Business leaders from across the region are coming together in December to look at ways the firms can unleash growth in the current economic climate.

Business Secretary Vince Cable is to be the keynote speaker at the Unlocking Growth Business Conference, which will be held on December 2 at OPEN in Norwich.

Amid unemployment reaching record levels and youth unemployment topping 1m and with the Bank of England warning that growth is unlikely to be seen until next summer, Dr Cable will speak about how the Government is addressing the challenges faced by businesses.

Also speaking at the conference is Martyn Pellow, president of the British Chamber of Commerce, Adam Marshall, director of policy for the British Chamber of Commerce, and David McNally chief executive of Norwich City Football Club.

And the line-up will also feature Johnny Hustler, managing director of Archant Anglia, which publishes the EADT, Davina Tanner, general manager of Chapelfield Shopping Centre, and Andy Wood chief executive of Adnams and chairman of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mr Marshall said: “The UK’s economic recovery is fundamentally about local recovery in our towns, cities and counties. Every single business success story will contribute to our future prospects as a nation. That’s why events such as the Norfolk Chamber’s Unlocking Growth conference are so important - as they help give local companies, the champions of the real economy, the confidence and links they need to invest and grow.”

The conference, which has attracted sponsorship from Barclays, City College Norwich, PwC, Chapelfield and Norse, will also feature young entrepreneurs Keiran Miles and Ben Farrin.

They will be interviewed by event host ITV Anglia reporter Matthew Hudson about their experiences in setting up a business and what unlocking growth means to them.

Mr Hustler, said: “Archant is in the vanguard of huge evolutionary change for the media as audiences are given increasing choices of platform and delivery channel. I will be talking about the opportunities offered to businesses by the emergence of new, often disruptive, technologies – and how to see them as an opportunity, not a threat.”

Mark Suthern, Head of Barclays Business Banking, said: “The current economic climate continues to have an impact on many small businesses in the UK and confidence remains low. Despite this, business owners are working hard every day creating wealth and employment because they believe in their business and want to make it a success. The Unlocking Business Growth Business Conference will provide important support in helping businesses to find new markets and we are delighted to be a sponsor of this event.”

The Unlocking Growth Business Conference will be held on 2 December at OPEN, Bank Plain, Norwich, from 8.30am to 2.30pm. To book a place or for more details, go to www.unlockinggrowth.co.uk