Investment in areas includinig skills and infratructure is still required to make Britain’s economic recovery more secure, Suffolk business leaders have been warned.

Speaking at a networking event at Newmarket Racecourse, Adam Marshall, director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, told members of Suffolk Chamber that uncertainty remained a threat to business.

“There is no doubt that we are seeing broad-based improvement in the economy and business confidence is at record levels, but it is important that this good growth moves to great growth and for this to happen we need to see a step change from Government,” said Dr Marshall.

“For this to be a reality there remains a great structural challenge. Businesses in Suffolk and across the UK continue to tell us about the skills gap being experienced when looking to take on new staff. We also need to see year-on-year investment in infrastructure in roads and rail.”

And he added: “In the next 12 months we will see a vote on Scottish independence, we will have a General Election and then a potential referendum on membership of the EU.

“We are all passionate about ensuring the voice of business is heard in during these major events but whatever the outcome, if a period of uncertainty occurs it will not be good for business.”

Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber, said: “Adam always brings experience and knowledge of what business and Government is thinking.” said Dr Peter Funnell, the President of Suffolk Chamber. “It is good to hear from him that our experience of broad based improvements in the economy is being felt elsewhere. It is important that we do move to great growth and for this to happen there does need to be investment and there does need to be certainty.”