Suffolk Chamber Board

Catherine Johnson is a Partner at Birketts LLP where she specialises in employment law. 

Catherine was previously Vice-President of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and also sits on the Ipswich Vision Board. These varied appointments provide Catherine with the opportunity to gather real insight into local issues and to feedback on members' views and opinions across each of these pivotal organisations in the town.

In June 2022, it was announced that Catherine was to become the new President of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, stepping up from her Vice-President role.

Nicholas is the Director of Sales & Marketing for Treatt PLC. Headquartered in Bury St Edmunds, Treatt is an ingredients manufacturer and solutions provider to the global flavour, fragrance and consumer goods markets. In addition to his role on the Chamber board, Nicholas is currently serving as chairman of the British Essential Oil Association. In June 2022, it was announced that Nicholas was to become the new Vice-President of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Briddon became a Partner at the Lowestoft office of accounting firm Lovewell Blake in 1999 and was until recently the firm’s Senior Partner, a position he held for 5 years. In addition to his management responsibilities that role provided Paul with regular contact with colleagues throughout the world either directly or at international conferences through the firm’s network HLB International. Paul has previously served on the Board of Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce including 3 years as Chairman before joining the Suffolk Chamber Board where he went on to hold the position of Treasurer. In June 2022, it was announced that Paul was stepping down from his role after serving as President of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce for two years.

With a strong professional financial background and longstanding experience in the advanced manufacturing sector, Matt Moss is one of Suffolk’s most successful young businesspeople.

Matt trained as a Chartered Accountant at one the region’s largest firms, qualifying in 2008. In 2013 he became finance director and then commercial director for a national precast concrete company, Matt helped expand both its product range and market share, helping it secure key contracts in a range of high-profiled infrastructure projects, including Hinckley Point C. Following the successful turnaround and sale of this business, Matt become Managing Director of SMART in early 2019.

Within 6 months of joining Matt led the successful management buyout at Thurston-based business which became SMART Garden Rooms, Offices & Studios.

Since then, the company has become the national market leader in its sector through a successful blending of agile marketing, new designs, a comprehensive customer service culture and an expanded and well-supported workforce. In 2021 the company launched the only Garden Room configuration with Augmented Reality in the UK.

Matt’s business acumen has been recognised by his peers and has been the chair of Suffolk Chamber in Bury St Edmunds and is now a director and the treasurer of the parent company, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. 

Paul Ager is the divisional port manager for Associated British Ports (ABP).

Paul joined ABP in June 2016 having previously spent more than 14 years of leadership experience in Logistics, Supply Chain and the Construction sector, having held various regional operational leadership roles driving cross-functional teams to deliver high levels of customer service across the UK. Being born and bred in Suffolk Paul has a special relationship with the local area, Ipswich and Lowestoft in particular.

In June 2022, it was announced that Paul was joining the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Board, accompanying his role on the Greater Ipswich Board.

With his role at ABP Ipswich and being on both Chamber Boards, he is looking forward to contributing to the local businesses and organisations in the town.

Jenny is the Director of The Food Museum in Stowmarket, Suffolk’s largest independent museum.

She is member of the LEP Cultural Board, All About Ipswich DMO, deputy chair of Museums East of England, the Stowmarket Vision Group and a board member of the John Milton Academy Trust. She is keen to represent Suffolk’s cultural and charity business sectors and to advocate for our shared environmental responsibility.

John Dugmore is the Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and has been actively involved in business support and business development throughout his career.

Before taking the reins at Suffolk Chamber he led the customer facing directorate of Liverpool Chamber during that city’s acclaimed regeneration period.

John is a Fellow of the Institute of Marketing and Fellow of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs.

Stuart has been working in the shipping and logistics industry for 35 years and is a founder and Managing Director of Wallis Shipping Services who were established in 1987. Wallis provide a completely bespoke logistics solution for a wide range of local and worldwide clients.

Stuart is actively involved in assisting these clients and Suffolk chamber members achieve their international trade objectives and believes the logistics sector is a key area of the local economy that needs to have strong representation in the chamber. He has also been a regular contributor on the Bank of England’s regional panel for many years. Stuart and his family live In East Bergholt Suffolk and is passionate about golf, cricket, skiing and travelling.

Wallis Shipping have been members of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce & Shipping for over 30-years. Wallis work regularly with the Chamber on Letter of Credit support and endeavour to help those looking to progress their business overseas into new markets.

Jim joined Sanofi in 1998 and is an experienced professional, with a track record of success in Senior Operational roles, and Senior HR roles. Jim has 17-years experience within the Pharma Sector, in both manufacturing and commercial functions. Jim is currently Site Head and General Manager at EuroAPI.

Ginny started as a member on the Suffolk Chamber in Bury St Edmunds board, before it became Suffolk Chamber in West Suffolk, then served three years as Chair of Suffolk Business Women, joining the Suffolk Chamber board in June 2019.

Jo Kreckler is the Director of External Communications and Corporate Affairs at pub company and brewer, Greene King.  Jo specialises in corporate communications, public relations and government affairs and has also strong experience in internal communications, crisis communications, CSR and partnership management for charities. Prior to joining Greene King, Jo worked in London for Diageo, the world’s largest producer of spirits and beers and in Liverpool for Paver Downes, a marketing and PR agency. Jo grew up in Bury St Edmunds and is a passionate supporter of the town and the county. Jo has served the Suffolk Chamber in West Suffolk since 2016 and is the Vice Chair of Suffolk Chamber’s People & Skills Group.