Business cluster groups

The Council is keen to promote and help to support the existence of business sector cluster groups.

Companies can rarely survive in a vacuum, they benefit from passing on their knowledge to others that tackle similar problems, so that in turn they may profit from the others’ experience and expertise. Regular meetings also lead to informal, personal relationships being forged making them more inclined to share their knowledge and enter into collaboration on projects.

Below we are highlighting sector groups operating in the area and would very much encourage businesses operating in or associated with those spheres of business to join trade directories, newsletter lists and get involved in networking at these meetings.

Greater Norwich Manufacturing Group (GNMG)

NAAME [New Anglia Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering] is the recognised sector group for manufacturing & engineering businesses in Norfolk & Suffolk. NAAME maintains a network of manufacturing groups with Greater Norwich Manufacturing Group established in 2016 supporting companies across Greater Norwich. The goal is to “Build a Manufacturing and Engineering Community” through:

• Knowledge Sharing – peer to peer learning & best practice sharing
• Increasing Innovation – access pioneering research for product development
• Forging collaborations – new markets & introductions to regional supply chains
• Raising the profile and interests of manufacturing & Engineering companies in the region

GNMG is fully funded, free to join and provides exclusive invitations to attend regional factory tours, providing a forum of trust whereby like-minded individuals from manufacturing and engineering businesses can connect with each other to exchange knowledge, explore new business ventures, access expertise to assist with new product development or innovation as well as discuss and resolve industry challenges.

Financial Industry Group (FIG)

The Financial Industry Group (FIG) is a partnership of leading firms, local government and higher education across Norwich and Norfolk.

FIG’s vision is to develop a thriving cluster in Norwich that is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for insurance, financial and related professional services. In doing so, FIG creates value for people, firms and local communities.

The FIG Board comprises senior executives from leading companies, local government and higher education institutions. From UEA, FIG employs the latest thinking and research findings to achieve a sustainable cluster growth and organises a range of activities to promote the cluster.

Tastebuds Collective

Tastebuds Collective Ltd, formerly known as the Food Innovation Cluster, has its' roots in a collaborative initiative designed to support and drive innovation within the food and drink sector across the East of England. This initiative emerged as a response to the region's growing demand for resources, networking opportunities, and commercial collaboration, aiming to unite food and drink businesses, academia and research and the public sector under a common platform. Tastebuds has launched its’ new membership platform offering a wealth of knowledge and benefits including (but not limited to); weekly newsletters, workshops and networking, discounts to grow your business, trade directory, student projects, mentors, links with researchers and brilliant collaboration opportunities. Whilst Tastebuds specialises in the world of food and drink, we welcome all who support the industry. From hospitality to trades, retail to buyers, marketers to consultants and so on. We have a free discovery channel allowing you to ‘stay in the know’, and any business who are within their first 2 years of trading will receive their first year of membership for free, sponsored by MENTA.

Space East

Did you know that the East of England stands as the UK’s third-largest space sector region, generating £1.5 billion in revenue? Launched in 2023 with funding from the UK Space Agency and following 2 years of groundwork led by New Anglia LEP, the Space East cluster serves as a key catalyst for space sector development in the region. Working as one of 15 such clusters across the UK it works with partners such as the Satellite Applications Catapult and European Space Agency to deliver the objectives set out in the governments space strategy, supporting space sector businesses to grow and non-space businesses to access the opportunities that this £18.2 billion sector provides. In just 18 months, Space East has accomplished significant milestones, including:

• A strong, collaborative network community: Expanded to over 210 cluster members from public, private, and academic sectors, enhancing cross-county connections and sector integration across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire.
• £4 million + in project funding: Secured and allocated toward regional and national projects, including cross-sector work with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
• Regional economic growth and productivity: Through over 800 unique engagements, Space East has made nearly 300 introductions for stakeholders. It has instigated and delivered activities with sector cluster partners and created a Space Enterprise Lab, a central facility for the space sector in the region.
• National awareness: Space East has greatly raised awareness of the sector and the region itself delivering and attending over 65 events.

East of England Energy Group (EEEGR)

EEEGR, the East of England Energy Group, can help, by providing its members with a range of benefits including business introductions, networking opportunities, free job advertising, event discounts and up-to-date industry intelligence.

The sector has a £3.6bn turnover making it a major employer and economic driver in the region.

EEEGR is playing a key role in helping members share in the success and growth, both now and in the future. EEEGR is also an influential voice lobbying national and regional government and championing the sector.