Paul Donno, the chairman of Haverhill Chamber of Commerce has been elected chairman of the panel which keeps the Bank of England in touch with the views and concerns of businesses in Suffolk.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce stages the panel meetings with the Bank of England three times a year, to keep the bank informed about the state of the local economy.

They form part of the bank’s nation-wide consultation with the business community which feeds into meetings of its Monetary Policy Committee.

The Bank of England is also interested in feedback on financial matters such as access to funding, pricing and availability of finance.

Mr Donno, an accountant, said: “The Bank of England uses this confidential source of information to help provide the Monetary Policy Committee with an up-to-date picture of what is happening in the real economy.

“I am delighted to be asked to lead the discussions which are a fundamental factor in current and future UK economic policy.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber, said: “This influential chamber panel meeting has been in operation at Suffolk Chamber for over two decades.”

He added: “The feedback it gives, from the experience of people like Paul, is vital for the future economic success of UK plc.”

Phil Eckersley, the Bank of England’s agent in the region, said: “The work of businesses in supporting the Bank of England is an important mechanism and has been for over 20 years.

“The relationship we have had with Suffolk Chamber over that time has ensured that I and my colleagues can really drill down to the grass root issues that are affecting daily activity in businesses in Suffolk.”