The East of England is a key area for exports, a national business leader told Suffolk firms this week.

More than 100 of the county’s businesses, gathered for the 130th Suffolk Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, which took place on Monday.

Speaker Nora Senior, president of the British Chambers of Commerce, looked forward to exciting times ahead for the county’s economy.

“The East of England is a key area for business exporting, and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce leads the way in providing support and advice for businesses who are keen to move into the international market,” Nora Senior told the gathering at Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa at Woodbridge.

“For example, the new Overseas Business Network Initiative, which Suffolk Chamber leads on behalf of the East of England, provides not just practical advice and support, but also networking, market development information and even hot-desking around the world to encourage any business to become a player in the global market.”

Delegates heard about the importance of recent work led by the Chambe, including the successful No Toll Tax in Suffolk campaign against the introduction of tolls on the A14, and about the delivery of the New Anglia Growth Hub for Norfolk and Suffolk which provides a ‘no wrong door’ service for businesses in the county.

“It was great to hear from Nora that the work of businesses across Suffolk is making such a big difference.” said Suffolk Chamber chief executive John Dugmore. “Our members have been working hard on campaigns such as No Toll Tax on Suffolk and our AGM is a good time to reflect on that and look towards moving forward.

“With a General Election on the horizon and continued economic growth, we as a chamber are determined to continue to place the voice of business where it needs to be – at the centre of the decision making process.”