A delegation of Suffolk business and local government representatives met with Paul Bristow, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, at his Huntingdon offices yesterday (13th October), setting out areas for possible future joint working and opportunities in boosting the region’s growth prospects.
Led by Steve Elsom, chair of Suffolk Chamber in West Suffolk and chief operating officer at Fiscale , the broad-ranging discussion included the future of the devolution of some powers from Whitehall and how the East of England can better coordinate efforts to attract investment, improve infrastructure, and deliver for local communities.
Steve Elsom said: “Boundaries are just dots on a map, the Suffolk Chamber Commerce has worked with our colleagues in Cambridgeshire for many years, the creation of a combined authority covering Norfolk and Suffolk from May next year means we can now deepen that partnership and ensure the East of England speaks with a clear voice.”
Mayor Paul Bristow highlighted the East’s strong economic contribution to the UK and the need to match the coordinated voice heard in other parts of the country.
The Combined Authority has worked with partners across the East of England to tackle a wide range of shared challenges, most notably as part of the campaign to enhance the Ely and Haughley rail junctions which extends across administrative boundaries.
Having benefitted from devolution since 2017, Mayor Paul Bristow emphasised his eagerness to ensure the wider East of England is able to benefit and can learn from the experience in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Mayor Paul Bristow said “The East of England is one of the few areas in the country that gives more to the Treasury than it gets back – and it’s time we had a louder voice. Just look at what’s being achieved in the North with strong Mayoral collaboration, Mayors have delivered investment, and results.
“Today’s meeting laid the foundations for a new era of collaboration across the East. Businesses don’t care about administrative boundaries so its important to ensure that when Norfolk and Suffolk elect their new Mayor, we’ll be ready to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges that don’t stop at our border.”
Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber’s head of public affairs, added: “it was a very positive meeting which touched on many areas of agreement – including the shared demand for better skills provision and road and rail networks – that must now be further developed over future years. Suffolk Chamber already works very closely on campaigns with neighbouring chambers, including Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, so collaboration is in our DNA. We look forward to doing our bit to building the Great East.”
Our CEO, Amir Farboud, was in attendance, working with all present to ensure the future growth of our region. A fantastic event, with real prospects ahead.
