Suffolk enterprise agency Menta has welcomed five new members to its board, and paid thanks to three long-serving directors who have stood down.

The new directors include Emma Finn from New Anglia LEP, Mike Faers of Food Innovation Solutions, Rob Masson from MI UK, Dayle Bayliss of Dayle Bayliss Associates and Andrea Mayley from St Edmundsbury Borough Council. All take up their voluntary positions immediately.

Menta chair Jane Vincent and chief executive Alex Till welcomed the new directors at a luch event held at Ravenswood Hall, near Bury St Edmunds, where presentations were also made to the three retiring directors, Trevor Hawkins, Justine Murray and Phillip Merchant.

Mr Till said: “I’d like to pay tribute to those leaving us who have shown such professionalism and pride in Menta. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Equally I’d like to welcome our new directors and hope they can share their work experiences with the business people of tomorrow.”

Menta, a not-for-profit organisation based in Bury, supports pre-start-ups, emerging and existing small businesses across Suffolk with advice, training courses and events.

Ms Vincent will now chair a 12-strong board which Menta hopes will build on the hard work carried out since its formation 30 years ago.

Emma Finn, who is marketing manager at New Anglia LEP, said: “Menta is an outstanding organisation which delivers valuable advice, support and training to help small businesses in Suffolk start up and grow.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring my marketing skills and wider business knowledge to the table. I’m really looking forward to supporting our local business community through Menta, and working with such a talented board and team.”

Dayle Bayliss, whose building surveying, architectural design and project management firm is based at Bentley, near Ipswich, added: “Through Menta, the support our business received when we started up has been a key part of its growth and success.

“When the opportunity came to be part of the board and get involved I didn’t think twice. With Menta celebrating 30 years this year, it is definitely exciting times ahead and to be part of that is a great honour.”