28 November 2011
On Friday, George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk and Founder of The Norfolk Way, a charitable organisation to promote entrepreneurial achievement in rural Norfolk, met with Head teachers from across the region to discuss the Enterprise Bursary.
The Bursary is intended for non-academic school leavers; enterprising young people who want to start work, rather than continue to study. The Norfolk Way works with local schools to identify and recognise students with vision and determination, ultimately awarding the winners with a local business mentor, practical help to secure the kind of work experience that money simply cannot buy, and financial assistance where living and travel expenses are a barrier to following their passion and realising a dream.
Friday’s meeting is being hosted by Head teacher Michael Rose at Wayland High School from with his counterpart Heads from the following schools also attending: Old Buckenham High School, Dereham Neatherd High, Dereham Northgate High, Dereham Sixth Form, Attleborough High School, and Wymondham High School.
During the meeting the Head teachers heard about the Bursary scheme from George and the new Norfolk Way Chairman, local entrepreneur Robert Ashton, and discussed how to get the most out of it, with the idea being that more can be achieved collaboratively than individually.
Speaking after the meeting George Freeman said:
“We all know that times are tougher than ever for young people starting out in the jobs market, and I think it is even harder for those not living in our big cities. Work experience is becoming ever more important, but for those with long commutes and facing expensive travel costs, these can be out of reach. That’s why we set up the Bursary to give those school leavers who show real business promise a chance to obtain their full potential.
“The Norfolk Way is about creating a vibrant and sustainable rural economy, and that starts with giving our young people the best start we can.”
Photo: Later in the day George visited Jack Wellstead, one of this year’s Bursary Winners. He was at Wymondham High School, but upon completing his GCSE’s is now attending Easton College to study Sports and Fitness. The Norfolk Way secured work experience for Jack at the Amazon Gym in Shropham for the days he is not studying and are also investing in his training for a Level 2 instructor course.
George met Jack at the Amazon gym, (The Fitness Centre, Hargham Road, Shropham, Norfolk NR17 1DS) to catch up on his progress.
The Bursary is intended for non-academic school leavers; enterprising young people who want to start work, rather than continue to study. The Norfolk Way works with local schools to identify and recognise students with vision and determination, ultimately awarding the winners with a local business mentor, practical help to secure the kind of work experience that money simply cannot buy, and financial assistance where living and travel expenses are a barrier to following their passion and realising a dream.
Friday’s meeting is being hosted by Head teacher Michael Rose at Wayland High School from with his counterpart Heads from the following schools also attending: Old Buckenham High School, Dereham Neatherd High, Dereham Northgate High, Dereham Sixth Form, Attleborough High School, and Wymondham High School.
During the meeting the Head teachers heard about the Bursary scheme from George and the new Norfolk Way Chairman, local entrepreneur Robert Ashton, and discussed how to get the most out of it, with the idea being that more can be achieved collaboratively than individually.
Speaking after the meeting George Freeman said:
“We all know that times are tougher than ever for young people starting out in the jobs market, and I think it is even harder for those not living in our big cities. Work experience is becoming ever more important, but for those with long commutes and facing expensive travel costs, these can be out of reach. That’s why we set up the Bursary to give those school leavers who show real business promise a chance to obtain their full potential.
“The Norfolk Way is about creating a vibrant and sustainable rural economy, and that starts with giving our young people the best start we can.”
Photo: Later in the day George visited Jack Wellstead, one of this year’s Bursary Winners. He was at Wymondham High School, but upon completing his GCSE’s is now attending Easton College to study Sports and Fitness. The Norfolk Way secured work experience for Jack at the Amazon Gym in Shropham for the days he is not studying and are also investing in his training for a Level 2 instructor course.
George met Jack at the Amazon gym, (The Fitness Centre, Hargham Road, Shropham, Norfolk NR17 1DS) to catch up on his progress.
28 November 2011
On Friday, George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, awarded pupils from Toftwood Junior School, Dereham St Nicholas Junior School, Dereham Church First School and The Grove House Nursery Infant Community School with toys and school equipment as part of the Tesco Schools and Clubs voucher scheme.
The presentation will took place at 09.00am at the Tesco’s Dereham store with teachers and pupils from the schools in attendance.
Speaking after the event George Freeman said:
“It was a pleasure to take part in the presentation again, after doing so last year. Tesco for Schools and Clubs is a great scheme and it is a delight to see the pupils receive their voucher rewards.”
The presentation will took place at 09.00am at the Tesco’s Dereham store with teachers and pupils from the schools in attendance.
Speaking after the event George Freeman said:
“It was a pleasure to take part in the presentation again, after doing so last year. Tesco for Schools and Clubs is a great scheme and it is a delight to see the pupils receive their voucher rewards.”
28 November 2011
On Friday George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, visited the Wymondham Headquarters for the Norfolk Constabulary to meet with Officers and tour the facilities.
The aim was for George to get a better understanding of the day to day working of the constabulary and see first-hand the multiple responsibilities and challenges they face. Amongst the itinerary for the visit was a tour of the control room, firearms section, and a display by the dogs section.
The visit will be followed up by a one-to-one meeting between George and Chief Constable Phil Gormley next week to discuss the visit’s findings.
Together the Norfolk Constabulary departments make our county one of the safest places to live in the country with a very low crime rate.”
The aim was for George to get a better understanding of the day to day working of the constabulary and see first-hand the multiple responsibilities and challenges they face. Amongst the itinerary for the visit was a tour of the control room, firearms section, and a display by the dogs section.
The visit will be followed up by a one-to-one meeting between George and Chief Constable Phil Gormley next week to discuss the visit’s findings.
Together the Norfolk Constabulary departments make our county one of the safest places to live in the country with a very low crime rate.”
23 November 2011
After being recognised as a Finalist in the 2010 BCS, Chartered Institute for IT, MP Web awards, this year George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, has beaten off competition from MPs such as the Miliband brothers to win the prize for Overall Winner 2011. He was also a Finalist in the ‘Usability’ and ‘Engagement’ categories.
The Awards were judged by an independent panel including Mark Say, Editor of Guardian Government Computing, Oussama Kardi, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament for Hillingdon, and Ian Dunt, Editor of politics.co.uk. The websites for all Members were reviewed before the shortlist was announced in September.
Speaking after receiving the award George said:
“It was an honour to accept this award and for the website to be recognized in this way, and I hope that my constituents find it a helpful resource. This afternoon’s ceremony reiterated for me just how important the internet is for political engagement and through that, just how crucial fast and reliable broadband is.
With us living more busy lives, MPs websites are a quick and convenient way to get in touch, access the information you need, or simply to keep updated with the work we are doing. Much has been said already about the importance of achieving improved Broadband access across the UK to help people work from home, boost business, and avoid rural isolation, but it strikes me today that with rising usage of the internet in Politics, fast Broadband is also crucial for ensuring people can join the democratic process.”
Chief Executive Officer of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, David Clarke MP, speaking during the ceremony in the House of Commons said:
“I would like congratulate all winners and finalists. Our MP Web Awards demonstrate the way MPs communicate online with their constituents today. I would also like to thank all the judges who took part in the Awards, their efforts ensure that we encourage MPs to improve their websites and celebrate those who are doing well.”
Other categories included:
Usability Award:
Winner: Andrew Mitchell MP
Finalists: George Freeman MP and Emily Thornberry MP
Engagement Award:
Winner: Jim Murphy MP
Finalists: Robert Halfon MP, Luciana Berger MP and George Freeman MP
Accessibility Award, presented in conjunction with AbilityNet:
Winner: Chris Grayling MP
Finalists: Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Tony Cunningham MP and John Bercow MP
Social Media Award:
Winner: David Miliband MP
Finalists: Ed Miliband MP and James Morris MP
Overall Award:
Winner: George Freeman MP
Finalists: Dan Byles MP and Luciana Berger MP
BCS MP Web Awards 2011 Homepage: http://www.bcs.org/category/9277
BCS 2010 Finalists details: http://www.bcs.org/category/14684
22 November 2011
This morning, George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, and son of Arthur Freeman the Grand National winning Jockey (1958 on ‘Mr What’), joined a Westminster Hall debate on the funding of horse racing.
During the debate George spoke up for the economic importance of the industry, stating that it would be criminally negligent to allow the decline of such a key industry at a time when the UK should be doing all it can to support the economy.
He also described the significance of racing to the rural economy of the UK, highlighting local courses in Norfolk such as Fakenham, Point to Points, Hunts, and the feed and equipment market and income provided for suppliers.
Speaking after the debate George Freeman said:
“Coming from a racing family, this issue is extremely important to me. National Hunt racing is something we should be proud of and support. It makes up a huge part of our rural character and is also a huge industry for the UK. I was pleased to see so much support during the debate and will continue to monitor the progress of this issue.”
FULL TEXT:
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Thank you for the opportunity to speak, Mr Williams. I am sorry that I was a little late. I shall keep my comments short.
I add my support for my hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock) and congratulate him on raising the issue of an important industry and a vital part of our heritage. When the Government and all of us are stretching every sinew to promote growth in the country, it seems criminally negligent to allow the decline of a great industry that we already have. On a personal note, as the proud son of a former grand national-winning jockey who had the privilege of riding for Her Majesty the Queen Mother, it is a chance to remind ourselves of the great heritage of this great sport. My point is about the importance of national hunt racing in the rural economy. Low prize money is a particularly acute problem, and the whole pyramid of small trainers, point-to-points, hunts, pony clubs, hauliers and feed suppliers in a constituency such as mine is essential to underpin our rural economy and rural communities.
| Hansard
During the debate George spoke up for the economic importance of the industry, stating that it would be criminally negligent to allow the decline of such a key industry at a time when the UK should be doing all it can to support the economy.
He also described the significance of racing to the rural economy of the UK, highlighting local courses in Norfolk such as Fakenham, Point to Points, Hunts, and the feed and equipment market and income provided for suppliers.
Speaking after the debate George Freeman said:
“Coming from a racing family, this issue is extremely important to me. National Hunt racing is something we should be proud of and support. It makes up a huge part of our rural character and is also a huge industry for the UK. I was pleased to see so much support during the debate and will continue to monitor the progress of this issue.”
FULL TEXT:
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Thank you for the opportunity to speak, Mr Williams. I am sorry that I was a little late. I shall keep my comments short.
I add my support for my hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock) and congratulate him on raising the issue of an important industry and a vital part of our heritage. When the Government and all of us are stretching every sinew to promote growth in the country, it seems criminally negligent to allow the decline of a great industry that we already have. On a personal note, as the proud son of a former grand national-winning jockey who had the privilege of riding for Her Majesty the Queen Mother, it is a chance to remind ourselves of the great heritage of this great sport. My point is about the importance of national hunt racing in the rural economy. Low prize money is a particularly acute problem, and the whole pyramid of small trainers, point-to-points, hunts, pony clubs, hauliers and feed suppliers in a constituency such as mine is essential to underpin our rural economy and rural communities.
| Hansard
21 November 2011
Last week George spoke at the Norwich Research Park’s (NRP) Angel Investor day at their Innovation Centre.
He delivered the key note speech on the potential of the Eastern Region’s scientific excellence, and spoke about his new role as Life Science Adviser to the Government and the role science and innovation has to play in generating UK economic growth.
Speaking at the event George said:
"I was delighted to be invited to speak at the Norwich Research Park's Investor Day. The NRP is the perfect location for new and expanding science, technology and research businesses and I have long been a vocal supporter of the world class excellence to be found in Norfolk science.
Back in Westminster I am constantly beating the drum for the UK's science. In the face of a rapidly rising world population and the approaching food and energy challenge, with our expertise in food and agricultural science we have the potential to be global leaders in these two exciting sectors.
The UK's Life Sciences have a huge role to play in the country's Growth Strategy and it was a privilege to be able come to the NRP to speak with Angel Investors about the exciting opportunities available."
Coverage of the event: http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=85990
He delivered the key note speech on the potential of the Eastern Region’s scientific excellence, and spoke about his new role as Life Science Adviser to the Government and the role science and innovation has to play in generating UK economic growth.
Speaking at the event George said:
"I was delighted to be invited to speak at the Norwich Research Park's Investor Day. The NRP is the perfect location for new and expanding science, technology and research businesses and I have long been a vocal supporter of the world class excellence to be found in Norfolk science.
Back in Westminster I am constantly beating the drum for the UK's science. In the face of a rapidly rising world population and the approaching food and energy challenge, with our expertise in food and agricultural science we have the potential to be global leaders in these two exciting sectors.
The UK's Life Sciences have a huge role to play in the country's Growth Strategy and it was a privilege to be able come to the NRP to speak with Angel Investors about the exciting opportunities available."
Coverage of the event: http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=85990
21 November 2011
On Friday, George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk and Government Adviser on Life Sciences, visited the University of East Anglia’s Science and Business Schools to meet with Senior Staff, Professors, and Students and to discuss the UEA’s research excellence, and the potential role of life sciences to generate economic growth for the UK.
During the visit, George highlighted the need for a bold package of investment to allow growth in the Eastern region, calling for improved infrastructure, communication, and transport links, to reach its full potential.
Speaking at the UEA in advance of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, George Freeman said:
“I fully support the Chancellor’s plans for deficit reduction, but we also need investment to unlock the export and growth potential of the UK’s innovation regions and the clusters so key to a sustainable recovery. Visiting the Norwich Research Park and UEA today, and seeing the incredible commercial potential of its research further reinforces the importance of not letting underinvestment in infrastructure hold them back.
The A11 has the potential to be a world class innovation corridor linking Cambridge University and Addenbrooks (Europe's largest biomedical research facility) with the world class research on the Norwich Research Park, UEA, and the John Innes Centre and Institute of Food Research. We have the potential to be a global hub of the medical, cleantech and food sciences which the rapidly developing world will need. But we will never unlock the potential of our region unless we invest in the necessary rail, road, broadband and sustainable housing development to get our region moving.
That’s why I am pushing for rail improvements like an East-West line to connect Oxford and Cambridge Universities and a faster and more frequent Norwich-Cambridge line to allow the Eastern region’s research facilities and the UEA to achieve the partnerships and industry links we so urgently need.
In this year's Budget for Business, The Government laid down key foundations with its protection of the science budget, tax and deregulation support for fast growth businesses, £30m investment in Norfolk Broadband and £50m investment in Norwich and the Babraham Institute. In the forthcoming Autumn Growth Statement the Government must take the next step and unveil a radical package of measures to support the innovation economy, which is the source of jobs and prosperity for the next generation.”
During the visit, George highlighted the need for a bold package of investment to allow growth in the Eastern region, calling for improved infrastructure, communication, and transport links, to reach its full potential.
Speaking at the UEA in advance of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, George Freeman said:
“I fully support the Chancellor’s plans for deficit reduction, but we also need investment to unlock the export and growth potential of the UK’s innovation regions and the clusters so key to a sustainable recovery. Visiting the Norwich Research Park and UEA today, and seeing the incredible commercial potential of its research further reinforces the importance of not letting underinvestment in infrastructure hold them back.
The A11 has the potential to be a world class innovation corridor linking Cambridge University and Addenbrooks (Europe's largest biomedical research facility) with the world class research on the Norwich Research Park, UEA, and the John Innes Centre and Institute of Food Research. We have the potential to be a global hub of the medical, cleantech and food sciences which the rapidly developing world will need. But we will never unlock the potential of our region unless we invest in the necessary rail, road, broadband and sustainable housing development to get our region moving.
That’s why I am pushing for rail improvements like an East-West line to connect Oxford and Cambridge Universities and a faster and more frequent Norwich-Cambridge line to allow the Eastern region’s research facilities and the UEA to achieve the partnerships and industry links we so urgently need.
In this year's Budget for Business, The Government laid down key foundations with its protection of the science budget, tax and deregulation support for fast growth businesses, £30m investment in Norfolk Broadband and £50m investment in Norwich and the Babraham Institute. In the forthcoming Autumn Growth Statement the Government must take the next step and unveil a radical package of measures to support the innovation economy, which is the source of jobs and prosperity for the next generation.”
16 November 2011
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has launched 'My New Business and Growth and Improvement', two new online services designed to make it easier for businesses to access the information and support they need to start and grow.
You’ll now be able to access all the information you need from one place via:
www.businesslink.gov.uk?newservices
You can:
From the 25th of November a Business Link helpline number will also be available on 0845 6000 9006.
If you have a business or are thinking of turning your great idea into a reality, do check it out!
You’ll now be able to access all the information you need from one place via:
www.businesslink.gov.uk?newservices
You can:
- Access support schemes and local business events
- View video case studies and tutorials
- Access peer support networks
- Receive expert guidance on topics from finance, marketing and recruiting and training staff
From the 25th of November a Business Link helpline number will also be available on 0845 6000 9006.
If you have a business or are thinking of turning your great idea into a reality, do check it out!
16 November 2011
This morning George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, joined Councillors, MPs, and Care Providers to discuss the future marketplace for the care sector.
This year's event held at the John Innes Centre in Colney, Norwich, looked at the changing shape of the care sector, providing information for delegates about the services provided and the commissioning and purchasing process.
The full day's programme ran from 09.30am-4.00pm with George speaking in the first session 'Creating a culture for change - what are the future priorities?' at 10.00am.
Speaking in advance of the event George Freeman said:
"Norfolk has the oldest population in terms of percentages in the Eastern region and the rate of growth in this population is set to keep rising. This is why Social Care is so especially important in Norfolk and why I have been stressing the need for improved Care for our elderly back in Westminster.
"I look forward to taking part in this year's Conference after attending last year and finding it hugely informative and thank the hosts Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Independent Care for their invitation to speak. I'm also looking forward to hearing the presentations from the organizations, such as the innovative Simply Unite, who employ technology to enhance quality of life through tutorials and assistance to help get more care residents online, as well as hearing more of the findings from Norfolk County Council's Building a Better Future review."
Links:
George discussing the Conference on the BBC Radio Norfolk Breakfast Show with Matthew Gudgin | BBCiPlayer (starts 1:48:00) available for 7 days
| Hansard text of George's NHS Care of the Elderly Westminster Debate
This year's event held at the John Innes Centre in Colney, Norwich, looked at the changing shape of the care sector, providing information for delegates about the services provided and the commissioning and purchasing process.
The full day's programme ran from 09.30am-4.00pm with George speaking in the first session 'Creating a culture for change - what are the future priorities?' at 10.00am.
Speaking in advance of the event George Freeman said:
"Norfolk has the oldest population in terms of percentages in the Eastern region and the rate of growth in this population is set to keep rising. This is why Social Care is so especially important in Norfolk and why I have been stressing the need for improved Care for our elderly back in Westminster.
"I look forward to taking part in this year's Conference after attending last year and finding it hugely informative and thank the hosts Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Independent Care for their invitation to speak. I'm also looking forward to hearing the presentations from the organizations, such as the innovative Simply Unite, who employ technology to enhance quality of life through tutorials and assistance to help get more care residents online, as well as hearing more of the findings from Norfolk County Council's Building a Better Future review."
Links:
George discussing the Conference on the BBC Radio Norfolk Breakfast Show with Matthew Gudgin | BBCiPlayer (starts 1:48:00) available for 7 days
| Hansard text of George's NHS Care of the Elderly Westminster Debate
16 November 2011
Joining yesterday’s much publicised debate on Fuel Prices, George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, highlighted the particular strain rising fuel prices are placing on people living in rural communities.
Quite simply, for geographic reasons rural residents travel more often and further distances than those living in urban areas, and with the ongoing decline in rural bus services the problem is only further exacerbated.
Speaking in the debate George Freeman said:
“Fuel prices hit rural communities especially hard. Families and businesses in my Mid Norfolk Constituency often have no public transport option and have to rely on their cars, couples struggling to pay the rising cost of living often need two cars, and fuel costs, we must remember, also hit the public services, with many of our elderly finding themselves increasingly cut off from accessing services and facilities.
This simply does not affect urban residents in the same way and is another example of rural discrimination.
I am pleased that the Government has acknowledged that high petrol and diesel prices are a serious problem but call on them to look further at the impact of high fuel prices on local economic growth and quality of life.”
| George's debate intervention
To view BBC Look East's coverage of the Fuel Debate and to see George speaking up for rural people in the Commons please visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj5w
(The Fuel story begins at 08.05)
Quite simply, for geographic reasons rural residents travel more often and further distances than those living in urban areas, and with the ongoing decline in rural bus services the problem is only further exacerbated.
Speaking in the debate George Freeman said:
“Fuel prices hit rural communities especially hard. Families and businesses in my Mid Norfolk Constituency often have no public transport option and have to rely on their cars, couples struggling to pay the rising cost of living often need two cars, and fuel costs, we must remember, also hit the public services, with many of our elderly finding themselves increasingly cut off from accessing services and facilities.
This simply does not affect urban residents in the same way and is another example of rural discrimination.
I am pleased that the Government has acknowledged that high petrol and diesel prices are a serious problem but call on them to look further at the impact of high fuel prices on local economic growth and quality of life.”
| George's debate intervention
To view BBC Look East's coverage of the Fuel Debate and to see George speaking up for rural people in the Commons please visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj5w
(The Fuel story begins at 08.05)