The meeting began with Nigel Slator Managing Director of our hosts Cogent Technology welcoming Chamber members and guests to Cogent’s state of the art premises in Felixstowe with an overview of the company and a tour of the production facility.
Jennifer Cushion, Managing Director of Fern Communications and Chair of Suffolk Chamber in East Suffolk, then introduced Simon Papworth, Strategy and Policy Manager, Freeport East. Freeport East is focused on improving the performance of trade and investment in the entire Freeport area (which extends over large parts of Suffolk and North East Essex) – not just businesses located on the Freeport tax sites.
Ashley Shorey-Mills, Head of Sizewell C Supply Chain Engagement, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce then spoke about the supply chain initiative and emphasised the importance of the Supply Chain in Suffolk, as construction will result in £billions being spent that will benefit the local economy. Ashley also emphasised that there were economic opportunities beyond Sizewell C construction. These include a legacy of knowledge of design, engineering and construction that can be used to win contracts for other nuclear projects.
Toby Warren, Senior Policy Officer at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce gave a presentation about Social Value and its importance for Suffolk businesses.
Please let us know by email your thoughts and suggestions for future East Suffolk forum meetings. We welcome suggestions about venues, topics and times for meetings.
Presentations
Freeport East - Simon Papworth