If only Norfolk knew what Norfolk knows...

Norfolk Knowledge is a new organisation, launched with the support of Norfolk County Council and led by Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

How we started

The concept of Norfolk Knowledge was developed by Professor Nikolaos Tzokas, Chair in Marketing at Norwich Business School. Professor Tzokas identified the large numbers of extremely experienced individuals that either come to retire within Norfolk, or who lived their working lives in Norfolk and chose to remain here when they retired or reduced the hours focused on their careers.

Although some organisations already utilised this experience, nothing focused specifically on very experienced managers, directors or business owners by providing them with opportunities to continue engaging with the Norfolk economy, helping businesses, voluntary organisations and the public sector. The potential benefit to the county meant Norfolk County Council when approached, offered full support for the concept.

MBA students from Norwich Business School carried out ten months of market research into the subject. The students contacted experienced individuals and organisations around the county to find out what experience would be willingly provided and also, what type of help was needed. On the basis of this research and financial support from Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Knowledge was launched in 2009 at an event attended by high level individuals in support of the project and its value to the Norfolk economy.

The Purpose

The main purpose of Norfolk Knowledge is to develop a network to give local businesses and other organisations access to the untapped commercial experience of individuals living within the county.

The core of experienced individuals that make up the membership, review requests for help sent from local organisations across the county, via the admin team, based at the UEA. Norfolk Knowledge also contains a social network for experienced individuals with access to events and resources at the UEA and, with the opportunity to expand both professional and social contacts.

To view a sample of our membership, please click here

Sponsors/Funders

• Norfolk County Council
• UEA Business School

Norfolk Knowledge has the capacity to run a range of business support programmes across the county with focus on areas such as rural SMEs, innovation and young entrepreneurs. Click here if Norfolk Knowledge can meet your needs within this area.

For more information about what type of people Norfolk Knowledge can help please click here.

For more information about the Norfolk Knowledge Constitution click here.