Having run a small business before becoming an MP, and having previously been a Business Minister, I have always sought to support the hard-working entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our Norfolk economy.

That’s why I was pleased to attend the Norfolk Chambers’ ‘Big Debate 2024’ event this past Friday – a key opportunity to engage with local businesses both big and small, discussing the key issues affecting them here in Norfolk – including Norfolk’s Innovation Economy and Net Zero and Sustainability.

Having secured almost a billion pounds of investment in to the Norwich Research Park and been one of the biggest advocates of the likes of the Hethel Engineering Centre, Easton Food Enterprise Hub and Hingham Enterprise Park during my time as an MP – all of which fuel our local Innovation Economy and provide high-skilled and well-paid jobs for local people across Norfolk, I know that the transition can be done in a way that drives forward our local economy.

Our region is at the forefront of some of the most exciting, high growth sectors of tomorrow – and I am determined to make sure Mid Norfolk gets to access those opportunities and share in the prosperity they are already generating in our local communities.

I will also continue to shine a light on, and be a strong voice for, the thousands of wonderful, innovative small and medium sized businesses doing fantastic work across a wide variety of local sectors – from food and drink to high level engineering and environmental tourism.

More on my work to drive forward Norfolk’s Innovation Economy can be found here.

To find our more about my work ‘Backing Local Businesses’, please click here.