As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
David Dukes is the Business Development Manager at the Norfolk County Council who are one of our longest standing members at the Chamber having joined well over 20 years ago.
David’s question to the Chancellor was:
“We are delighted that the A11 is finally being fully duelled. A major milestone. However, we have a 2nd key road that is just as vital. The A47 is our main and really, the only link to the West and North. Yet it presents a major hurdle to business in the county and those serving it, plus the millions of visitors every year. Can you give any indication of improvements in the future?
We are delighted that Norfolk’s superfast broadband is being substantially upgraded. It would be excellent if more funds were to be made available to increase coverage further. However, it is our chronically poor mobile coverage that we really need to address. Far too much of Norfolk – which presents few topographical issues compared to many – are no go areas. That affects business. What comfort can you offer us?
Could the Chancellor offer businesses in Norfolk any advice on accessing Government funding? I am aware of a number of extremely good businesses that have applied for various grants towards projects that will deliver significant growth in jobs, yet they are invariably unsuccessful. We need better knowledge and acceptance of the capability of many of Norfolk’s businesses.”
Find on the attached document the written response from the HM Treasury.
