East Anglia is a rising economic force, yet for decades our potential has been side-lined by those in charge.
Contributing more than £35.5bn to the UK plc each year and boasting an incredible 62,000 independent enterprises, Norfolk and Suffolk hold their own on the UK’s business stage.
Our tourism sector generates more than £10bn annually, we have a fast-growing network of tech and innovation hubs, and our hardworking farmers grow more than half of the vegetables in the UK.
Not only this, but our coastline is the beating heart of the nation’s renewable energy industry, with 43pc of the country's offshore wind generated on our shores and one of the country's most important nuclear power plants on the horizon.
Since 2010 our economy has grown by 9pc, far outstripping most other “powerhouse” areas and defying lazy stereotypes about the region being backwards or sleepy.
And yet, despite all of this, the government has repeatedly overlooked us.
Public spending in the East of England is some of the lowest in the country, at just over £10,000 per head in 2023.
That’s more than 10pc lower than the UK average and a whopping 20.5pc lower than London.
The reasons for this are numerous and complex. There have been times when our MPs have let down the business community. There have been times that we have not helped ourselves.
This newspaper has long argued this state of affairs cannot continue. And the incredible economic challenges we’ve all faced over the past three years have only confirmed the urgency with which we must act.
That is why today we are launching Supercharge East.
It’s time to take a bold manifesto all the way to the steps of Number 10.
As they enter the fight for Downing Street, we are calling on our two biggest political parties to get behind this endeavour and empower our fine region to finally start delivering against our potential.
It is our job to hold our elected representatives to account. There will be no holding back. The fight for our future starts today.
The point of Supercharge East is to demand better.
We know exactly what this region needs to flourish, and with the help of our vital partners Greater Anglia and Norse Group, we are ready to stand up for you and your businesses, no matter its size or scope.
In the coming days we will fully outline what we need from government to ensure our region is not left behind.
Elizabeth Nice, editor of East Anglian Daily Times, said: "At the EADT, we've always done our best to champion local businesses.
"This is an important continuation of that. Our business community is go-getting, dynamic and innovative but for too long has been held back by elements out of their control.
"A cohesive campaign to support initiatives that level the playing field is needed so that our businesses have the infrastructure to support their demonstrable high performance and ambition."
Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs at Greater Anglia, said: “At Greater Anglia, we’re passionate about playing our part in helping our region thrive for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
"The replacement of our entire fleet with brand new trains was a transformative step in delivering a better, more punctual service for customers and stakeholders across our network.
"But further investment is necessary in our rail infrastructure if we are to fully realise the potential not just of our rail network, but also the wider economy.
"By constructively highlighting the key priorities for East Anglia, not just in transport, but in all the key areas that are important to our region, we can try to ensure that whoever wins the next election provides suitable investment in our region – especially given our positive contribution to national economic growth.
"We look forward to working with the EADT and Norse to make a compelling case for the next government to ensure it provides the support and investment our region deserves.”
Norse Group CEO Justin Galliford said: "The East of England is an economic powerhouse, making a significant contribution to the country, and it is important that the government recognises this, and provides investment which means continued success.
"I am delighted to support Supercharge East, an important initiative which sets out what our region needs to ensure resilience, connectivity and sustainability, and I am proud that Norse Group is able to make a contribution.
"Through its manifesto the EADT is giving a voice to the region’s business community, and this year’s business festival will showcase the diversity and strength of the sector."
Each week between now and the general election we will be focusing on a different aspect that impacts the eastern region.
Supercharge East is brought to you in association with East Anglian Daily Times, Norse Group and Greater Anglia.
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