Let's celebrate our business offering: MP Jo Churchill's message to community as West Suffolk Business Festival moves into its second week
Given the challenges I know local businesses across all sectors have faced over the past 18 months, this year’s West Suffolk Business Festival is more important than ever.
We are fortunate locally to have a wide range of vibrant business sectors, agriculture and food production, logistics, technology, finance and hospitality to name a few.
Many have played a crucial role during the pandemic, despite the difficulties and challenges they have faced.
It has been a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of local businesses that we have seen innovation of offer and working practices.
This, in a timespan that many would have previously believed not possible.
As we are all aware, businesses are pivotal in creating a thriving economy and as we begin to rebuild and refocus, we must ensure that the support so universally welcomed by businesses allows them to grow and succeed whether they are servicing needs locally or globally.
We need to look to the future, and this is why I supported the creation of a Freeport at the Port of Felixstowe, already a major trading hub.
As the UK’s biggest container port it will increase opportunities for businesses to trade globally and enter fast growing markets across the world.
I know workforce and skills are a key concern and it is important to see continued relationships between businesses and educational institutions locally.
Ensuring our young people have the skills the future economy will need is vital to growing successful businesses and a sustainable economy.
Businesses have an important role to play in this and I never become tired of hearing of the cooperation that takes place locally.
Businesses start with a new idea, offer or innovation, but grow their success because of people and skills.
West Suffolk has a lot to offer on the business front – so let’s celebrate and grow our offer from there.
Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds
Find out more about upcoming events at www.businessfestival.org
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