The Suffolk Business Board was established in May 2024 following the integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership functions into Suffolk County Council. It comprises representatives from business, education, the voluntary sector and local government.
Business Board members:
Chair: Mark Pendlington
Deputy Chair: Cllr Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council
Doug Field, East of England Co-Op
Oliver Paul, Suffolk Food Hall
Lisa Perkins, Tech East
Peter Brady, Orbital Global
Kelly Boosey, Oxford Innovation
Leanne Gittins, LME Recruitment
John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Tom Ball, Ipswich Town Football Club
Hannah Bloom, Suffolk Community Foundation
Paul Ager, Associated British Ports
Marek Hornak, University of Suffolk
Nikos Savvas, Eastern Education Group
Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council
Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council
Cllr Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council
Business leaders and experts from across Suffolk are coming together to champion the county’s strengths, helping to showcase why Suffolk is a great place to live, work, and invest.
Suffolk Business Ambassadors are a network of business leaders, sector specialists, and local experts who have united to share what makes Suffolk such a dynamic and attractive county. Since its launch by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in 2014, the programme has grown into a powerful platform for highlighting Suffolk’s economic potential.
The programme is continuing into 2026, refreshed with new initiatives and opportunities for ambassadors to share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on the county’s business and innovation landscape.
I’ve found being part of the Suffolk Chamber Ambassador Programme incredibly rewarding and valuable. It’s been great to gain insight into other companies, their industries, and the challenges they face. I’ve taken a lot away from the experience and have been able to apply some of the things I’ve learnt to our own business. It has also been great for networking, business development and sales opportunities. Suffolk is a great place to be and to run a business.
Damian Nunn, Managing Director, Pitkin & Ruddock
Ambassadors play a crucial role in raising awareness of Suffolk Economy’s vision for the future, helping to amplify the county’s strengths nationally and locally. Their contributions range from promoting success stories, providing sector insights, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting collaborative initiatives across business, government, and education.
Looking ahead, the 2026 programme aims to support innovative, clean growth and showcase the county’s ability to compete on a national stage. We look forward to introducing you to more of our ambassadors over the coming months, and collectively raising our voices to ensure Suffolk has the profile it deserves.
We have been involved with the Suffolk Business Ambassadors since it was created and continue to enjoy and learn from the opportunities created through the visits and the associated networking. To be able to see deep inside such a range of successful Suffolk business is a privilege and long may it continue.”
Alan Ridealgh, Director, Humber Doucy Brewing Company
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