THE winning Suffolk Chamber team from this year’s Great East Swim is encouraging other businesses to enter the 2012 race.

John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber chief executive, said: “The Great East Swim is a great opportunity for business men and women to swap their office suits for wet suits.

“We were delighted to win the 2011 event and as we look towards Olympic year would encourage businesses across Suffolk to take the plunge, take part and come and take the chamber on.”

The chamber’s winning team consisted of brothers Alan and Richard Pledger of React Computer Partnership, their brother-in-law, Lee Matthews, from Royal Mail and Chris Marsh of insurance brokers AT&A.

Although all four had done the swim before they were delighted to win the team event.

“In 2011 it was the third time I had taken part in the event and to be part of a winning team was a great thrill.” said Chris Marsh. “The whole experience is not to be missed and especially in Olympic year it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved.”

The challenge is open to swimmers of all abilities, but teams must consist of four. These can be either all male, all female or mixed teams comprising two men and two women.

Although, teams can be made up of friends, family and club members, the organisers are particularly keen to encourage entries from businesses, which can use the opportunity to enhance team performance and social responsibility while at the same time encouraging a healthier lifestyle through exercise as well as raising money for charity.

The 2012 Great East Swim is on June 16, with Alton Water, near Ipswich again the venue, and is now open for entries. For details, visit www.greatswim.org/Events/British-Gas-Great-East-Swim .