Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary had paid a return visit to Essex Chambers of Commerce, as guest speaker at the business group’s annual county lunch.

More than 200 chamber members and guests attended the event, Stockbrook Manor Country Club, to hear more about the work of the chambers in representing businesses large and small with lobbying, networking events, exhibitions and providing support to exporters.

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers, said: “Whether we are lobbying ministers on behalf of our members, organising exhibitions or processing export documentation we have never been busier than we have this year.

“Finding the right speaker to inspire them is not easy but I was immensely pleased when Michael O’Leary agreed to join us once again and give our members an insight into his plans for Ryanair and in particular in developing new services aimed at the business traveller. Aviation, and Stansted Airport in particular, is extremely important for the Essex economy and we could not fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm with which he approaches running his airline”

Stansted Airport managing director, Andrew Harrison, added: “We were delighted that Michael accepted the invitation.

“He is one of the most influential, high profile executives in the airline industry and he was full of praise for the airport and keen to both share his plans for service improvements at the airline as well as listen to feedback and suggestions from the county’s business leaders.

“Ryanair is a very valued customer and their recent increase in schedules, including new destinations, gives leisure and business passengers from Essex even more choice at great value and builds on the strength of Ryanair’s extensive network here at Stansted, their largest base in Europe.”