A TOP business figure who will help drive economic development across the UK through a new network met with Suffolk and Norfolk firms last night (Wednesday, September 14) to give an insight into the Government’s latest thinking.

Outgoing British Chambers of Commerce director general David Frost CBE, who stood down to take up a new role as chairman of the National Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) network, was at Southwold’s Swan Hotel to attend a business dinner hosted by town brewery Adnams.

The event took place on the eve of today’s New Anglia LEP conference in Bury St Edmunds and the first national LEP network gathering in London.

Among those attending was president of Suffolk Chamber Dr Peter Funnell, Andy Wood, chair of New Anglia LEP, and senior executives from BT, EDF and Anglian Water and a range of leading Suffolk businesses.

The future economic success of Suffolk was a key issue for discussion at the event.

Dr Funnell described it as an “important and influential” evening, giving local business leaders an insight into the work of the British Chambers in Westminster and the Government’s latest thinking on driving the economy forward.

“David Frost has almost a decade of experience leading the national voice of business.” he said.

“In his role as chair of the national Local Enterprise Partnership network, which the New Anglia LEP and the Suffolk Chamber are working hard to shape and influence, David will have a wide-ranging remit.”

Chief executive of Suffolk Chamber John Dugmore said the event was a platform for Mr Frost to hear from Suffolk business leaders.

“Whether from his role over the last few years at the helm of the British Chambers or in his new role co-ordinating the national network of LEPs, we know he will take those views raised to the heart of Westminster.”