A SERIES of `chat and chew' meetings are being set up to encourage Suffolk business people to help shape the area's future economic strategy.The breakfast meetings have been set up between the Suffolk Institute of Directors, the Suffolk Development Agency (SDA) and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

By Lynn Abbott

A SERIES of `chat and chew' meetings are being set up to encourage Suffolk business people to help shape the area's future economic strategy.

The breakfast meetings have been set up between the Suffolk Institute of Directors, the Suffolk Development Agency (SDA) and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

The meetings will provide an arena for companies to form an action plan of priorities for the benefit and growth of the county.

Alison Beech, chairman of the Suffolk IOD, Alison Beech, said: "This is a great opportunity for the region¹s business community to put forward their

thoughts and ideas on the future development of our area and how ideas can be put into practice.

"We hope as many members as possible will attend so we can obtain a truly representative view of what the Suffolk business community really needs to ensure companies grow and prosper."

Andrew Street, chief officer of the SDA, added: "We hope as many companies as possible will attend the meetings so that we can make their priorities, our priorities. We know that improved economic performance will be delivered by growing companies and we are keen to involve the business community as fully as possible in turning its strategic priorities for Suffolk into action plans."

The meetings (where breakfast is free of charge) will be held on:

n November 22 at The Alex, Seafront, Felixstowe, from 7.45am - 9am

n November 27 at the Ipswich & Suffolk Club, Northgate Street, Ipswich, from 7.45am - 9am

n November 28 at the Suffolk Golf Club, Bury St Edmunds, from 7.45am - 9am

n December 5 at The Bull Hotel, Barton Mills, Mildenhall, 7.45am - 9am

n December 6 at Hotel Victoria, Lowestoft, 7.45am - 9.15am

To make a reservation contact Dianne Ffitch Suffolk IOD on 0870 2400161 or email dianne@ffitch.demon.co.uk for a booking form.

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The SDA is a public/private partnership set up to promote the economic development of Suffolk.

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EEDA is leading the development of the region¹s 10 year economic strategy for the county and also Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Norfolk. The region has a £76 billion economy.

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Suffolk IoD has over 600 members and is dedicated to creating an environment in which business can flourish. At a national level, the IoD represents the business community to government, regulatory bodies and in the media.