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
We’re looking for experienced and influential local business leaders to join the Suffolk Business Board, filling two vacancies that will result from existing board members coming to the end of their terms.
About the board
The board was established in 2024 and meets six times a year to help shape economic strategy and priorities for Suffolk, oversee delivery of funded programmes such as business support and skills training, and work closely with partners such as district councils, neighbouring counties and national economic and trade bodies.
Existing Suffolk Business Board members include a strong core of local business leaders alongside representatives from education and key strategic partners. New members will be joining a dynamic and proactive group, with the opportunity to immediately begin contributing to Suffolk’s economic development.
The recruitment comes at a key time, as the Business Board moves into its next phase of delivery, focusing on the investment and long-term economic priorities that will shape Suffolk for years to come.
About You
Applications are welcomed from candidates with backgrounds in the key sectors as identified in the Local Growth Plan, including Agrifood, Clean Energy, Visitor Economy and Advanced Manufacturing.
Board membership is a voluntary position, and terms are for up to three years from the date of appointment. The Business Board is supported by a dedicated team of council officers.
How to apply
Expressions of interest should be emailed to businessboard@suffolk.gov.uk by Monday 23 February with a short biography or CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the opportunity and what area(s) of expertise you feel you could bring.
Information and resources
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