Norfolk and the East is fast becoming the home of some of the most exciting and innovative companies in Europe, especially in fields like food, medicine and energy – including many of the ‘Green’ jobs of tomorrow that we shall rapidly see come to the fore in the coming years.

That’s why I was delighted to take part in Voice for Young Science’s ‘Sense About Science’ workshop at the Norwich Research Park this past Friday.

As a Minister, I work hard to ensure that my work in Westminster remains connected to the grassroots and, speaking in the Centrum building that I helped open in my previous role as Minister for Life Sciences, I enjoyed speaking with many of the brightest young science minds that Norfolk has to offer – helping to equip them with the skills required to best engage with science policymakers, as well as consider how their science may help globally AND locally. Our area should be the first to benefit from the world class science and research being conducted right here on our doorstep.

As the Greater Norwich cluster, A11 Tech Corridor and the likes increasingly go from strength to strength, the role that many of these local scientists will come to play will grow significantly – spreading prosperity and opportunities to many of our local towns and villages.

I look forward to seeing that come to fruition and will continue to ensuring that connection between my ministerial and local constituency role remains strong.