Returning on Friday 5 February, 2pm-4.30pm, The Big Debate goes virtual this year bringing together local MPs and business leaders to influence change and give voice to Norfolk businesses.
The online debate is spilt into four main topics Norfolk Chambers have identified as key to the business community this year. These are:
- People & Skills
- Rebuilding the Economy
- Climate Change & Going Green
- Beyond Brexit
This is your chance to put your questions directly to key decision makers, virtually network with other businesses in Norfolk and be part of Norfolk Chambers flagship policy event that lets the voice of the Norfolk business community be heard.
The schedule of the day
Welcome
From Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy, Governance & Public Affairs for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs for Greater Anglia.
Debate 1: People & Skills
Our first debate will focus on People & Skills, tackling the challenge of how we recruit and retain top talent in the county. Joining us will be Rebecca Headden, Co-Director for R13 Recruitment, James Howells, Director for Turning Factor, Karen Paterson, Deputy Group Property & Facilities Director for Aviva and Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North.
Debate 2: Rebuilding the Economy
Join Stefan Gurney, Executive Director for Norwich BID, Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, David Parfrey Executive Chair for Norwich Research Park and James Wild, MP for North West, to discuss how businesses can bounce back after such a turbulent year. With Brexit and the Covid pandemic challenging businesses like never before, what are the opportunities for businesses to expand and grow in 2021, and what is needed to ensure businesses in Norfolk thrive?
Break
Time to grab yourself another cup of tea.
Debate 3: Climate Change & Going Green
Next on the agenda will be Climate Change & Going Green with the aim of looking at what support is needed and available for businesses to improve their carbon footprint. Answering your questions will be Richard Buckingham, Climate Change and Carbon Manager for Anglian Water, Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk and Dr Catrin Ellis Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Manager – Offshore Wind for Vattenfall.
Debate 4: Beyond Brexit
Our final debate of the day focusses on Brexit. Now that ‘Brexit is done’ what support is there for Norfolk businesses to drive growth overseas and what impact has Brexit had on local businesses already? This topic will be debated by Richard Pace, Managing Director for Norwich Airport, Tracey Renshaw, Managing Director for Import Export Support, Kevin Walsh, U.K. Sales Director for LV Shipping and Leszek Wysocki, International Trade Adviser for Department of International Trade.
How to submit your questions
You can post messages live at the event and you can also submit questions in advance of the event. If you would like to submit a question on any of the four topics in advance, you may do so here: click here to submit questions.
The Big Debate 2020 is sponsored by Greater Anglia and is open to members and non-members.
To book your tickets and to see further speakers announced, click here.
And don’t forget to get involved in the discussion on Twitter at #BigDebate21
