Chamber News

As we to come to terms with the news that Norfolk has declined significant funding through throwing out the Devolution deal on the table, we welcome much of what is in the Chancellor’s statement. However, at this point we have no idea how successful Norfolk will be in ensuring significant funding to be spent in our county.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk businesses will benefit from improved infrastructure, so the announced increased resources forlocal and regional transportinfrastructure, broadband, housing and innovation is welcome and will hopefully boost local business confidence. The Chancellor’s strong focus on the growth requirementsof cities and regions will mean that the business voice within a rural county like Norfolk will need to be heard loud and clear.”

Transport improvements have positive knock-on effects, as they open up supply chains, generate many new contracts for Norfolk businesses, as well as enhance access to labour and new markets. At present there is no detail as to where the Government is proposing to spend the increased resources. Norfolk Chamber are calling for the following infrastructure improvements to help Norfolk businesses deliver growth:

• Funding for further A47 Improvements including:

• King’s Lynn to Swaffam dualling
• Swaffham to Dereham dualling
• Improvements to King’s Lynn Hardwick junctions

• Funding for the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing
• Rail improvements at Ely (signaling, junctions, line speeds and bridge strengthening)
• Improved business broadband connections

The British Chambers of Commerce have assessed other areas of Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement and Adam Marshall, Director General of BCC commented as follows:

On business rates:

“For rural businesses and those benefitting from the lower cap on annual increases following this year’s revaluation, the measures announced are welcome. However, British businesses will continue to pay the highest local property taxes in the developed world. Addressing this upfront burden is essential if they are to invest more in training, recruitment and growth plans – all essential to closing the ‘productivity gap’. Bringing forward the planned switch to CPI for up-rating from 2020 to 2017 would have helped and an opportunity to do this was missed.”

On Insurance Premium Tax:

“Businesses across the UK will be disappointed by a further rise in the Insurance Premium Tax. This is yet another stealth tax on businesses, and increases the upfront cost of a critical safety net for firms.”

On broadband digital infrastructure:

“We’ve been calling for years for the necessary funding to improve business broadband connections.

“Fibre to the premises (FTTP) is the future – businesses need faster and more reliable broadband across Norfolk. We hope the 100% business rates relief for new full-fibre infrastructure will encourage better business connections, because the current reliance on old copper lines holds too many businesses back.

“The Norfolk is still a long way behind delivering access to a world-class digital infrastructure to businesses in all parts of the county.The government’s focus must now be on addressing the lack of superfast broadband to new and existing business parks. Rectifying this would go some way to boosting business confidence.”

On housebuilding:

“The chancellor has already committed investment to tackle the housing shortage in this country. Helping to meet the demand for housing is one of the ‘quick-start’ infrastructure projects the Chamber network has been calling for. But local business confidence will only be boosted as a result when firms start to see diggers in the ground.”

On export support:

“We welcome the announcement of additional finance and insurance support by UK Export Finance, which should provide valuable help to exporters. However, this is not sufficient to improve our ambition to get more businesses to export – and increased direct support such as enabling businesses to attend trade missions, trade fairs, commission market research or make themselves export ready would have been an important additional boost to companies.”

On the National Living Wage:

“Most businesses already pay above the National Living Wage but for the others the latest increase comes at a time when businesses are already facing a myriad of other upfront costs and uncertainty about investment and recruitment. It’s therefore right that the government has re-adjusted the trajectory of the planned National Living Wage increase in line with changes in economic circumstances.

“BCC research shows that sharp increases in the National Living Wage will cause many firms to implement cost reduction measures, such as reducing recruitment and staff hours or increasing prices. It’s important the government retains a similarly flexible approach going forward which will protect businesses and jobs.”

Listen to the latest British Chambers Podcast, discussing the Autumn Statement and what it could mean for business: www.britishchambers.org.uk/policy-maker/podcasts.html

EDF Energy has launched the second stage of public consultation for the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk

This follows the signing of contracts for EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset on 29 September.

The public consultation period runs from today (23 November 2016) until 3 February 2017 and will include 23 public exhibitions across east Suffolk where the public can meet the Sizewell C project team and discuss the proposals.

The first stage of public consultation for the Sizewell C Project ran from November 2012 to February 2013 engaging over 4,000 local people at over 100 events in Suffolk, including exhibitions, meetings and parish council presentations.

Following feedback from the Stage 1 consultation and ongoing technical and environmental studies, for Stage 2 they have developed a preferred position on some of the key elements of their proposals, whilst other parts of their plans remain as options.

Refined proposals include:-

• some changes to the main development site for the power station including options to cross the SSSI land adjacent to the operational power station site;

• reduction in number of construction workers housed in the temporary accommodation campus, with the main development site identified as the preferred option for its siting. It is now estimated that the temporary facility would house a maximum of 2,400 workers (down from 3,000 at Stage One);

• options for bringing in materials by sea, including a Beach Landing Facility and/or a temporary jetty (of which there are two design options);

• options for dealing with vehicle movements along the A12, including an option for a two village bypass of Farnham and Stratford St Andrew following discussions with Suffolk County Council.

Jim Crawford, Sizewell C Project Development Director said: “The local community plays an important role in the development of the Sizewell C proposals. During this stage of consultation we have introduced more public exhibitions because that’s what local communities asked for during stage 1.

“There will also be a further stage of consultation before EDF Energy submits its application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate who would consider the proposals before making a recommendation to Government. Sizewell C would make a major contribution to the nation’s future energy needs and provide significant business, training and job opportunities to the region.

“We encourage local people to engage in the consultation process and help shape the future development of plans for Sizewell C.”

Sizewell C would comprise of two UK EPR reactors which would make a major contribution to the nation’s future needs for low carbon energy, supplying enough electricity for around 6 million homes in Britain, meeting 7% of the nation’s future needs. The power station would provide 5,600 jobs on-site during the core construction period and employment for 900 people when operational.

The Sizewell C project team will be on hand to answer questions from local communities at the exhibitions. EDF Energy has also provided funding to Planning Aid England to provide bespoke, independent and free guidance and advice to local parish and town councils during this consultation.

People can share their views by:

• Completing a public questionnaire online at www.sizewellc.co.uk or in hardcopy to the address below
• Emailing comments to info@sizewellc.co.uk
• Writing to FREEPOST SZC Consultation (no stamp or further address required)
• Calling freephone number 0800 197 6102 (during normal office hours)

Copies of the consultation documents are available to view during the consultation period at the Sizewell C Information Office (48-50 High Street, Leiston, IP16 4EW) which is open 9.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday; in the offices of Suffolk County, Suffolk Coastal District, Waveney District and Ipswich Borough Councils; and at the public exhibitions and events that will be held during the consultation period.

Exhibition schedule:

Thursday 24 Nov 3 – 7pm

Sizewell Visitor Centre, Sizewell B, Leiston IP16 4UR

Friday 25 Nov 2 – 8pm

Theberton & Eastbridge Jubilee Hall, School House, Church Road, Theberton IP16 4SB

Saturday 26 Nov 10 – 4pm

Leiston Community Centre, King George’s Avenue, Leiston IP16 4JX

Monday 28 Nov 11 – 3pm

Melton Ufford Park Hotel, Yarmouth Road, Melton IP12 1QW

Tuesday 29 Nov 11 – 3pm

Snape, The Concert Hall Café, Snape Maltings, Snape IP17 1SR

Tuesday 29 Nov 4 – 8pm

Westleton Village Hall, The Street, Westleton IP17 3AH

Wednesday 30 Nov 12 – 6pm

Aldeburgh Community Centre, Victoria Road, Kings Field, Aldeburgh IP15 5HY

Thursday 1 Dec 11 – 3pm

Wickham Market Village Hall, High Street, Wickham Market IP13 0HE

Friday 2 Dec 11 – 3pm

Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham IP17 1AF

Saturday 3 Dec 10 – 4pm

Stratford St Andrew Riverside Centre, Great Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew IP17 1LN

Monday 5 Dec 11 – 3pm

Rendlesham Community Centre, Walnut Tree Avenue, Rendlesham IP12 2GG

Monday 5 Dec 4 – 8pm

Lowestoft The Hotel Victoria, Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft NR33 0BZ

Wednesday 7 Dec 11 – 3pm

Blythburgh Village Hall, London Road, Blythburgh IP19 9LQ

Wednesday 7 Dec 4 – 8pm

Southwold St Edmund’s Hall, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP

Thursday 8 Dec 2 – 8pm

Darsham High Lodge, Haw Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham IP17 3QT

Friday 9 Dec 11 – 3pm

Ipswich Town Hall, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH

Monday 12 Dec 11 – 3pm

Marlesford Village Hall, Church Road, Marlesford IP13 0AT

Tuesday 13 Dec 11 – 3pm

Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU

Wednesday 14 Dec 11 – 3pm

Middleton Village Hall, Mill Street, Middleton IP17 3NG

Thursday 15 Dec 11 – 3pm

Halesworth, The Rifle Hall, London Road, Halesworth IP19 8LW

Friday 16 Dec 3 – 8pm

Hacheston, Hacheston Village Hall

Monday 12 December 4 – 8pm

Campsea Ashe, Victory Hall, Ash Road, Campsea Ashe IP13 0PX

Monday 19 December 2 – 8pm

Yoxford, Village Hall, Old High Road, Yoxford IP17 3EP

Giving her initial reaction to the Autumn Statement, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“As we to come to terms with the news that Norfolk has declined significant funding through throwing out the Devolution deal on the table, we welcome much of what is in the Chancellor’s statement. However, at this point we have no idea how successful Norfolk will be in ensuring significant funding to be spent in our county

“Norfolk businesses will benefit from improved infrastructure, so the announced increased resources forlocal and regional transportinfrastructure, broadband, housing and innovation is welcome and will hopefully boost local business confidence. The Chancellor’s strong focus on the growth requirementsof cities and regions will mean that the business voice within a rural county like Norfolk will need to be heard loud and clear. “

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“While businesscommunitieswould have liked Philip Hammond to go even further to support growth,they will recognise that his hands are somewhat tied by lower tax receipts and sharplyhigher borrowing forecasts.The fact that he chose to commitsignificantnewresources to support growth and productivity demonstrates welcome flexibility during a period of uncertainty and change.

“There was very littlesupport in our business communities for further cuts to Corporation Tax, so Philip Hammond was right to stick withexisting plans. However, we would have liked to see more action on the highup-front taxes and costs of doing business in the UK, particularly business rates.

“The government’s decision to move to a single annual set of tax and spending commitments will be welcomed by businesses weary of frequent and sometimes unclear changes of direction.”

Ecuador has signed a trade agreement with the EU which will, according to the European Commission, open up markets on both sides while increasing stability and predictability for trade and investment in both directions.

It will also promote inclusive and sustainable development.

In signing the deal, Ecuador becomes the third member of the group known as the Andean Community to accede to the agreement, alongside Colombia and Peru.

Bilateral trade in goods between the EU and Ecuador was €4.6 billion in 2015. The EU exported €2 billion worth of goods to the South American country and imported €2.6 billion.

The new agreement will eliminate tariffs for all industrial and fisheries products, increase market access for agricultural products, improve access to public procurement and services, and further reduce technical barriers to trade.

Commission estimates suggest that, once it is fully implemented, the agreement will see EU exporters save at least €106 million in tariffs each year. Exports from Ecuador to the EU should benefit from a reduction of some €248 million in duties.

For the EU, sectors expected to benefit from the deal include agriculture, cars and machinery. The agreement will allow Ecuador to benefit from improved access for its main exports to the EU, including cut flowers, coffee, cocoa, fruits and nuts.

Ecuador originally entered negotiations in January 2009, but suspended talks just a few months later. Negotiations for an EU-Colombia/Peru trade agreement were concluded in March 2010 and it was provisionally applied with Peru as of March 2013, and with Colombia from August 2013.

After Ecuador resumed negotiations in January 2014, a deal was concluded in July. Bolivia – the fourth member of the Andean Community – is also eligible to join the agreement should it wish to.

Before it can be implemented provisionally, the agreement with Ecuador must be approved by the European Parliament. For more details, see theEuropean Commission website.

Last November, in advance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK, the UKIBC launched its first annual survey on UK companies’ perceptions about the ease of doing business in India.

The survey collected opinions from over 100 UK businesses operating in India and our findings showed that the majority believed that India’s ease of doing business was already improving. The survey results are here.

This year, following on from Theresa May’s first bilateral international visit to India, we are relaunching this survey to assess how effective the recent reforms have been for UK companies engaging with India and whether Mr Modi’s government has made further progress in delivering his ‘red carpet’ commitment.

The survey responses will form part of a wider submission to the Government of India as it prepares for its 2017 budget. Your feedback will be valuable in encouraging a continued focus on ‘ease of doing business,’ so we would be extremely grateful if you could take the time to make your views heard.

If you would like to discuss the survey or ‘ease of doing business’ in India, please get in touch by emailingtara.panjwani@ukibc.com.

You can complete the survey here.

Regeneris Consulting has been commissioned by Norfolk County Council to assess the wider economic benefits of the proposed dualling of two sections of the A47. The two proposed sections of the A47 being considered for dualling are:

• The Acle Straight
• Tilney to East Winch (eastern and western sections)

They want to hear the views of Norfolk businesses who use the A47 and, in particular, those businesses who currently use either or both of these sections of the A47. Your feedback will be vital in contributing to the evidence base around the road’s use, function and economic role.

Please click here to access the survey.

The closing date to send in your views is midnight on Friday 09 December 2016.

Tech City UK is calling on the UK’s Tech Nation for an In-Depth Look into the Digital Economy

Tech City UK, the organization which accelerates the growth of digital businesses and skills across the country, is now asking the tech community in every region to complete its 2017 annual survey.

The new survey will take an even more in-depth look at how the digital economy is evolving, giving a greater voice to the UK’s tech communities and highlighting the considerable progress they are making.

They want to hear from people across the digital sector: tech businesses, academics, investors and other members of the ecosystem, can complete the survey in a few minutes. Whether you’re part of a tech company or the local ecosystem (e.g. accelerator, co-working space, university), they’d love you to represent your views in Tech Nation 2017!

The survey takes no more than 7 minutes and the deadline for completing the survey is Monday 05 December 2016. The report will be released in the first quarter of 2017.

Complete the Tech Nation survey now

Last year, the Tech Nation 2016 survey provided the most detailed analysis to date of how the digital sector was driving economic growth, showcasing the innovation and energy of tech hubs across the UK. The report was well received around the world and has become a beacon of information into the performance of 27 of the UK’s digital clusters.

Gerard Grech, CEO of Tech City UK, commented: “The Tech Nation report has become a leading resource to showcase the depth and breadth of the UK’s digital economy. Working with an incredible collection of local community partners, we’re able to see how each cluster is growing, the variety of tech businesses in each region and the potential impact on the wider economy. Last year’s report showed that the UK digital tech industry is growing 32 percent faster than other sectors and generating jobs 2.8 times faster. We’re eager to hear from people across the community to get a real feel for how we’re performing in 2017.”

Networking and attending events are among the most effective ways of making business contacts, even in a digital world dominated by social media. Face-to-face to face contact remains a powerful way of striking up business partnerships but for many people, networking can be a daunting experience.

Norfolk Chamber hold regular networking events to give you the opportunity to meet new people to sell to or grow your business with. The friendly team are always on hand to guide you, lead fun activities to help you get started, and advise on the best event to meet your target audience.

Here are just a few ways we help you make the most out of your networking time:

1. Icebreaker activity – All of our breakfasts start with the ‘networking icebreaker’ to help get guests to introduce themselves and talk around an activity such as a quiz or brain teaser.
2. Staff on hand to help – Norfolk Chamber staff will welcome you at the event and all guests will have badges to allow you to see who is who. If it is your first time at one of our events or you’re nervous let us know and we can help introduce you to our members.
3. Safari Networking – At some of our breakfasts ‘safari networking’ is a popular activity where after breakfast you will move to a randomly selected table to meet another eight people before hearing from the speakers.
4. Speed Networking – Want to meet a large number of people in a short amount of time? Speed networking is a quick fire way to make introductions, you will have five minutes per group of six people and then quickly move to the next and repeat again.
5. Team building – The After Hours series of events are crafted to include teambuilding exercises to get you talking while having fun at bowling, cocktails, enjoying tapas or watching a fashion show.
6. Delegate list – you will receive a delegate list at least two days in advance to allow you to identify who you would like to meet at the event and even contact in advance.
7. Mobile App – At our events we use a mobile app called ‘Presdo Match’ which acts as a virtual delegate list with names, and companies of people attending the event. It is linked up with LinkedIn profiles to allow you to put a face to the name.
8. Training – The Chamber also holds training courses to help develop those networking and communication skills.
9. Pick the event – is it the right one for you? Will your target audience be there and is the subject of interest?
10. Keep an eye on local news topics – key areas of business support or growth and read up on the speaker; that way you will always have an interesting topic at your fingertips.

We asked some of our Chamber members for their thoughts on networking.

“Networking is not just about making contacts and collecting business cards, it is about building relationships with new contacts and developing those relationships with existing customers. I have been participating in Norfolk Chamber networking events for more than twenty years and always found them to be the single most productive way to find genuine new business contacts. There are alternatives and they come and go in popularity, but the Chamber remains constant.”Roger D Tubby,Sales Director, ColourPrint

“While platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have revolutionised the way businesses connect with their customers and clients in recent years, I don’t think I can ever imagine a time when technology will stop me wanting to get out there and meet new people when it comes to networking. Events run by the Chamber provide a great opportunity for businesses like ours to meet up with existing clients, introduce ourselves to new ones and stay up to date with what’s happening in our region all at the same time.” Mark Sowersby,Head of PR and Communications at Shorthose Russell

“I really enjoy the friendly, no pressure atmosphere of the Norfolk Chamber and find the best way to meet people is to fully engage with the networking activities and to speak to those around me.” Paul Grenyer,Director, Naked Element Ltd.

Top tips from the Trainer

Ian Hacon, Yellow Brick Road runs regular training courses with Norfolk Chamber and shares his top tips with you.

The great thing about networking at the Chamber is the variety of events, from subject specific events like digital, to the fab B2B, breakfasts and specific policy events. You can pick and choose the event where you think you can get most benefit, this may be from contacts in the room, learning something new or contributing to the local debate on issues

I have ten top tips I suggest:

1. Do your homework
2. Get your pitch right
3. Arrive with a smile
4. Keep your mobile out of sight
5. Ask open questions to build rapport quicker
6. Listen
7. Be yourself
8. Have two stories ready about yourself – one personal, one that shows off your business
9. Read the signs
10. Follow up, follow up, follow up.

Interested in learning more? Ian is offering detailed training courses at a discounted rate for members. Dates for 2017 now available. Book now.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Sunday) publishes a survey of businesses, which shows that a third of companies (33%) regard the availability of childcare as a key issue in recruiting and retaining staff.

The survey, of more than 1,600 business leaders across the UK and supported by Middlesex University, also shows that over a quarter (28%) of firms have seen a reduction of working hours by staff due to the cost of childcare, while nearly 1 in 10 (9%) have seen employees leave their business.

While the survey has also shown that nearly 40% of businesses view government plans to double free childcare next year as likely to have a positive impact on their business, BCC is calling on government to go further, and consider the costs and benefits of a universal childcare entitlement up until school entry, which would help more firms retain and promote productive staff, and help working parents progress.

Key findings in the survey:

• 33% of businesses regard the availability of childcare as a key issue in recruiting and retaining staff
• When asked to report any issues due to the cost of childcare, 28% of firms said they saw a reduction of working hours; 12% a reduction in productivity; 9% saw employees leave their business, and 8% saw staff changing roles within the company
• Expanded childcare entitlements are viewed positively by firms. 39% of businesses expect government plans to double free childcare in 2017 would have a positive impact on their ability to recruit staff, while 37% felt it would benefit their ability to retain key staff.

Commenting on the findings, Adam Marshall, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Firms across the UK are losing talented staff, often because of the availability and high cost of childcare.

“At a time when economic growth is softening, and skills gaps and recruitment difficulties are hindering businesses, the government should consider the childcare system as part of Britain’s core business infrastructure – in the same way that it thinks of energy, transport, or broadband.

“Government must take a clear and detailed look at the costs and benefits of a universal childcare entitlement, to bridge the gap between parental leave and the start of school. This could take the form of a family account that enables parents to select the support that’s right for their working patents from the market. In time, this could help businesses raise productivity, and help more parents stay in work. As businesses have evolved to become more flexible, government policy should also evolve – to help as many working parents as possible stay in the workplace.

“Expanded childcare options are good for families, good for businesses, and good for the economy.”

David Williams, Director of Corporate Engagement at Middlesex University, added:

“Our research highlights that childcare is a fundamental issue for many employers.

“Businesses need to retain talented staff and with the renewed focus from the Government on upskilling the workforce particularly around apprenticeships and corporate degrees it is crucial that there is sufficient affordable childcare available for employees who are studying to help fill the skills gaps.

“The childcare support available for those studying needs to be simplified and made clearer for all to help tackle gender inequality and maintain diverse workforces.”

Reepham Road will be closed to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, for five days from Monday (14 November) to allow the new NDR roundabout to be surfaced and tied in with the existing road.

The work involves the use of heavy planing and surfacing plant, and is programmed for completion on Friday 18 November, when the road will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so. Work will be carried out during the normal NDR working hours of 7am to 7pm, but it will not be possible to reopen the road overnight.

Diversion route Traffic approaching the closure from the north will be diverted via Fir Covert Road, the A1067 Fakenham Road, Boundary Road (Norwich Ring Road), returning to Reepham Road at the Boundary Junction. Traffic approaching the closure from the south will be diverted in the reverse direction.

A plan of the diversion route can be found on the Elgin roadworks website: https://roadworks.org/. (If viewing before the 14th, make sure the map is set to show ‘Next two weeks’, not just ‘Today’).

Thorpe Marriott and local access The barriers fully closing Reepham Road will be between Drewray Drive and Furze Lane, allowing access to Thorpe Marriott from the Norwich direction via Long Dale and Drewray Drive. Access to other premises on Reepham Road will be from one or other side of the closure.

Temporary traffic lights will be in use next week (14-18 November) as follows:

• A1067 Fakenham Road (road sign installation).
• B1149 Holt Road near the Drayton Lane/Church Street junction (utility service diversions).
• B1150 North Walsham Road (BT diversions).

Norfolk County Council and Balfour Beatty apologise for the inconvenience caused by these and other traffic management measures during construction of Norwich Northern Distributor Road.

Traffic surveys designed to gather information to determine future transport provision in Great Yarmouth are set to be carried out in the town in the next two weeks.

Over the weeks beginning Monday 14 and Monday 21 November, Norfolk County Council will carry out the roadside surveys at sites throughout the town in order to better understand the travel patterns of residents, visitors and commuters to Great Yarmouth.

Motorists will be asked to pull over at safe locations and asked a short series of questions, including information about the journey they are making, which should take no longer than five minutes to answer. The information gathered will then be used to inform future transport planning and investment in the town, including for the proposed third river crossing.

Commenting on the traffic surveys, Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said: “I am pleased to see a survey being carried out in Great Yarmouth to support future transport investment in the Town. Any improvements to the transport infrastructure will be of great benefit to businesses, residents and visitors to the Town.”

The programme of surveys has been devised, as far as possible, to avoid any ongoing roadworks and will be carried out by Norfolk County Council. The locations of the surveys are not identified in advance, as this can distort the results. Norfolk County Council has apologised in advance for any inconvenience the traffic surveys may cause.

TechEast, the organisation formed to accelerate the expansion of the East of England’s technology cluster, recently launched its London Embassy and opened membership. The organisation aims to help create 5,000 jobs, generate an extra £650m GVA of economic growth in the East and be one of the UK’s top 5 tech clusters by 2020.

The TechEast Embassy is based at Crown Place, 4 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station. Companies that become TechEast members will be able to book a meeting room or drop in to use hot desks as part of their London business development plans.

Neil Garner, CEO of WhiteSpace Norwich, Thyngs and TechEast Deputy Chair commented: “We want to attract members of all sizes and stages in their development so we have included a special low-cost option for Individuals. The East of England is a fantastic place to do business, there’s some amazing people and it’s very collaborative. TechEast is key to getting our brilliant tech businesses more recognition on a national and international scale and we are committed to helping them reach their full potential by supporting them in whatever capacity possible. Membership of TechEast gives individuals and companies in the East the chance to showcase their strengths, grow their business and help others to do the same.”

Norfolk Chamber are a Corporate Affinity Partner of TechEast. Commenting on the launch, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “As corporate sponsors we welcome the launch of the London Embassy. We would encourage Norfolk tech businesses to make full use of the London Embassy’s facilities. One of Norfolk Chamber’s key campaigns for 2017 will be ‘Revolution in Technology’ which aims to accelerate the growth of Norfolk’s digital economy and support our members to take advantage of digital trends.”

Neil Miles, CEO of Inasight and Chairman of TechEast said: “The provision of a London facility was the top requirement when we polled potential members and we made it one of our six manifesto pledges at the TechEast launch in April this year. I am delighted to announce that TechEast’s London facility is fully operational and now open to members.”

The membership scheme includes opportunities for member companies to increase their brand visibility, networking and business development activities. In addition, TechEast also provides access to discounted business services, such as legal, financial, insurance and recruitment from partners.

TechEast brings together leading technology-sector businesses from the East of England, to speak with one voice that is heard across the UK and around the world. A regional powerhouse of excellence, TechEast will be recognised as the UK’s most open and collaborative digital tech cluster, where new companies and entrepreneurs can thrive and grow in a supportive environment.

TechEast announced its first board in July 2016, including: Neil Miles as Chair, Neil Garner as Vice Chair, Graham Masterson – KCOM, Marlon Bowser – HTK, Professor Fiona Lettice – UEA, Mike Kingston – Aviva and John Dugmore – Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Embassy, membership and the manifesto, go to www.techeast.com.