Standing up for Norfolk amid tough economic times is really getting results for our county – but the pressure must be kept up.

That was the message as leaders of Shaping Norfolk’s Future spelled out how they would carry on fighting for a fairer deal for Norfolk and for key improvements to its infrastructure.

Mark Hodges, executive director of Aviva and chairman of Shaping Norfolk’s Future, opened the 2010 conference by stressing the importance of partnership working when it came to “driving forward our county’s economy”.

“This is a very real and successful partnership between the private and public sectors and a lot of people have worked extremely hard to show what a fantastic place Norfolk is in which to live and work,” he said.

“Twelve months ago, we were looking at uncertain times: we knew there would be global and financial challenges ahead. We set out our improvement priorities – rail, road, broadband and promoting the county as a great place to do business. I think we in Norfolk have lots to be proud of and, thanks to our partners, a lot of good things have been achieved in the past year.”

Chief executive Chris Starkie said the past 12 months had witnessed tough economic times for businesses in Norfolk and beyond, and the formation of the first coalition government in many years – complete with new policy initiatives and the most savage public sector spending round in decades.

“Through all of this, Shaping Norfolk’s Future and its partners have continued to focus on our core priorities – creating jobs and wealth for the people of Norfolk. I feel passionately the work we do as a partnership matters and is making a difference,” he said.

“One of the key roles we perform is acting as a catalyst – an enabler – bringing people together to try to make things happen to help grow and support the Norfolk economy. And we know that when we in Norfolk work together we really can make a difference. You only have to see the amazing efforts in support of RAF Marham over the past few weeks to see the power of everyone pulling in the same direction.”

On the issue of dualling the A11, Mr Starkie said Shaping Norfolk’s Future was continuing to keep up the pressure on ministers. “Despite our successes, we can’t be complacent – and this week we have written to the Government to urge them to get on with the scheme as soon as possible. I promise we will keep pressing the case until construction starts.”

On rail, he said that the Shaping Norfolk’s Future ‘ Norwich in 90’ campaign was already getting results. The campaign had been calling for faster and more reliable trains, cleaner trains with wi-fi facilities, more carriage capacity and improved station facilities.

“In the spring we and regional colleagues published an independent report showing that realising our vision would be worth £3.7bn to the East Anglian economy. I’m pleased to report that a number of our ambitions have been realised but there is still a way to go – recent reliability issues and overrunning engineering works have highlighted this.”

On broadband, Mr Starkie said Shaping Norfolk’s Future had launched its own broadband website – broadbandnorfolk.com – and was supporting Norfolk County Council in its ambitious project to provide fast broadband to communities using the county’s schools network.

He highlighted an impressive range of initiatives that were boosting sectors of the Norfolk economy, including areas such as engineering, energy, training, tourism, the creative and financial industries, rural businesses, marketing, environmental awareness, and health and life sciences.

Addressing the 13^th annual gathering of Shaping Norfolk’s Future, Mr Starkie added: “I’d like to thank our sponsors and supporters for their ongoing support for this event, plus everyone involved in SNF for their contribution and dedication over the past 12 months. It is the work of the co-ordinators and board members from business and local authorities in particular who make SNF the effective force it has become.”