BUSINESS will be in the spotlight during September as the county council, other authorities and commercial organisations come together to promote Suffolk’s economy.

The first ever Suffolk Business Month is being held to highlight the advantages of investing in the county.

Some of the largest companies in Suffolk, including Muntons, Adnams, Greene King and Willis, will be held up as examples of what can be achieved

The month will also highlight what is being done to make Suffolk a more business friendly environment – including improving broadband connections and attempting to improve the education and aspirations of the county’s young people following on from the Raising the Bar conference earlier in the summer.

Suffolk Business Month is being launched at UCS on Ipswich Waterfront on September 12. Speakers will include Andy Wood from the New Anglia LEP.

Throughout the month there will be other events across the county events across the county including:

: : A conference promoting opportunities to trade with China (in Bury St Edmunds);

: : A seminar on how to access business finance (in Lowestoft);

: : A meeting on how businesses can become part of the energy industry supply chain (at Hintlesham Hall), and

: : A conference on the tourism industry in Suffolk (in Ipswich).

All of the events will be listed on Suffolk County Council’s website.

Judy Terry, the county’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Suffolk Business Month is all about raising the profile Suffolk as a place to invest, expand businesses and live.

“There are so many opportunities for businesses to thrive in Suffolk. What’s vital is that other business leaders know about these opportunities and are encouraged to capitalise on them.

“Through our Raising the Bar programme, Suffolk County Council is already working to address local skills shortages in some sectors. Our broadband programme is another major reason for businesses to think about Suffolk.”