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Last week I visited three South Norfolk firms which are holding their own despite the current economic climate.

Syne Qua Non in Diss manages clinical trials for global pharmaceutical companies. It has recently won the Queen's Award for Enterprise. Started 14 years ago by Tony Rees in his spare bedroom, the company now employs 120 people and is looking to expand.
	South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon (back row, sixth from left) and Director Tony Rees (front row first left) with some of the award winning team at Syne Qua Non.

As an IT-based company, Tony Rees is highly critical of the poor broadband service in Norfolk. I have urged BT to get on with upgrading the broadband service to East Anglia now. This will help companies such as Syne Qua Non to prosper and in turn bring more jobs to the area.

The company was also recently awarded the BRCIOP, which is an industry standard for food packaging, thereby giving Mondi the opportunity to expand into this growing market.

Mondi has long had good green credentials, using 75 per cent of recycled paper for its packaging products. The company also helps to sustain the local economy by employing local people, some of whom have clocked up 42 years of loyal service.

I admire Mondi's consistent support of local charities. The company also has an excellent policy of using local suppliers when ever possible, which help further in stimulating the economy in South Norfolk.

	Tucked away down a farm lane in Seething, Fendercare Marine Solutions is a world leader in producing gigantic rubber fenders to protect submarines, navy ships and oil tankers. It also sells ships anchors and chains as well as making to order marking and mooring buoys. Fendercare’s latest product is an eco-friendly low pressure washer which uses small quantities of abrasive to clean the exterior of ships.
South Norfolk MP (right) with Fendercare’s Managing Director Eric Plane with some of the company’s marine fenders

It’s also ideal for removing graffiti – local councils please note! 

The company, which has been in business for 22 years, now has offices as far away as Brazil, Nigeria and Australia.  

I would like to congratulate Fendercare’s Managing Director Eric Plane and his team for winning the contract to supply the anchor and chain and other items for the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.