Guests enjoy new business networking event at Great Yarmouth Town Hall

Hosted by the leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Councillor Carl Smith, Councillor Daniel Candon and Chief Executive, Sheila Oxtoby, the Industry Insights event saw more than 20 key figures from the county's business community attend the breakfast session to discuss their ambitions and key challenges and opportunities for their organisations and for the sector.

Welcoming guests to the Town Hall, Councillor Smith said: ''We have more than 150 manufacturing business in the borough employing more than 3,600 people. While our engineering companies encompass everything from maritime, energy, construction and automotive work.

''The opportunity to come together, share our common aims and learn more about the opportunities - and the challenges - we all have is enormously valuable. Discussions with local companies helps shape our strategy and makes sure we are working hard to deliver what businesses need to drive the success we all want.''

Guests, who enjoyed refreshments and drinks provided by Scratby-based East Norfolk Cider, also heard a presentation from James Williamson of New Anglia Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (NAAME).

Mr Williamson briefed delegates about the Made Smarter Adoption Programme - a business support package focused on supporting manufacturing and engineering small and medium-sized enterprises.

He explained the programme offers training opportunities and match-funded grants of up to £20,000 for the adoption and implementation of industrial digital technologies.

Councillor Daniel Candon, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Economic Development and Growth, said: ''Listening to the ambitions of business leaders and being part of a dialogue is extremely valuable.

''We were able to share information about the council's regeneration strategy and range of current projects and plans, while the feedback we receive will help us shape future priorities.

''Over the past five years the council has attracted more than £350m of public sector investment, but we know there is still much more to deliver. These businesses and their workforces are critical to the success of the local economy and increasing our understanding of what they need to succeed is vital.''

The Industry Insights event was the first of several scheduled to take place this year, with future sessions set to focus on leisure and tourism, energy, skills as well as other sectors.

The sessions are designed to reflect the fact that, as the local economy continues to evolve, Great Yarmouth Borough Council wants to ensure it plays an active, collaborative and enthusiastic role in helping to create the right conditions for businesses to thrive.