An MP who talks with genuine passion and commitment, what a refreshing change.
This certainly sums up Chloe Smith who has recently given up her job as a Business Advisor to become Britain’s youngest MP. She talked about her new post and politics with an eloquence that belied her age.

All in all a very informative and entertaining lunch.

“Businesses and consumers have been warned that the outlook for the British economy remains “highly uncertain” despite the tentative signs of recovery.

Graeme Leach, chief economist for the Institute of Directors, issued the warning in a speech at the National Skills Academy for Financial Services in Norwich – adding “don’t believe anyone who says they know what will happen next year”.

Prof Leach said that governments in the past had kick-started the economy by reducing interest rates and increasing spending – but inter-est rates at the start of this recession were already at a historic low, and public spending needs to be cut.”

Taken from the article in the EDP, to read more click here.

To watch and listen to the speech again, click here

Now that was something completely different……… our evening with Rachael Long took in some of her most recent work – life size steel sculptures of fox, turkey, baby elephant, dog and even a horse – all of which, although skeletal in form were able to invoke the shape, character and energy of the real animal from almost any angle.

With the forge roaring in the corner, Rachael talked about how she got into the business and her first commissions before talking everyone for a walk in the woods, which all found to be most relaxing and something they were unlikely to do at any other time.  Once back at the studio, the family had transformed the studio into a dining room for the candle light supper – which was splendid and completely in character with the old English farm where the studio resides.  Just a wonderful night out for everyone.‪

With elections coming up next year and our newest MP Chloe Smith speaking at the next Light Lunch on 25th September, we want to know what you think the next government should do for business – what are the things that really get your goat in business that a new government could deal with – we will feed your comments back to Chloe!

Book into the lunch at www.iod.com/norfolk/events – the brief is a strictly non-party-political!

This is an evening which takes in the sculpture of one of Norfolk’s most accomplished artists and a close up look at one of the biggest ‘community’ woodlands – all rounded off with a candlelight supper in the barn… We will be joining Rachael Long, whose sculptures created out of recycled and forged steel are appearing up and down the country, to see how its done and find out what makes an artist ‘commercial’. Rachael’s studio barn is located by one of the county’s largest community woodlands so we will also be taking a gentle stroll through this developing amenity before enjoying supper in the barn.  The event starts at 6pm and finishes around 10pm.

The address for the event is: Cheriton Cottage, Hethel Road, Wreningham, Norwich NR16 1BE

Prices for members is £26.00 and for non-members, £30.00  To book click here (link to IOD website)