Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has delivered a video message at the annual British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) conference in London, outlining the county’s contribution to the national economy.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/205873669

Speakers at the event included Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Business Secretary Greg Clark, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and former Chancellor George Osborne, with Prime Minister Theresa May also addressing the conference via video.

A 20-strong delegation from Suffolk Chamber, the biggest for several years, attended the conference and made the county’s presence felt, with the video message – fronted by chamber chief executive John Dugmore – highlighting its strengths in sectors including energy, food and drink, agri-tech, high-tech and transport.

The conference focused on three key themes: growing business in the regions and nations, turning Brexit uncertainty into opportunity and keeping the UK competitive.

Sarah Howard, president of Suffolk Chamber, who also sits on the BCC board, said: “The event was brilliant. It was a great showcase for the whole chamber network. The speaker list showed just how well regarded we are and how keen senior politicians and corporate businesspeople are to meet and engage with us.”

John Dugmore added: “A key theme throughout the day was the role of the business community to not only be as agile and innovative as possible in taking advantage of opportunities, but to be employers who help their staff develop the right skills and aptitudes to succeed and to discharge their civic responsibilities to the wider communities they serve.”

“Suffolk is well-placed on all three of these criteria and I came away from the conference both optimistic for and proud of this county’s business community.”