Chamber News

Is your current broadband speed slowing down your business? You can now do something about it!

If your business employs less than 250 employees and you are based in the Norwich City Council area, then it is likely that you are eligible for free funding through the government’s Superfast Britain Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme.

Eligible businesses can get a connection voucher of between £100 and £3,000 towards the charge of installing superfast broadband. This is usually enough to cover the costs involved. If your business is based at home, the connection voucher can also be used to get superfast broadband there.

It canfund associated installation costs including infrastructure equipment, construction charges, engineering works and surveys.

What types of broadband are eligible?

• Cable
• Ethernet First Mile (EFM)
• Fibre to the Premise (FttP)
• Fibre to the Cabinet (FttC)
• Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
• Leased lines
• Microwave
• Satellite

Multiple organisations can jointly apply to the scheme and pool the funding. This can help where a whole office block wants to get superfast broadband,though all organisations must meet theeligibility criteria. The offer is also open to registered charities, social enterprises and sole traders.

The benefits to you business could include:

• Increasing profits by offering better services to more satisfied customers.
• Improving customers’ experience with quicker upload and download speeds and faster file-sharing, especially for large files.
• Reducing software and hardware costs by helping businesses switch to online data storage solutions.
• Enhancing the way businesses communicate and collaborate through online video conference and cloud-based information sharing.

How to apply

You can claim your broadband connection voucher in three simple steps:

1. Check your business is eligible using the scheme’spostcode checker.
2. Get a quote from aregistered supplieron a package tomeet your specific needs.
3. Click on the button below and fill in an application form. We’ll do the rest!

You can also go for an off-the-shelf deal directly throughwww.connectionvouchers.co.uk. Just check your postcode is eligible then click on option one ‘off the shelf deal’.Your chosen supplier will then complete the administration for you.

What’s on offer?

For more detailed information,click here for the connection voucher broadband guide.

What do you have to pay?

• We pay the connection charge up to £3,000, you pay the rest if the cost is higher.
• You pay the VAT of the connection.
• You pay the ongoing monthly subscriptions.

MedSec 7 is an accredited training and development provider, with experience of delivering training to Individual, Local and Corporate Companies, the Armed Forces, Private Security and the Oil and Gas Industry.We specialise in a variety of disciplines, in particular First Aid and Medical Qualifications, Event First Aid Cover, Teaching Qualifications, Assessor & Verifier Qualifications, Security Qualifications and Hostile & Challenging Environments Training.Our head office is in Taverham, Norwich but we have the ability and experience to deliver contracts at a regional, national and international level.

We are undergoing a period of introspection whereby, although to date our business has been concentrated on training personnel in support of contracts further afield in countries such as Cambodia, Iraq & Afghanistan, we are turning our attention to the part of the country that looks after us, East Anglia.

Our CEO, Training Director, Business Development Manager & Clinical Lead were all raised in East Anglia, with one joining the local Royal Anglian Regiment of the British Army and another spending the latter part of his Royal Air Force career in the skies of the region as a Search & Rescue Winchman Paramedic. It is now time to give something back and as a company we are getting involved with local business groups such as Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and running promotions for the regions residents.

MedSec 7 0800 955 1577info@medsec7.comhttps://www.medsec7.com/

The number 3 service, operated by First using low-floor fully accessible buses, will connect with trains at Abellio Greater Anglia’s Great Yarmouth (Vauxhall) station seven days a week, including Bank Holidays. The service will run hourly from Sunday 24th May until Saturday 19th September, increasing to a 30 minute frequency between Sunday 26th July and Saturday 29th August.

David Squire, Managing Director of First Eastern Counties said “The re-introduction last summer of a bus service to Great Yarmouth rail station was very well received by local residents and visitors alike. Service 3 provides direct links to many holiday centres and other attractions such as Yarmouth Racecourse and Stadium as well as connections to the extensive local bus network at Market Gates. We are happy to be working in partnership with Abellio Greater Anglia once again and look forward to welcoming passengers on board the service this summer.”

James Reeve, Abellio Greater Anglia’s Head of Customer Service North for Abellio Greater Anglia said: “We are pleased to work with FirstGroup at Yarmouth to promote the service between the rail station and the key tourist leisure attractions in the district. Many visitors to the town arrive by train and being able to offer a seamless travel experience for onward journeys from the station is very important for our customers and helps to showcase Great Yarmouth as a great holiday destination.”

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said “The linking of our transport is essential for a seamless journey both for our visitors and residents so we very much welcome the news that this bus service will be running for its second season”

Service 3 links Great Yarmouth Rail Station with Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth Town Centre, Britannia Pier, the Waterways, Seashore Holiday Centre, Yarmouth Racecourse, Yarmouth Stadium, Caister Holiday Centre, California Holiday Village, Scratby, Newport Caravan Park, and Hemsby Village and Beach.

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, where George Osborne set out strict new fiscal rules, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“While running a budget surplus is a laudable aim, economic history shows that the national interest sometimes requires fiscal flexibility. It is impossible to predict global economic conditions with any certainty, so no government should put itself into a fiscal straitjacket that limits its scope to respond.

“Any move to constrain future spending should explicitly exclude infrastructure, which is an investment rather than just a cost. Roads, railways, energy grids and broadband drive productivity and job creation – and it is time for government’s contributions to national infrastructure to be removed from the debate on the deficit and the national debt.

“Far too often, Britain’s infrastructure needs have been sacrificed to short-term spending considerations. This must stop.”

Norfolk has historically lagged behind in terms of infrastructure and Norfolk Chamber and our members, from start ups to our large scale members have been lobbying hard for those improvements. In December last year funding was announced in the Autumn Statement to deliver improvements along the A47.

Improvements announced in Autumn Statement:

• A47 North Tuddenham to Easton
• A47 Blofield to North Burlingham
• A47/A12 Great Yarmouth: junction improvements, including reconstruction of the Vauxhall roundabout.
• Acle Straight – Safety improvements at key hotspots
• A47/A11 Thickthorn junction

The Chamber’s ‘Business Plan for Norfolk’ highlights the need for improvements to Norfolk’s infrastructure to help further develop economic growth. Norfolk Chamber and our members continue to lobby hard to draw attention to Norfolk’s needs. We are members of the A47 Alliance; have heavily supported the rail improvement campaigns; and have been vocal in our support for the NDR. We are also calling for improved Broadband and mobile coverage, as well as driving down the costs of doing business i.e. reductions in red tape and regulatory burdens on Norfolk businesses.

We would call for the Government to honour its Autumn Statement funding announcements and provide the necessary infrastructure for Norfolk businesses to deliver economic growth and jobs for our region.

A huge congratulations to Sam Brown, Events Assistant Apprentice, on passing her driving test on Wednesday 10 June! She becomes the final member of the Event’s team who we will no doubt see whizzing off to organise and attendmore of our fantastic events.

Norfolk Chamber welcomes the news that Ikea have confirmed that they will be locating one of their stores onto the Sweetbriar Retail Park in Norwich. Norwich is becoming much more visible on the national stage and rightfully earns is place in the top 15 of retail destinations in the UK.

With the opening of the A11 last year and more road and rail improvements in the pipeline, Norfolk is fast becoming a popular choice for both visitors and businesses alike. Investment in our region is very welcome and as more nationally known brands invest in Norwich and the wider area, this brings greater economic prosperity and growth to Norfolk.

On Thursday 5 June 25 members of the Norfolk Chamber joined us for an intimate cocktail making and networking evening, with plenty of networking opportunities there was a great atmosphere. It was held at Mr Postles Apothecary, a new bar in Norwich which opened on 19th March this year.

Delegates started their night off with a complimentary drink and a networking activity which got them networking in new groups and making new contacts which they continued with throughout the night.

It was then onto the cocktail making where delegates had the option of making either a Cosmopolitan or a Virgin Mr Postle, they paired up and took turns in shaking and mixing up their drink and while others either continued the networking or were checking out the competition and learning the tricks of the trade.

Delegates then had free networking for the rest of the evening and many continued this late into the night.

To see photos of this great night visit our Facebook or Google+ pages.

The next instalment of the After Hours series is Look the Business as Jarrold on 20 August, for more information or to book you place visit our event page.

Norfolk Chamber welcomed the reports in the local press that the next priority for Norfolk County Council is to secure the dualling of the Acle Straight, as outlined in their Annual Review for 2014-2015.

Norfolk has historically lagged behind in terms of infrastructure and Norfolk Chamber and our members, from start ups to our large scale members have been lobbying the Government and Highways Agency hard for improvements to the A47. In December 2014, funding was announced in the Autumn Statement to deliver improvements along the A47, including safety improvements along the Acle Straight.

Improvements announced in last year’s Autumn Statement:

• A47 North Tuddenham to Easton: dualling to provide continuous dual carriageway between Norwich and Dereham; combined with the Blofield to North Burlingham scheme, this will provide full dualling between Dereham and Acle.

• A47 Blofield to North Burlingham: dualling to complete a gap in the dual carriageway between Norwich and Acle; combined with the North Tuddenham to Easton scheme this will provide full dualling between Dereham and Acle.

• A47/A12 Great Yarmouth: junction improvements, including reconstruction of the Vauxhall roundabout.

• Safety improvements at key hotspots and joint working with Natural England to establish environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the medium and long term which could include installation of safety barriers, junction improvements and road widening or capacity improvements.

• A47/A11 Thickthorn junction: improvement of the interchange to give improved access to Norwich.

However to make this notorious stretch of road between Acle and Great Yarmouth truly safe, requires the total dualling of this road. Norfolk Chamber will continue to lobby for road improvements along the Acle Straight and will work in partnership with Norfolk County Council to support the delivery of this goal.

Andy Penman, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said:

“The “Acle Straight” has been a motorist “accident hot spot” for many years and is well overdue for an upgrade from single to dual carriage-way, so this is excellent news for one and all that travels this route on a daily basis.”

The British Chambers of Commerce has downgraded its UK GDP growth forecast for 2015 from 2.7% to 2.3%, following weaker than expected growth at the start of the year. However, the BCC believes the slowdown is temporary and the prospects over the medium term remain steady, with GDP growth predicted to be 2.6% in 2016 and 2017.

Commentating on the latest economic projections, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber, said:

“It is always disappointing when BCC have to downgrade their growth forecast but the unexpectedly low figures from the ONS on Q1 2015 made it unavoidable. While this slowdown will serve as a warning about the strength of both Norfolk and the UK’s economic recovery, I believe the Norfolk will secure steady growth in the years to come.”

Key elements of the economic forecast include:

Earnings and unemployment:

• The BCC forecasts total earnings growth (total pay including bonuses) of 2.4% in 2015, 4.0% in 2016 and 4.5% in 2017.
• UK unemployment, includingyouth unemployment, is expected to fall in each of the next three years. However, by 2018, youth unemployment will still be high at 13% – almost three times the overall unemployment rate.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Families around the country will be heartened to hear that average earnings are on the up and unemployment is falling. We forecast earnings growth will be significantly greater than inflation over the coming years. However, despite the progress in tackling unemployment, youth unemployment – while falling – will remain stubbornly high.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk is striving towards improving youth unemployment with projects such as Norwich 4 Jobs and apprenticeship programmes. Currently 11% of Norfolk businesses employ an apprentice. From August 2014 – January 2015 there were 3,640 new apprenticeships started, which represents a 16.5% increase of the previous year’s figures. Apprenticeships will not only give our young people the skills they need, but the experience and ‘on the job’ training. Apprenticeships also offer local employers the chance to mould their new recruits and effectively grow their own future workforce.”

Trade deficit and exports

• The BCC forecasts the real net trade deficit will rise in 2015, increasing from 2.7% to 2.9%.
• Increases in real exports are predicted of 3.6% in 2015, 2.0% in 2016 and 2.2% in 2017. For real imports the BCC predicts increases of 4.1% in 2015, 1.5% in 2016 and 1.7% in 2017.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The one area which causes most concern is the increasing trade deficit. The growth we see is built on consumer spend and this has been a systemic weakness for years. Despite good intentions, we are heading the wrong way. The trade deficit is an economic time-bomb waiting to go off. We have to confront it head-on and that means getting more of our businesses exporting their goods and services overseas. Restructuring our economy in this way remains the best route to securing high levels of sustainable growth over the long-term.”

Business investment

• Business investment is volatile but will remain relatively strong with 4.4% growth in 2015. However, this is lower than the 7.5% in 2014.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“While we expect steady levels of business investment, the fall from 2014 figures suggests the uncertainty over the annual investment allowance is acting as a drag on business decisions. In the Budget, we need the Chancellor to address this and unveil a long-term annual investment allowance which gives businesses clarity and certainty.”

Interest rates

• The BCC forecasts an increase in UK official interest rates is a year away, with a rise to 0.75% in Q2 2016. Rates will then be subject to small, incremental rises reaching 1.75% in Q4 2017.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“It is right to keep rates at their current level for the next year at least and any increases thereafter should be slow and steady. After having stable, predictable rates for years – we don’t need the shock treatment of great leaps to the cost of borrowing.”

Reflecting on the overall economic forecast, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Government should be unapologetic in supporting British businesses and setting the regulatory and business finance systems to help them thrive. I want this to be the Parliament of growth. To deliver that we have to help businesses get the access to finance they need, and make a serious investment in our transport, digital and energy infrastructure. If we get these things right, British businesses will have the world as their oyster.”

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Norfolk’s continued economic recovery requires the Government to favour enterprise, wealth creation and growth. We also need the Government to follow through on the announcement’s made in the Autumn Statement last year and deliver the necessary funding for Norfolk’s infrastructure improvements, which will enable the Norfolk business community to create jobs and deliver economic growth and prosperity to our region.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, said:

“In spite of the downgrading of our 2015 growth forecast, UK prospects remain solid overall. The slowdown this year is likely to be temporary. Earlier falls in oil, food and other commodity prices continue to support UK growth, and Britain’s flexible and vibrant labour market is a major source of strength for our economy.

“International comparisons also show the UK is in a good position. In 2014, the UK grew faster than other G7 economies. Our new forecast suggests that we will remain near the top of the G7 league table over the next three years.

“But the UK recovery continues to face obstacles. Globally, confidence is too dependent on abnormally low interest rates and huge quantitative easing programmes. In spite of better eurozone prospects, a Greek default could trigger a new crisis, and, of course, the two largest global economies – the US and China – are experiencing slowdowns.

“Domestically, UK growth is relying unduly on consumer spending. Progress towards rebalancing the economy towards exports has been inadequate and the real trade deficit continues to get worse. This is troubling, especially at a time when we are carrying such a heavy current account deficit.

“The UK’s ability to generate tax revenues has worsened, due to big falls in oil and gas output and lower profits of UK banks. We will have to adjust to this harsher and more difficult reality. It is therefore vital that we focus on policies that support higher productivity and a strong recovery in exports, while persevering with the necessary and difficult job of cutting the fiscal deficit.”

Other elements from the economic forecast:

Main components of demand

• We forecast a slight upturn in household consumption growth to 2.6% in 2015, before easing to 2.4% in 2016 and 2.2% in 2017.
• UK business investment rose by 7.5% in 2014, but in Q1 2015 was only 3.7% higher than in Q1 2014. We are predicting business investment growth of 4.4% in 2015, 7.2% in 2016, and 7.4% in 2017.
• Our forecast is that the real net trade deficit will rise from 2.7% of GDP in 2014 to 2.9% in 2015 and then fall to 2.5% in 2017.
• Our forecast is that the UK current account deficit will improve gradually, from 5.5% of GDP in 2014 to 3.7% of GDP in 2017, this is still a very high and potentially risky shortfall.
• Our forecast envisages increases in real exports of 3.6% in 2015, 2.0% in 2016 and 2.2% in 2017. For real imports we predict increases of 4.1% in 2015, 1.5% in 2016 and 1.7% in 2017.
• Quarterly GDP growth, after slowing to 0.3% in Q1 2015, is likely to accelerate to 0.7% in Q2 2015, and then stabilise at a trend rate of just over 0.6% per quarter from Q3 2015 onwards.

Main sectors of the economy

• Service sector output is forecast to grow by 2.8% in 2015%, 2.8% in 2016 and 2.8% in 2017. The share of services in total UK output is likely to rise a little further in the next few years.
• For total industrial output, we are forecasting growth of 0.9% in 2015, 1.5% in 2016 and 1.5% in 2017.
• We are forecasting full-year manufacturing growth of 1.4% in 2015, 2.0% in 2016 and 2.0% in 2017.
• Our forecast envisages growth in construction output of -0.7% in 2015, 2.2% in 2016 & 2.1% in 2017.

Official interest rates

• We expect the first increase in UK official interest rates, to 0.75%, in Q2 2016, one quarter later than we previously predicted.
• We expect to see incremental rises thereafter before reaching 1.75% in Q4 2017.

Earnings and unemployment

• We now predict that total earnings growth (total pay including bonuses) will average 2.4% in 2015, 4.0% in 2016 and 4.5% in 2017.
• The UK unemployment rate is forecast to fall from 5.5% in Q1 2015, to 5.0% in Q1 2016, 4.7% in Q1 2017 and 4.6% in Q1 2018.
• We are forecasting total UK unemployment to fall from 1.83m in Q1 2015, to 1.63m in Q1 2016, 1.58m in Q1 2017, and 1.54m in Q1 2018 – a net fall in the jobless total of 283,000 over the next 3 years.
• We are forecasting that total UK youth unemployment (people aged 16 to 24) will fall from 736,000 (a jobless rate of 15.9%) in Q1 2015, to 601,000 (a jobless rate of 13.0%) in Q1 2018, a net fall of 135,000.

Public finances

• Public sector net borrowing in the full financial year 2014/15 was £2.5bn lower than the OBR predicted in the March 2015 Budget. In 2015/16, we also expect slightly lower borrowing than the OBR predicted in the Budget.
• However, the OBR’s timetable for subsequent years is still slightly too ambitious in our view. While the OBR is forecasting that UK public sector net borrowing would move into a small surplus in 2018/19, our view is that achieving this aim this would take one year longer (2019/20).

Inflation

• In annual average terms, we are forecasting annual CPI inflation at 0.2% in 2015, 1.5% in 2016 and 2.0% in 2017. In Q1 we predicted 0.3% in 2015, 1.7% in 2016 and 2.0% in 2017.

The British Chambers of Commerce UK and global economic review for June is based on May 2015 data releases.

This month’s headlines:

• UK GDP growth unrevised in Q1, weighed down by a widening trade deficit
• UK slips into deflation, but a prolonged period of negative inflation remains very unlikely
• Eurozone and Japan outlook still weak, despite growing faster than the UK in Q1

UK GDP growth was unrevised at 0.3%. In annual terms the UK economy grew by 2.4% and the economic output is currently 4% above it’s pre-recession peak in Q1 2008.

Inflation turned negative for the first time since 1960. However it is expected that a prolonged period of deflation is unlikely and the main reason for the fall in inflation is a decline in oil prices.

Japan, the world’s third largest economy, grew by 0.6% in the first 3 months of 2015, which is double that of the previous quarter. Despite this improvement, the economic output is still 1.4% lower in annual terms and with trade and investment showing little signs of growth, the picture remains weak.

The full review is attached.

Marcus Mason, Head of Business, Education and Skills, comments on the new government’s likely impact on the relationship between education and business.

In this Business Update video Marcus Mason gives us his views on how the new government’s policies will relate to the Norfolk Chamber’s wide campaign to bridge the gap between education and business.

Referring to the British Chambers of Commerce manifesto, into which Norfolk Chamber members had a major input, he foresees more effort being put into the development of key skills, including teamwork and communication. Similarly he predicts that Apprenticeships will be high on the agenda, although he expresses concern over where the funding will come from if the targets are to be met. Pointedly he raises the question that an increase in quantity of Apprenticeships brings with it an attendant danger of a decrease in quality.

Marcus also raises an issue that has a direct relevance to our region. Predicting a rise in the devolution in skills funding, he points out that London is already benefitting from the policy. But what of the rest of the country? For Norfolk to deliver its potential we must be supported with the necessary funding to allow our young people to cross that bridge between education and commerce, enabling them to contribute to the continued growth and development of our businesses.

It’s a profound point and one that must be high on our agenda for the immediate future.

Norfolk Chamber today (Tuesday 02 June) welcomed the decision by the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, to grant development consent for the Northern Distributor Road (NDR).

Summary of the Secretary of State Decision:

The Secretary of State has decided under section 114 of the 2008 Act to make with modifications an Order granting development consent for the proposals in this application. This letter is the statement of reasons for the Secretary of State’s decision for the purposes of section 116 of the 2008 Act and regulation 23(2)(d) of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2009.

Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:

“This news is another positive step toward getting the improvements to Norfolk’s infrastructure which the business community has been calling for. Norfolk Chamber is delighted to hear that the Government has given the go-ahead for the NDR and look forward to work starting as the earliest possible opportunity. The NDR is not just a piece of road but the opportunity to unlock jobs and new homes for the city and surrounding area.”

Investment in the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) will help unlock thousands of jobs that are required by our young people and will provide the infrastructure to support the development ofup to 10,000 new homes. It will open up the north east sector of Norwich, including Norwich International Airport, which will benefit a broad spectrum of the business community, from transport and logistics through to retail and tourism. It will help improve journey time reliability and has the potential to reduce traffic congestion within Norwich City Centre, again benefitting thousands of commuters and the companies they work for.

The decision has been widely welcomed by businesses in Norfolk. Below are just a few of the positive comments from Chamber members:

Jonathan Cage, Vice President of Norfolk Chamber / Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers Ltd

“The NDR is a long overdue strategic piece of infrastructure for Norwich. The implementation of this route will unlock the potential of the employment areas to the north of Norwich; assist freeing the city centre of through traffic movements; and will generally allow better access for the growth areas in the east. It is another demonstration, following the Government’s investment in the A11, of how Norwich is being seen as a exciting place to invest, it is hoped the construction process will be straight forward and seamless and then the Norfolk businesses community can get on with process of showing a return for our local economy.”

Peter Foster, Chair of Norwich Chamber Council / Managing Director ofHugh J Boswell Ltd

“I am delighted with the positive outcome for the NDR. It is incredibly clear to me that some of the Northern aspects of our city and indeed County will benefit enormously. I know that in recent years there are certain areas that we have traditionally transacted less business for pure logistical reasons. Intuitively I believe that the NDR will transform the northern part of the city and encourage growth in areas such as Holt, Sheringham, Aylsham and North Walsham. The NDR project certainly has the support of the Board at Hugh J Boswell Ltd.”

James Mason, Commercial Director of Norfolk Training Services

“It is very good news about the NDR. As Norwich expands and develops, the distances between the various parts of the city become more difficult to bridge. This new road will connect business and its customers by enabling delivery of a more efficient service, help working families to make better use of their time and open up opportunities for employment and career progression. In fact, it feels like Norwich is coming of age.”

Richard Marks, Head of Branch – John Lewis Norwich

“The secretary of state’s decision on the NDR is a positive move. John Lewis supports the Norwich Area Transport Strategy which is so dependent on the NDR coming to fruition – removing through traffic from Norwich City Centre and increasing pedestrianisation will be of huge commercial benefit to city centre retailers.”

Gary Howard, Director of Employer Partnerships – Norfolk Educational Services

“It is good news that the NDR has now been given the go ahead. The NDR will assist with delivering economic growth. It is vital that we provide good reliable access for businesses for them to be able to effectively and efficiently operate. The Northern Distributor road will vastly improve the existing and future businesses development, enabling them to flourish by avoiding the currently congested routes; resulting in increased supply of both goods and services. Logistics plays a vital part to many businesses and the improvements to this area would encourage businesses to grow and invest in Greater Norwich; whilst improving vehicle movement on the alternative routes hence freeing up some of the more congested routes.”

Mark Proctor, Partner – Lovewell Blake

“I am pleased to hear the positive news on the NDR. The benefits to the city and wider city area will be significant. It will greatly improve transport links for the north ofNorwich, which will assist businesses togrow and enhance inward investment opportunitiesfor Norwich and Norfolk. TheNNDR will form an essential part of the overall growth in housing planned for Norwichand thereby willplay a key part in the growth of the local economy formany years ahead.”

Those objecting to the NDR have one final throw of the dice, as they now have one last chance to mount a legal challenge to this decision.

Norfolk has long lagged behind other regions in terms of investment in our infrastructure and overall the Norfolk Chamber believes that the NDR will help contribute to economic prosperity in our region. It will deliver greater accessibility, provide infrastructure for new homes and new jobs and it should be welcomed. See what the Chamber thinks on the benefits of the NDR. The NDR and the benefits itcan bring are needed now.

Norfolk Chamber was pleased to receive a letter (attached) from Claire PerryMP, the Under Secretary of Statement for Transport confirming the decision to grant the development consent. We would now call for the project to moveforward at a swift pace, with construction commencing before the end of 2015.