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
It’s time to introduce another member of the Suffolk Business Board – Hannah Bloom is the Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, and has more than two decades’ experience working across the charity and voluntary services sectors. We spoke to her about how building up stronger communities can help create a stronger economy.
How would you sum up your work and experience in a couple of sentences?
Over 20 years working the charity sector in East Anglia and Suffolk, with a focus on income generation and marketing, later moving into leadership, strategy and business development. My work has always been based on building string relationships.
What motivated you to join the Suffolk Business Board?
It was an opportunity to ensure the voluntary sector isn’t forgotten about or left behind. Charities are crucial to the network of Suffolk, keeping people healthy and engaged in learning, volunteering and work.
Why are strong communities important for a strong economy?
We won’t get economic growth without strong communities, where people want to live, make use of opportunities and want to engage in volunteering and employment. Strong communities means a stronger workforce.
What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen local people achieve?
The power of volunteering is significant and every day I meet people who are driven to help their community. 82% of charitable organisations in Suffolk have an income of less than £100k pa which means they are heavily reliant on volunteers giving up their time to help. It is difficult to pick out a single activity, but the collective power of everyone contributing a small amount can have a significant impact.
What excites you most about Suffolk’s future?
There is so much investment coming into the county which brings huge opportunity if handled correctly. Suffolk has some excellent companies and we don’t shout loudly enough about the influence that work happening in Suffolk has nationally and internationally.
What more could we do to ensure everyone benefits from Suffolk’s success?
Continue to build strong communities, something the charity sector has a vital role in helping with, as the more people feel connected to their local area and the people living in it, the more they will engage with the development in the county and opportunities for work and leisure.
What keeps you motivated?
Visiting charitable organisations, understanding the local needs and the seeing how people come together in towns and villages to help and make a difference.
Find out more about all our Suffolk Economy board members here.
WHERE BIG
IDEAS HAPPEN.
