Norwich Theatre CEO and creative director Stephen Crocker calls for unity in Norfolk

It was disappointing to learn recently that Devolution plans for Norfolk have been put on hold by the new government.

This is a setback for the long-term future growth and prosperity of Norfolk and a roadblock to a range of new opportunities that will positively impact the lives and livelihoods of people across the whole of our county.

At its core, devolution is about de-centralising public funding for things that impact all of our everyday lives in the area we live, like transport, housing and employment opportunities.

Its basic premise is that public funding is better prioritised and allocated by those working in a local area rather than in Westminster.

I don’t think I am alone in believing that this is inherently a very good thing.

With 920,000 residents, 40,000 businesses, 390,000 jobs, and a £20bn economy, Norfolk’s economic landscape is not only robust but also dynamic with huge opportunities for fast growth in key areas distinctive to our county like Agritech and Clean Energy.

There is opportunity for different places across the whole county but in the past few months Norwich has also been ranked in the top ten of UK cities ripe for ‘Good Growth’, according to an independent report.

To my mind good growth means better investment.

Norfolk’s original in-principle devolution deal was agreed back in December 2023 and aimed to bring funding to the region and greater power to manage local projects and infrastructure.

It was constructed prior to the general election and so perhaps no surprise that the goal posts have shifted under a new government, but it is vital now that all sectors come together united by a single drive to do the best for Norfolk and achieve a new devolution deal.

By working together, we are paving the way for a future of sustainable growth and where economic prosperity can touch the lives of all who live in Norfolk.

Today is my first meeting as a member of the newly created Norfolk Business Board that has been established to do just this and will, I hope, be instrumental in getting devolution for Norfolk back on to the table.

I am very proud to have been asked to represent the Cultural Sector and Creative Industries on this Board as being a sector at the heart of our county’s vibrancy both now and into the future.

The board’s aim is to support all places across Norfolk to provide a high quality of life, strengthen communities and social infrastructure, increase resident wellbeing, and encourage pride of place.

It acts as a consultant to influence policy and major funding decisions and plays a critical role in overseeing the economic strategy for Norfolk.

The fact that the board is made up of different sectors, geographies, and business types highlights the importance of collaboration to drive growth and development and it is an apolitical body led by business leaders and concerned only with Norfolk’s future prosperity.

I am very much looking forward to playing a part around this important agenda for my own sector and for the county.

We lived this kind of partner-working out last week as I was joined on the stage of Norwich Theatre Royal by David Maguire from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between our organisations, anchor institutions in the county, in what is a significant step towards fostering cultural and educational growth in Norfolk.

This is our second MOU together, drawing on the learning and impact of our work together, in particular the collaborative project, Incubate.

Running for over a year, this programme supports graduates transitioning from education to professional practice with an emphasis on mentoring and development.

It has led to the creation of new works that have been performed and appreciated by local audiences and increased employment for graduates.

We are thrilled that the project is a finalist in this year’s Norfolk Arts Awards, and I congratulate all the local artists and creatives who made it the success it is.

A key desired outcome of Incubate was to provide creative career opportunities in our region.

This new MOU builds on that, recognising the importance and impact of nurturing and retaining talent in the East of England.

It is a priority shared by many in the region: to invest in our future and create a thriving economy that benefits the whole of Norfolk.

Norfolk is stronger, when Norfolk works together.