Suffolk: Bid to build a bright future

ECONOMIC growth, jobs and increased prosperity will be delivered with a major new growth plan billing Suffolk as the “bright choice for business”.

Businesses from Suffolk and beyond are lending their support to the launch of the Suffolk Growth Strategy and the wider Invest in Suffolk campaign in Bury St Edmunds today.

Suffolk County Council has worked with partners in district and borough councils to develop an effective plan for the county to deliver growth.

Council leader Mark Bee said: “Suffolk is one of the most prosperous counties in the UK with large scale investment by a wide range of businesses, backed by a strong enterprise culture and incentives for growth.

“We want to build on this strength and encourage more people to invest in the county and, in return, be at the hub of trading activity, with affordable premises, a strong customer base, a skilled workforce and business-friendly networks.”

Businesses and members of the public will have the chance to hear from other businesses about their experiences of working in Suffolk as well as from keynote speaker Anthony Hilton, senior commentator from The Independent and Evening Standard, on what is happening in the wider economy at today’s event at the Apex.

The official Invest in Suffolk website will also be launched which provides six reasons for potential businesses to invest in the county.

The factors include Suffolk being one of the most prosperous counties in the UK, having fast rail links to London and a gateway to Europe as well as being at the forefront of innovative research and development in biotech, ICT and renewable energy.

Visitors will also watch a film giving an overview of Suffolk’s business assets endorsed by business leaders.

Judy Terry, the county council’s cabinet member for economic development, has spearheaded the development of the Suffolk Growth Strategy and Invest in Suffolk campaign.

She said: “The quality of life for everyone working and living in Suffolk is affected by the economic growth in the county.

“Our county is home to some of the fastest growing industries that will drive the UK economy, backed by pioneering technology and far-sighted investment that puts them ahead of the rest.

“Our ambition is to create even more high value jobs across the county and ensure Suffolk is home to businesses that play a prime role in driving the sustainable growth of the UK economy.”

Visit www.investinsuffolk.com for further details.