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

Based within Orbis Energy, at the heart of Suffolk’s energy coast, Tri-Tech Contracting Ltd have seen rapid growth over the past 2.5 years. Underpinned by the vast knowledge and experience of its two founders, the company has already secured work on some of the region’s biggest infrastructure and energy projects and is targeting turnover of more than £5 million this year. We caught up with Business Development Manager Danielle High to find out more.
Danielle explained that the company’s success has been driven by a focus on relationship building, networking and earning the trust of key clients:
“Networking is crucial, and being based at Orbis has been critical because there are so many energy companies here. There are lots of networking events, so you get to hear about local projects and organisations such as the East of England Energy Group.
“But it’s also about building trust. The packages of work we’re delivering are significant, and because both directors have extensive experience, they have the relationships and reputation that give clients confidence.”
This approach has helped the company secure major contracts on projects including the ScottishPower O&M base, Sizewell C, national rail projects and UEA’s Lasdun Wall development.
Danielle highlighted the significance of winning work with ScottishPower in particular: “Getting the work from ScottishPower is a really big deal. They’re a massive company, and being appointed as one of their principal contractors is very important for us. It’s one of our proudest achievements so far. We didn’t have an existing relationship with them, but the reputation we’d built with other clients helped us secure the opportunity.”
The company’s growth has been underpinned not only by its technical expertise, but also by its commitment to maintaining high standards and delivering on its promises.
“Health and safety is a really big deal for us,” Danielle said. “It’s critical to the business and to our directors. We don’t promise something we can’t deliver, because that would damage our reputation. We’re always honest about what we can achieve.”
As the business continues to expand, it is also investing in the workforce that will support its future growth. Tri-Tech Contracting Ltd is working with local colleges and skills programmes to provide work experience, internships and pathways into employment, recognising the importance of developing talent within the region.
“We actively want to get involved in helping people develop the skills they need,” said Danielle. “We’re passionate about making the most of the talent on our doorstep and creating opportunities for local people.”
Looking ahead, the company has ambitious plans to continue climbing the industry ladder, with the long-term goal of becoming a Tier 1 contractor. Danielle believes Suffolk’s growing energy sector presents significant opportunities for businesses willing to invest in the region.
“The investment coming into infrastructure projects is creating huge opportunities in Suffolk. I think in five to ten years’ time this area will be a very different place.”
As an example of how local businesses can play a role in delivering the major investments shaping Suffolk’s future, Tri-Tech Contracting Ltd is leading the way. At the same time, its growth story demonstrates the value of local knowledge, strong relationships and a commitment to developing skills and opportunities within the region.
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