Happy birthday to Norfolk Chamber! We are officiallycelebrating our 120 years anniversary today, since being incorporated on this date 7 October in 1896.
This morning over 100 members gathered to help celebrate with us at our annual Norwich Economic Business Breakfast at OPEN followed by our AGM. Celebrations were underway early with a special toast led by Caroline Williams, Chief Executive with guests enjoying bucks fizz at 8am!
At midday ourmembers of staff gathered in the boardroom of our offices to toast this amazing achievement, with balloons, blow up guitars and mustaches on sticks.
Over the last year we have received special messages of congratulations from Her Majesty, The Queen; Theresa May, Prime Minister; Adam Marshall, Acting Director General at British Chambers of Commerce and local MPs. Read the messages below.
Also don’t forget to find out about our rich history which spans over a century here
Her Majesty, The Queen “The Queen was pleased to receive your kind message sent on behalf of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of your One-Hundred and Twentieth Anniversary, which is being marked at your Annual General Meeting. As Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, Her Majesty much appreciated your thoughtfulness in writing as you did and, in return, sends her warm good wishes to all concerned as you mark this notable anniversary.”
Theresa May, Prime Minister “It is my pleasure to send congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its 120th anniversary.The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is an excellent voice for the business community in Norfolk and the Chamber’s important work around bettering opportunities for young people is particularly commendable. The Chamber should celebrate these achievements as it looks forward to continuing its important work in the years to come.I am sure that this milestone will further encourage the young people and local businesses in the area to mark the Chamber’s incredible legacy.Please accept my best wishes on this special occasion.”
Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General, British Chambers of Commerce “For a business to survive for more than a century is no mean feat, but to have grown and expanded over a period spanning three centuries of unprecedented national change is an achievement worthy of special congratulations.In its 120 years, the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has supported businesses across the county through world wars, economic booms and recessions, an ever-changing economy and the emergence of a global and digital marketplace.Norfolk Chamber’s longevity demonstrates its continued relevance to its members, as well as its team’s hard work and business acumen.
“Chambers of Commerce are now more important than ever as a key point of contact between local businesses in the UK and export markets overseas. As Chambers, we will at the forefront of providing our members with the information and contacts that they need to continue expanding into overseas markets.
“So on this landmark occasion, let me on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce, offer my congratulations to yourself and the whole Norfolk Chamber team, and express my appreciation and admiration for your team’s consistent and unfailing professionalism and dedication to the businesses they work hard to champion, and wish you all the very best of success for the years to come.”
Henry Bellingham, MP for North West Norfolk “This really is a very important anniversary for the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, who have been serving Norfolk’s businesses in such a professional and energetic way for the whole of the last century, the closing years of the 19th century, and of course, the opening years of this current century. I have had the chance to see for myself the really quite superb work carried out by the Chamber, because not only have they successfully supported numerous countywide campaigns, but they have also been unstinting in their support of individual businesses.”
Rt Hon Keith Simpson, MP Broadland “Congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on celebrating an anniversary of 120 years. I know from my experience as a Norfolk MP for nearly twenty years what an important role the Chamber performs at bringing together businesses, local government and education providers and in lobbying on behalf of Norfolk’s wider commercial interests.”
George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk “I am delighted to send my congratulations to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on your 120th Anniversary. Having spent fifteen years working as an entrepreneur before coming to Parliament, and having served in Government as a Business Minister, I know from my own experience how important the Chamber is for businesses to contribute to the debate on national and local issues, providing the opportunity for members to engage with Government policy and acting as a champion of enterprise and innovation in our region. Norfolk led the agricultural revolution, and our businesses and entrepreneurs are now leading the digital revolution. The future for Norfolk enterprise is brighter than ever. Thank you for all your work in our area, and congratulations again on celebrating your 120th anniversary!”
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Norfolk “Sincere congratulations to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for meeting this incredible milestone. It is really important for the economy of Norfolk that we have an effective membership organisation representing local businesses. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce provides important advocacy for businesses and employment in our county. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the NCC.”
Elizabeth Truss MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice “Congratulations to Norfolk Chamber of Commerce on the 120 year anniversary. Over many years of operation, the organisation has worked hard to represent business not only in the UK but also overseas. It continues to support our entrepreneurs, provide networking opportunities, celebrate Norfolk successes and act as the voice for business; I wish the chamber every success in the years ahead.”
