Norfolk makes early strides towards its long-term economic ambitions

From agri-food and life sciences to advanced manufacturing and digital technology, Norfolk is playing a leading role, and a new action plan has set out how it will achieve its economic ambitions.

The launch of an Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab by Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) to increase jobs in the digital tech sector, and the installation of Gigabit Fibre broadband to 7,000 premises across the county are just two examples of the progress the region is already making towards its agreed goals.

Published today by the Norfolk Business Board, the Action Plan details how that strategy for 2024-2029 will be implemented, enabling the region to play a leading role in the industries that are shaping the future. 

The Action Plan ensures partners can coordinate, plan and prioritise activities, but it will also signal to potential investors, the Government and our communities that Norfolk is determined to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the modern economy and address our barriers to inclusive growth. 

Nick Steven-Jones, Chair of Norfolk Business Board said: "The Local Growth Plan was just the start. This Action Plan is a critical step in turning strategy into delivery, laying out a clear roadmap to unlock Norfolk's potential, attract investment, and create opportunities in every part of the county. 

"It's not just about economic growth, but about building a stronger, fairer future for all. Now we need everyone — businesses, councils, educators and communities — to step up and help turn this plan into action." 

At the heart of NUA's cutting-edge Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab is leading edge technology that enables the full-body capture of human motion and expression in real time and transforms physical performances in 3D digital assets — ideal for use in gaming, film, animation, virtual reality and metaverse environments. A 10m x 4m 360-degree LED volume meanwhile envelopes users in high-resolution visuals and immersive sound design. 

This sits alongside NUA's landmark Virtual Production Studio, which has been developed in collaboration with Sony and places Norwich at the forefront of next-generation filmmaking and invests in its future as a creative and digital hub. 

Another of the projects that features in the Action Plan is the rollout of Gigabit Fibre broadband. This is in addition to the rollout of broadband by commercial providers which will result in a reduction of gigabit, superfast and ultrafast broadband cold spots.

To date installation has been completed at 7,000 premises and a total of over 80,000 premises will be covered thanks to the Government's £128m investment in Norfolk. 

Other projects highlighted in the Local Growth Plan have already been delivered: 

• Norfolk Food Hall at the Norfolk Showground 
• 'Grow-on' facility for businesses to expand capacity at Norwich Research Park 
• Digital Hub at Townshend House in Norwich providing startup and grow-on space for businesses 
• Made Smarter Adoption programme to support SMEs' adoption of emerging technologies 
• School of Nursing Studies at College of West Anglia's Kings Lynn campus 
• Love Your Market Town fund to help increase sales and footfall. 

The Local Growth Plan, launched by Norfolk Business Board earlier this year, pinpointed our priorities to combat barriers to economic growth and capitalise on the numerous opportunities presented by our existing strengths. 

Across five pillars — Key Sectors, People and Skills, Infrastructure, Climate Change and Placemaking and Communities — priorities are focused not only on raising GVA levels but furthering the county's aspirations to pursue decarbonisation and sustainability, support rural and coastal communities and reduce inequalities. 

Actions are listed for each pillar and are assigned either short, medium or long-term timeframes that correspond to when they are scheduled to be delivered. Short-term actions should be delivered within one to two years, whereas medium and long-term actions are earmarked, depending on context and funding, to be delivered in two to five years or over five years.