Suffolk businesses meet shadow business secretary in Westminster

Why it matters: The meeting provided Suffolk firms with an opportunity to raise concerns directly with a senior opposition politician as part of the chamber's ongoing parliamentary engagement programme.

The details: The delegation included representatives from major Suffolk employers, including Anglian Water, BT Group, Breheny, Frugalpac, Greene King, Kerr Farms, Siemens Healthineers and the University of Suffolk.

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, held several ministerial posts during his time in government, including Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Minister of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

What they discussed: The shadow minister opened by stressing the importance of partnership between business and government, acknowledging the hard times businesses have faced following the pandemic and ongoing global tensions. He spoke about lifting the "frictions" that businesses face when dealing with the public sector.

Suffolk businesses responded with questions covering the impact of recent tax hikes on hospitality, closing the skills gap, boosting international competitiveness, improving the R&D tax credit system, planning reform, public sector procurement issues, and upgrades to the county's rail and road networks.

What they're saying: Linda Cummings, managing director at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Manufacturing Ltd, said: "The engagement with Andrew Griffith MP was extremely valuable. It was encouraging to have him listen to the issues and challenges facing Suffolk businesses. The discussions were open and constructive, and I'm hopeful that these concerns will inform his future policy development.

"What I found particularly valuable was hearing from other members and speaking with them about their experiences. It has motivated me to make the most of this fantastic network."

Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber, added: "One of Suffolk Chamber's many strengths is our reach into the Westminster system, allowing us to help our exemplary businesses of all sectors and sizes to meet with influential politicians and civil servants.

"The meeting with Andrew Griffith was excellent in this and other regards. We were even able to joke that the occasional confusion in some Whitehall departments between his home county of Sussex and Suffolk might be to our mutual advantages as both counties are economic powerhouses that need more investment from government!"

The bottom line: Suffolk firms used the opportunity to present a unified business perspective on policy issues that could shape the county's economic future.