60 seconds with… Bee Kemball

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been introducing you to all our Suffolk Business Board members, with 60 second interviews that share a little bit about their experience and their vision for Suffolk’s future.

Last but by no means least it’s the turn of Bee Kemball, one of the most recent additions to the Board. Bee’s experience covers logistics, agriculture and much, much more – giving her a well-rounded perspective on what’s needed to help local businesses thrive.

How would you sum up your role and experience in a couple of sentences?

My business experience has been very much working from the ground up and this career path has allowed me to understand multiple elements, so it is easier to make balanced decisions and plan strategies.  Having worked in the logistics & agricultural sectors for 30 years, I have seen a great deal of change, particularly with technology and productivity, which has been an exciting time, however this balance of knowledge has kept me grounded in terms of when to push forward and when to be patient.

What motivated you to join the Suffolk Business Board?

My belief that making new connections and learning throughout your career is always worthwhile.  This Board gives me the opportunity to grow, whilst helping all new businesses and opportunities flourish in our wonderful county.

What’s the biggest opportunity for Suffolk’s economy right now?

I think large infrastructure projects in terms of energy will continue to dominate, but also smaller specialist firms will continue to grow when they are driven forward with ambitious leaders with the right support.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working across so many different sectors?

You can always learn better ways to do things, in terms of technological applications, sustainability and vertical integration.  Business skills are also often very transferable if your values set is right.

In your opinion, what sets the most successful businesses apart?

Teams within the business understanding the direction of travel and how they fit into it, but also a culture of respect internally and externally.  Also the ability to be adaptable.

If you could make one change to help Suffolk thrive over the next 10 years, what would it be?

Stop the local political continuous restructuring; stick to a framework both businesses and residents can understand.

What’s your favourite thing about Suffolk?

Without question the people, whom have chosen to make Suffolk their home.

Find out more about all our Suffolk Economy board members here.