About the Group

Formed in 2024 with funding from Anglian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce’s Suffolk Business Water Group (SBWG) addresses the pressing regional water scarcity challenges that impact many local businesses.

Building on the momentum of the Suffolk Chamber’s Water Summit held in June 2023, the SBWG unites key stakeholders to advocate for sustainable water practices. The group helps equip businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to reduce risk and prepare for a resilient future.

Our Focus

The SBWG is dedicated to seven core objectives:

• Uniting Suffolk’s main business water users with planning authorities, water retailers, NGOs and other partners

• Acting as a “brains trust” for Anglian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water to inform discussions on non‑domestic water projections and infrastructure projects

• Advocating for local supply chain opportunities, business partnerships and cooperative initiatives

• Encouraging businesses to share information and spread awareness through their supply chains and stakeholder networks

• Sharing and promoting best practice to reduce water use by businesses

• Overseeing business market research, case studies and site visits to identify and share impactful solutions

• Galvanising business support for new water infrastructure projects, schemes and lobbying asks

How We Work

The group meets twice per year, inviting expert guest speakers to address key challenges and opportunities related to water management in the region. Between meetings, members stay connected and collaborate through:

• Task & Finish Groups – focused teams delivering specific project objectives

• Online SharePoint hub – an interactive platform for sharing resources and ideas, and engaging in ongoing activities

Insights and outcomes from the group feed directly into the Suffolk Chamber’s wider policy and lobbying work, helping influence bodies such as DEFRA, the British Chambers of Commerce and other key stakeholders.