Our region has built a strong reputation for being at the forefront of developments in the agricultural and energy sectors, with technological advances that are setting the pace for these industries across the UK.

We are home to highly-skilled industries, with growing expertise in advanced manufacturing, biotech and cleantech.

Access to finance is crucial for our growing businesses and for sustaining the infrastructure we need locally to provide the right platform for growth.

Without the right transport links, attractive housing, strong performing schools, universities and hospitals, we will not retain and attract the right talent to sustain our emerging sector strengths.

As a UK bank we have a clear role to play – and we believe that role goes beyond our day job.

As a strong supporter of local business, last year we helped more than 11,000 start-ups get off the ground.

Alongside tailored funding and advice for businesses, we're supporting the School of Social Entrepreneurs East with dedicated mentoring.

We have more than 2,000 specially trained Digital Champions helping small businesses to get online.

Over the past 12 months we've delivered career guidance and financial literacy sessions to hundreds of pupils across local schools.

These are just a few of the ways we are partnering with public and civic organisations across the region to help our local economy prosper.

Norfolk Day is an opportunity for all corners of our business community to come together and shine a light on our successes.

Our emerging strengths in biotech and cleantech are great examples of what our regional business scene needs more of – the public and private sectors coming together to nurture these skills and important innovations.

At this first Norfolk Day business summit I am looking forward to finding new ways of better working together as a community, making the most of every opportunity and putting our dynamic and creative local economy in the spotlight.