Twelve of East Anglia’s most innovative food and drink brands showcased their wares this week’ at the NEC’s Farm Shop & Deli Show. They were brought together within an eye-catching pavilion created by the Broadland Food Innovation Cluster which helps build a platform to celebrate the exciting produce being created in the region. Two of the producers took home medals from the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards and all the producers went home with invaluable contacts and potential new business orders.

The Food Innovation Cluster aims to celebrate creative food sector businesses and increase the rate of food and drink processed in Norfolk and Suffolk by supporting and nurturing SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) and start-ups. The Broadland Food Innovation Centre project fully funded the exhibition space and hand-picked some of the most exciting and innovative brands from the region.

Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils announced the winners of this years’ Business Awards at a glittering event at Norwich City football ground, sponsored by Big Sky Living.

Despite another tough year for businesses, the innovation, resilience, and excellence of local businesses shone through and all the shortlisted businesses deserve a huge amount of praise.

Broadland District Council Leader, Councillor Shaun Vincent said: “These awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the hard work and commitment of our local businesses who have definitely bounced back after the recent challenges. This is a huge achievement and it is exciting to see how much their success is driving our vibrant local economy. I am delighted that we received so many excellent applications and I would like to congratulate our very worthy winners.”

The eighth annual Broadland Community at Heart Awards were presented on Friday night at The Space in Sprowston.

The awards, organised by Broadland District Council, and sponsored by Clarion Housing, celebrate the extremely valuable work of volunteers, individuals, businesses and community groups in the district.

A judging panel chose the winners from nominations made by members of the public and for the first time, this year everyone who was nominated was invited to the awards ceremony.

Each winner was presented with a trophy and £250 to donate to their chosen community group or voluntary organisation. Finalists were also presented with a certificate congratulating and thanking them for their work in the community.

Hundreds of runners took to Marriott’s Way on 9 October to take part in Broadland District Council’s annual 10k race, sponsored by Saffron Housing.

The popular Marriott’s 10k race - which raises money for Norfolk Trails, a charity that maintains the 26- mile long Marriott’s Way footpath, cycle route and bridle way - saw runners of all ages and abilities compete.

Participants set off from Aylsham in waves, with the race finishing in the historic Reepham Market Place, where spectators cheered 276 runners over the finish line. 

Runners of all ages and abilities enjoyed the run, with many commenting on the enthusiasm and encouragement from the marshals on the course. There was also a huge cheer for the last runner over the line, competing still at the age of 73.

Broadland District Council has worked hard with its residents to achieve the highest recycling figures in Norfolk.

The Council is always looking for ways to improve its services and now Broadland District Council is taking another huge step by ensuring that all residents in the district have the opportunity to recycle any wasted food. 

Broadland was the first local authority in Norfolk to carry out separate food waste collections and from 3 October the Council and its recycling and waste collection partner Veolia, are starting to roll out food waste collections across the whole district, adding an additional 30,000 households to the service.

Cllr Judy Leggett, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Excellence, said: “We are pleased and proud to make this investment in our district, rolling out this important service to all residents. As well as reducing harm to the planet and protecting the environment, this forward-looking step will bring real benefits to our district. The food waste we collect will be used to generate electricity and as fertiliser for use in farming.”

Winners and finalists of the second annual Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards attended a glittering event on 23 March at Norwich City Football Club sponsored by Fosters Solicitors. It was a fantastic evening where both councils were joined by some of the most exceptional businesses in the area, and provided a chance to celebrate business innovation, entrepreneurialism and excellence. 

Jewellery and accessories company Lisa Angel won the Business Growth Award, sponsored by Big Sky Living. Despite a difficult couple of years, the company has managed to expand their high street presence, explore new lines and increased their online offering. Broadland Council Portfolio Holder for Economic Development Cllr Jo Copplestone said: ‘’They have continued to invest in their staff and have a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and what they need to do to continue to grow.’’

On 12 October 2021 a ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction of the new Broadland Food Innovation Centre.

Broadland District Council recently received final confirmation from the European Regional Development Fund for c. £5.7m for the food innovation project, which includes the Broadland Food Innovation Centre being built close to Norwich in Broadland District; bespoke innovation support packages with access to experts on every aspect of business growth; and a cluster which brings together research, academia, supply, production, the food and drink community, charities, government and finance. This support will be available to both tenants and eligible businesses through Norfolk and Suffolk. The Centre is scheduled to open in autumn 2022.

Broadland District Council and Horsford Parish Council have worked together to rejuvenate three of the village’s play areas.

Park View was the first to be completed in April 2020 followed by play areas in Coltsfoot Road and Beckside. The £70,000 project was inspired by 10 year-old-resident Charmaine Blythe, who petitioned the Parish Council to ask for a new swing at Park View play area by Horsford Village Hall.

She said: “The play area had hardly any play equipment and what was there was old and wasn't any good for playing on, I really wanted a swing.”

With the help of her parents, Charmaine petitioned the local community for improvements to the play area and gathered over a hundred signatures.