B2B helps build cross-border links

NEW links were formed, existing connections strengthened and information shared in a unique cross-border and networking event involving the UK’s Haven Gateway and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and Belgium’s VOKA-Chamber of Commerce West Flanders.

The event, organised as part of the EU Dryport project, brought together entrepreneurs, business people, port operators and logistics service providers from the two regions.

A delegation from West Flanders travelled to Ipswich to meet colleagues in the Haven Gateway region; after a ‘getting to know you’ lunch and a detailed tour and presentation of the Port of Ipswich, the delegates visited University Campus Suffolk for presentations by representatives from both regions, including the ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend.  The Haven Gateway, Babergh District Council, the Port of Zeebrugge and VOKA-Chamber of Commerce West Flanders are all partners in the Dryport project.

An informal dinner was held at The Last Anchor, the restaurant at Associated British Ports’ highly successful and expanding Ipswich Marina.

Among the visitors from Belgium were Joachim Coens, managing director of the Port of Zeebrugge; Paul Gerard, managing director of the Port of Ostend; and Alexander Demon, from the Province of West Flanders.

“This was a very successful B2B event and gave all those taking part an excellent opportunity to make new business contacts,” said Barbara Geschier of VOKA-Chamber of Commerce West Flanders.

Patrick Van Cauwenberghe, of the Port of Zeebrugge, said: “For many of us, the Haven Gateway is an area where we hadn’t been before – but where we already have good links. We hope to develop even better relationships and business between the two regions.”

Richard Morton, projects director of the Haven Gateway and communications manager of Dryport, said: “There are many similarities between our two regions and many opportunities to do further business together, especially through the Dryport project.

“This event provided the ideal platform for positive networking – talking together and learning about the facilities and operations of the two regions’ ports and each other’s business activities. Building a network of contacts with whom you can share similar experiences, and finding out about logistics and supply chain solutions can really help a business move forward.

“We look forward to a return visit by Haven Gateway delegates to West Flanders, planned for early next year.”

The Haven Gateway, one of the fastest-growing areas in the UK, is based around the country’s most important port cluster, including Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich and Mistley. The Haven Gateway ports and logistics sector employs 32,200 people (11.3% of employee jobs in the sub-region), has a turnover of £3 billion a year, and handles about 40% of the UK’s container throughput.

West Flanders has two major ports, Zeebrugge and Ostend, which create an added value of more than €2.2 billion and provide 28,000 jobs. The region also has extensive inland waterway system, with five canals of economic importance, along which a substantial proportion of goods are transported, and high-density road and rail links to other major European hubs.