Clive Lewis MP visited enterprise agency Nwes, and some of its Norwich-based clients to understand the importance of it’s support for start-up and growing businesses.
Visiting the Norwich Enterprise Centre on Guildhall Hill in the heart of the city, the Member of Parliament for Norwich South spent some time finding out about the support that Nwes offers to budding entrepreneurs.
As a champion for small businesses, Mr Lewis met with Nwes Business Advisors, Victoria Williamson and Ian Bird. Mr Lewis was keen to hear more about the challenges faced by new business owners, and the value of the knowledge and expertise provided by Nwes. He then moved on to meet two clients supported by the enterprise agency; Figbar on Charing Cross, and Lasagneria on the historic Norwich marketplace.
Jaime and Stephanie Garbutt of Figbar acknowledged the hard work that was involved in being a business start-up, but stressed the value of ongoing support from Nwes, which included a free finance course and 1-to-1 advice sessions with an Nwes Business Advisor. Fig Bar has been warmly welcomed into the Norwich Lanes community of independent businesses and, with ongoing support from Nwes, is a shining example of what can be achieved.
“We loved having Nwes visit Figbar with MP Clive Lewis.” Stephanie says.
“As a small, independent, family business, it means a lot that MPs will take the time to find out what is important to us and what impacts us both positively and negatively, and it’s great that Nwes actively engages with local businesses in this way.”
Mr Lewis is equally enthusiastic about engaging with local business owners.
“I wanted to visit Nwes to understand more about what it offers. Small businesses are the lifeblood of Norwich, and indeed the country. There are risks, but there are also big rewards, and the impact that small and growing businesses have on our economy is huge.” Mr Lewis explains.