NORWICH FLIES THE FLAG FOR EMBASSIES ACROSS THE GLOBE
A visit from senior representatives of Embassies from around the world gave Norwich a golden chance to raise the international profile of its financial industry.
The visitors came from China, India, Australia, Brazil and the Netherlands, as well as Chicago, New York and Boston, after a successful bid by Fig to host one part of their UK tour. They also went to the City of London and Leeds, as part of their training to specialise in financial services, organised by UK Trade and Investment.
In Norwich, they enjoyed some of the city’s key financial features, like the Marble Hall and National Skills Academy for Financial Services, as well as the city’s historical highlights. But it was not just the sights that impressed them. The visitors were highly complimentary about the agreeable business location, the strength of the sector and its dedication to Norfolk. One even remarked that he had never seen such a strong sense of commitment to a financial centre.
The main focus of the day was a special Fig Top Table lunch hosted, and sponsored, by Sean Egan Norwich Union’s (soon to be Aviva’s), Chief Information Officer, in the prestigious dining room above the Marble Hall in Surrey House.
Other guests included leaders from the local financial industry and public sector and they were told by Sean that NU had invested £90m in restoring the magnificent Marble Hall. “This investment is a measure of Norwich Union’s commitment to both employees and to Norwich as a core base for the company in the UK,” he said, also explaining the ‘global brand’ change to Aviva which will be completed on 1st June 2009.
NU was proud to support the Academy which helped ensure a skilled stable workforce and the latest training facilities. He said Fig helped bring a sense of collaboration to the financial community.
Simon Leeming, HR Director, Virgin Money, outlined its operation in the UK. Virgin Money has over 2.5 million customers and offers a wide range of financial products across lending (eg credit cards and personal loans), savings (eg deposits, investments and pensions) and protection (eg life assurance, household and car insurance) to the UK market. Virgin Money also has operations in the USA, Australia and South Africa.
Determination and support from staff was vital when they set up Virgin Money in quick time in the city, he added, which demonstrated the commitment of employees in Norwich and Norfolk to the work environment.
Sharon Turner, a Director of Central Trust, said the group employed 600 people, including 250 in Norwich and 250 in Watford, where it started. Last year’s turnover was £114m with profits of £15m. It had chosen Norwich because of its fantastic pool of highly motivated staff with considerable experience. The staff’s ‘can do’ attitude ensured that Central Trust opened 17 weeks after deciding to move.
The day began with a visit to the Academy with presentations about the local financial industry and benefits of doing business in Norwich and Norfolk. They were led by Marjorie Eade along with David Dukes, Business Development Manager, Norfolk County Council, Chris Popplewell, Head of Economic Development, Norwich City Council, Amanda Allen, Director of the Academy and Gary Howard of City College.
Later, a Norwich Cathedral tour was hosted by the Dean who enjoyed an informal chat with the guests. The day was supported by Shaping Norfolk’s Future.
Afterwards, Marjorie said: “The event proved to be an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen our international links.”
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