A wide mix of Businesses, 81% Norfolk Chamber Members, responded to the Norwich Council Transportation Survey to give their views on how it will affect their business. This demonstrates how keen local businesses are to make their voice heard on such issues that impact on their business requirements.

 

At a local level and from a Norfolk perspective significant activity is being undertaken to encourage growth and inward investment. If we look at the top four reasons for businesses choosing their current location.

 

49% Of respondents stated suitability of premises
40% Proximity to customers
27% Proximity to workforce
26% Cost of premises

 

And compare these against the top four weaknesses of their current location

 

54% Accessibility by road
45% Public transport links
13% Availability of land for expansion
12% Proximity to customers

 

This significantly demonstrates that improved road infrastructure is a distinct priority and one that needs to be quickly addressed to not only attract inward investment but also deliver economic sustainable growth. Especially when over 56% of surveyed businesses are considering expanding their business.

 

However business performance also relies on reliable and efficient transport links within and outside the region. The survey reports that the current transport problems that are affecting business performance are

 

Delays    71%
Unreliable journey times  71%
Congestion    63%
Poor public transport links  57% 
Lack of alternative options  55%

 

This illustrates that the cost of doing business can also be improved not only from a performance perspective but also equally importantly by ensuring journey times become more realistic.

 

Don Pearson Norwich Chamber Council Chair (WLP Director) commented “It is clear from a geographical perspective that Norwich and Norfolk is heavily dependent on road transport. These local survey results underpin that this proposed improvement as a logical next step in helping unblock our key transport arteries and also key in attracting inward investment and boosting economic growth.”