Wayland signs agreement with Ukrainian city during delegation visit

A Ukrainian city plans to collaborate with an area of Norfolk after signing an agreement that will encourage trade exchanges and knowledge-sharing across a wide range of sectors. 

Wayland Partnership has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhovkva, a city in the Lviv region which signed an agreement with Norfolk more than a year ago. 

The MoU will aim to achieve knowledge transfer and educational and trade exchanges, explore supply chain opportunities and encourage inward investment opportunities between the two places. 

Wayland Partnership comprises the market town of Watton, its hinterland of 13 parishes and key community groups such as Wayland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Association. Its aim is to promote the area's economic, social, environmental and cultural prosperity. 

Zhovkva is a dynamic community in Lviv Oblast, just 17 miles from Lviv and 24 miles from the Polish border and is home to more than 2,500 registered businesses.  

Discussions about a possible partnership first began when the Mayor of Zhovkva Oleg Volskyi attended the 2024 Royal Norfolk Show as part of a delegation, and the signing of the agreement on Friday 27 June is largely due to the efforts of Norfolk County Councillors Fabian Eagle and Cllr Claire Bowes.

Ahead of the signing ceremony, the visitors were hosted by Watton-based electrical supplier Spartek. Demonstrating the latest digital technology, the business was able to virtually plot the roof of Zhovkva Castle and estimate the energy gain if it was covered in solar panels. This was of particular interest to Mr Volskyi as Ukraine wants to diversify its power supply and is looking to invest heavily in alternatives. 

The itinerary also took the delegation to Su-Bridge Pet Supplies in Saham Toney to explore supply chain opportunities and Wayland Academy High School to look at potential academic collaboration. On the previous day, the guests attended the Royal Norfolk Show, meeting with representatives from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who drove donated fire engines to Ukraine. 

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Norfolk County Council said: "I'm delighted at the signing of this agreement between Wayland Partnership and Zhovkva, especially as the first meeting we had about the MoU with Lviv region was held in Watton. 

"This collaboration promises to be of benefit to businesses and organisations in both places, whether that's in knowledge sharing or exploring supply chain or investment opportunities." 

Chair of the Wayland Partnership, Bronwen Tyler said: "We are looking forward to many years of friendship and exchange between our two regions which we hope will be to our mutual benefit". 

David Dent, Chair of Wayland Chamber of Commerce added: "The Wayland Chamber of Commerce was delighted to be able to sponsor the reception welcoming Mayor Oleg Volskyi to Wayland and to support the MOU, which provides our businesses with new international supply chains and markets for products and services, as well as opportunities to collaborate and innovate."