Suffolk Chamber & Suffolk Coast Business agree closer working arrangement

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk Coast Business, two of Suffolk’s leading business bodies, have agreed on a closer working arrangement to benefit their respective members and to add weight to their campaigning and lobbying.

The ‘linked to’ arrangement is aimed at better communicating each organisation’s work and allowing members of each to have the chance to attend a certain number of the others’ networking events at member rates in order to make valuable new connections.

The agreement allows both organisations to share ideas, policy initiatives, publicity and improve working relationships at all levels. Suffolk Chamber will also have a seat on the Suffolk Coast Business board.

The two business bodies also believe that working more closely in partnership gives them all a bigger, better and more credible voice in ensuring that government, MPs, councils, quangos and other bodies really appreciate and seek to act to deliver the needs of this area’s wealth creators.

Suffolk Coast Business chair, Jenny Stockman explained: “Suffolk Coast Business (SCB) occupies a unique space in the delivery of business support to small, micro and some large businesses, directly and through its member business associations. It maintains a close and open relationship with all of these, which in turn informs exactly what SCB delivers, allows it to respond rapidly to need and plan for the future.

“The bespoke ‘linked to’ agreement with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is a much needed, very exciting and timely development for SCB. I very much look forward to seeing our members making the most of these extra resources and reaping the benefits from the amazing opportunities evolving in our area.”

John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber chief executive added: “although the county is generally a good place in which to run a business, there is a positive advantage in our two organisations more closely co-operating together to share opportunities and to ensure that the voice of business is heard loudly and clearly on all the key issues that affect us.”

“The beauty of this bespoke and carefully crafted ‘linked to’ arrangement is that preserves the unique identity of both bodies, but offers tangible benefits to members of each in taking advantage of our respective offers and strengths.”

The ‘linked to’ agreement was formally launched yesterday (28 June) at SCB’s 2017 event held at Ufford Park Hotel and Spa.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is the oldest member-based business body in the county with strong representation in five town areas: Bury St Edmunds, Greater Ipswich, Haverhill & District, Lowestoft & Waveney and Newmarket & District, whilst Suffolk Coast business has a strong representation in Suffolk coastal district.

Pictured: Jenny Stockman and John Dugmore