Forum

Suffolk Chamber's East Suffolk Forum met at PCE Automation in Beccles on 5th February.

Ollie Cook briefed East Suffolk Chamber members on the growth of PCE into a multi-national company, whilst remaining a family business that is deeply rooted in Beccles (see Ollie's presentation here).

Members then heard from Martin Westhorp of Hillfarm Oils, about a successful family farm diversification that is evolving to widen the market for its cold pressed rapeseed oils.

Hearing about the growth of successful businesses in a market town and on a farm led to discussion about the challenges and opportunities of the rural economy.

Members agreed that recruiting staff with the right skills could be a challenge in a rural area, but some skills shortages could be overcome through the use of remote workers. A strong focus on apprenticeships to train local school leavers on the job was also seen as important. Collaboration between rural businesses in knowledge sharing networks was seen as a good way of closing skills gaps. It was agreed that the lack of public transport in rural areas made it particularly difficult for young people to get to work.

The remoteness of East Suffolk from major UK markets was an opportunity as well as a challenge. National companies sometimes sub-contract Suffolk work to Suffolk companies, because the value of the work does not cover the additional cost of travelling to and from Suffolk.

It was agreed there is a need to get more people visiting East Suffolk’s market towns. In some towns the location of supermarkets does not encourage people to visit the town centre, but a good mix of independent shops could draw people into a town centre. It was also pointed out that market towns and villages have a good sense of community, which is often lacking in larger towns and cities.

Mat Waters of Lovewell Blake and chair of Suffolk Chamber's East Suffolk Forum said 'Many who visit Beccles for its market town qualities don’t always appreciate the number of innovative businesses selling their products and services around the world but who are still proud to call themselves local. Having a growing business like PCE offering skilled career progressions to increasing numbers of local people, keeping them in the area, will only help the businesses within the town’.

Suffolk Chamber’s East Suffolk Forum met at Seckford Hall Hotel near Woodbridge to learn more about the benefits of social value.

Speakers included Peter Osborne, Managing Director of Seckford Hall Hotel and David Noble, Managing Director of Midas Productions. Both spoke about the benefits of Carbon Charter membership helping to reduce costs, as well as reducing carbon emissions. Richard Jenner of Groundwork East provided more information about how the Carbon Charter scheme and other schemes can benefit businesses that are managed by Groundwork East.

Miriam Keeble of HMP Hollesley Bay spoke about how East Suffolk businesses can help prisoners prepare for release and the business benefits of employing someone who is work ready on release.

Mat Waters, Chartered Accountant, Lovewell Blake and Chair of East Suffolk Forum commented ‘Once again our forum had speakers who spoke with knowledge and enthusiasm, with a room full of Chamber members who were keen to know more about the business benefits of two different types of social value initiatives.’

Suffolk Chamber's East Suffolk Forum found out more about skills and social value when the forum met at Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre on 15th May.

Michael Strand of Suffolk Wildlife Trust talked about the business benefits of supporting biodiversity. A theme also referred to by Councillor Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk. Caroline also talked about the importance of local skills development and local supply chains. Cassandra Clements of East Suffolk Services stressed the social value of local supply chains.

Rachel Bunn of East Coast College updated everyone about how the college is responding to employers' skills needs and Tom Yeung gave advice on maximising the potential of Gen Z staff.

After the meeting Chamber members enjoyed a guided tour of the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.

Mat Waters of Lovewell Blake, the chair of the East Suffolk Forum said 'An interesting venue and interesting speakers, talking about many of the priorities of East Suffolk businesses ; which resulted in a meeting that demonstrates the value of Chamber membership. It was a great opportunity to share knowledge and views, and make new contacts.’ 

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

Sizewell C Supply Chain - Ashley Shorey-Mills

Social Value - Toby Warren

The Suffolk Chamber in East Suffolk Forum has met East Suffolk Council's new Chief Executive and Head of Economic Development and Regeneration to find out more about the Lowestoft Town Deal, other investment projects in the Lowestoft area and business support provided by East Suffolk’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.

Chris Bally, East Suffolk Council Chief Executive said 'As a relatively new chief executive it was good to meet with Suffolk Chamber members to update them on what the council and its partners, including the Chamber, are doing to transform Lowestoft'.

Paul Wood, East Suffolk Council Head of Economic Development and Regeneration said 'Suffolk Chamber play a key part in the economic development and regeneration of Lowestoft. The forum meeting showed that local businesses are very committed to making Lowestoft an even better place.’

Jennifer Cushion, Managing Director of Fern Communications and Chair of the Suffolk Chamber in East Suffolk Forum said 'Our forum meeting provided valuable information about how local businesses can benefit from investment in Lowestoft and how they can help to create new job opportunities for Lowestoft residents. We look forward to meeting Chris and Paul on a regular basis so that we can continue to identify ways in which businesses can support economic development in Lowestoft and other parts of East Suffolk'.