One thing I understand is that the success of our borough depends on the success of our local businesses. While major investments often make the headlines, it is our small and medium-sized businesses that form the backbone of Great Yarmouth's economy.
Across the borough, thousands of people are employed by local firms. They create jobs, support apprenticeships, sponsor community events and help keep our high streets, industrial estates and villages thriving. When local businesses succeed, our communities benefit too.
That is why supporting businesses is one of the Borough Council's key priorities. Our role is not to tell businesses how to operate, but to help create the right environment for them to grow. Sometimes that means helping unlock development opportunities, sometimes it means connecting businesses with funding and support, and often it simply means listening to the challenges they face and acting where we can.
Two initiatives the Council has developed are the Great Yarmouth Business Forum and the Gorleston Business Forum, both held quarterly throughout the year. They bring together businesses of all sizes, alongside organisations that can offer advice, funding and practical support.
The feedback from these forums has been extremely positive. They have encouraged new relationships, opened important conversations and ensured that businesses have a stronger voice in shaping the future of our borough. They have also shown the value of councils working alongside, rather than simply talking to, local businesses.
I firmly believe that local government works best when it works in partnership with local business. By listening, removing barriers where we can and bringing people together, we can help create the conditions for prosperity.
Great Yarmouth has ambitious plans for future economic growth, but that growth must include the businesses that are already here.
