Hethel Innovation: Rooted in Norfolk. Driving Innovation Across East Anglia. 

How Norfolk’s Vision Became East Anglia’s Innovation Engine

At Hethel Innovation, we’re more than a business support organisation—we’re a catalyst for growth, a connector of ideas, and a champion for innovation across East Anglia. Our story began with a bold vision from Norfolk County Council (NCC), and today, we continue to work in partnership with them as a wholly owned subsidiary, combining public purpose with private-sector agility.

Our Origins: A Shared Vision for Growth

The journey started in 2006 with the opening of Hethel Engineering Centre (HEC)—a Norfolk County Council initiative designed to nurture high-performance engineering businesses. By 2011, NCC incorporated Hethel Innovation Ltd as a private limited company to manage HEC and expand its impact.

• This structure gives us the best of both worlds:
  Strong roots in local government, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
• Operational independence, enabling us to move quickly, innovate, and respond to business needs.

We generate our own income, reinvest surpluses, and finance growth. Our mission isn’t profit maximisation—it’s regional economic development. That’s why businesses trust us. We act as honest brokers, offering impartial, transparent support without hidden agendas or commercial bias.

What Does It Mean to Be an Honest Broker?

It means we’re business-led, not politically driven. We don’t play favourites. We listen, connect, and empower. Our advice is rooted in experience, not influence. We help businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow sustainably. And because our success is measured by impact, not profit, our partners know we’re in it for the right reasons.

Our Journey at a Glance

• 2006 – Hethel Engineering Centre opens as a Norfolk County Council initiative to support high-performance engineering businesses.
• 2011 – Hethel Innovation Ltd is incorporated as a private limited company, wholly owned by NCC, to manage HEC and expand its impact.
• 2011 – Phase Two extended the main building, adding new units and space for more businesses to grow—further strengthening Hethel Innovation’s commitment to supporting regional high-performance engineering and economic development.
• 2014–2021 – Growth accelerates with new services and cluster development initiatives.
  • 2013-2015 – The addition of Phase 3. Planning permission was granted in March 2013 for the two-storey extension. The extension included 16 incubator units, a biomass plant, and associated works.
  • 2015-2018 – £1.5m ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funded Innovation New Anglia project focused on future growth sectors: cleantech, agritech, food/health and infotech). Delivery partners: NCC, SCC, NRP, Institute of Food Research
  • 2019-2021 – £1m ERDF funding business support programme – Breakthrough – supporting cross sector innovation and helping businesses become more productive, competitive and innovative. Delivery partners: NCC, UEA, NRP, CNTC, NUA. Set up key business networks such as NAAME, Cleantech East and GoBio.
• 2015-2016 – Hethel Innovation takes on management of Scottow Enterprise Park, transforming it into a thriving business community.
• 2022-2023 – Broadland Food Innovation Centre launches. The 11.4m ERDF funded project was project managed by HIL who also led innovation support delivery. Key partners: Broadland District Council, University of East Anglia, NALEP.
• Supporting food and drink SMEs with sector-specific facilities and expertise.
• 2026 (Planned) – Stowmarket Innovation Gateway opens at Gateway 14, expanding our footprint into Suffolk.

Our Sites: Anchors of Innovation

Our identity is shaped by the places we manage—each one a hub of ambition and collaboration.

Hethel Engineering Centre (HEC)

The birthplace of Hethel Innovation. An 88,000 ft² incubator for advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses, home to over 50 companies. HEC has expanded twice and is planning a third phase to double its size. It’s more than a building—it’s a community of high-growth firms and regional pride.

Scottow Enterprise Park (SEP)

On a former RAF base, SEP spans 600 acres and hosts over 110 tenants. We’re growing a clean energy cluster, with refurbished hangars ready for the next generation of green tech innovators.

Broadland Food Innovation Centre (BFIC)

Opened in 2022, BFIC is a purpose-built hub for food and drink SMEs. It offers food-grade premises, sector-specific networks, and strategic support—helping businesses scale and innovate in one of the region’s most vital industries.

Stowmarket Innovation Gateway (SIG) – Coming 2026

Our next frontier. Located at Gateway 14 in Suffolk and expanding our impact into new geographies, Stowmarket Innovation Gateway is an international and regional hub for digital innovation and tech convergence—supporting the development of skills in AI and emerging technologies to drive sustainable growth in sectors such as clean energy, agritech, and ports & logistics.

Our Strategy: Hi5 and Beyond

Our Hi5 Strategy (2024–2029) sets out a bold roadmap for growth:

Build Norfolk’s Reputation Nationally

• Position Hethel Innovation and Norfolk as leaders in SME support and innovation.
• Showcase regional success stories and amplify their national visibility.

Lead Cluster Development 

• Define, design, and deliver innovation clusters across sectors like clean energy, food innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
• Examples include the Clean Energy Hub at Scottow and the Broadland Food Innovation Centre.

Implement a Scalable Business Model

• Develop revenue-generating services that reduce reliance on short-term borrowing.
• Explore new funding models and potential subsidiaries to support sustainable growth.

Champion the Game Changers 

• Support businesses that are innovating and pushing boundaries.
• Hethel Innovation defines success by the impact it has on these businesses, not by profit.

Create a Solution-Based Culture 

• Foster a customer-centric, business-led environment.

Encourage agile thinking, design sprints, and collaborative problem-solving.

We’re investing in marketing, refining services, and exploring new funding models. We’re committed to staying agile, adapting to market trends, and staying ahead of the curve.

Our Purpose: Champions for the Game Changers

We exist to support any business that is innovating. We are the Champions for the Game Changers—those who dare to do what others think can’t be done. Our success is measured by the impact we have on them. We offer space to grow, business insight, and connected communities—with compassion, creativity, and courage.

Why Does This Matter?

Because innovation isn’t just about ideas—it’s about ecosystems. And Hethel Innovation, in partnership with Norfolk County Council, is building one that works. For businesses. For communities. For the future.