Earlier this month Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, hosted a roundtable with Mayor Paul Bristow and local business leaders to discuss future collaboration and growth opportunities across the East of England.
The meeting focused on how devolution is enabling local authorities to make decisions on investment, infrastructure, and skills, and how businesses can benefit from these powers. Participants explored strategies for improving transport links, supporting workforce development, and boosting regional competitiveness.
Key topics included regionally significant projects such as the Ely and Haughley junction upgrades, which aim to reduce congestion, improve logistics, and support local economic growth. With the East of England already one of the few net contributors to the Treasury, targeted investment could amplify the region’s economic success even further.
The discussion also emphasised the importance of cross-county collaboration. By working together, businesses and political leaders can ensure that priorities like transport, skills provision, and investment are addressed in a coordinated way, giving the region a louder collective voice when engaging with national decision-makers.
Chambers East, a collaboration of the six regional Chambers in the East, will continue to champion business priorities and ensure that key decisions reflect the needs of local companies. The organisation is also actively supporting initiatives to build the workforce of the future, addressing skills shortages and helping firms remain competitive.
Upcoming Event: On 5 November, join Chambers East in collaboration with CPCA Skills and Employment for a networking breakfast focused on workforce development. Attendees will learn practical strategies for upskilling employees, attracting talent, and planning for future business growth. Register here
By strengthening infrastructure, investing in skills, and fostering regional collaboration, the East of England is positioning itself to remain competitive, innovative, and attractive to businesses for years to come.