Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 140 Years with the ‘C140 Project’

Introduction

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the ‘C140 Project’, an ambitious two-year initiative commemorating 140 years of fostering business growth within Suffolk County. This exciting endeavour aims to showcase the rich history and vibrant evolution of Suffolk's business community, highlighting the historical journey of the Chamber and its esteemed members over the past 140 years.

Project Overview

The C140 Project is built around four key themes: Diversity, Trade and Infrastructure, History and Heritage, and "The Future." These themes collectively aim to reflect on the Chamber's significant contributions and pave the way for continued growth and resilience in Suffolk's business landscape.

Celebrating Diversity

A cornerstone of the C140 Project is the "Celebrating Diversity" initiative, which aims to illuminate Suffolk's diverse economy and foster an appreciation for its richness. This initiative pays tribute to the Chamber's dynamic legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the local business environment.

Community Engagement

The C140 Project will engage the community through a blend of in-person and online activities. These include a dedicated website, social media updates, features in Chamber member emails, and coverage in the local press. Through these channels, the project seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Suffolk's business heritage and guide the Chamber's path into the future, emphasizing resilience, growth, and adaptability.

Leadership and Vision

Yvonne Hargreaves, leading the charge on this monumental project, expressed the Chamber’s primary objective: "Our primary objective with the C140 initiative is to delve into our rich history and heritage while uncovering the wider impact of our endeavors on the business landscape, individuals, and economy of Suffolk. We are thrilled to commemorate its enduring legacy and share the stories of our Chamber and its members, leaving behind a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Events and Digital Resources

Throughout 2024, the C140 Project will come to life through various events and digital resources, culminating in a lasting tribute to Suffolk's business legacy. Supported by funding from the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the C140 initiative stands as a testament to 140 years of impactful journey, shaping the past, present, and future of Suffolk's business community.

Historical Roots

The inception of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce dates back to May 9, 1884, when Ipswich was a bustling hub of manufacturing, shipping, and trade. A group of Suffolk business leaders, including Ransome, Grimwade, Jefferies & Packard, recognized the power of unity to safeguard trade into Ipswich. Driven by the Ipswich Dock Commission, now ABP Ports, they forged a collective force for the greater good, realizing that a dedicated body was essential to champion matters of trade and address mutual interests.

Enduring Legacy

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce emerged as a beacon of collaboration, understanding that the strength in numbers far surpassed individual efforts. This principle of unity has remained unchanged for 140 years, underpinning the Chamber’s ongoing mission to champion the interests of Suffolk's business community.

Conclusion

As we celebrate 140 years of resilience and influence, the Suffolk Chamber remains a vibrant force shaping the present and future. The landscape may have evolved, but the enduring principle that unity brings strength continues to guide the Chamber's efforts. Together, we are truly strong, carrying forward a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Today is indeed a significant day in history, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, were a turning point in World War II and a testament to the extraordinary bravery and determination of the Allied forces.

The meticulous planning and execution of Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, involved coordination among thousands of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. Their successful assault on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy required immense courage and sacrifice, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price.

The heroism displayed on D-Day embodies the principles of freedom, unity, and perseverance. The soldiers who fought that day, as well as the countless individuals who supported the war effort behind the scenes, contributed to the eventual liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. Their actions not only helped bring an end to the war but also set the stage for the rebuilding of a world committed to the ideals of peace and democracy.

As we commemorate this anniversary, it's crucial to reflect on the lessons of D-Day. The collaboration among diverse nations and the shared commitment to a common cause remind us of the strength found in unity. The resilience and courage shown by those involved in the Normandy landings continue to inspire future generations to strive for a world where justice and peace prevail.

In honouring the legacy of D-Day, we not only remember the past but also reinforce our commitment to building a better future. May the sacrifices of those who fought on June 6, 1944, continue to guide and inspire us in our pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.

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The highly anticipated Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, located at the Brook Hotel on Orwell Road in Felixstowe, Suffolk, is scheduled to open on June 27. This new restaurant will feature a menu blending English and French cuisine, including childhood favourites and seasonal dishes. The transformation of The Brook Hotel into a boutique-style hotel named Hotel Coco was announced in February, marking a significant development by the acclaimed chef’s company.

In addition to the steakhouse, the building will house a pub called The Queen’s Head, the first venue of its kind under a new brand, Marco Pierre White Ale House. The pub is set to open on July 4. While the exact opening dates for the hotel and pub are still to be confirmed, excitement continues to build around the project.

Andrew Vales, who was appointed as the general manager last month, expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture, emphasizing the goal of creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. He stated that the ability to start reserving tables would heighten anticipation for dining at the Marco Pierre White restaurant, which aims to offer great food in a welcoming environment without being pretentious.

A family-run business has expanded both domestically and overseas, thanks to a £1.6 million funding package granted by HSBC. PCE Automation purchased a new site, next to Ellough Road in Beccles. This is going to give the company the chance to double its production while providing further scaling opportunities. The business, which manufactures bespoke automation solutions for pharmaceutical and medical sectors, has equipped the site with a range of new equipment. This has facilitated the hiring of 13 new staff members. The support of HSBC UK has allowed them to build their new premises to the highest standard so that they can expand far beyond their current factory. The new building is titled the Bryan Cook Engineering Centre. PCE Automation have anticipated that they are now going to see a sharp rise in turnover. The anticipated rate is 17.7% over the next year due to a huge increase in space. They also have plans to expand their HQ in the years to come. 

Adapt Engineering specialises in dip coating systems, and their acquisition has helped them to expand both their customer base and their medical equipment. Nicholas Young who is the head of banking for East Anglia, as well as the South Midlands has said that they are thrilled to be able to launch this new partnership with PCE and that they look forward to throwing their full support behind the business as they expand their presence. PCE Automation is currently a fourth-generation company and launched in the 1960s as a boat-building service. Last year, they won the King’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises their hard work and innovation over the years.

A multi-million-pound logistics warehouse has nearly been completed. The warehouse can be found at Great Blakenham. Bosses say that they are excited about the work that is taking place and that they are happy with the progress that is being made. The cladding is now up and the flooring is being poured. When the facility has been completed, it will provide 35,536 racketed pallet locations. They can be stacked nine levels high. 10,000 pallet spaces are to be handed over in around a week’s time. The facility is going to have 8,000 bulk-loaded pallets on various floors, along with space for barcoding, quality control and kitting. There’s going to be eight dock levellers, along with a 7.5-tonne hydraulic lift. This is going to be used to move cargo and people to the mezzanines. The scheme covers 59 car parking spaces, along with electric vehicle charging for 12 cars. You also have triple-storey offices, which cover over 6,600 square feet.

The company runs a warehousing service at a number of sites, including in Ipswich, Liverpool, Felixstowe and London. Louis Perrin, the director at Hemisphere has said that the new development is a huge step forward and that it shows how committed the company is to cutting down the amount of carbon in the supply chain. They are pleased at how progress is being made and it’s exciting to see that the vision as a whole is taking shape right now. They are eager to get the facility open and can’t wait for things to get moving again. To celebrate their achievements even more, they intend to open their doors in the summer, as the facility opens and they aim to provide a range of celebratory activities. They also want to give great insight into some of the strides they are making toward a more sustainable future. Curzon De Vere has said that they are very proud to be working on this project for the Hemisphere and they are also pleased to see the construction taking shape.

The Port One Logistics Park has over 80-plus acres for solar panels, and they aim to give power to car charging ports, office lighting and even fork truck operations.

Ipswich Borough Council have proposed a new development to revitalise the town while supporting a more vibrant community. An Aquatics Centre is going to be built in the area around Portman Road, with it poised to be a shining example of how the town is set to be more community-focused. The project, which is to be done in collaboration with Ipswich Town Football Club and the Suffolk County Council aims to enhance the area significantly. The Aquatics Centre is going to boast several facilities, supporting everything from sporting excellence to health and wellness. The project is also set to focus on eco-friendly principles, targeting a BREEAM rating of Excellent. A lot of this comes down to its sustainable design. The initiative represents more than the general creation of new facilities. It helps to symbolise a new era for Ipswich, ensuring that there are several benefits for the town centre. The enhanced green areas and public spaces are going to be new gathering places, which help to strengthen the fabric of the community in general.

The project is not only going to be a jewel for the community but a beacon for how leisure, sport and well-being are valued. This is set to be the start of a healthier and more vibrant Ipswich, as it helps to champion the spirit of the community. The Council is dedicated to making its vision a reality, ensuring that the benefits are enjoyed by both present and future generations. A significant amount of work has been undertaken at the grounds over the last few years and there have been a substantial amount of improvements during this time. They are proud to have an average attendance of 29,000 visitors this season, and there are hopes that this number is going to grow even more over the coming years. The general redevelopment of Cobbold Stand is helping to increase the capacity and it has been a part of the masterplan for the stadium.  The proposal for the Aquatics Centre and the masterplan is going to be submitted for planning approval which is a crucial milestone in the development as a whole. Subject to planning consent, it's anticipated that a report will be given later in 2024, with subsequent phases lined up to try and bring the new Aquatics Centre to fruition.

A family-run dealership in the UK have won an international award. The DAF Dealership have been crowned as a top dealer,  with the ceremony held in Malaga, Spain. The business was founded in Bury by David Ruffles and is still managed by the family. It began as a maintenance and repair service for the local community but since then has expanded to Isleham and Cambridgeshire. The company, which to date, employs 174 staff members have invested a grand total of £6 million in their facilities, with plans for further, more significant investments. The business has seen sales increase from 99 trucks, in the year 1999, to having well over 800 trucks just last year. Some of their high-profile customers include Seven Asset, Turners of Soham and Glasswells. 

Robert Baxter, manager of the company has said that he is hugely proud to have a gold award at the DAF International Dealer Meeting. The awards recognise the highest-performing dealers in the whole of Europe. It takes note of those who excel in customer satisfaction and who have higher-than-average business performance metrics.  The top title goes to the dealer that can surpass the standards in every area.

Chassis Cab was given the title after they achieved consistently strong sales performances as a result of their relationships with key customers. This is an award that businesses can be proud of, and with the dealership coming away with gold, it’s a sign that great things can be achieved even in the midst of challenging economic conditions.

Robert stated that it has always been their aim to provide exemplary service and that they aim to keep their customer’s businesses running as smoothly as possible. A lot of their success can indeed be put down to their loyal and hardworking team of people, who continually want the business to be the best that it can be. 

The company works by matching customers with the trucks that are going to give them the highest competitive edge. The DAF truck range has excellent driving properties and always delivers. The company got its name from when they used to repair chassis and cabs using a chassis-straightening jig, which was at the time, the only one available. 

So far, the company has two electric DAF trucks that have been supplied to the region, and the fully intend to utilise new types of fuel, including HVO, or hydro-treated vegetable oil.

The company are strong believers that whatever comes next, they intend to be at the forefront of new technology. As a DAF distributor, they are looking forward to the future as a pioneering family business, and they fully intend to improve fleet fitness so that growing businesses in the region can benefit. So far DAF Trucks have 1,100 locations across Europe.

A £250m package that is going to benefit local communities has now been activated. This is going to be available in phases over a construction period. Andrew Bowie, the Minister for Nuclear Power and Renewables has since visited the site. Business owners have welcomed the news and said that it is going to have a long-lasting, positive impact on the region. Sizewell C has triggered the DCO, or Developmental Consent Order, which opens the path for construction. The 3.2GW nuclear power station is going to be established on the Suffolk coast. The project was originally granted permission in 2022 and while preparatory work has begun, a lot of the obligations needed satisfying before work could commence. The obligations, as set out in the DCO document have been signed off by the East Suffolk Council and the Suffolk County Council. They allow a range of activities to take place, ranging from road surveys to Governance Groups. They have all since been satisfied, allowing the stage of construction to begin.

 Nigel Cann and Julia Pyke, who are both managing directors at Sizewell C have said that this is a significant project and it is a big step in general for Britain’s energy security. They have had a good year of pre-commencement work and since then, they have been working with a range of local partners and organisations. This is to ensure that everyone is on the same page when the next phase of the project commences.

Even though Sizewell C is going to be a linchpin of the energy system, it’s more than just a power station. Entering the construction phase as a whole is going to be a game-changer. It’s going to help boost employee skills while enhancing the local environment. New clean energy is also going to be developed.

Sizewell C is going to play a major part in the grand scheme of things. It’s going to be responsible for generating low-carbon energy for over six million homes. Andrew Bowie, the Nuclear Minister visited the Sizewell C construction site to mark the project’s latest milestone. 

The aim is to provide over 24GW of power by 2050. This comes after the second-biggest expansion for nuclear power was announced, in 70 years. This is going to bring down energy bills and it is going to boost the energy security Britain has. Thousands of people are going to benefit from having new jobs and a lot of apprenticeships are also going to be created. Thai demonstrates the reward that comes with backing nuclear power.

In 2023, Sizewell C, the Government and EDF launched a process to try and bring private investors into the project. They triggered the DCO and although entering the phase of construction is not dependent on the final investment decision, constructive decisions that are taking place with qualified investors are ongoing. A final decision is expected to take place later this year.

By commencing construction,  £250m worth of funding has been granted to the local community. This is going to be available in several phases, as the construction phase of the project continues. This funding includes £100m for the environment, £12m for local tourism support, £23m for community projects and £12m for housing. This is going to support both private housing, as well as tourist accommodation. It appears that Sizewell C are determined that the opportunities that arise from construction should spread as far and wide as possible. With a long-standing partnership with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, as well as MENTA, this is going to bring several benefits to the region. 

Sizewell C is going to deliver 1500 apprenticeships while supporting the creation of thousands of jobs. This is going to span across the country, with one-third of the construction workforce coming from within the local area. The project is going to invest in the skills of local people, ensuring that there is talent ready to not only support Sizewell C, but also the future nuclear ambitions of the UK.

The project will have a huge impact on local supply chains, and several business leaders have welcomed the news of the next phase.

Jack Nicholls, who is the Managing Director of Tru7 Group has said that as a local employer of well over 350 people, this is going to provide a lasting legacy for the region. The construction is going to give Suffolk businesses the chance to invest in people and their skills, and they are so happy to be able to play a role in this project.

Tim Capey, from Poundfield Precast, has said they are truly excited about this development. The scale of the project is going to provide many opportunities over the coming decade, and the duration of the project is going to allow even more further investment.

Mark Burrows, Commercial Director of Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd has said that this is a nationally strategic project that grants businesses the chance to showcase their talent and resources. It’s going to provide work opportunities for a number of years. They are participating in projects now on the Sizewell complex, and welcome more opportunities to get involved with. 300+ people and their families live within the geographical area that is going to be impacted by this project. They for one are looking forward to the economic, environmental and social benefits that this is going to provide.

In an attempt to ensure that local people have a voice during the construction phase, the new Sizewell C forums have also been launched. This allows residents to talk about key issues that could arise with the project over the long term. There are four main forums which are all chaired independently, allowing people to speak up while keeping everyone up to date on the latest news.

Work has started on Sizewell C, but is it all just a theatre stage for politics? There have been big fanfares and even major ceremonies which have helped to mark the start of the construction phase. The question is, does that even mean anything? In one sense, the construction has already begun. Land around the area has been dug up and lots of mature trees have been cut down to make space for the new development. One of the new entrances to the site has also been cleared. The Final Investment Decision, or FID, however, is the point where parties commit to building the station. This is several months away, so the ceremony that has taken place is nothing more than a stage for political theatre.

One thing to take note of here is that there is a clear political need for this particular project to go ahead. The government and opposition have shown that they are committed to whatever this project may cost. When you take into account the uncertainty regarding energy around the globe, and the need to move to carbon-zero energy, it’s obvious that we have to proceed regardless of the cost. 

A lot of people don’t have concerns about the safety of the planet, and although there are dangers associated with nuclear generation, the experience of the country so far suggests that there is nothing to fear. It can be operated safely. Given the fact that there are two nuclear plants at Sizewell right now, that need protection from the sea, it doesn’t seem that unreasonable to put the plant there as it means that the protection given, can be shared.

There are, however, worries regarding the government and the EDF. They must be seen as being equal in terms of the project. This means equality over the way it’s going to be built, as well as the impact that it is going to have on the local community. It seems that right now, an aggressive approach is being adopted. The government and EDF are planning to cause a huge amount of damage to the environment, including damage to the Heritage Coast. This is closely linked with Minsmere and Dunwich Heath.

It didn’t have to be this way though, there were other options. The 1990 plan for Sizewell C could have been built on the same footprint that has been proposed in the past but without the damage to the environment. There were plans to use the entrance that’s already there, for Sizewell B, along with the service area. Offering alternatives for wildlife, such as part of the Aldhurst Farm is great. The point about the land that is next to the Eastbridge Marshes is that there is a huge amount of wildlife and a very rich, diverse ecosystem that stretches from Sizewell to Dunwich Heath and beyond. Creating a new, star-studded nature reserve that is two miles inland looks great on paper, but you cannot replace the area that is being taken. This would be the area that is linked directly to the coast.

The battle is unfortunately lost. The government, and any future governments are going to be keen on the project. All we can do now is hope that the new habitats are going to make up for the ones that have been lost. Nick Collinson, who is from the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths group was incredibly positive about the contribution that Sizewell can offer to the area. There are, however, still concerns amongst guardians of the countryside, such as the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and even the RSPB, and quite rightfully so.

A lot of this comes down to the fact that people haven’t been engaged. This is especially the case with local people. Community forums have been set up, but a lot of people are suspicious of them. EDF has a strong record of telling people what they are going to do, but they don’t actually listen or take concerns onboard. As a result of this, people who were once supportive of Sizewell A and B have been turned off the latest project. It’s going to take a lot to bring them back on board.