60 seconds with… Paul Ager

Like many people, I left school after my A-Levels without a clear roadmap, but what began as a chance opportunity at Taylor Barnard in Mendlesham became the foundation of a career that has spanned more than three decades. Those early years in logistics gave me a deep appreciation for the people, processes and problem-solving that keep supply chains moving, and provided skills that have travelled with me across multiple sites throughout the UK.

Over the past ten years, my journey has led me into the ports sector, opening my eyes to the scale and significance of global trade. It has given me a front-row seat to the vital role ports play in connecting communities, supporting businesses and driving economic growth. Today, I am proud to work in an industry that not only keeps goods moving around the world, but also underpins the prosperity of the places we call home.

What motivated you to join the Suffolk Business Board? 

I have witnessed first-hand how ports and logistics shape the prosperity, identity and opportunities of our local communities. That experience inspired me to champion these sectors and help ensure they are recognised as strategic pillars in Suffolk’s future. Born and raised in Suffolk, this county is more than where I work — it is home. I see it as my responsibility to shine a light on the vital role our ports and supply chains play, not only in supporting Suffolk’s growth, but in connecting the UK to global trade and keeping the world moving.

Why should people care about ports and logistics? 

Imagine waking up tomorrow to find the shelves in your local supermarket half empty, manufacturers waiting on vital components, and goods stranded thousands of miles from their destination. That was the reality in 2021 when the Ever Given, a 400-metre container ship, became wedged across the Suez Canal, bringing one of the world’s most important trade routes to a standstill and delaying an estimated $9.6 billion of goods every day.

Moments like this reveal just how interconnected our world really is. Every meal in our fridge, every item on a shop shelf, and every product delivered to our doorstep relies on a complex network of ports and logistics working seamlessly behind the scenes. These industries are the invisible engines of modern life, keeping economies moving, communities supplied and businesses connected. Beyond their critical role today, they are also helping shape the future, with innovations in decarbonisation and sustainable trade creating exciting opportunities for generations to come.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about your industry? 

Ports and logistics are woven into the fabric of Suffolk’s identity, and their importance continues to grow. We are fortunate to be home to three major ports, supported by a thriving community of global businesses and local enterprises along the A14 corridor that help connect our county to the world. What often surprises people is the sheer breadth of opportunities the sector offers. Beyond the ships, warehouses and transport networks lies a diverse ecosystem of careers spanning engineering, commercial strategy, property, finance, technology and people management. It is an industry that not only keeps trade moving but also creates rewarding and varied career paths for future generations.

How can Suffolk make the most of its position as a gateway to the world? 

For more than 1,400 years, trade has shaped this region’s identity, connecting Suffolk to the wider world and driving prosperity across generations. That legacy continues today, but sustaining it requires more than maintaining what we already have. We must invest in infrastructure that not only meets the demands of the present but also anticipates the opportunities and challenges of the future. The answers are neither quick nor straightforward, yet if we are serious about unlocking the region’s full potential, we cannot ignore the pressing need to address the constraints facing the Orwell Bridge and the wider A14 corridor. These routes are the arteries of our local economy, and securing their resilience is essential for future growth.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in the East of England? 

Suffolk has always had a way of drawing me back. Although my career has taken me across the UK, I’ve never felt the pull to put down roots anywhere else. This is home. From its coastline and characterful market towns to its excellent transport links and proximity to London, Suffolk offers the perfect balance of opportunity, connectivity and quality of life. For me, there’s simply nowhere better.