Advice and support if you're thinking of starting a business
Our economic development team
We have a pro-active and supportive approach to business development. We encourage ongoing business growth and investment.
The dedicated and bespoke investment support service include:
- premises search
- planning guidance
- workforce
- skills and recruitment
- local knowledge
- introductions
We also provide ongoing aftercare support and relationship development with key businesses and investors.
We work closely with other organisations to provide comprehensive and co-ordinated advice and assistance to businesses.
You can contact our Economic Development team at economic.development@west-norfolk.gov.uk.
Business advice
If you're looking for help and advice on starting and growing a business, you can visit:
- the business and self-employed pages on GOV.UK
- New Anglia Growth Hub
- BIPC Business Start up Support
- Open to Export (for small and medium sized businesses looking to export products and services)
- Innovate UK EDGE (ukri.org) - providing bespoke support to scale up innovative businesses
- MENTA - business support and training in Suffolk and Norfolk
- Visit West Norfolk - tourism industry information
A summary all of the business advice, support and funding available in west Norfolk is available in this useful guide.
Business support programmes and funding
A range of grant funding programmes are available in West Norfolk. Some of the grants available can be found below;
- West Norfolk Shared Prosperity Fund
- West Norfolk Rural Prosperity Fund
- Go Digital
- Boost
- New Anglia Growth Hub Grants
Economic profile
King's Lynn and West Norfolk is at the centre of the economic sub-region that covers a population of over 200,000. It extends into the adjoining districts in Norfolk, northern Cambridgeshire and south Lincolnshire.
The strength of the area's economy lies in the presence of world-class leaders and international brands. It's a diverse mix of sectors and balance of service and manufacturing businesses.
Key sectors
Food related industries
King's Lynn & West Norfolk has a long history as a quality arable farming area. As well as being a direct employer, the industry supports a wide range of associated industries, including:
- food processing
- engineering
- seed technology
- agri-tech
- specialist food related companies covering aspects such as precision engineering, software design and packaging
The area is the base for a wide range of industries involved in the production of food products. Some of these companies are European or World leaders in their fields, as well as being household names.
Major companies in King's Lynn & West Norfolk include:
- British Sugar
- Mars Food UK Ltd
- Pinguin Foods UK Ltd
- Tulip Ltd.
- Quorn Foods
Advanced manufacturing, leading edge technologies and engineering
The area has sector strengths in advanced engineering and manufacturing, electronics, materials sciences, and medical technologies.
There is a broad base of engineering businesses from precision engineers to military aerospace engineering. It is home to a number of companies who are working at the forefront of their fields in the following industries:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
- Plastics and micro-porous materials industries
- Electronic technology applications for the telecommunications
- Automotive
- Computer
Companies in King's Lynn & West Norfolk include:
- BAE Systems
- Bespak
- Cooper Bearings Group
- Foster Refrigerator (UK) Ltd
- Maxview Ltd.
- Multitone Electronics Plc
- Rolls Royce International Ltd
- Snap-On Diagnostics
- Williams Refrigeration Ltd
Business workspaces
The Place
Through UK Shared Prosperity Funding the Borough Council is supporting King’s Lynn BID Ltd to provide The Place Pop up Shop & Business Hub.
The Place is a fresh, flexible, multi-purpose venue that can be hired for various business endeavours, such as exhibitions, demonstrations, interactive workshops, tastings, and even general retail usage. The Place is designed to allow small/micro businesses and budding entrepreneurs the chance to try something new without navigating the costs of signing a lease.
King's Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC)
KLIC is a high quality managed workspace located on the King’s Lynn Enterprise Park providing offices for start up and growing businesses including meeting room facilities for business meetings and events. Further information on availability of space and meeting rooms for hire can be found on the KLIC website.
Further information
If you have a specific request and require further information about the business opportunities and the local economy please contact our Economic Development team at economic.development@west-norfolk.gov.uk.