Swaffham Assembly Rooms to host event aimed at revitalising market towns in Norfolk

Champions of Norfolk’s market towns are to come together at a conference next month aimed at showcasing their strengths and developing plans to maximise their future potential.

Businesses, organisations and councils across the county will take part in the event at Swaffham Assembly Rooms on October 1.

Cllr Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth at Norfolk County Council, conceived the idea for the conference, which will build on the engagement work the authority has completed through its Norfolk Economic Strategy workshops and Love Your Market Town initiative.

The county council wants to highlight the crucial role market towns such as Downham and Fakenham play as service centres for communities. It hopes to bring people together to share best practice around revitalising them, encouraging pride in place and increasing footfall.

There will be a networking lunch from 12.45pm, followed by a series of talks and panel discussions highlighting best practice in place-making, business and skills support, and transport. The event will conclude with networking drinks until 5.45pm.

Cllr Eagle said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together the best of Norfolk’s market towns, celebrate the good work already happening and discuss what more we could be doing across the county. We hope that you can join us.”

The county council thanked its headline sponsor Lovell and drinks reception sponsor Savills.

If you are a business in a market towns and are interested in attending, you can RSVP to econdev@norfolk.gov.uk as soon as possible. Tickets are free but numbers are limited so will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.