Conference will celebrate Norfolk's market towns and examine their future potential

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 from market towns across the county will take part in the event at Swaffham Assembly Rooms on 1 October, exploring placemaking, business and skills support and transport. 

Councillor Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, conceived the idea for the conference which will build on the engagement work the county council has completed through its Norfolk Economic Strategy workshops and Love Your Market Town initiative.  

Norfolk County Council wants to highlight the crucial role market towns such as Aylsham, Downham Market, and Fakenham play as service centres for local communities and bring together people 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 placemaking, business and skills support and transport. The event will conclude with networking drinks until 5.45pm. 

Councillor Fabian 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."  

Norfolk County Council would like to thank its headline sponsor Lovell and drinks reception sponsor Savills.  

If you are a business in one of Norfolk's market towns and are interested in attending, please 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.