NORFOLK'S GREAT PRIDE IN FINANCIAL SECTOR
Both the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and the new Chief Executive of Shaping Norfolk’s Future heralded the invaluable work of Fig and our financial industry at a recent Top Table Lunch.
“The success of the financial industries in Norwich is a source of great pride in Norfolk,” the Lord Lieutenant, Richard Jewson, told the gathering at the Oaklands Hotel, Norwich for the Fig Top Table Lunch. He hoped for even more recognition for the unsung heroes of the county, whether for their voluntary work or in business.
Chris Starkie, former EDP Business Editor and now Chief Executive of Shaping Norfolk’s Future, echoed the enthusiasm
for Fig.
“It has for a long while been recognised as one of Shaping Norfolk’s Future’s most successful sector groups – and long may that continue,” he said. “Our aim is to create jobs and wealth for Norfolk – and in the main it is the business community which will be doing this.”
Richard Jewson outlined to guests the history of the Lord Lieutenant’s role which dates back to the time of Henry VIII. The office was created for the maintenance of order and for military purposes relating to local defence.
The intention was to limit the powers of the High Sheriffs who were becoming over mighty with their responsibilities for law and order, defence and taxes!
Nowadays, Lord Lieutenants are Her Majesty’s personal representatives in a county and their prime duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown.
“We are asked to conduct ourselves as the Queen would if she had more time to devote to Norfolk.”
The role included presenting medals and awards on behalf of the Queen and participating in civic, voluntary, social and business activities in the area.
“I shall shortly be visiting three Norfolk winners of the Queen’s Award to Industry and the two winners of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services to present them with their award,” he added.
Chris Starkie described his new role and told the gathering why he had wanted the job.
“As EDP Business Editor, I followed the fortunes of Shaping Norfolk’s Future and its sector groups such as Fig with interest and thought joining the organisation as chief executive was too good an opportunity to turn down. It’s an interesting career change for me – moving from my position watching the economy to one participating in helping it grow.”
“Our first aim is for Shaping Norfolk’s Future to be truly business-led,” he said.
“That means getting out there and engaging with the private sector, properly understanding their challenges and what they want an economic development partnership to deliver.”
His organisation operated in three ways:
Firstly, through thematic groups which cover issues relevant to the whole of Norfolk. Secondly, through the sector groups, which like FIG are focused on particular parts of the economy and thirdly, through the local areas – looking at diverse economies with different needs, supported in each area by local authorities, such as Norwich City Council.
Speaking on behalf of Norfolk with one voice and lobbying for its interests were also vital and included tackling projects like the A11 dualling campaign and the economic impact of delays on the Norwich-London railway line.
The lobbying role sat alongside their intention to improve the perception of Norfolk and Norwich as places to do business. “At the same time we are working with specific sector groups including Fig to look at ways of promoting Norfolk and Norwich as - just to give two examples - a financial services centre and a location for conferences,” he said.
The event was hosted by Marjorie Eade who gave an update on what was going on in the local sector. She also explained that Fig’s move into St Andrew’s House earlier this year marked a milestone for the Group.
Firstly, Fig now has an independent, modern city centre office. Secondly, St Andrew’s House is providing an independent central forum for the financial industry with state-of-the-art facilities for hosting meetings and VIP visitors. Thirdly, through the National Skills Academy for Financial Services, Norwich now has the vehicle through which to express its training and skills needs and the delivery mechanism for them to be met. She said this milestone gave Fig a firm foundation to move forward.
“Now we can focus on new areas, including strengthening the city’s national and international profile.”
In a departure from normal proceedings the speakers took questions covering a variety of topics including how do you apply for a knighthood!
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