Further information

Land use

The district's land use is still devoted mainly to agriculture, although this sector now employs no more than 6% of the workforce. The general picture is one of significant activity on the southern fringes of Norwich, vibrant and expanding market towns and a great diversity of economic activity taking place in and around villages across much of the district.

Employers in the district

There are more than 4000 employers in the district with over 75% employing five or less people. Within the public sector there are some major employers including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norfolk Constabulary Headquarters and the District Council itself. There are also a number of significant employers in the private sector, particularly in manufacturing.

Several of these companies are world class in their respective fields including automotive, electronic components, transformers and glass to metal seals. The food processing sector benefits from advanced research at the Norwich Research Park at Colney. See more details of the major South Norfolk employers.

Employment land

The district has plenty of employment land, serviced offices and commercial accommodation. Across the whole district there is a wide variety of premises and the accommodation rents are very reasonable. To view land and premises available to buy or rent visit our Business Premises Register.

How we promote investment

We are committed to promoting the area for inward investment, and will work with the Norfolk County Council, the regional development agency and other districts to sell its many benefits. Existing employers also receive support, especially where there is growth potential in external markets.

The Enterprise Development Scheme (business loan), Professional Services Scheme (business grant) and Innovation Grant are offered by us to help both existing and new businesses threatened by short-term financial constraints.

Detailed help and advice is also available to small businesses and start ups via the Norfolk Start-up Scheme. South Norfolk businesses on this scheme can access a variety of finances.

Partnership working

We fund support agencies committed to helping businesses to develop, as well as those helping people to acquire new skills. Organisations such as the Norwich Enterprise Agency Trust, Business Link, Women's Employment, Enterprise and Training Unit and Prince's Trust are examples of this. To find out more about these organisations visit their websites (links below).

Related pages on this website

• Economic Strategy
• The South Norfolk economy
• Business Premises Register
• Enterprise Development Scheme (business loan)
• Professional Services Scheme (business grant)
• Innovation Grant (business grant)

External links

Broads and Rivers Leader+
This programme invests money to develop the Norfolk Broads. It aims to make the products and services of this rural area more competitive and make the best use of natural and cultural resources.

Business Link East 
Offers free, impartial advice and interactive tools to help businesses to start up, improve or grow. It's a one-stop shop covering all you need to know about regulations, finance and local support.

Department of Education and Skills (DFES)
This website brings together a wide range of information on education and skills that are specific to different people’s needs: adult learners; young people; local education authorities; parents; teachers and governors.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
This website gives a wealth of information for businesses, employees and consumers, including business solutions, various legislation e.g. hours of work, pay entitlement, redundancy arrangements and Trade Union rights, and discrimination at work.

East of England Development Agency (EEDA)
EEDA is a government-funded organisation sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry. It aims to improve the region’s economic performance.  This site gives information on job opportunities, business support, investing in communities projects and regional renaissance.

Jobcentre Plus
Provides help and advice on jobs and training for people who can work, and financial help for those who cannot.

NEATBUSINESS
This site is for people who are thinking of starting a business or those who have been trading for less than 3 years. It includes information on start up training and support. (see other description)

Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES)
NWES is a registered enterprise agency working in partnership with both the public and private sector to provide business support, boost self-employment and encourage entrepreneurship. This includes information on starting up a business.

Shaping Norfolk's Future
This is a partnership that was formed in 1997, bringing together private, public and voluntary sectors to improve the performance of the Norfolk economy. It gives information on various sectors e.g. financial, engineering and boat building; themes e.g. business support, and marketing; local areas e.g. Broadland, Norwich, South Norfolk.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in the East of England
MAS East is committed to addressing the practical needs of manufacturers from all sectors in the region. It provides free telephone support, a manufacturing review action plan, improvement projects (tailored to your business) and prioritised access to relevant industry events.

The Princes Trust
This is a UK charity that helps young people overcome barriers to get their lives working. It includes information on starting up a business, grants for jobs and training, advice for careleavers and help for offenders.

The Small Business Community Forums
This is an interactive and open portal that serves as a resource to support and assist small businesses.

The Women’s Employment, Enterprise and Training Unit (WEETU)
Provides information for women who are returning to work, including training in business skills such as sales, marketing and finance; support for self employment and available loans.

About links to other websites.