Jarrolds CEO appointed chairman of Norfolk business board

Nick Steven-Jones, CEO of Jarrold Group, will front a new board tasked with boosting the economy, supporting small businesses and tackling the region's skills shortage.

The Norfolk business board was set up earlier this year following the integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership into Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council.

Representing a range of sectors - including agri-food, clean energy, creative industries and financial services - the board's members will oversee an ambitious new economic strategy for Norfolk. 

Nick Steven-Jones, CEO of Jarrold Group, has been appointed chairman of the Norfolk business board (Image: Supplied) Mr Steven-Jones, who was appointed chairman when the board met for the first time last Thursday, said: "I am very pleased and proud to be elected chair of the newly formed Norfolk business board.

"It is a great opportunity for representation of businesses and councils in driving the Norfolk economy forward in a way its vibrancy and entrepreneurial nature deserves.

"We look forward to delivering tangible progress on the plans and achieving a real impact and benefit for the whole of Norfolk."

READ MORE: Jarrolds unveils plans to transform historic city landmark into 88-bedroom hotel

Meeting four to six times a year, the board will aim to deliver economic growth in partnership with business, education, the voluntary sector and local authorities.

The members of the new Norfolk business board (Image: Supplied) The first meeting was held at Hethel Engineering, near Norwich.

Kay Mason-Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk’s economy has huge potential for growth and we need to provide the right growing conditions with an environment that is vibrant, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable.

“The board will collaborate with partners to support the economy with the right jobs, skills, training, and infrastructure, and work well for our businesses and people, giving everyone the best opportunities to succeed.”

READ MORE: Norwich ranked among UK's highest performing cities for economic growth

Norfolk Business Board’s members are:

• Charlie Wright, Chief Customer Officer, Epos Now
• Prof David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor, UEA
• Denise Hone, Senior Stakeholder Manager, RWE
• Mark Gorton, Managing Director, Traditional Norfolk Poultry
• Nick Steven-Jones, CEO, Jarrold
• Nova Fairbank, CEO, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce
• Paul Padda, Principal and CEO, East Coast College
• Robin Milton, Founder, Fairer Games
• Stephen Crocker, CEO & Creative Director, Norwich Theatre
• Amy Griffiths, CEO, Diss & Thetford District, Citizens Advice
• Candy Richards, Development Manager (East Anglia), Federation of Small Businesses (alternate)
• Lucy Hogg, Director of Voluntary Infrastructure, Voluntary Norfolk (alternate)

The board also includes the leaders or appointed representatives of all eight local authorities.