The chief executive of Suffolk County Council has underlined the importance of a strong and vibrant local economy for the future of everyone in the county.

Speaking at a Suffolk Chamber of Commerce lunch at Seckford Hall, near Woodbridge, Deborah Cadman said that, as the local economy grows, there is a knock on effect in terms of less demand on public services.

“There is no doubt the Suffolk County Council no longer has the spending power it once had,” she told the audience of more than 100 guests from the Suffolk business community.

“What we can and will do as an authority is play our part in helping to create the right environment for individuals, families and businesses to move to our county and play their part in our successful future.”

Ms Cadman, who was previously chief executive of the former East of England Development Agency, also explained the importance of developing young people as the workforce of tomorrow in Suffolk.

“I personally believe we all have a role to ensure young people can be the best they possibly can,” she said.

“We need to help build and harness their aspirations and work with them to ensure the skills they have are relevant to the demands of the workforce.”

The county council is working with organisations such as Suffolk Chamber and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to make better use of apprenticeships alongside local schools and colleges.

“Business greatly welcomes not only Deborah’s views but her strategy of ensuring Suffolk County Council works hand in hand with the business community,” said Suffolk chamber president Peter Funnell.

“Their role in making our county a better place to do business, through strategically important work such as Better Broadband for Suffolk, is making a real and lasting difference,” Dr Funnell added.