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
Welcome to the Suffolk Economy and Suffolk Business Board newsletter!
We are a dynamic group dedicated to driving economic growth and fostering a thriving business community in Suffolk. Our mission is to harness the unique strengths of our region, from renewable energy to cutting-edge technology, and build a sustainable, prosperous future for all.
Established in May 2024 to take over from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, we bring together leaders from key industries – like agri-food, retail, technology, ports and logistics and the visitor economy – to amplify the voice of business in Suffolk.
Whether you’re a local business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or just simply passionate about Suffolk’s growth, we invite you to join us in shaping the future. Get involved by attending our events, participating in our initiatives, and sharing your ideas. Together, we can make Suffolk a hub of innovation and opportunity!
Suffolk is growing – Suffolk’s Local Growth Plan is driving investment in clean energy, food production, and infrastructure. There are big opportunities ahead.
Business grant scheme launched – A new grant scheme has been launched to help businesses in Suffolk grow and innovate.
Suffolk Showcase coming this Autumn – A major event to spotlight the region’s best businesses. Stay tuned.
Humber Doucy Brewing’s success story – Local entrepreneurs are scaling up, proving that Suffolk is the place for business growth.
Government changes on the horizon – From devolution talks to planning reforms, policies impacting the economy are shifting. Find out what it means for your business.
Get involved – Follow Suffolk Economy on LinkedIn and share this newsletter with your network!
We are approaching the first anniversary of the formation of the Board, and as you would expect, we have had a very busy year! Culminating in January with the launch of the Suffolk Local Growth Plan informed by ideas and feedback from an extensive consultation across public and private sector colleagues, as well as leaders from the voluntary, health and education sectors. Thank you to the hundreds of those who took part.
On your behalf, I’ve spent time with business leaders, as well as with local, regional and national politicians to take them through our plan – which has received enthusiastic and universal support. There are links in the Newsletter to the detailed Plan in which you will see how we are focussed on Suffolk’s key strengths and opportunities. With Devolution in prospect, we are working closely with colleagues on the Norfolk Business Board to make sure that together, we are able to present to the new Mayor, to be elected in May 2026, a compelling prospectus for inward investment, new jobs and even better skills and training. We need nothing short of a transformational plan to boost Suffolk’s £21bn economy and to win the recognition we deserve as one of the best places in the UK to work, invest, learn and visit.
Business Board colleagues are always out and about, most recently visiting GCB Cocoa [LinkedIn] near Sudbury, where the company has made a £70m investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. The Board also recently toured the BT HQ at Adastral Park Ipswich, which is generating significant levels of AI patents and innovations, and has committed £1m to a new business grant scheme to support emerging Suffolk businesses to grow and innovate. And we have also focussed on ports and logistics, and the national and international leadership of the sector in underpinning and supporting the UK economy. We celebrate ABP’s recent £35m investment in Lowestoft.
The economy is facing some tough challenges, and we are left in no doubt about the impact on many businesses. We are championing and supporting Suffolk business, very proud of the resilience of many and how we are all working together to ensure we do not miss a single opportunity. Government has made Growth its key mission, and I can’t think of a single business here that does not have a similar ambition. Whilst these are difficult economic times, I can’t help thinking there is such opportunity in Suffolk – I’m continually amazed and inspired by the people I meet and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that characterises the way we do business here.
Key to success is a close and collaborative working relationship across businesses and sectors. This is what the Business Board is all about as we reinvigorate our ‘can do’ culture, sharing ideas and opportunities to drive success. Please let’s continue to keep in close touch in the crucial months ahead.
Suffolk is home to world-class agriculture, advanced manufacturing, clean energy hubs, and a thriving digital sector. Suffolk’s Local Growth Plan sets an ambitious course for growth – but what does that mean for businesses on the ground?
At its core, the strategy focuses on three key drivers shaping Suffolk’s economic future:
Powering the UK – Suffolk is leading the way in clean energy, with Sizewell C [LinkedIn] and offshore wind developments driving significant investment and creating high-skilled jobs.
Feeding the UK – With a world-leading agri-tech sector, Suffolk plays a pivotal role in food production and innovation. The challenge? Keeping our food sector competitive while embracing new technology and sustainability.
Connecting the UK – Felixstowe is the UK’s busiest container port, but Suffolk’s growth also depends on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and transport investments.
✅ Sectoral Strengths – High-tech manufacturing, a strong digital economy, creative and cultural sectors.
✅ Innovation Potential – A growing R&D ecosystem, and business support networks.
✅ Quality of Life – A top destination for talent retention, with excellent living standards and natural environment.
The Suffolk Business Board is leading the charge to turn strategy into real action – through funding, infrastructure projects, and business collaboration.
💬 What’s your take? Where do you see the biggest opportunities – or challenges – for Suffolk’s economy? Share your thoughts on LinkedIn by following Suffolk Economy and let’s get the conversation going.
The March meeting of the Suffolk Business Board was hosted by CLAAS UK [LinkedIn], near Bury St Edmunds. As well as hosting the meeting, CLAAS staff took members on a tour of their impressive facilities – including the training academy, where over 30 apprentices are trained each year.
Key takeaway from the Board? A ‘Suffolk Showcase’ is coming this autumn – an opportunity to highlight the best of our region’s businesses and economic strengths. More details to follow this Spring.
Entrepreneurship in Suffolk is thriving, and Humber Doucy Brewing [LinkedIn] is a prime example. What started as a father-son passion project has turned into a business supplying custom-crafted beers to companies across the UK.
Alan Ridealgh, co-founder of Humber Doucy Brewing, shares his journey:
✅ Started with a vision to create great, locally inspired beers.
✅ Leveraged funding from local business support schemes to expand operations.
✅ Tripled production capacity through smart investment and strategic partnerships.
✅ Committed to sustainability—sourcing local ingredients and exploring energy-saving brewing techniques.
Watch their story:
Over the first quarter of 2025, national government has made several economic announcements that could impact businesses in Suffolk:
Employment & Workforce – A new ‘Keep Britain Working’ review highlights that 1.2 million young people have work-limiting health conditions. Addressing this could unlock £150bn for the economy.
Devolution & Local Power – Consultations are underway on mayoral authorities for Norfolk & Suffolk, among other regions. This could lead to greater local decision-making and funding opportunities. To find out more and have your say, read the government’s press release
Construction Skills – £600 million of investment will help to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers in a bid to fill over 35,000 job vacancies in the sector and deliver more homes and infrastructure across the country.
Infrastructure & Housing – The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to accelerate the delivery of 1.5 million homes and 150 major projects – with reforms to speed up planning approvals and attract investment.
WHERE BIG
IDEAS HAPPEN.