Ipswich: Town’s firms get clearer voice with launch of Ipswich Chamber of Commerce
THE Ipswich business community will have a clearer voice following the launch of a dedicated chamber of commerce for the town’s firms.
Ipswich Chamber of Commerce has been established as a new branch of Suffolk Chamber, similar to other local chambers across the county, and will develop policies specifically relating to key issues affecting the town, in areas including business growth, inward investment, skills and a future vision for the town centre.
“We have been delighted to work in partnership with businesses across the town to establish the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce.” said Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber.
“The creation of the Ipswich Chamber means that the town will benefit from a business-led representational organisation.
“This offers a local focus, whilst those who lead business in Ipswich will have a new vehicle through which they can direct their knowledge and experience to develop the economy of the town.”
There has been a chamber of commerce in Ipswich since 1884 and over the years it had developed into a county-wide organisation, now known in full as the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Shipping.
In recent years it has become the parent body to local chambers in towns across the county, including Lowestoft, Haverhill and Newmarket, and, given the county-wide focus of Suffolk Chamber, it was felt the time was right for Ipswich too to have its own dedicated organisation.
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“Our job is to act as the representative voice for business within Ipswich in partnership with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce,” said Dave M�ller, principal of Suffolk New College, who is to chair the Ipswich Chamber.
”This is with the view to informing and lobbying our Member of Parliament, Ipswich Borough Council and working with partners Ipswich Central on the plans for the Ipswich Business Improvement District.
“We must develop a local business profile both to represent and support the key aims of Ipswich Chamber of Commerce as part of Suffolk Chamber and in line with Suffolk’s Chambers aims and vision.” Events already planned include a breakfast in September and a business forum in October, with an official launch ceremony to he held in early November.
Other directors on the Ipswich Chamber board include David Redhead, managing director of BSP Engineering, Peter Dawes, managing director of Carter Dawes, Peter Johnson, general manager, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Michelle Pollard, managing director, @Work Recruitment, Mark Parker, managing director, global services centres, Willis, Neil Miles, managing director, Smart421 and Karen Finch, managing director, The Hearing Care Centre.
