Suffolk Chamber members meet International Trade Minister

Over 20 Suffolk-based businesses and representatives met with Mark Garnier MP, the Minister for Investment from the Department of International Trade, to highlight the opportunities and challenges of contributing to the country’s export-led economic future.

Hosted at Muntons Plc’s Stowmarket factory by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Bury St Edmunds MP, Jo Churchill, the roundtable discussion covered issues such as the impact of Brexit on overseas sales new market penetrations, how the Government’s support to exporters can be improved and the importance of reducing trade barriers across the globe.

John Dugmore welcomed the two-hour meeting: “Suffolk businesses are ready and willing to play a key and sustained role in any future ‘free trade’ Britain. Those businesses which met with Mark already have an impressive track record in international trade and I was pleased to see how effectively they pressed the case on their and others behalf for more targeted help to do even better what they are doing well already.

“Suffolk Chamber is fully committed to providing practical support to exporters and importers through a range of services including specialist international trade courses, country-specific events and an export documentation service which last year helped successfully ship over £450m of goods.”

Jo Churchill MP for Bury St Edmunds said: “This was an important session which ensured Suffolk’s business voice, both local and global, was heard. It is crucial the UK continues to work alongside our businesses as we reshape our future and I strongly welcome the Minister meeting and speaking with Suffolk businesses today.”

Mark Tyldesley, Muntons’ deputy managing director commented: “Muntons are a major exporter, and we were delighted to have hosted this event. We were keen to have the chance to influence the Government’s thinking on future international trade along with other successful Suffolk businesses.

“We hope that the Minister will be able to act on some of the challenges and ideas raised today to ensure that UK Business can continue to win in the future pre- and post- Brexit.”

Pictured: The group on a tour of Muntons with Mark Garnier MP