October Business & Policy Briefing

🌟 Your Voice Matters! 🚀 Be the Driving Force in Shaping Suffolk's Economic Future

Following a Government announcement, economic programs such as business advice, grants, loans, support for inward investment opportunities and skills training in Suffolk will transition from their current administration (New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership) to being managed by Suffolk County Council, along with support from partners including Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and district councils.

This change will take place in April 2024 and a key element will be the establishment of a new ‘Business Board’ for Suffolk. The Business Board is intended to provide a forum for business, education and local political leaders to shape, promote and drive growth in the Suffolk economy. The Business Board will provide advice to Suffolk County Council on economic strategy and priorities; and will sponsor and direct specific economic programmes, such as those referred to above.

To make sure the voice of Suffolk business shapes these changes, we have arranged for Councillor Matthew Hicks, the Leader of Suffolk County Council to meet with businesses across the county to discuss the role of the Business Board and economic priorities.

Discussion topics will include:

• How do we make sure that the Suffolk Business Board has a meaningful role and drives economic growth?
• What should be the investment and infrastructure priorities for Suffolk?
• What should be the skills priorities for Suffolk?
• What are the current priorities for your sector and what are the future growth opportunities and issues for your sector in Suffolk?
• What are the opportunities for wider business engagement outside of Suffolk (e.g. with Norfolk, Cambridge etc)?

These meetings will run from 8:30am to 10am across Suffolk at the following locations:

1st November - Bury St Edmunds, Claas (Fully booked)

8th November - Stowmarket, Food Museum

15th November - Lowestoft, Orbis Energy

22nd November - Ipswich, ITFC,  Sponsor Lounge

29th November - Woodbridge,Ufford Park

5th December - Hadleigh, Challs

13th December - Haverhill Epicentre

To book: Please email Toby Warren toby@suffolkchamber.co.uk if you would like to take part in one of these important discussion meetings

Ely and Haughley rail junctions get the thumbs up!

Brilliant news for Suffolk, the East and the wider national economy.

John Dugmore, chief executive, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce said: “This announcement is a massive win for Suffolk, the East of England and for sustainable national growth. It is also a ringing endorsement for the collaborative lobbying that has taken place over many years across county boundaries, political divides and between businesses and the public sector.

“Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to have been at the forefront of the Suffolk contribution to these campaigning efforts – in the case of Haughley Junction for many, many decades. Working with Transport East colleagues and Suffolk’s MPs (including Jo Churchill MP, Dr Daniel Poulter and Tom Hunt, we have been incredibly active in in reaching out to ministers and others to get this project across the line.

"Thank you to all the Suffolk businesses who have joined us in fighting for this vital scheme. Our task now is to ensure that the project is activated as soon as possible and that it goes ahead regardless as to the outcome of the next general election. We will be unstinting in this regard as the voice of business in Suffolk."

Read the full press release here

British Chambers of Commerce Director General visits Suffolk

We are absolutely delighted that Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, joined Suffolk business leaders this month for a tour of Suffolk hosted by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce alongside Chief Executive Officer, John Dugmore.

We welcomed Shevaun, a highly influential figure in the world of commerce, for a series of special events to discuss and exchange ideas on the current economic landscape. Shevaun enlightened us about the initiatives undertaken by the British Chamber of Commerce in Westminster. Her valuable insights provided us with new outlooks, fostering connections that expanded our network.

This unique occasion provided a platform for networking with prominent business professionals and an invaluable chance to gain business insights from an industry leader.

Read about the latest visit from the British Chamber of Commerce: National Business Voice Organisation, The British Chamber of Commerce, Engages with Suffolk Businesses on Their Vital Role in the UK Economy

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Stands in Solidarity with British Chambers of Commerce in Urgent Call to Revitalize UK Economy

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging politicians to take measures to boost economic growth in the UK. The BCC's action plan, presented in their report titled 'The Power Of British Business: A Framework For The Future,' outlines 16 key policy requests in areas such as business planning, apprenticeship levy flexibility, UK-EU cooperation, and energy grid upgrades. After experiencing economic shocks over the past three years, BCC research reveals that the majority of businesses are not increasing their investments, with inflation and interest rates causing concerns. The BCC emphasizes the importance of collaboration between businesses and politicians, calling for a pragmatic approach to foster economic growth while ensuring that public sector projects do not hinder private investment. Shevaun Haviland, the Director General of the BCC, underscores the need for action and clarity from politicians to support British businesses in the current environment.

5G: survey shows increasing interest in new technology, but worries remain about current digital coverage

The results of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce’s latest survey into businesses’ experiences of broadband and mobile services in the county indicates a growing awareness of the importance of fifth generation (5G) mobile technology, as well as concerns about current infrastructure on their day-to-day operations – especially in market towns and rural areas.

Read the full survey report here

New Horizons – an event looking at diverse and inclusive recruitment for employers 

Exciting opportunity for Employers! Join the Department of Work & Pensions, Employer and Partnership Team and Ipswich Borough Council, Economic Development Team at Ipswich Town Hall Council Chambers for this dynamic free event. 

Gain insight and information from our guest speakers, visit our marketplace to connect with organisations that can support you & your recruitment.

Topics include:
• Disability Confident
• Employing prisoners and ex-offenders
• In work progression and how Universal Credit can support your business

Guest Speakers:
• Julia Nix – District Manager for Jobcentres in East Anglia
• Michelle Nummelin & Sarah Rashleigh – Disability Employer Advisors – Department of Work & Pensions
• Caroline Bixby - Group Human Resources Director at Christie Group plc
• Micheala Vaux – Tropics Skincare
• Galliford Try - Construction Company Galliford Try is one of the UK's leading construction groups who actively recruit prison leavers and Ex-offenders
• Claire Nicol – District Prison Lead - Department of Work & Pensions
• Miriam Keeble - Prison Employment Lead – HM Prison Hollesley Bay
• Suzanne Dickinson – In Work Progression Lead – Department of Work & Pensions

Date: Thursday 9th November 2023 
Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm (9:30 am arrival for 10am start)
Location: Ipswich Town Hall, Council Chambers, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH 
Refreshments provided 

For more information or to book a place, contact us: ipswich.eainbox@dwp.gov.uk or register via Eventbrite 

What infrastructure is needed for zero emission HGVs and coaches?

The Government has launched a call for evidence about:
• the current and future supply, uptake and use of zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and coaches across the UK
• their refuelling and recharging requirements

Responses are required by 14th December and will inform the development of an infrastructure strategy. Find out more>>

Parliamentary and other stakeholder lobbying

Suffolk’s public affairs & policy team made full use of two recent Parliamentary receptions hosted respectively by Rt. Hon. Therese Coffey MP and Tom Hunt MP to both raise key lobbying asks and showcase the achievements of members. In both cases, we were able to nudge forward our ask that the Ely/Haughley project be given early approval by Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport. In the case of the latter, our delegation was joined by Mims Davies MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, when we raised issues over ongoing challenges in preparing young people for the world of work and the need to improve access to work for groups hitherto under-represented in the workplace. We were also joined by Jo Churchill MP and the chief of staff from Dan Poulter MP’s office.

Suffolk Chamber has also been engaging with both water wholesalers in the county – Anglian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water – to better understand the impact on non-domestic customers of their plans to reduce overall water usage in their areas.

Read about the latest House of Commons visits here;

Business Leaders Meet Mims Davies MP, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression at House of Commons: A Positive Step Towards Real Action

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Visit to House of Commons with Thérèse Coffey MP, Paving the Way for Enhanced Business Growth and Collaboration in the Region

Transport & Infrastructure Group

This Group, chaired by Steve Britt, recently held its latest meeting with very informative presentations from Nic Rumsey of commercial property company, Jaynic and Transport East’s Suzanne Buck on the organisations EV infrastructure report. Any Suffolk Chamber member interested in joining the TIG should contact paul@suffolkchamber.co.uk for more information. Find out more about the Transport & Infrastructure group here.

Flexible Working - Call for Evidence

The government has issued a call for evidence on non-statutory flexible working, closing on Tuesday 7 November.

The survey asks for anecdotal evidence about the extent of flexible working, any barriers or benefits, and employer policies. They are also looking for examples of best practice and case studies.

Members are encouraged to respond directly via the online survey.