Onwards Norfolk

Onwards Norfolk was an award-winning, post-Covid-19 recovery programme delivered by in partnership with Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership, and King’s Lynn BID. Designed to restore confidence in our high streets and help businesses adapt for a stronger, more resilient future, the project brought together investment, innovation, and local expertise to support regeneration across Norfolk.

Led by Norwich BID, the partnership secured £500,000 from the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund, matched with £92,000 from the three BIDs. Four interconnected workstreams delivered impact across the county, each responding to local needs and contributing to a more vibrant, future-ready Norfolk.

Digital Skills & Business Training

With digital capability more important than ever, SMEs received free training in digital awareness training including marketing and cybercrime prevention. 269 participants took part, describing the workshops as “eye-opening” and “packed with useful information.” These sessions helped businesses strengthen their online presence, attract new customers, and operate with greater confidence in a digital world.

Business Support Hubs & Pop-Up Shops

Three vacant units were transformed into lively business hubs offering training, advice, and networking. The Norwich Hub hosted 20 weekly “Norwich Talks Up Business” sessions with inspiring local speakers. Pop-up shops in King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth created opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, especially within the creative sector, to test ideas, grow visibility, and engage with high-street audiences. These spaces brought energy back into the centres of our towns while making business support more accessible than ever.

Net Zero Waste Champions

Building on previous sustainability successes, including the Interreg Upcycle Your Waste project, 345 businesses took their first steps towards greener operations. Tailored waste audits and action plans helped reduce carbon footprints and cut costs, supporting a more sustainable, circular local economy.

Hospitality & Leisure Training

Providing vital post-Covid support for this key sector, we delivered 21 accredited courses to more than 750 individuals, enabling existing staff to upskill while helping new entrants join the workforce. Covering everything from customer service and first aid to food safety, this training strengthened the sector and played a crucial role in revitalising our town and city centres.

A Stronger, Greener, More Resilient Norfolk

Across all four workstreams, Onwards Norfolk has helped revitalise high streets, nurture new business talent, and champion sustainability. The project leaves a legacy of skills, confidence, and community-driven renewal, building high streets that are ready for the future.