Social Value

Creating positive impact for Suffolk’s people, places and economy

Social value is about businesses doing more than turning a profit — it’s about creating lasting, positive impact for our communities, economy and environment.

A Cross-Cutting Priority
At Suffolk Chamber, social value is a guiding principle we embed across all our work: policy groups, forums, advocacy and partnerships. In every area — from local supply chains to decarbonisation — we ask how we can deliver broader benefit for Suffolk.

Why It Matters
Championing social value helps strengthen the "Suffolk £", boost local jobs, protect our environment, and improve wellbeing — making our county a better place for everyone.

Our Focus
Social value helps make Suffolk stronger: from boosting the local economy and helping people into work, to improving health and wellbeing, and protecting our environment.

What We Do
We create social value by supporting Suffolk businesses through local purchasing, providing work experience placements and staff training, and encouraging employee volunteering.

We champion inclusion as a Disability Confident organisation, support veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant, and commit to sustainability as a Silver Carbon Charter member.

Through case studies, resources and partnerships, we help businesses measure and showcase their social value — and our Suffolk Supply Chain platform connects local businesses with opportunities that bring real economic and social benefit.

Key Resources & Topics

Social Value Case Studies

Suffolk Supply Chain

Suffolk Supply Chain has been created in a partnership between Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk County Council’s Economic Development team.

The Suffolk Supply Chain team is committed to advancing the circular economy in Suffolk by providing businesses with access to a network of suppliers, buyers and partners within the Suffolk.

Suffolk Supply Chain promotes the creation of social value by facilitating partnerships with local organisations, charities and community initiatives. This allows your business to contribute to the betterment of Suffolk while enhancing your brand’s reputation.

Find our resources hub here with information specifically designed to help local businesses harness the power of social value.

Greene King

Greene King is committed to driving social and environmental change and promoting inclusion and diversity within its business, through its partnerships and in the communities it serves.

Read about what Greene King is doing to be a positive force for good, with a social purpose that threads through every part of its business.

Abbeycroft Leisure

Abbeycroft Leisure generates £6.2 million of Social Value per annum in West Suffolk wards alone and works as part of the wider ‘Suffolk System’ as a willing and trusted partner to complement existing services and activity.

Morgan Sindall

A combination of construction projects delivered by tier one contractor Morgan Sindall Construction and design consultancy Concertus has generated £12 million in social value for the Suffolk area.

Read more about their work here.

Opportunities to Create Social Value

There are fantastic organisations in Suffolk that can support businesses in their journey to generating greater social value.

Citizens Advice East Suffolk
In 2023/24, CAES supported over 8,400 clients on 40,000 issues, generating £4.5m in income outcomes — helping people stay in work, improve wellbeing and reduce homelessness.

You can help by offering volunteers, financial donations, practical business support or in‑kind gifts.

Suffolk Community Foundation
As Suffolk’s largest voluntary sector grant‑maker, the Foundation connects local businesses with over 3,000 charities and 10,000 community groups — helping you deliver real, targeted social value in Suffolk.

For more information on our policy work or to get involved, please contact us at policy@suffolkchamber.co.uk.

Social Value

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