Suffolk and Norfolk Business Boards host joint meeting, building on regional momentum

Members of the Suffolk and Norfolk Business Boards came together this week for a joint meeting focused on driving the next phase of growth and collaboration across the region. 

Building on strong progress over the past year, the Boards discussed how shared priorities such as investment and skills can be accelerated through joint working and local leadership, particularly as both counties prepare for the changes and opportunities that will come from devolution and the move to a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA). 

Board members were joined by key partners from leading sectors across Norfolk and Suffolk, such as representatives from local industry councils. This collaborative session was an important opportunity to ensure that the voices of our businesses are heard ahead of the transition into the MCCA. 

The Boards also recognised the strengths and resilience of local businesses, whose innovation and ambition continue to underpin growth across the East. From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to digital and agri-tech, the region is already demonstrating national leadership and global potential. 

Partnership working is well established, with Norfolk and Suffolk delivering together through initiatives such as the Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Plan, the Integrated Water Action Plan, and the Norfolk & Suffolk Unlimited inward investment activity — all focused on ensuring the region remains one of the best places in the UK to do business. 

Mark Pendlington, Chair of the Suffolk Business Board, said: 

Suffolk and Norfolk have a strong track record of working together to achieve high levels of inward investment, in securing new jobs and in boosting skills. Our meeting today further secures our joint commitment to growing our economy across both counties and be recognised as a national and international enterprise hub for UK plc.  

Our enduring working partnership brings those strengths together in a way that delivers real benefits for people and businesses. As we look towards devolution, we’re focused on practical collaboration – building on what works well, driving clean growth, and mobilising all of our talents and expertise. There was real excitement in the room today about the potential for growth and opportunity. 

Nick Steven-Jones, Chair of the Norfolk Business Board said:

Collaboration between Norfolk and Suffolk has long been a strength of our region, and as we move towards devolution it becomes even more critical. The joint meeting of our two business boards reaffirmed my belief that our counties share far more than that which divides us.

By combining our resources, expertise, creativity and ambition, we can unlock the full potential of Norfolk and Suffolk – delivering sustainable economic growth that benefits businesses and communities across both counties. Our respective action plans provide a clear framework to turn this shared ambition into real action, and alignment across our Boards will be key to accelerating delivery and impact. 

Looking ahead to 2026, both Boards committed to deepening this collaboration and building on the strong foundations already in place, ensuring businesses and communities continue to benefit from a confident and coordinated regional approach.