THE chief executive of Visit East Anglia, the business-led body promoting tourism in Suffolk and Norfolk, will be guest speaker at a joint event being staged by the Haverhill and Newmarket chambers of commerce next month.

Keith Brown will highlight the benefits of tourism to local businesses at the event, which will also include a presentation by Lloyds TSB on how firms can bring the London 2012 Games “to life” for their staff and customers.

The event takes place at Palace House, at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, on Friday, April 20 from 7.45am to 9.45am.

Tickets cost �15 for the chambers’ members and �25 for non-members. To book visit www.haverhillchamber.co.uk .

Mr Brown will explain how VEA works in partnership with local businesses and give some tips on maximising the opportunities coming up over the next 12 months, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queen’s Jubilee celebration.

VEA is supported by some of the most successful tourism businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk and brings a unified tourism voice to the region.

As the Olympic and Paralympic Games approaches in July, Lloyds TSB, an official sponsor of London 2012 which is also sponsoring the breakfast event, will be providing some advice on how small businesses can overcome any challenges the Games may bring and what they can to prepare.

Businesses will be facing issues such as managing staffing levels during Olympic events, and transport and delivery plans if they do business in the capital.

Sarah Howard, chair of Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, said: “Tourism has never been a more relevant subject for business than this year. With the Queen’s Jubilee and London 2012 putting the world’s eyes on the UK, local businesses are preparing for both the wonderful opportunities and managing the difficult issues that this will present.”

Graham Abbey, chair of Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are delighted that Keith Brown from Visit East Anglia will be our guest speaker and Lloyds TSB will be helping us prepare to make the most of 2012.

“We are also very pleased to be working with Haverhill Chamber of Commerce again on a joint breakfast event which will give businesses in both towns the opportunity to ask questions and get advice as well as network.”