The first ever ‘Suffolk Business Month’ is an opportunity to hold up key examples such as Muntons, Adnams, Greene King, Willis and the ports of Felixstowe and Ipswich as proof of the international business success that can be achieved in the county.

It’s also a chance for business leaders to learn more about what is being done to make Suffolk a more business-friendly environment. Work to address local skills shortages in some sectors, improve the employability of young people and create a broadband network fit for the twenty first century are all major reasons for businesses, large or small, to think about Suffolk when they are looking to set up or expand.

Councillor Judy Terry, Suffolk County Council’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. Muntons in Stowmarket, Greene King in Bury St Edmunds and Willis in Ipswich are all great examples of the international business success that can be achieved in our county. 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, as well as improving the employability of our young people. Our multi million broadband programme is another major reason for businesses to think about Suffolk when they are looking to set up or expand. 

“I hope this annual event will really help put Suffolk on the business map.”

Suffolk Business Month will be launched at University Campus Suffolk on 12 September.

The free event, aimed at business leaders and people working in the economic development sector, will see speakers including the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s chair, Andy Wood, talking about why Suffolk is the place to set up shop.

Delegates can book at place at the launch event at

Other events to be held across the county include:

• 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)
• A conference on the tourism industry in Suffolk (in Ipswich)

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

Promoting Suffolk as place to do business is directly linked to two of Suffolk County Council’s five priorities - ‘economic growth and jobs’ and ‘building of Suffolk’s existing strengths’. These were announced by the council’s leader Mark Bee on 24 May 2012.

Suffolk Business Month compliments the established Bury Business Festival, co-ordinated by St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which this year runs from 11-21 September 2012.