Chamber Blog

When it comes to the economy, it feels like rays of sunshine are breaking out from behind the clouds that have been parked over the United Kingdom ever since the financial crisis of 2008. As the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) brand-new Q3 forecast suggests, growth is likely to be higher than anticipated over each of the next three years. Recent economic releases, from net trade to retail sales, show an uptick in our national performance. Barring business investment, nearly every indicator monitored in the latest Bank of England agents’ report is trending positive – mirroring the trends the Chamber Network first spotted in the Quarterly Economic Survey this spring.

So there are real, and increasing, reasons for Norfolk business to be cheerful. It’s not just a long spell of warm and summery weather, but a recovery in real world conditions, that underlies the latest trends in the economy. But we’re not completely out of the woods yet. There are a number of factors that we at the Chamber will continue to keep an eye on that could affect the scale and pace of our economic resurgence. As John Longworth Director General at the BCC has said, recovery is precisely the time when the political class must be most alert and attentive, because any slackening of their focus on growth could hurt our prospects of moving the economy from good to truly great. Some of the factors we’ll be watching carefully:

• International shocks. With the potential for conflict in Syria, German elections, and the never-ending Eurozone drama, events overseas could impact us here – from inflation and energy price spikes through to impacts on demand in our key export markets.}  
• The UK’s public finances. Don’t believe the political rhetoric on either side; at best, we’re treading water. The markets have been benign and accommodating to date, but there’s no guarantee this will continue over the medium-term.  
• Monetary policy. Mark Carney, the new Bank of England governor, chose to make his first major public speech at Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber  this week, and highlighted his commitment to forward guidance on interest rates and stability in monetary policy. Yet interest rates could rise faster than predicted if the recovery continues to gather strength. What’s more, there is an eventual reckoning to be had as quantitative easing is unwound and withdrawn from the market.  
• Business investment. As both our QES and the Bank of England’s figures show, businesses remain reluctant to undertake major investments. Amongst the new and growing, this may reflect tight credit conditions and discouragement.  Amongst established and larger companies, though, this is continued conservatism at a time of perceived uncertainty. Unless investment picks up, rebalancing may be some way behind.  
• Public investment. Our Westminster politicians have an innate ability to wobble at precisely the worst time, as behaviour over HS2 has demonstrated this week. Indecision and uncertainty on road, rail, energy and aviation projects could hurt our medium-term recovery prospects.  
• And finally, the UK’s trade balance. While Chamber exporters continue to power ahead in many markets across the world, particularly in services, we’re not seeing the kind of shift in the UK’s trade performance that meets market expectations (to say nothing of pushing the UK’s dire balance-of-payments track record into the black).

The fine balance between opportunities and threats makes our job at the Chamber complex, to say the least. But I am confident in saying that I feel better about the prospects for Norfolk businesses than for a considerable time. As a very wise person once said, “you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf”. Norfolk businesses are starting to hone their surfing skills – and we’re here to help.

There is a lot of talk about the need to support SMEs (in English that stands for Small and Medium Enterprises) who are the engine of growth for the UK economy.

 But what constitutes a small business?  I started to do some research and it depends who you ask and why you are asking. The Government statistics defines small as employing less than 50 staff and Medium fewer than 250.

Interestingly 99.5 per cent of all Norfolk businesses employ less than 200 staff with 85 percent employing less than 10. As an aside in public sector speak businesses employing less than 10 are defined as micro- a term disliked intensely by small businesses who fall into that category.

So does size matter? Well yes and no. If you are after government funding it matters a lot as if you don’t fit the number of employee and turnover criterion set by the different funders you do not qualify.

However what is more important to an individual business is their size in relation to their own sector. A firm of a given size could be small in relation to one sector where the market is large and there are many competitors, whereas a firm of similar proportions could be considered large in another sector with few players and/or generally smaller firms within it.

At the Chamber we feel is it not necessarily the size, shape and age of a business that matters as much as their attitude, although we do realise that the number of employees does often determine the structure of the business.

 Although a small business ourselves, employing 12 staff, Norfolk Chamber due to the nature of our business and the expectations of our members has many of the structures of a larger business i.e. accreditations such as ISO9001 and IIP. This combination of accreditations and versatility works for us as it is a differentiator.

What is clear is that our Norfolk Chamber smaller members are living up to their reputation of being dynamic and successful.  We asked the question recently to our members “What is particularly exciting about your business right now?” The answers came back loud and clear!

There are too many quotes to include them all but comments include  Liftshare: “Signing up some huge new clients like Vodaphone, Serco and nPower” Deltic Training: “Increasing amount of business overseas” Right Angle Events ” We are currently in a state of excellent growth and have taken on new personnel” Paul Robinson Partnership “The implementation of BIM technology and collaboration across all projects is a real step forward. “AFA Projects “Changing delivery methods – we recently delivered training in South Africa from our converted cow shed” Britannia Fire “Double digit growth in turnover and in profit” Tax Assist Direct “International expansion to USA Canada and ANZ” and there were many many more.

As the economy starts to show promise it is really great that Norfolk’s smaller businesses are alive and very much kicking. The future will continue to be challenging but there is no doubt this sector of our business community is up to the challenge.There is a lot of talk about the need to support SMEs (in English that stands for Small and Medium Enterprises) who are the engine of growth for the UK economy.

 But what constitutes a small business?  I started to do some research and it depends who you ask and why you are asking. The Government statistics defines small as employing less than 50 staff and Medium fewer than 250.

Interestingly 99.5 per cent of all Norfolk businesses employ less than 200 staff with 85 percent employing less than 10. As an aside in public sector speak businesses employing less than 10 are defined as micro- a term disliked intensely by small businesses who fall into that category.

So does size matter? Well yes and no. If you are after government funding it matters a lot as if you don’t fit the number of employee and turnover criterion set by the different funders you do not qualify.

However what is more important to an individual business is their size in relation to their own sector. A firm of a given size could be small in relation to one sector where the market is large and there are many competitors, whereas a firm of similar proportions could be considered large in another sector with few players and/or generally smaller firms within it.

At the Chamber we feel is it not necessarily the size, shape and age of a business that matters as much as their attitude, although we do realise that the number of employees does often determine the structure of the business.

 Although a small business ourselves, employing 12 staff, Norfolk Chamber due to the nature of our business and the expectations of our members has many of the structures of a larger business i.e. accreditations such as ISO9001 and IIP. This combination of accreditations and versatility works for us as it is a differentiator.

What is clear is that our Norfolk Chamber smaller members are living up to their reputation of being dynamic and successful.  We asked the question recently to our members “What is particularly exciting about your business right now?” The answers came back loud and clear!

There are too many quotes to include them all but comments include  Liftshare: “Signing up some huge new clients like Vodaphone, Serco and nPower” Deltic Training: “Increasing amount of business overseas” Right Angle Events ” We are currently in a state of excellent growth and have taken on new personnel” Paul Robinson Partnership “The implementation of BIM technology and collaboration across all projects is a real step forward. “AFA Projects “Changing delivery methods – we recently delivered training in South Africa from our converted cow shed” Britannia Fire “Double digit growth in turnover and in profit” Tax Assist Direct “International expansion to USA Canada and ANZ” and there were many many more.

As the economy starts to show promise it is really great that Norfolk’s smaller businesses are alive and very much kicking. The future will continue to be challenging but there is no doubt this sector of our business community is up to the challenge.

Britain’s recovery is strengthening. You heard it here first – by which I mean, you heard it from the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey first.

Although a significant number of our members do fill out the British QES survey it is far from the majority so I thought I emphasize the importance of this particular monitor on our economy.

• The QES is Britain’s biggest, and longest-running, private business survey.  
• It’s provided consistent data since 1989, and regularly receives more than 7,000 business responses. Compare that to the average business survey, which garners a few hundred responses.  
• It’s a leading indicator – often picking up big changes in the economy long before other surveys or official statistics.  
• The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee uses the QES as one of its key benchmarks when setting interest rates.  
• HM Treasury and the independent Office for Budget Responsibility use the QES to put together their forecasts for the UK’s economic performance.  
• The European Commission uses the QES to assess the health of the UK economy when it makes policy recommendations for both Westminster and Brussels.  
• The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) use the QES when comparing the UK to competitors worldwide.  
• The QES is a clear example of how being part of a local Chamber of Commerce means you’re part of something bigger. Together, we are the economy.

I feel it very important that Norfolk businesses influence natonal policy by feeding back through this mechanism so I would ask that next time it hits your in box you try to give us 3 minutes of your time to complete it. 

For details of Q2 which have just been released go to: https://tinyurl.com/oqeatct

With a recognized aging workforce within the energy sector there is no doubt that Norfolk’s young people are an important workforce for the future.  However currently there is a complete lack of coordination relating to how we can get our young people work- ready.

 The Coalition Government swept away Business/Education groups and all their funding; abolished Connexions which although did need reforming at least was a point of contact for schools and businesses and has changed the statutory duty for schools relating to careers.  Careers Education which was a statutory duty is no longer a priority and although most schools do give some time to it the quality is variable; Careers Guidance which is independent one2one advice is now a statutory duty but with no funding attached. Not a positive picture.

What always happens when there is a gap in the market is that commercial suppliers move in to fill the gap. Although many of them have great products, schools find it a real challenge to understand what is available overall and what would be right for them.  There is a danger they will buy a product to tick the Government’s boxes.

Is the message really getting through to our young people and their parents that on their door step there are and will be a vast number and types of jobs within the energy sector and so it an exciting career choice.  The answer is probably No.  The confusion of places to get information and the types of opportunities available is far from clear. The schools structures are changing and they no longer work as closely together as they have done in the past.

Norfolk Chamber has identified 2013 as the year to increase the potential of our young people. We are in the advantageous position of having within our Chamber network, schools, colleges, local authorities and of course businesses and have started to challenge the current situation. A recent meeting in GY between the GYBC cabinet, GY Chamber Council. GY College and GY schools identified that there were opportunities within the curriculum timetable to introduce improved careers information and the Chamber has challenged the GY School Heads to work together so the business community have a single group to work with.

Apprenticeships have improved considerably and many energy sector companies are showing real best practice but for many is it confusing and time consuming. Norfolk Chamber has secured funding from the Skills Funding Agency to set up a Chamber Apprenticeship Broker Service to help local businesses employ 40 apprenticeships aged between 16 -18, by the end of October 2013.

There are a number of different apprenticeship schemes now operating in Norfolk. The role of the Chamber will be to lend a helping hand to businesses to help them identify the most appropriate scheme and providers to meet their needs and get more young people into jobs. Chris Perry at the Chamber is the key contact on 01603 729707 chris.perry@norfolkchamber.co.uk.

The business community understands its responsibility to its young people and many local businesses are giving time and resource to explain the opportunities available to them. However a more coordinated approach needs to be taken across the Board and the Chamber and its embers will be at the forefront of making this happen. 

George Osborne got a number of things right in his Spending Round for 2015/16 this week. From a business perspective, longer-term commitments to infrastructure funding – including a clear nod to British Chamber of Commerce proposals for road maintenance and house-building – will yield both confidence and additional activity. So, too, will the Chancellor’s efforts to shield some business spending priorities from his well-honed axe, including export support, science and innovation, and defence procurement. A number of the things that featured on Chamber members’ wish lists, we are told, will be tackled in the near future – if not immediately.

Yet the Chancellor, and the political elite as a whole, also got some things very wrong. The overly partisan tone of his speech, and the debate which followed, was a sobering reminder of the fact that both sides of the House of Commons remain more focused on electoral advantage than the national interest. Questions remain about whether, and how fast, ministers’ promises of action and investment will materialise. But most importantly, the Spending Round represents a failure to more radically re-prioritise state spending on growth and competitiveness. Despite a clear effort to contain, if not slash, ballooning welfare and entitlement spending, the government’s failure to radically re-shape the state may be something Britain lives to regret in the second half of this decade.

For every win for national Chamber network lobbying – and there were many, from long-fought road improvements on the A14, A19, A303 or M20 – I cannot help but wonder what might have been if a truly ground-breaking course had been set with wealth creation, prosperity and competitiveness at its heart. Norfolk Chabmer was particularly disappointment that the A47 was not on the list for funding but we will continue to lobby for what we know the business community needs.

So we will continue the support BCC in their fight , led as of yesterday’s Annual General Meeting by a new BCC President, Nora Senior. You may have caught Nora’s first interview in this morning’s Telegraph, the first of many to come over the next two years. I know she will be a strong and effective champion for Chambers and business, just as her predecessor Martyn Pellew has been, and look forward to working with her. 

We are delighted that Nora will be one of our key note speakers at our Unlocking Potential Business Conference in Norwich on 22 November.

I was recently asked the question: How much do businesses need Europe? The feedback I received from our members was loud and clear. Europe is a very important trading market to a large number of significant employers in Norfolk. 

Europe represents a large market opportunity and business potential of any company based in the UK. Over 50% of exports from the UK go to EU and in this region, it is even more significant, with 60% of our exports bound for the EU.

With 500 million people, Europe is a large internal market for business. There is the ability to move goods and services as freely from Norwich to Berlin as from Norwich to Leeds.

The absence of tariffs and administrative barriers has helped Norfolk businesses enjoy the sort of freedom that firms in other free trade areas enjoy. A quote from one of our Norwich member reflects much of the feedback we received: “The thought of a divided Europe with the associated export and legal requirements is like a doomsday scenario”

The EU provides businesses with access to new markets, a wider pool of labour and very importantly suppliers.  In many instances this has led to lower costs making products more competitive not just in Europe but domestically and to other overseas markets.

Europe is seen as having a ‘low barrier to entry’ for companies looking to grow their market overseas for the first time. As the UK market continues to be challenging local businesses are looking to grow their business internationally.  The comparative ease of trading with Europe is seen as a good first step before tackling the more challenging lucrative markets such as Brazil and China.

The U.S., Japan and India are in the process of agreeing free-trade agreements with the EU. Whilst the UK has 60 million people and is an important market for them, they are more interested in the 500 million EU market. Working together as a single market does give us stronger negotiating powers.

Norfolk is increasingly attracting investment into local companies with one of their objectives being to access the single market.  Would this continue if we were not part of Europe?

However it is not all sunshine and roses. With 400 new laws being passed by the EU since the Coalition came to power at a cost to taxpayer and businesses of £700m, change needs to happen, particularly relating to Employment Law and Health & Safely directives.

Business wants to see is a level playing field especially relating to Compliance. Often what the UK interprets as ‘Rules’ the southern and eastern European countries interpret as ‘Guidelines’. We need more decisions made in Westminster not Brussels.  We need the protectionism against our service providers occurring within some Member States recognised and stopped.

The consensus from Norfolk Chamber business members were that being part of the EU was very important as a trading single market but changes do need to be made.

More companies are exporting – and to the fastest-growing markets. But targeted support will more than pay for itself by connecting businesses to new growth opportunities in some of the world’s biggest economies.

Last week, the British Chambers of Commerce published the first of three reports on the state of the export economy Exporting is Good for Britain But….Market Barriers Stifle Opportunities. The report draws on the findings of their annual international trade survey – the largest of its kind in the UK with well over 4,600 responses including many Norfolk exporters.

The aim is to go beyond the dry and volatile statistics of official trade data to engage with the experience of businesses in the real world: are they actively exporting, and if so – to where? What are their aspirations? What do they feel about particular markets? What are the major opportunities and challenges they face?

The results show that Chamber members continue to grow more export-oriented, with 39% actively trading into overseas markets compared to 32% in 2012.  And while the EU remains the most popular market, both for current and ‘potential exporters’, more member businesses now trade with the Middle East and Africa than with North America (57% versus 47%).  This is likely to reflect two things: the solid growth performance of economies like the UAE and Qatar with their demand for oil and gas equipment, infrastructure and construction expertise (all big areas of strength for UK exports); and the role of the Arabian peninsula as a globally-important transhipment hub.

But for me, the most striking finding of this report relates to how businesses view the fastest-growing markets. The conventional wisdom is that the UK as a whole needs to re-orient its export activity towards fast-growing economies like Brazil, India, China and South Africa (the so-called ‘BRICS’). But what do businesses themselves feel about these markets? Exporters that have entered these markets are confident in their ability to expand sales there and view them as their top prospects for growth. The positive experience of companies that have made the leap into these markets hints at the huge potential for the UK to grow its export base if the support is there to help them connect to these markets.

So what do we need to do? Whenever I talk to exporters thinking about entering these kind of markets for the first time the strong feedback, particularly from small and medium businesses, is: solid leads on contract opportunities would give the juiciest incentive to commit. That’s why the Chamber welcomed the Government’s ambition to develop the network of British Chambers and other business groups overseas, initially in 20 priority markets, as a practical platform for exporters to access new markets.

This programme must now be implemented and at scale: as in Germany, France and other developed nations, supporting a firm two-way trading link between UK and overseas Chambers would enhance the future export competitiveness of the UK. Greater access to trade shows and increased funding of UK pavilions at key trade fairs must also be prioritised.

“To create a truly sustainable economy, growth needs to be linked to positive impacts upon the environment and resources used, not only effectively but also intelligently”  This statement from the New Anglia LEP Green Economy Pathfinder manifesto is difficult to argue with it.

So why in the past has adopting sustainable business practices so often been viewed as a ‘nice to have’ or an ‘ideology’.  In 2013 this simply is not the case.  Sustainability is now seen as an efficiency driver, especially when expertise is effectively shared and businesses collaborate.  What is clear, is that if you want to save money and be more competitive, you have to engage with sustainability.

An effective transition to a sustainable economy will also boost economic recovery, create jobs, increase resource security and help make Norfolk more globally competitive.  Significant population growth, greater resource constraints and other global mega-trends are challenging business models throughout the economy.  The businesses that prepare for these events through innovation, communication and engagement will be the winners of the future.

The New Anglia Green Pathfinder report, relating to business resource efficiency, identified that low-cost and no-cost resource efficiency opportunities could generate savings of around £1.6bn in the New Anglia LEP area alone.  So if you are a business who feels that you are missing out, how do you get involved?

As when looking at any business practice you can take advantage of the knowledge of businesses that have already taken up the challenge and can demonstrate that it has made a difference to their bottom line.  For instance, local company Bernard Matthews and a keynote speaker at our sustainability conference next week is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading energy neutral businesses thanks to a broad range of green initiatives.  Local companies Greenright Homes and Muntons have both delivered real returns from embracing new technologies.

The government has recognized the need to support businesses in this area and there are currently opportunities to secure loans and grants to assist your businesses embrace new low carbon technologies.

There is no doubt that sustainability is a key factor in running a successful business.  Business leaders that rise to the challenge and lead the way in the development of low-carbon goods and services will help define the future success of the UK economy.

Norfolk has some of the UK’s most dynamic, innovative and sustainable businesses which are leading the way and it is important that all businesses review how they can embrace this agenda. 

I believe Mark Pendlington Group Director Anglian Water Group, who is also presenting at our sustainability conference on 9 May , sums it up well  “Business leaders that rise to the challenge and lead the way in the development of low-carbon goods and services will help define the future success of the UK economy.”

In these challenging economic times being resource efficient becomes increasingly important and so I would encourage all businesses to find out more, as being sustainable could really help your bottom line.

The Chamber’s Sustainability 2013 conference takes palce on the 9th May

Planning ministers always get a rough ride. If they’re not being barracked by the business community for the slowness of the planning process, or by the construction sector for the lack of develop-able land, they can be guaranteed a tough time from serial objectors to development and progress.

From a business perspective, Nick Boles, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning, has had the courage to do three things. First, he has boldly said that we need to develop a small amount of additional land in England if we are to be able to build vibrant communities, expand dynamic businesses, and house future generations. In a country where less than 3 per cent of land actually contains buildings, and where only 9 per cent is considered urban, harsh constraints on land use are only making it tougher to create the jobs and homes we need.

Second, Mr Boles has committed to making planning reforms work on the ground. Far too often, we in business have heard warm words on this issue, only for local bureaucracy and yes, NIMBYism, stifle any meaningful change.

And third, Mr Boles has put principle ahead of politics. Unlike so many across the political spectrum, he is forcing England to debate tough and sometimes unpalatable issues that are essential to our future economic prosperity and well-being.

Let me be clear. I have unresolved doubts about the mortgage market proposals made by the government in the Chancellor’s recent Budget. I’m not entirely convinced by use-class changes that could starve many towns and cities of commercial and industrial sites in favour of residential. And like others, I would be keen to see brownfield sites used before greenfield, wherever this is economically viable (sometimes, objectors to greenfield development have to realize it isn’t).

Yet when it comes to the planning system, the evidence from the business community and from individuals struggling to find housing, whether rented or owned, is clear. Planning liberalisation is one of the few supply-side tools that the government can use to spur both confidence and economic activity. Mr Boles would do well to keep his hard hat on, and use this tool – knowing he has the full support of the business community.

I have been invited to attend a workshop on 30 April at BIS Conference Centre in London to discuss the design and delivery of a new strategy for business support in England.

It would be great for as many businesses as possible to feed back to me what is currently working for them as far as accessing business advise and what they would like changed, for me to take to this meeting. Norfolk Chamber is currently working on enhancing its knowledge section within our website and will be starting a series of topical workshops for our members very shortly, so this feedback would also help us meet your requirements.

The background for the meeting as given by BIS is a follows.

The business support landscape has undergone a radical transformation over the last two years, following the implementation of the strategy set out in January 2011 in Mark Prisk’s policy statement “Bigger Better Business”.

More recently, at and around the recent Budget the Government made a number of announcements on support for small businesses that centre on enabling firms to navigate the vibrant, dynamic market of support to business help available.

• At a local level, through a single efficient signposting service developed through LEPs, run by local organisations bringing together national, local private and public support.
•  On the internet through a new private sector led online market place that will deliver a new Growth Voucher programme
• Via the Business Bank, which will include a programme of work to bring together high growth and specialist government advice schemes and create a single customer interface.

BIS plan to publish a refreshed strategy later in the year and have asked for Norfolk Chamber members’ support in doing so.

The aims of the BIS workshop is to:

• Co-design and create a strong system for business advice, that is easy for businesses to navigate and ensures co-ordination between programmes of national importance and local schemes
• Explore how together we can join up, including with the private sector, to stimulate demand for business advice, promoting the benefits and encourage small businesses to act in their own interest and make better use of the help available

If you were sitting at the meeting what would you say? Please let me know through our LinkedIn discussion or via email to me cw@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Why did only 11 businesses in the region bid for a slice of the latest round of the government’s regional growth fund? There were in fact 13 bids totally £47m but this is only 3% of the total on offer making the East of England region second lowest after London.

The independent advisory panel chaired by Lord Heseltine are getting ready to consider the 309 applications totally £315m put in for the Regional Growth fund  prior to passing over to a ministerial panel headed up by Nick Clegg.

Whatever the reasons for limited bids going in from businesses for the regional growth fund what is absolutely essential is that that Norfolk businesses who are eligible do take advantage of the ring fenced money for our area which was last week officially launched by Vince Cable. The £3m Growing Business Fund secured by the New Anglia LEP will provide grants of between £25k and £100k to businesses who have a shortfall in their investment plans and are able to create one job for every £10k provided by the fund.

At a time when securing funding for new projects has never been so challenging I would encourage any Norfolk Chamber member whose business is based in Broadland, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, or South Norfolk to check out the New Anglia website for more details.

The recent problems created by the intermittent service Vodafone network service in some parts of Norfolk has brought this issue into close media focus. 

At the Chamber we have discussed, debated and lobbied the need for faster reliable broadband for a number of years. We will be delighted when work can be started with the delivery of the Better Broadband project to improve broadband across Norfolk. 

However what about mobile coverage/quality? There seems to me to be two key issues to be addressed. A poor service and no service from any provider known as not-spots.

In October 2011, the Government announced £150m in capital expenditure to improve mobile coverage and quality – known as the Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP).This project is being run by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK). Due to Norfolk County Council’s ‘can do attitude’ the DCMS is seriously looking to make Norfolk a priority area within the UK to access part of this funding.

There is a way to go yet and a lot of work to do but there is a good chance that Norfolk’s not- spots relating to mobile coverate will start to be sorted shortly. Also as the not-spots along our train tracks come under the Department of Transport not the DCMS separate discussions are going on relating to the very poor mobile coverage service we get on the rail route to and from London.

Even when the not-spots are sorted it will not mean that good quality coverage will be created across Norfolk, additional investment from another funding pot will be needed. 

As a business community we can help make this happen starting with the following:

• Lobbying the two LEPs covering this area to include better Mobile Coverage within their Growth Plans
• Bringing this issue to the attention to our local MPs at every opportunity
• Indentifying the economic issues which you face as a business due to poor mobile coverage across Norfolk
• Supporting Norfolk Chamber with our lobbying campaign in Westminster

The Norfolk Chamber is working with the DCMS and Norfolk County Council and we will let you know what we need from you shortly.  I just wanted to alert you to the fact that activity is taking place to improve this important part of our infrastructure and Norfolk Chamber will be doing all we can to make it happen sooner rather than later.