I am delighted to hear the comments of the Executive Chair of the Anglia Innovation Partnership LLP, David Parfrey, that his ambition is to attract “one billion pounds of capital investment by 2029” for the Norwich Research Park.

As I have long argued, Norfolk and the Eastern Region are in the midst of a fantastic opportunity to become a leading centre of science, technology and innovation. That’s why I have been such a vocal champion of the Norwich Research Park, supporting its bids for investment and highlighting the great benefits its growth can provide, and has already provided, for Norwich and the surrounding area.

Last May, I met with David Parfrey and the rest of the Board of the Anglia Innovation Partnership LLP to discuss the need for more urgency in using the millions of pounds of investment I and others have helped secure for the NRP to develop more commercial spin-out companies. We also explored possible methods of attracting further company investment to the Park so that more jobs can be created for the local economy.

I welcome, therefore, the ambitious vision being set out by David Parfrey and the Board, and I look forward to continuing my support of the Park and the new strategy that is being finalised – ahead of its release to the public later in the spring.