From the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital to the West Winch Housing Access Road and the restoration of St George’s Guildhall, some major projects are planned for West Norfolk. Now local businesses are being invited to find out how they could benefit from the investment.
A free Meet the Buyer event is being held at King’s Lynn Town Hall on Wednesday 18 November, giving businesses of all sizes the opportunity to meet the people behind some of the area’s biggest construction and regeneration schemes.
Organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, the event aims to help local firms discover potential contracts, make valuable contacts and understand how they can become involved in upcoming projects.
And it’s not just an opportunity for large construction companies.
Smaller businesses, specialist trades, suppliers and service providers are also being encouraged to attend.
Keeping opportunities local
With significant investment planned across the borough, the council wants to ensure that local companies are in a position to compete for work rather than see opportunities pass them by.
Representatives involved in the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the West Winch Housing Access Road and the refurbishment of St George’s Guildhall will be available to speak directly with businesses.
Those attending will be able to ask questions about future contracts, learn what project teams are looking for and find out what may be required to become an approved supplier or contractor.
For a local business hoping to expand, it could be a useful opportunity to make connections that might otherwise be difficult to establish.
Councillor Simon Ring, the borough council’s cabinet member for business, said:
“With significant investment taking place across the borough, we want to ensure local companies are well placed to benefit.
“Whether you’re looking to expand your customer base, secure new contracts or access business support, this event offers something for businesses of all sizes.”
More than just construction contracts
While the major building and infrastructure projects are likely to attract considerable interest, the event will also offer wider business advice and support.
Organisations attending include the New Anglia Growth Hub, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and College of West Anglia.
They will be available to discuss matters such as business growth, training, recruitment and developing the skills needed to take advantage of future opportunities.
For smaller companies in particular, understanding how to approach larger organisations and navigate procurement processes can be an important first step.
The event aims to make those conversations easier by bringing businesses and project representatives together in one place.
Making investment work for West Norfolk
Councillor Chris Morley, the borough council’s cabinet member for finance, said it was important that investment in major projects also brought benefits to the wider local economy.
“Major investment projects can create long-term benefits for local economies, but it’s important that local businesses are aware of the opportunities available to them.”
The hope is that by connecting local firms with project teams at an early stage, more of the economic benefits of major developments can be felt across West Norfolk.
That could mean opportunities for businesses ranging from building contractors and electricians to specialist suppliers and companies providing supporting services.
Of course, attending the event does not guarantee a contract, but it could provide a useful introduction to the people making purchasing decisions.
When and where?
The free Meet the Buyer event takes place at King’s Lynn Town Hall on Wednesday 18 November, from 9am until 1pm.
Businesses interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance.
With some of West Norfolk’s biggest projects on the horizon, it is an opportunity for local companies to find out what work may be available and how they can put themselves forward.
After all, if millions of pounds are being invested in our part of Norfolk, it makes sense to give local businesses every opportunity to be part of the story.
