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
When it comes to creating lasting impact in the construction industry, Flannery Plant Hire are a leading example. Having been based in Suffolk for more than thirty years, the company is demonstrating how investment in people can sit alongside commercial success. Their latest video showcases a social value programme focused on developing skills, creating opportunities and supporting local communities to thrive.
Speaking in the video, their Head of Social Value and EDI Odee Pessu explains the approach to skills development that sits at the heart of their strategy:
“Skills hubs is one of the key initiatives within our social value strategy in Suffolk that allows us to give them the skills, training and opportunities for sustainable employment which will allow them to then go on and work on infrastructure projects to then have an impact on the communities that they work in.
“Social value is important to Flannery because the business generally recognises that success is more than the commercial performance alone. We are building something that the open public can benefit from, and it’s not restricted to only one group or class.”
The results highlight the difference this approach is making across Suffolk:
▪️ 150+ operatives trained
▪️ 11% Women learners
▪️ 13% Veterans, transitioning skills from service to civilian careers
▪️ 21% learners with a learning difficulty or disability, supported through tailored, individual learning plans
Alongside these achievements, Flannery Plant Hire is also helping to strengthen Suffolk’s future workforce through its involvement in the Skills Bootcamps programme. Delivered in partnership between Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils and local employers, Skills Bootcamps provide flexible, intensive training designed to address skills shortages, respond to employer demand and open doors to new career opportunities.
By investing in local talent and creating pathways into sustainable employment, Flannery Plant Hire is showing how social value can translate into meaningful outcomes. From supporting underrepresented groups to equipping people with the skills needed for major infrastructure projects, their work is helping to build a stronger workforce, stronger communities and a stronger future for Suffolk.
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