The local economy

Supporting businesses and the wider supply chain, the Taskforce stands ready to help and advise businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk that are affected by the challenges facing the oil and gas sector.

Established by New Anglia LEP (opens new window) and working with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) (opens new window), Taskforce members include Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce, as well as local authorities, members of Government and Jobcentre Plus.

The Taskforce has commissioned energy experts Nautilus Associates to carry out market research to gain further insight into the problems companies are facing. Nautilus will continue to speak directly and confidentially with companies over the coming weeks.

This research will feed into the New Anglia Growth Hub (opens new window) which has business advisers ready to offer free and impartial face-to-face support. Businesses can contact the Growth Hub advisers by phone or online.

The Growth Hub can be contacted by phone on 0300 333 6536 or by email.

For those individuals affected by redundancy, Jobcentre Plus is on standby to help identify alternative employment and make sure their valuable skills are not lost.

Lynn Rolland, District Partnership Manager at Jobcentre Plus can be contacted by phone on 01603 248667 or 07920 727154 or by email.

The goal is to make sure the longstanding oil and gas industry has a sustainable future, as well as to help businesses and employees take advantage of the opportunities available across the whole energy sector, building on our existing assets of offshore wind and decommissioning.