Suffolk business groups agree on closer working arrangements

Two of Suffolk’s leading business bodies have agreed on a closer working arrangement to both better benefit their respective members and to add weight to their campaigning and lobbying initiatives in east Suffolk.

roger-abbott

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce  have entered into a ‘linked to’ arrangement that is aimed at better communicating each organisation’s work and gives their respective members the chance to attend a certain number of the others’ networking events at member rates to enable them make valuable new connections.

Under this new agreement, Suffolk Chamber will be regularly hosting one of its networking events in Felixstowe.

The agreement allows both organisations to share ideas, policy initiatives, survey work, publicity and improve working relationships at all levels – something that can also only benefit the members of both.

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, stakeholders and other bodies really appreciate and seek to act to deliver the needs of this area Felixstowe’s wealth creators.

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.

Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce has a long-established strong presence among the town’s businesses across a range of market sectors.

Felixstowe chair, Roger Abbott explained “this bespoke ‘linked to’ agreement with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is an exciting and timely development for our organisation. I look forward to seeing our members making the most of these extra resources and reaping the benefits from the innovative 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 operations working more closely together and co-operating 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.”

Picture shows: Roger Abbott, Chair of Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce  (Photo -Pat Stockley)