Suffolk Chamber members sharpen business demands of new Norfolk & Suffolk Mayor

Members of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce’s Transport & Infrastructure Group (TIG) took full advantage at their recent meeting (13^th November) in discussing the impact of important updates on a number of key campaigns in the county.

Suffolk Chamber’s TIG is one of the business body’s suite of policy groups, open exclusively to members, to help shape its lobbying and campaigning focus.

Chaired by Paul Ager, ABP’s divisional port manager, the latest TIG received a detailed update from Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia’s head of corporate affairs in the context that the company is one of the first rail operators to be brought back into public ownership. Jonathan also highlighted the ongoing investment being made by the organisation including additional rolling stock and across its station network.

The TIG also received an update from Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber’s head of public affairs, about recent efforts to help reset the campaign to lessen the impact of delays and congestion along the A14, including the Orwell Bridge by bringing together MPs, council leaders and roads experts to agree a more unified approach to lobbying.

In addition, the meeting received feedback from The Suffolk Convention 2 summit held in October where delegates outlined the business priorities upon which they wanted the new Norfolk & Suffolk Mayor to focus, such as Ely/Haughley rail junctions, the A11/A14, rural transport and internet connectivity and improved skills provision.

The TIG members made specific ‘Mayor-relevant’ suggestions reflecting both the likely budget and convening powers that the role will initially attract. These will be sent to all Suffolk Chamber members for their views before the end of 2025. The Chamber aims to publish its Mayoral Manifesto in the New Year and will be evaluating the various candidates against its asks, as well as hosting a hustings allowing members to directly hear from and quiz the candidates.

Paul Ager said: “Being involved in Suffolk Chamber’s policy groups allows member businesses to have a voice in directly shaping our lobbying and campaigning focus. I’m pleased that our TIG had the opportunity to have its say as to what it expects from the new Norfolk & Suffolk Mayor when that person is elected in May next year.”