Central Forum

At a forum meeting on 8th April, Suffolk Chamber in Central Suffolk members found out more about two businesses that are growing because they are not doing things in the traditional way.

The meeting was held at Bishop & Miller, auctioneers in Stowmarket. Oliver Miller explained how he had studied the way in which Toyota had become a leading vehicle manufacturer by using continuous improvement and work flow techniques like Kanban. Despite the differences between Toyota and Bishop & Miller, Oliver realised that if Bishop & Miller adopted these techniques and underlying philosophy it would enhance customer service and make the business more competitive.

Also at the meeting was Alan Ridealgh of Humber Doucy Brewing, based in Bacton. Alan spoke about how the business had taken a multi-layered approach to selling its products. This includes, producing unique bottled beers branded to promote companies and organisations including the Food Museum and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

At the meeting there was also discussion about the challenges and opportunities of the rural economy in Central Suffolk. Issues included the lack of 5G, limited access to suitable space for growing businesses and the introduction of water restrictions for businesses. However, it was agreed that Stowmarket with international companies like Halo and the Gateway 14 development, has enormous potential and is a good location for business.

Dr Peter Funnell, Director of Oakmere Solutions and Chair of Suffolk Chamber in Central Suffolk commented 'It was fascinating to see how Bishop & Miller has learnt from other business sectors and streamlined and improved processes. Equally interesting was the way in which Humber Doucy Brewing has employed innovative and collaborative approaches to create a niche in the beer market. Businesses are facing a lot of economic headwinds at the moment, but it was reassuring and profoundly encouraging to learn about these business successes in Central Suffolk'.  

The autumn meeting of Suffolk Chamber’s Central Suffolk Forum was held at Siemens Healthineers in Sudbury. Chambers members learnt about the vitally important specialist instrumentation for laboratories and hospitals that is assembled in Sudbury by Siemens; the new Babergh economic strategy and how a focus on sustainability is the key to growth for a number of enterprising businesses in Babergh.

Councillor Deborah Saw, leader of Babergh District Council spoke about Babergh’s new economic strategy and how it will be aligned with regional and national priorities. Darren Howard spoke about Mbloc’s sustainable approach to house building. Jason Lawrence told the meeting how Heatweb had quickly moved from a start-up to a growing business by focusing on monitoring and managing the energy efficiency of heat networks. Kevin Withane described how Diversity X is supporting entrepreneurs in under represented communities. The meeting ended with Michal Boguslawski of Optima telling members about a new mental health in the workplace support service that is available to businesses in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

Dr Peter Funnell, chair of the Central Suffolk Forum and director of Oakmere Solutions commented ‘Our meeting provided a fascinating insight into how local entrepreneurs have recognised the business potential of sustainable growth and how this approach fits with Babergh District Council’s emerging economic strategy. Meeting at Siemens Healthineers also gave us an understanding of how a large business in Central Suffolk has thrived by focusing on sustainable growth’.

Copies of the presentations made at the meeting can be found here

Forum finds out about skills and advanced manufacturing in Eye

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce's Central Suffolk Forum met in Eye to discuss solutions to skills challenges and find out how one company in a rural part of Suffolk has brought together a highly skilled team to build a world leading business.

Renvale provides world leading wiring harness design and manufacturing services to the automotive and motorsport industries and are diversifying into other sectors such as marine and defence. Stephen James founded Renvale in 2009, at Wetheringsett after working as a race engineer in the UK and America and working for his father's company. Renvale moved into its brand new multi-million pound HQ in Eye in 2019.

Stephen gave forum members a tour of the HQ, showing the complex nature of the work Renvale is doing for F1 racing teams. Stephen also told forum members about the skills and training that Renvale staff need to design, manufacture and bespoke wiring harness solutions and other complex electronic products.

Carrie Barrett, Learning & Development Manager, Gressingham Foods talked to forum members about the innovative solutions that another rurally based business is using to attract and retain the people the company needs. Lucy Emms, Business Development Manager, Suffolk New College explained how Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce's Local Skills Improvement Plan was resulting in a £4.75 million investment in skills improvement projects across Norfolk and Suffolk. Members then discussed some of the skills challenges they are facing and Sara Hinchliffe, Suffolk Chamber's Skills & Training Officer gave advice on potential solutions.

Dr Peter Funnell, Director of Oakmere Solutions Ltd and Central Suffolk Forum Chair said 'It was great to visit Renvale to share knowledge and learn from experience. Businesses constantly experience skills challenges but as the discussion at our meeting demonstrated, with the support of Suffolk Chamber, the engagement of its members and the proactive contribution of training providers, many of the challenges can be addressed and overcome.'

Picture: Stephen James, Renvale CEO with the Renvale R102S steering wheel

Suffolk Chamber members in Central Suffolk visited the energy from waste plant at Great Blakenham. Chamber members gained a better understanding of why the plant incinerates Suffolk's non-recyclable waste to generate electricity, rather than sending it to landfill.

Before a tour of the plant, Chamber members discussed the future direction of Babergh and Mid Suffolk district councils with Councillor Andrew Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council. Chamber members also discussed the importance of social value and how Suffolk businesses are creating social value for communities across Suffolk. 

View the two presentations here:

Social Value - Central Suffolk Place Forum

Facing a Different Future? - Councillor Andrew Mellen