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
How would you sum up your work and experience in a couple of sentences?
I’ve spent over 20 years leading across retail and professional services. 16 years of that at East of England Co-op, where I helped modernise a £400m, 150-year-old business, before becoming Managing Partner at Fisher Jones Greenwood. Alongside that, I am a Non-Exec Director at St Ewe Eggs.
What motivated you to join the Suffolk Business Board?
Suffolk’s economy has been part of my story for years. First through being on the Board and then chairing the New Anglia LEP. Then through the Suffolk Chamber, so joining the Business Board felt like a natural way to keep contributing to the region I call home. I wanted to help make sure business has a strong, practical voice as Suffolk shapes its next chapter.
What lesson has stayed with you throughout your career?
Doing the right thing even when nobody’s looking. Integrity has been the constant, whatever sector I’ve been in
What career decision had the biggest impact on where you’ve ended up today?
Choosing to take on non-executive work alongside my executive role was probably the decision that shaped things most. It helped expose me to different perspectives and ways of thinking that genuinely made me a better leader.
What excites you most about Suffolk’s future right now?
I’m excited by how deliberately Suffolk is backing growth right now. Focusing on real strengths like agri-food, energy, ports and logistics. There’s a real sense of ambition about the county’s future that I want to be part of.
If you could give one piece of advice to Suffolk’s future business leaders, what would it be?
Be curious and ask questions. It builds trust and sparks the ideas that create real change. And be resilient without being stupid: know when to pause, because real strength sometimes lies in knowing when to step back and rest.
What’s a cause or issue you’re particularly passionate about outside work?
Helping people grow and fulfil their potential is what drives me. Whether that’s through my role at the Green Light Trust or the years I spent coaching youth football. There’s nothing quite like watching someone realise they’re capable of more than they thought.
Find out more about all our board members here.
WHERE BIG
IDEAS HAPPEN.
