Launch of Ipswich Chamber of Commerce

The message was upbeat at the launch of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce at Shelley’s Restaurant, Suffolk New College on Friday 11^th November.  Part of the Suffolk Chamber network, Ipswich Chamber is in a privileged position to support and represent local business interests and address specific policies for Ipswich.  This was the message from Ipswich Chamber Chair, Prof Dave Muller to the eighty delegates who packed the restaurant to celebrate the launch of the new Chamber and hear presentations from Ipswich MP Ben Gummer and David Gauke, MP for South West Hertfordshire and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury.

Ben Gummer stressed that the news from Ipswich is good with evidence of sustainable and permanent growth.  However, there is a need to stimulate private sector growth and a sound infrastructure is critical to the region’s development. David Gauke, a former Ipswich dweller himself, reiterated Ben’s message that SME’s will provide the growth needed in Suffolk as the UK struggles with a lack of confidence caused by the Eurozone crisis.

Ben said at the event: “If you have strong regional centres that are being neglected then you are not going to be able to plant entrepreneurial seeds.  Therefore, money spent on infrastructure will help grow businesses in our town.”

As Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury with responsibility for the tax system, David was well placed to talk about the Government’s focus on spending rather tax increases, his party’s success in reducing interest rates so they are on a par with Germany and introducing business friendly policies like cutting Corporation Tax and improving Employment Law to increase flexibility in the labour market.

“SME’s are a very important part of our business employment, and the new Ipswich Chamber of Commerce is vital in ensuring that these businesses continue to grow and prosper.”

A lively question and answer session concluded the meeting with delegates challenging the MPs on local and national issues which impact on the business growth in Suffolk.  Skills, infrastructure – specifically transport – and town centre regeneration were high on the list of concerns.

In conclusion, Prof Dave Muller stated: “As an integral part of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the Ipswich Chamber aims to support the specific needs of businesses within Suffolk’s county town, well positioned to represent local business interests and with the County Chamber structures, is equipped to react and respond on the behalf of businesses to local, regional, national and European issues.”