Positive showing for the A47 Alliance at Parliamentary Drop-In event

Yesterday afternoon (12 March) Jonathan Cage, Managing Director of Create and current President of The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, attended a Parliamentary Drop-In event in support of the A47 Alliance.

The A47 Alliance is a collaboration of organisations covering business leaders, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Chambers of Commerce and local authority members from Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Suffolk who have come together to make the case for a fully dualled A47.

Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, attended the Drop-In which focused on the need for improvements along the A47 and its role as a critical Strategic Route to the East of England. The event featured representatives from Norfolk County Council, The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Transport East, as well as the Road Haulage Association and Peel Ports. MPs from across the counties where the A47 plays a key role were also in attendance.

The event began when Councillor Graham Plant in his role as Chairperson of the A47 Alliance provided an introduction alongside the event’s sponsor, Jess Asato MP for Lowestoft. Jonathan Cage then presented on the importance of the route for local businesses and how dualling critical sections could be the key to unlocking long-term, sustainable growth across the region. This was followed by Andrew Summers of Transport East who discussed the overall strategic importance of the route connecting East and West. The event was concluded after an update on government priorities and a wrap-up of actions from Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council.

The Minister thanked the A47 Alliance for its “spirited campaigning” and recognised the A47’s strategic importance to the East of England’s economy and communities.

“As President of the Norfolk Chambers and a business leader whose company has been involved in numerous development projects along the A47, I fully recognise the urgent need for its improvement. Enhancing this key route would not only boost driver safety and reduce travel times but also create opportunities for businesses to expand, attract investment, and deliver a strong return on infrastructure spending. Better connectivity would unlock stalled developments in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and King’s Lynn while providing a faster, more efficient link to new markets in the Midlands and the North. Additionally, upgrading the A47 would help alleviate pressure on the A14 and the wider Cambridge area, offering greater resilience and a viable alternative for businesses and individuals looking to establish themselves in the East of England. I am very pleased that the Parliamentary reception went well and that the Minister listened and took onboard our requests. Whilst funding assurances were not given at the event, it is obvious that our campaign message went down well and that the A47 will not be forgotten. By coming together in a truly collaboration manner, the A47 Alliance and key stakeholders presented a strong campaign.”

Jonathan Cage