THE Suffolk Business Hub, which was launched at the Framlingham Technology Centre two years ago as a community to help build and improve connections between local firms, has welcomed its 300th member.

Victoria Payne of Stowmarket-based Angel Fire Business Enrichment was presented with champagne and chocolates to mark the milestone for the hub, which brings business people together for networking, workshops and seminars and facilitates online conversations.

“My business is fairly young and I am now looking for good opportunities to meet fellow business people,” said Victoria. “As a start-up sole trader it would be easy to become isolated and my consultancy not focused on what’s really needed in the rapidly developing business climate of today.”

She added: “Joining Suffolk Business Hub was an obvious step for me. It’s free, the events are very accessible and varied and with such a strong membership I know I’ll meet plenty of interesting people to inspire me to great things. ”

Hub founder member Bella Brodie, managing director of Parks PR & Media and Barefoot PR, which are based at Watton, near Thetford, said “It’s wonderful to see how successful the Suffolk Business Hub has been. Even from the start it always had great potential to be of real benefit to businesses.

“Mingling with like-minded business people in a friendly and innovative environment makes things happen, and makes things easier.

“When I first signed up I was just starting out as a sole trader working at home with a virtual office at The Technology Centre in Framlingham. Two years later I have two businesses, staff and premises, and my turnover has multiplied by eight since that first start.

“It’s essential to make the right connections and decisions early on and stay well-informed, and that’s what the hub is all about. Its success is well-deserved.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, with which the hub has an association, said: “I am delighted that as a chamber we are able to work in association with Suffolk Business Hub.

“What this means is that working together, communicating via the hub’s connections and support delivery on the ground, we can now ensure we lobby stronger than ever on key business issues such as business rates and the needs of local firms.

“It means we can take these important issues not only to local authorities but all the way to Westminster if we need too.”