms will welcome the additional help that increasing the employer allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which will offset some of the tax pain, any business, with effectively more than 15 employees, will still face greater financial burden.  There will be large number of businesses looking at the increased employer costs and seeing no option but to consider increasing their own prices to their customers. One such business is a Norfolk-based family pub operator, with multiple sites and employing circa 50 people.  They commented: “Hospitality has never fully recovered from the adverse economic and consumer behaviour impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and following the energy crisis and the current cost of living crisis, the announcement that the national minimum age is to increase for apprentices and 16-17 and 18-20 year olds is a further swingeing blow to an already fragile industry in Norfolk and across the UK as a whole. “Pubs and restaurants rely upon young people to perform important customer service roles and with disposable incomes reduced and consumer spending already being suppressed by the cost-of-living crisis, the adverse impact of a labour overhead increase of this magnitude will invariably result in increased prices for consumers and a reluctance for hospitality operators to hire and create employment.” On the more positive side, the announcement that business rates for 2026/2027 will have two lower tax rate bands for retail, hospitality and leisure will be welcomed by these businesses. As a region, businesses will be looking carefully at how to capitalise on the government’s proposed investment plans for sectors such as life sciences, creative and engineering.  We also welcome Ms Reeves announcement on the investment in broadband for rural areas. Norfolk businesses and residents alike are aware of the pothole challenges in this region, so further investment for roads maintenance will be welcomed by all, but it was disappointing to not hear of any further infrastructure investments in the East, apart from East/West rail for Cambridge.  To help the sustainability agenda and to progress economic growth, we really need to see the Ely/Haughley rail junctions be delivered as soon as possible.”

Nova Fairbank Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce “As the voice of business in our county, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce constantly engages with our business community and we are consistently hearing the need for certainty and clarity.  Both are vital for any business, in order for them to have the confidence to commit to making their own investments for growth. Since the general election in July, businesses have been holding their breath to see what new Labour government will prioritise, after 14 years in opposition.  This is reflected in the recent results of our Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) – the largest independent business survey in the UK –  which showed 70% of Norfolk businesses are not increasing investment and 54% are seriously concerned about taxation. Our business community has shown remarkable resilience, patience and pragmatism, but the uncertainty of a change of government has led to a reduction in business investment.  Businesses are calling for clarity, so it is hoped that this week’s budget will end much of the uncertainty around key policy decisions. The potential, and indeed, likely increase in employer national insurance contributions in this week’s budget has resulted in a swathe of comments from our employers across the county.  86% of our members are classed as SMEs and will be disproportionately impacted by this.  Leaving less to invest in their staff, recruitment, or growth. Here are just a few of their comments: Sara Docwra from this This is Effective in Great Yarmouth said: “With the added pressure on small businesses, any increase to NI contributions, along with any increase to employer pension contributions would have a detrimental effect on small businesses who are the lifeblood of the UK economy.” Charlotte Notley from Taylor Investigations in Norwich said: “It would be great to see support for SMEs in Norfolk, without it being of detriment to the businesses who employ staff. A possible increase of the employer contribution to NI and to levy NI on employers’ pension contributions could be the difference between growth and recruitment or preventing further opportunities to employ.  I would also like to see funding and grant opportunities for businesses to train and retain staff.” James Fowler from Uptech Ltd in King’s Lynn said: “How does any raise on Tax or NI for a business help the economy or an employee?  This is likely to be a huge hindrance on SME’s, as it will reduce availability of pay rises and investment.  In a digital era, businesses need to be able to invest in tech in order to create growth and to support its people.” Rachel Reeves’ first budget as Chancellor must clearly show Norfolk businesses that this government is on their side. To that end, they are also calling for: An Effective Industrial Strategy –  that focuses more on green and digital innovation, especially for our offshore renewables sector and the digitisation of foundational sectors like agriculture, hospitality and tourism. Improvements in our Infrastructure – Norfolk has one of the lowest levels of infrastructure investment in the country.  To unlock further growth we need to see improvements to the likes of the A47, our main east / west trunk road.  The delivery of the Ely and Haughley rail junction improvements to enable more freight capacity and to get more HGVs off our roads.  And digital and mobile connectivity improvements – there are still far too many not spots across our rural county and broadband for everyone which would allow our businesses to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK. Greater Support to Improve Skills – Norfolk businesses are keen to see what help can be put in place to help support those on long-term sick or those who are struggling to access the workforce.  They would like to see the gaps in local training provision being plugged and for support for helping the long-term sick back into work, plug the gaps in local training provision and critically, longer-term funding for LSIPs and greater flexibility in Apprenticeship Levy use. Employment Rights – businesses are seeking greater clarity on the secondary legislation that will make the Employment Rights Bill a reality.  Businesses all support better working conditions for their employees, but a balance is needed to ensure that the policy doesn’t inadvertently push people out of work. Other areas businesses would like to see the Chancellor address, include a more workable R&D Tax Credit System and significant reform of the Business Rates system, which penalises any business before they have even made a profit.

Thank you to everyone who made B2B 2024 at the Norfolk Showground our biggest and best yet! With the most exhibitors we’ve ever had and nearly 1,200 attendees, the energy throughout the day was absolutely electric. The Norfolk business community once again came together to make this event truly special, and we couldn’t have done it without your enthusiasm and support.

Thank you again to Uptech for being our headline sponsor this year.

We’re already prepping for #B2B25 so mark your calendars for Thursday 9th October 2025! To secure your stand at the early bird rate, click here!

A few words from Nova Fairbank – Chief Executive  B2B 2024 was our biggest and best yet.  With a record breaking number of visitors and exhibitors, there was something for everyone.  As the largest business to business exhibition in the East of England, we went totally viral across the social media channels.  So thank you to all of the brilliant businesses who gave our amazing event a shout out.  With an exhibitor breakfast, a brand new exhibition layout, loads of truly creative exhibition stands and an ‘It’s a Wrap’ drinks reception to finish it all off – why wouldn’t you book now for 2025?!

A few words from Jack Weaver – Chief Operating Officer  Our B2B Exhibition is probably my favourite large event we put on, and 2025 did not disappoint! We had more stands, more visitors and more networking than ever and the feedback I am getting from you the business community about how brilliant it was is non-stop. From doors opening, throughout the day, and even over the following weekend social media was awash with great conversations, new client relationships and huge positivity all centred on B2B. By any measure this was the best one yet and the work to make B2B26 even better starts now!

A few words from Shelley Rudling – Events Manager The B2B 24 Exhibition was our biggest and best yet, and it was an honour to lead the event for the first time. We had more stands, more visitors, and more networking opportunities than ever before, with a fresh layout and structure to the day’s events. The overwhelming positive feedback across social media, especially on LinkedIn, was incredible to see. The energy and connections made were unmatched. Next year, we’re aiming even higher and promise to deliver an even greater experience at B2B 25

A few words from Rick Notley – Marketing & Communications Manager B2B 2024 truly set a new standard! With a brand-new layout and upgraded shell scheme, the event space looked more dynamic and inviting than ever. Our improved schedule of events kept the energy high and the footfall steady throughout the day. B2B dominated social media in the days that followed, with attendees and exhibitors sharing their highlights, new connections, and success stories. It’s this momentum we are looking forward to taking forward to a bigger and better B2B again in 2025!

View the official photos from the day here.

• BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q3 2024 shows a dip in SME exporters already poor performance on overseas sales.
• Under a quarter of exporting SME firms (22%) saw their overseas sales rise in Q3, compared to 27% in Q2.
• More than half of all SME exporters (54%) saw no change in overseas sales, and 24% reported a decrease.
• BCC’s SME export sales indicator has consistently underperformed compared to domestic sales indicators since the pandemic.

The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the BCC’s Insights Unit, is a survey of just under 2,000 UK SME exporters. It shows the percentage of SME exporters reporting increased exports has fallen back in Q3 by five percentage points after an uptick in Q2. Overall, 22% of SME exporters reported an increase in export sales, while 24% reported a decrease and 54% reported no change. The position for advance orders is even less optimistic with 19% of SMEs reporting an increase, 56% no change, and 25% a decrease. SME exporters are consistently more likely to report decreased exports compared to before the pandemic and Brexit. In Q2 2018, only 14% of SME exporters reported a decrease in overseas sales, in Q3 2024 it stands at 24%. By contrast, domestic demand for SME exporters remains consistently more buoyant, with 32% reporting an increase in domestic sales in Q3 2024, against 22% for overseas sales. SME manufacturers are slightly more likely to report increased overseas sales, with 26% reporting a rise in exports. This compares to SME services exporters supplying end customers (B2C), where 20% saw an increase, while 20% of firms supplying services to other businesses (B2B) saw a rise. However, the picture for advance orders showed no improvement, with 24% of SME manufacturers reporting an increase, 16% of B2C firms and 17% of B2B businesses. William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:   “While the UK economy made a brighter start in 2024, it’s an increasing concern that this is not translating into a better performance on exports for our SMEs. “It’s also alarming that our research shows the services sector is experiencing a harder time than manufacturers, as it has been the UK success story since the pandemic. “The Government’s forthcoming Trade Strategy needs to be laser focused on addressing the issues which are holding back exporters of both goods and services. “There are some positive actions already underway. These include significant trade negotiations restarting, the UK’s imminent accession to the Pacific region’s largest trade bloc, more focus on digital trade and a commitment to an improved EU trading relationship. “But business will want to work with Government at pace, to put in place a framework that makes use of all the UK’s advantages to unleash our exporting potential. “The Government’s recent announcement of a new supply chain taskforce, to increase resilience, is also an essential step.”

A Norfolk Business Board tasked with developing a vibrant economy, helping local companies to succeed and ensuring the region has the necessary skills and infrastructure has met for the first time. Representing a wide range of backgrounds, including agri-food, clean energy, creative industries and financial services, the board’s members were chosen from almost 70 applications and will help oversee an ambitious, evidence-based economic strategy for Norfolk. Meeting four to six times a year, they will give their time to deliver the board’s vision for inclusive economic growth, in partnership with business, education, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The first meeting was held on Thursday 26 September at Hethel Engineering, near Norwich. Norfolk Business Board was set up earlier this year following the integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership into Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council. This resulted from a central government decision in April 2023. Cllr Kay Mason-Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk’s economy has huge potential for growth, and we need to provide the right growing conditions with an environment that is vibrant, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable. “The Board will collaborate with partners to support the economy with the right jobs, skills, training, and infrastructure, and work well for our businesses and people, giving everyone the best opportunities to succeed.” Nick Steven-Jones, CEO of Jarrold and who was appointed chairman at the meeting, said: “I am very pleased and proud to be elected chair of the newly formed Norfolk Business Board. It is a great opportunity for representation of businesses and councils in driving the Norfolk economy forward in a way its vibrancy and entrepreneurial nature deserves. We look forward to delivering tangible progress on the plans and achieving a real impact and benefit for the whole of Norfolk.” Norfolk Business Board’s members are: Charlie Wright, Chief Customer Officer, Epos Now Prof David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor, UEA Denise Hone, Senior Stakeholder Manager, RWE Mark Gorton, Managing Director, Traditional Norfolk Poultry Nick Steven-Jones, CEO, Jarrold Nova Fairbank, CEO, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Paul Padda, Principal and CEO, East Coast College Robin Milton, Founder, Fairer Games Stephen Crocker, CEO & Creative Director, Norwich Theatre Amy Griffiths, CEO, Diss & Thetford District, Citizens Advice Candy Richards, Development Manager (East Anglia), Federation of Small Businesses (alternate) Lucy Hogg, Director of Voluntary Infrastructure, Voluntary Norfolk (alternate) The board also includes the leaders or appointed representatives of all eight local authorities. To find out more about the work of Norfolk Business Board, visit www.norfolkbusinessboard.co.uk

Chambers East was one of the speakers lobbying for greater infrastructure investment in the East of England at yesterday’s Labour Party Conference fringe event in Liverpool. Chambers East brings together the four Chambers of Commerce in the East of England.  Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk to lobby with one strong voice on behalf of businesses across the East.  Jointly Chambers East has over 485 years of combined experience in supporting businesses and represents 3,550+ business members, employing over 300,000 people. The event was arranged by the East of England All Parliamentary Group and Transport East.  Nova Fairbank, the Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers was representing Chambers East and sat on a panel of speakers along with Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge, the CEO of Transport East, CEO of England’s Economic Heartland, the CEO of Freeports East and the Leader of West Suffolk Council.  The discussion was facilitated by Andrew Sinclair, Political Editor from the BBC. Among the key asks were the Ely and Haughley rail junctions, further dualling of the A47, investment in the Orwell Bridge and the Lower Thames Crossing. Commenting on the need for greater infrastructure investment, Nova Fairbank said: “Chambers East understands the frustrations being felt across our region, as a result of historic under-investment in our infrastructure.  Businesses need certainty and stability in order to create long term investment plans of their own.   As outlined in the recent Opportunities East Report, with the right infrastructure investments, we can unlock an East of England economy worth over £220 billion. “At present our region is a net contributor to UK PLC – even with the current under-investment. Imagine how much more we could achieve if we were allocated some much needed targeted funding to help galvanise our ambitions, productivity and ultimately economic growth.  That uplift would feed investment across the whole of the UK – far beyond just the East.