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How does a Skills Brokerage System impact Norfolk Businesses?

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This was the question we explored on Tuesday 20th January at the Maid’s Head Hotel, there was a buzz around the room as Dean Pierpoint, Skills Director at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce provided an explanation, using the employers voice gathered from our survey, into the complex skills system that has been developed and why a brokerage system could help businesses to navigate and help to simplify the system. Katy Dorman, Apprenticeship Strategy Manager for Apprenticeships Norfolk, followed up and explained how a brokerage system has brought success to Apprenticeships Norfolk.  

Employers and training providers were made to earn their breakfast as roundtable discussions got underway. Engaging conversations were had throughout the room as 3 key questions were put forward and the 3 top answers:

What part of the brokerage service would make the biggest positive difference to your organisation?  

  • Single point of contact & visibility of the service 

  • Signposting and awareness of opportunities 

  • Full-service knowledge e.g. grants, funding, sharing of knowledge and understanding of terminology 

What barriers or challenges should the brokerage solve first to be genuinely useful for employers?  

  • Lack of connectivity – available providers, flexibility, support 

  • Understanding what the business really needs – more focus on upskilling 

  • Collaboration between training providers 

What does success look like for you if brokerage becomes fully operational? 

  • People in learning, in the correct courses, with the correct output 

  • A simple to navigate, understandable skills system 

  • Focussed brokerage for specific industries – supported through the whole process 

Employers are clear that brokerage only adds value if it simplifies an otherwise fragmented system. Guidance and support through the system are the biggest challenges that need to be addressed and a hub of individuals that understand what’s best for businesses and able to assign the best provision to the business. Ultimately the goal of brokerage would be to put people on appropriate courses for the individual and the business. 

Co.next – Emerging Talent Q&A – Abigail Smith, Norwich Theatre

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Abigail Smith, 21 – started at Norwich Theatre as a Hospitality Assistant in June 2022 whilst studying at the University of East Anglia for her degree in Occupational Therapy. Since joining the theatre Abi has been on an incredible journey throughout the organisation, moving into the role of Hospitality Supervisor in June 2023, moving from being a zero hours position to a full time one. Most recently in September 2025 Abi was offered the position of Assistant Hospitality Operations Manager.

 

What inspired you to start a career in the arts and cultural sector?

Abi: I like the sense of community it gives people. Theatre welcomes people from all different backgrounds and experiences. Arts and culture bring everyone together to enjoy shared experiences. I personally like to provide experiences for people, as well as learning about other people. I have felt part of that community all the way through my career here and it’s at the heart of what we offer as a theatre and what I enjoy most about this place.

 

What does your role at Norwich Theatre Royal involve on a typical day?

My role is incredibly varied. One of the key areas I oversee is managing our merchandise for shows and performances across all of our buildings. I work directly with the visiting companies to find out details of what they want to offer for us to sell their merchandise and how we support them in terms of selling and our commissions.

I work closely with our finance team to ensure our daybooks and commercial finances are in check.

I also look after the staff management of our team of supervisors, carrying out 1-2-1’s, but also as part of my operational duties, I will ensure they are managing their teams effectively and relay positive feedback where this is offered, as well as being an escalation point during show hours should this be required.

Also in relation to staff management, I track our wages, filling out spreadsheets, managing budgets and looking at how and where we can make cost effective decisions relating to staff and analysis of our people.

The Value of Workplace Wellbeing

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Written by Ben Field

Wellbeing at work isn’t a perk. It’s a foundation. Millennials and Gen Z workers are highlighting this. They no longer care about traditional “employee benefits”, they want to be seen, seen as human not just an employee. When flexibility and autonomy are in place, an employee can feel  supported whilst benefitting from intentional investment into their health – mentally, physically and emotionally. Data shows meeting these needs in your business, positions you better when attracting top talent.

The percentage of employees that feel satisfied with their work-life balance has fallen sharply. Burnout has become the norm. Wellbeing, when overlooked consistently, leads to a loss of connection across teams. Community creates connection, accountability and an emotional reset, easing workplace pressures and supporting employee’s wellbeing goals. So why do employers overlook this? Traditional health plans are outdated, limited flexibility in work patterns, essentially, people aren’t being put first.

Creating a wellbeing-focused culture by putting people first, listening to their needs, and supporting flexible working patterns is the pathway to a happy workforce. People know how they work best, this is shown as employees stating that flexible working hours, not location, is the number one incentive. (source = https://www.trinet.com/insights/workplace-wellness-2026-wellbeing-engagement)

What should employers do to improve workplace wellbeing?

·         Get to know what’s important to your employees

·         Redefine your offer

·         Transform your productivity

Wellbeing isn’t just an initiative, it’s a currency. Acting early gets you ahead, creating a workplace where people feel supported, fuels engagement – internally and externally  and creates business success.

Our Co.next mentors offer real conversations with people who have been where you are and want to help you grow. The offer covers a range of expertise, so take your chance to get practical support, real guidance and valuable community connections.

Explore more about Mentor Mondays and our full list of Mentors here. 

Norfolk Takes National Spotlight in Daily Express Feature Series

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Now we may be biased, but we wholeheartedly believe that Norfolk is a great place to work. And we’re not alone in that view… The Daily Express has recently published a series of articles that shine a spotlight on what makes Norwich and Norfolk such special places to live, work, and do business.

The newspaper’s coverage over the festive period highlighted Norwich’s recognition as the UK’s kindest city, celebrated its remarkable collection of over 300 independent shops thriving alongside major retailers, and featured our member Jarrolds, recently crowned best independent department store for the second consecutive year at the Drapers Independents Awards.

Norfolk Chambers representatives Jack Weaver and our former CEO Chris Sargisson (who just so happened to be working in the Norfolk Business Hub the day the journalist was in the city) contributed insights that helped showcase the region’s collaborative business community, strong sense of place, and the quality of life that attracts people to stay or return to Norfolk.

 

Read the full Daily Express coverage:

Norwich: The UK’s Kindest City

Norwich’s Vibrant Independent Retail Scene

Jarrolds: Award-Winning Independent Department Store

 

Why we love working in Norfolk

But don’t just take the Daily Express’s word for it. Our own team members are passionate advocates for working in the county, and their experiences echo many of the themes explored in the articles.

Adam Cracknell, Marketing Manager at Norfolk Chambers, says: “I previously took the early commute into London, but I’ve always lived right here in Norfolk, which I’m proud to call home. The Daily Express articles really captured what makes this place special, that sense of community and quality of life that Jack and Chris talked about. I’m now really happy to be permanently based here and very happy not to be commuting away from our fine city every day. Norwich has everything you need without the stress and sprawl of London.”

Jacob Percy-Griffiths, Customer Experience Manager at Norfolk Chambers, shares: “I joined up with Norfolk Chambers last year and have the pleasure of working with a varied range of businesses, large and small. The articles really hit the nail on the head when they highlighted Norwich’s vibrant and diverse economy. I’ve been genuinely impressed with the breadth of industries and sectors represented here, from the independent retail scene the Daily Express featured so prominently, to innovative tech companies and everything in between. It’s that blend of traditional and contemporary that makes Norfolk such an exciting place to build a career, and here at Norfolk Chambers I get to experience that diversity first-hand every single day.

Haze Carver, Creative Digital Manager, adds: “I’ve established a wide network of members that I’m delighted to call friends. The Daily Express described Norwich as the UK’s kindest city, and I’ve experienced that first-hand across the business community. I was at the Chambers during the difficult times of Covid, and what really impressed me during those challenging days was how much the Norfolk business community came together to support each other. That collaborative spirit that is mentioned in the articles, where competitors work together for the greater good, isn’t just talk – it’s real. After living in London for 20+ years, working in Norfolk genuinely feels so different from anywhere else I’ve experienced.”

 

Share your Norfolk story

Do you love living and working in Norfolk?

We’d love to hear from you. Visit the Norfolk Ambassadors website to share why you’re proud to call Norfolk home and help us spread the word about our wonderful county.

Visit the Norfolk Ambassadors website to find out more.

Past Wins, Present Challenges, and Future Promise

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A Round of Santa-plause

In amongst the doom and gloom, we must recognise some wins this year. Interest rates fell by a very welcome 1%, making the cost of borrowing easier for many businesses. We’ve also seen a steady number of new trade agreements and some warming of relations with our biggest trading partner, the EU. Most recently, the UK rejoining the Erasmus scheme is something the Chamber network had campaigned for. Another win for the Chambers network was the compromise the government made on day 1 employment rights.

Locally, work finally began on the Thickthorn A11/A47 junction, alongside the A47 dualling and completion of the long awaited A140 Long Stratton Bypass – bottlenecks which have plagued the movement of people and goods for years, constraining our economic growth potential.

2025 was also the year we gave members a complimentary co-working space in Norwich city centre. Our membership grew, we invested more in services to our members, and we delivered over 100 events in every corner of the county. Connecting, supporting and giving voice to every business in Norfolk.

Frosty Forecast

But, 2026 is going to be a tricky one for fiscal policy. The Bank of England predict much slower interest rate cuts next year, and their consensus seems to be that the closer we get to the 2% inflation target, the harder it will get to achieve. Meanwhile, businesses will start to feel some of the impact of the 2025 budget – ‘making tax digital’, business rates re-evaluation and new multipliers for retail and hospitality, dividend tax increase and APR/BPR property relief…all changes that will impact businesses to varying degrees.

In other policy news, the Employment Rights Bill now has ‘royal assent’ (i.e. it’s now law.) This means our network’s campaigning now needs to switch focus to the ‘secondary legislation’ to ensure the concerns and needs of businesses are properly considered as the minute detail is ironed out.

Closer to home, Norfolk and Suffolk’s Devolution deal has been postponed until 2028. This means we have to wait another two years to see the benefit of more localised decision making and funding.

Regardless of the turbulence, we will continue to fight the corner of Norfolk business in 2026, investing more time and resource into putting your voice to local decision-makers, MPs and central government.

Sleigh-ing it in 2026

Despite these challenges, 2026 is a year to celebrate. Norfolk Chambers was founded back in 1896. It was the year of the first cinema screening, the first X-ray, the founding of the Dow Jones and the first ever ‘wireless’ communication. 2026 is our 130th Anniversary. We’ll be celebrating 130 years of bringing business together throughout the year so keep your eyes peeled.

This legacy of 130 years will be a running theme through our flagship events programme. From February’s Big Debate to the Future Careers Expo in March, and the Business Zone at the Royal Norfolk Show in June to our 29th Annual B2B Exhibition in October…all of which can be booked now so you don’t miss out!

We will also be asking our business community what support they need for the future and taking a forensic look at our membership model to ensure it keeps adding real value to you.

That’s all to come, so for now from everyone at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, we wish you a restful break over Christmas and New Year and a prosperous 2026 – we’ll be with you every step of the way.

 

Norfolk Chambers Responds to Mayoral Election Postponement

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Norfolk Chambers has responded to today’s announcement that mayoral elections in Norfolk and Suffolk will be delayed from May 2026 to May 2028.

The government confirmed that elections for newly-created mayors will be delayed in four areas of England, with the BBC reporting that more time is needed to reorganise local government in these regions.

New mayors were expected to be elected in Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton in May next year, but will now have to wait until May 2028.

Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said, “Norfolk and Suffolk have expended a huge amount of energy across business, education, third sector, local councils and beyond to prepare for a new political landscape from May 2026. So, to have the timelines moved again is immensely frustrating. Not least because this is Norfolk’s third opportunity in recent years for a form of devolution that brings more decision-making and funding to local people.

“The business community have ridden the waves of uncertainty for too long now, be it COVID-19, the inflationary shock of the Ukraine War, the 2022 ‘mini-budget’ and last year’s first Labour budget which was a sledgehammer to businesses.

“Data from our Chambers of Commerce members in July shows that business confidence remains subdued with only 40% of businesses in the East expecting turnover to increase in the next 12 months, and 30% expect it to drop. Meanwhile 32% have had cut back on their investment plans.

“We need certainty more than ever, and whilst we appreciate the predicted complexity of local government reorganisation, it just adds more instability for an already hesitant business community. A community that nevertheless remains steadfast in its resilience and passion for Norfolk.”

This marks the third time in recent years that Norfolk has faced delays or setbacks in efforts to secure devolution arrangements that would bring greater decision-making powers and funding to the local area.

Read the full BBC report

Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP looks to the future

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At the invitation of Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, Co-Chair of the East of England All Party Parliamentary Group and member of the Education Select Committee, representatives from the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) went to Westminster yesterday to debate what the future direction of the skills landscape in Norfolk and Suffolk could look like, particularly in light of forthcoming devolution.  

 

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP puts the employer at the heart of the local skills system and is delivered collaboratively by the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce.  Joining them in Westminster to consider the current skills landscape and the future landscape, were business leaders, key stakeholders from colleges/providers and the public sector.  Plus a range of cross-party MPs from both counties.

 

The group took the opportunity to review the current local skills landscape – its complexity, the potential for duplication, and the continued existence of skills gaps.  They also took into account the large number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) such a Sizewell C, National Highways schemes and Reservoirs, as well as Offshore Wind that all have the potential to displace regional skills talent and leave large future skills gaps in some sectors.

 

All agreed that there was an urgent need to continue to gain even more collaboration across all sectors and that, as a region, we needed to be able to clearly articulate the skills ask to all the mayoral candidates for the Mayoral Combined County Authority.  Simplification and a clear direction of travel for the skills landscape would also help support employers understanding of the system and how to access it better.

 

Commenting on the discussions and the need to gain local political support, Dean Pierpoint, the Skills Director for the Norfolk & Suffolk LSIP, said: “The role of Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers and the LSIP is to develop and draft the next iteration of the LSIP for 2026/2029.  We need to ensure that both our MPs and the Mayoral candidates are clear about the growth opportunities and the needs of our local skills system and we thank Jess Asato for bringing us all together in Westminster to debate a collaborative way forward.”

 

Also in attendance at the meeting was John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, commenting on the need to gain further support for the LSIP and the local skills landscape. He said: “Ensuring that our local skills system works effectively for both employers and learners is critical if Norfolk and Suffolk are to seize the opportunities ahead. This was a timely and proactive discussion, providing a valuable forum to engage with political leaders and share insights from businesses. As we move towards the next stage of the LSIP, we look forward to securing parliamentary support, shaping a clear future for skills across Norfolk and Suffolk.”

 

For more information on Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP, please visit:  Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP.

 

Norfolk Chambers response to the Autumn Statement

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Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget focused on shoring up the UK economy, with measures including planned increases to the national minimum wage and expanded free apprenticeships for under-25s. While these steps may help tackle skills shortages and improve job prospects, rising labour costs and insufficient long-term infrastructure investment in the region pose challenges for business growth.

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Chancellor’s Budget today held absolutely no surprises and certainly no ‘rabbits out of hats’ for the Norfolk business community.  Businesses across our region were looking for the government to demonstrate their long-term thinking and clarity on their plans, in order for those businesses to be able to commit to their own strategic investment decisions, that will ultimately drive economic growth and jobs.

“What we heard today was a shoring up of the UK economy, in terms of reducing our overall long-term debt and the repeating of existing funding announcements, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, plus some tinkering around the financial edges.  Small and Medium Size businesses (SMEs) will welcome the expanding of the offering of free apprenticeships for the under 25s (under 21 apprenticeships were already free) and the permanently lower business tax rates levels for those businesses in the hospitality sector.  Employees across our region will also welcome the increase in National minimum wage of 85p per hour for those aged 18 – 20 and an additional 50p for those over 21 years old.  However, SMEs now have to find the additional funding in their already tight budgets to afford this further wage rise.

“Again, the East of England was pretty much ignored in terms infrastructure investment i.e. no funding for the Ely/Haughley rail junctions, which would have supported both passenger and freight growth and nothing for the further dualling of the A47, including the Acle Straight.   But home-owners will welcome cuts in the cost of energy and employers and their employees will welcome caps on bus fares and the freezing of rail fares which puts a hold the cost of the commuting to work.

“So all in all a relatively safe budget, that gives UK PLC better long-term financial stability, but very little in terms of clearing the path to support businesses to deliver growth.”

 

Norfolk Chambers welcomes National Grid as Gold Patron

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Norfolk Chambers is delighted to announce that National Grid has joined as a Gold Patron.

National Grid’s Gold Patronage demonstrates their dedication to supporting the regional business community through their extensive community engagement and social value initiatives.

National Grid brings valuable energy sector expertise to bear on critical infrastructure challenges facing Norfolk and will work collaboratively with our members to address regional priorities.

The partnership comes at a crucial time as National Grid delivers The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest investment in the UK’s electricity network for generations, which will have significant benefits for Norfolk’s economy, sustainability and future growth.

Jack Weaver, COO of Norfolk Chambers, said: “Our members frequently tell us that infrastructure improvements and tackling the regional skills challenge are two of their highest priorities.

“Welcoming National Grid into our membership as a Gold Patron is a fantastic opportunity to bring their energy sector expertise to bear on both regional priorities.

“The Great Grid Upgrade is a generational shift in how energy is distributed around the region, and we’re excited to be working with them to ensure our business community benefits from the direct capital investment in infrastructure, alongside their knowledge and support for economic growth, jobs and positive social outcomes.”

Andy Mower, National Grid’s Regional External Affairs Manager, said: “We’re delighted to join the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and to work with its members to support the county’s growth, sustainability and innovation.

“National Grid is upgrading the electricity network across the country through The Great Grid Upgrade – the biggest investment in the UK’s electricity network for generations.

“The Norwich to Tilbury project will help deliver more clean, secure and affordable energy to homes, businesses and public services in Norfolk and beyond. By strengthening the network, the project will support the UK’s shift away from imported fossil fuels, improve energy security and attract clean industries and investment in skills and local jobs.”

About National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade

The Great Grid Upgrade is a multi-billion pound investment programme to modernise and expand Britain’s electricity transmission network. The Norwich to Tilbury project is a key part of this upgrade, strengthening connections between Norfolk and the South East to enable the transition to cleaner energy, support economic growth, and enhance energy security for homes and businesses across the region.

About Gold Patronage with Norfolk Chambers

Gold Patronage represents the highest level of partnership with Norfolk Chambers, providing organisations with enhanced opportunities to engage with the business community, influence regional priorities, and demonstrate their commitment to Norfolk’s economic development. Gold Patrons work closely with Chamber leadership and members to address strategic challenges and create positive outcomes for businesses across the county.

For more information about Gold Patronage please visit: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/homepage/about-membership/gold-patronage/

 

Norfolk And Suffolk LSIP Welcomes New Statutory Guidance and National Skills Roadmap

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The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), led by the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce as the designated Employer Representative Body, welcomes the publication of the government’s new statutory guidance for the next round of LSIPs and the launch of Skills England’s national ‘roadmap’ for local skills.

 

The updated guidance sets the framework for developing the next three-year plan, which will be approved in summer 2026 and will run through to 2029. It reinforces the central role of employers in shaping local skills systems and outlines how businesses, education providers, local authorities and wider partners must work together to address current and future workforce needs.

 

Dean Pierpoint, LSIP Skills Director, said “The launch of the new statutory guidance for Local Skills Improvement Plans and the Skills England ‘roadmap’ marks a crucial next step in the national skills agenda. This guidance affirms that the employer voice must remain at the heart of the skills system, reinforcing the mandate for our business-led approach. As the Employer Representative Body, the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce are committed to driving this change through the collaborative work we are leading with businesses, providers, and stakeholders to ensure a resilient and skilled workforce for Norfolk and Suffolk.”

 

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP will now begin gathering insights with employers across priority sectors, alongside colleges, independent training providers, universities, councils and strategic economic partners, to map current provision and shape practical actions that will support alongside economic growth, productivity and opportunity.

 

The plan encourages businesses of all sizes to engage with the LSIP process. Insight from small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the majority of the region’s economy, will be particularly important in identifying skills barriers and ensuring that training provision is relevant, flexible and responsive.

 

Local areas know best how to tackle the unique skills needs of their communities and economies. LSIPs are vital for making this a reality, with Employer Representative Bodies working alongside Strategic Authorities to lead on development tailored to Norfolk and Suffolk’s specific challenges and opportunities. These local plans provide in-depth insight on skill needs across the region, from supporting people at every stage of progress in employment through to postgraduate level 8, and the actions required to meet them.

 

By tailoring skills training to local needs, LSIPs will remove barriers to opportunity and ensure businesses and communities across England have access to the skilled workforce they need.

 

Businesses, training providers and stakeholders across Norfolk and Suffolk are encouraged to engage with the LSIP process to help shape the future skills landscape of the region. For more information about the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP, please visit: https://norfolkchamber.co.uk/homepage/norfolk-and-suffolk-lsip.

Norfolk Chambers launches 2026 Events Calendar

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Norfolk Chambers is delighted to announce the launch of our comprehensive 2026 events calendar, your essential guide to the year’s most impactful business networking and growth opportunities.

With key dates confirmed for our larger flagship events, exhibitor stand prices released, and sponsorship opportunities now available, you can confidently block out your diary and factor events into your marketing plans and budget allocation for 2026.

 

Norfolk Chambers events

Networking that works

In a world increasingly dominated by remote meetings and AI-driven interactions, Norfolk Chambers remains committed to delivering what technology cannot replicate – genuine face-to-face connections that strengthen Norfolk’s business community.

From intimate networking meet-ups to high-profile flagship exhibitions, we create moments that matter for Norfolk businesses.

Our 2026 calendar builds on this, delivering more opportunities than ever for you to connect, collaborate, and grow, whether you’re looking to exhibit, sponsor, or attend.

As we look ahead to 2026, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, exhibited, and sponsored Norfolk Chambers events throughout 2025. Your commitment to face-to-face business engagement made last year a tremendous success, and your presence helped make our events the vibrant, business-focused gatherings they are.

We’re gearing up for an even more successful 2026. With a packed calendar of events taking place across the county, we’re confident this will be our best year yet.

 

Norfolk Chambers Flagship events in 2026

The Big Debate

 

 

Future Careers Expo

 

Royal Norfolk Show

 

B2B Exhibition

 

Plan Your 2026

Whether you’re planning to attend, exhibit, or sponsor, Norfolk Chambers’ 2026 events calendar is designed to help you make real connections that drive real business results.

Block out your diary now. Budget for the opportunities that matter. And prepare to be part of the business community that values face-to-face connection.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an events bundle or sponsorship opportunity, then please get in contact with us via [email protected].

Here’s to 2026. We look forward to seeing you at our events.