Business leaders from across Lowestoft & Waveney were welcomed at The East Restaurant, Lowestoft College to meet and debate local issues at an event led by the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce.

 

The networking breakfast event, held on 28th March, gave local business leaders the opportunity to meet and share their views with others businesses throughout the county.

 

Peter Aldous MP updated his guests on a number of issues from Westminister, including the recent budget. He also discussed funds to help smaller developers access finance and the extension of apprenticeship grants for employers, particularly smaller businesses who would not normally consider taking on apprentices.

 

Peter Aldous MP spoke passionately about the energy sector, incorporating the wind, oil and gas sectors,  and covering a variety of topics including a review of the tax regime to ensure objectives are achieved and the safety proposals from the civil aviation authority regarding helicopters and platforms.

 

Infrastructure was a key topic of the event, and Peter advised that 6 major roads have been identified in the country to be looked including the A47. It is hoped that the A47 trunk road will have Lowestoft as its start /end point and the road upgrade/rename will include the small part of the A12 that runs between Lowestoft and Gt Yarmouth. If the road is deemed to be a trunk road as a major route with it will bring with it extra business.

 

Alongside Peter the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce are in frequent contact with National Rail with regards to the Oulton Broad North rail crossing. National Rail is currently looking at the signalling in Oulton Broad North station and other locations, and the Chamber are lobbying for this work to be prioritised over other locations. This will mean that the total time the barriers are down will be reduced by approximately 62%, which will be welcomed by businesses in Lowestoft.

 

Peter Aldous commented: "It is a pleasure to work with the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce and to address local businesses leaders from all across Lowestoft & Waveney, providing feedback on national and local issues and to discuss matters of particular relevance to their businesses and work."

 

James Reeder Chairman of the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce commented: ''Peter Aldous MP has spoken to our business group on many occasions and it is always extremely useful to be updated with his work, on our behalf, in Westminster. It is very useful to be reminded that the perception of Lowestoft and Waveney from outside the area is that it is a good place to live and work, with a whole wealth of opportunities. The Chamber must help to ensure that our community believes that is the case by seeing things move forward."