Business leaders, entrepreneurs and students joined Norwich North MP Chloe Smith last week at an event to launch a new forum designed to bring business and education closer together.

The event, held at the Financial Services Skills Academy on St Andrew’s Street, was organised by City College Norwich and law firm Howes Percival LLP, and backed by local businesses including Farrows, Norwich Airport and Start-rite Shoes.

Students with a wide range of backgrounds took part in the seminar which was entitled, “What the Next Generation Needs : Business, Skills and Future Government Policy”.   The debate covered topics including the skills and qualifications businesses require, the perception of young people in the workplace, the need for more careers advice and the requirement from both groups for more structured work experience.