MORE than 100 businesses were represented at an event focusing on what Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is calling “a fundamental pillar of the economic recovery in the county”.

Delegates at the chamber lunch event, held at Trinity Park, Ipswich, heard from Alan Ridealgh, managing director of Stowmarket-based malt and malted ingredients company Muntons plc on the importance of international trade.

“While businesses in the UK continue to struggle, exporting is a growth market and businesses in Suffolk should be aware of the wide variety of products and services that can be successfully exported,” said Mr Ridealgh.

“Muntons is a local business working with local suppliers, but we’re also a significant international player exporting around half of our production to Europe, USA and Asia.”

The event, sponsored by Dummett Copp LLP, was part of a wide range of events taking place throughout 2013 as part of Suffolk Chamber’s Exporting is Good for Suffolk campaign which was given the backing of the Prime Minister when it was launched.

“The experience of businesses in Suffolk who export is that they have higher levels of production than non-exporters and achieving stronger financial performance,” said Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber.

“They are more likely to stay in business and are a key driver of wealth generation, job creation and overall growth in the county.”

“Suffolk Chamber will be working hard to encourage and support Suffolk businesses who are interested in exporting with training sessions and workshops as well as speaker-led events with businesses that are already successfully exporting and can help guide businesses who are new to exporting.”