THE new chief executive of Suffolk County Council has spoken of the “huge opportunities” for economic development in 2012 at a business leaders’ lunch held by Suffolk Chamber.

Deborah Cadman, the former chief executive of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) who took up the reins at the county council at the end of 2011, met with more than 100 business leaders from around the county at the Belstead Brook Hotel.

“From the green economy to the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, there are huge opportunities within Suffolk to enable our businesses to grow and prosper,” she told guests at the event.

“By working together to achieve our aims and maintaining an open dialogue we will create a stronger, more unified base in which to face any challenges and to achieve economic prosperity in our county.”

Ms Cadman also highlighted the need to encourage more women in business, and acknowledge the work Suffolk Chamber of Commerce had already done in partnership with Suffolk County Council to revive the Suffolk Business Women networking group, which has seen its numbers increase from 80 members to over 600 members in the past year.

The leaders’ event was attended by a mix of representatives from large and small businesses across the county and addressed a range of current challenges including Broadband, youth unemployment and road and rail links.

Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber, said: “By celebrating Suffolk’s many successes, including our strong tourism, logistics and energy sectors, this event has provided evidence to reassure the business community that the Suffolk economy will continue to grow.

“That this growth will be supported by a focused and purposeful collaboration between the chamber and Suffolk County Council which is good news for business and good news for the local and regional economy,” added Dr Funnell.