Совет графства Норфолк запускает масштабную программу поддержки инноваций и бизнеса

When I became Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for business, skills and agriculture, I already understood the county's proud heritage. What has impressed me most, however, is the scale of modern innovation placing Norfolk at the forefront of the UK economy. From world-leading agri-tech at Norwich Research Park to pioneering work in aerospace, software and energy, Norfolk is helping to shape the future of British industry. Yet we have been too modest about these achievements. Our county is still often viewed primarily through a rural and coastal lens, overlooking the world-class businesses growing here. Our traditional strengths remain fundamental. Norfolk's tourism industry is estimated to be worth £3.6 billion – roughly equivalent to Edinburgh and Cornwall combined. Agriculture is equally important. As the breadbasket of England, Norfolk has a vital role in strengthening national food security. But many of tomorrow's greatest opportunities will come from innovation and technology. Demand for advanced technologies, secure energy and resilient supply chains is increasing globally. Norfolk is well placed to attract significant inward investment, but converting scientific breakthroughs into sustainable jobs requires local government to change. Councils must act less like rigid bureaucracies and more like agile, proactive commercial partners. My approach has been shaped by my career before entering public service. After graduating in international business, I joined BT. Working in telecommunications showed me the importance of scalable digital infrastructure, long-term planning, research and innovation. I saw how rapidly technology can transform communities, and why regional infrastructure must anticipate major changes rather than react after they happen. I also spent several years running independent high-street businesses. I understand rising costs, narrow margins and the pressure of keeping a business afloat. That combination of corporate strategy and high-street experience informs my work in local government. Businesses do not need more red tape, endless consultations or empty promises. They need reliable infrastructure, accessible finance and skilled local workers. Norfolk County Council is putting that principle into practice. Through our High Streets Matter programme, Love Your Market Town grants provide direct, flexible support to independent retailers. We are also responding quickly when jobs are threatened. Following British Sugar's consultation on closing its historic Cantley plant, we mobilised our Redundancy Support Service. More than 100 affected employees were offered help to retrain and transfer their valuable skills into Norfolk's emerging industries. Closing the skills gap is equally important. With the cost of higher education increasing, apprenticeships provide a valuable route into rewarding careers. Our recent apprenticeship fair at The Forum in Norwich connected 2,500 young people with local employers and high-tech opportunities – up from 900 the previous year. If we want agri-tech, digital and engineering businesses to establish long-term roots in Norfolk, we must give them access to specialist talent. This means investing in our further education colleges and working closely with them to prepare people for the future economy. My ambition is to move the council from reactive economic defence towards proactive growth. Norfolk must speak more confidently about its successes and ensure its businesses receive the recognition they deserve. That is why we are preparing for a landmark innovation conference at the Royal Norfolk Showground on September 20 and 21, 2027. It is also why we will provide business support through subsidiaries such as Hethel Innovation Ltd, helping local start-ups scale, attract investment and realise their potential. These platforms will showcase Norfolk's capabilities directly to national and international investors. Our message is clear: Norfolk is no longer a hidden secret. It is a dynamic, innovative powerhouse ready to lead national economic growth – and this administration is determined to create the conditions in which businesses, workers and communities can succeed.