Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry

07/12/2025

I see Sudbury is on the short list for a new M&S outlet. This would be a huge boost to the town and I'm sure a very popular one.

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

Chamber Tree at Christmas Tree Festival at Sudbury Arts Centre.

23/07/2025

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Chamber News - June 2025
Dear Robin
On Tuesday June 10th Deputy Babergh Leader Deborah Saw and Babergh CEO Arthur Charvonia met with the Executive Committee of the Chamber to answer questions. We were extremely disappointed that only 2 of our membership attended nor did we receive and questions that could be asked on your behalf. Instead we listed our agenda with what we thought you would have asked.Minutes from our meeting with Babergh Council June 10th

The following questions were asked on members behalf by Andy Howes, Secretary.

We asked: Could Sudbury establish the equivalent of the A14 Gateway?
Babergh said: No, because the bulk of the necessary funding comes from the funding arrangement attached to having a Freeport which in itself generates investment through Mid Suffolk Council. Babergh simply does not have the finance arrangements that Mid Suffolk Council has.

We asked: What’s happening with the Delphi Development?
Babergh said: Savill, the contracted commercial estate company is currently exhausting all avenues to find local companies willing to take space before spreading the net wider. It is also possible that supermarket companies like Lidl may decide to have open a store. It is expected the site will consist of several small units, a supermarket as well as one or two fast food outlets. Some Housing is likely to be built. Whoever takes space on the actual Delphi footprint will have to deal with oil and other industrial waste before any construction can begin.

We asked: Has planning permission been agreed on the Vanners site?
Babergh said: A nursing home company has applied to build a 72 bed nursing home. The planning application has been rejected because the whole building was to be demolished Babergh wants the plans to retain some of the existing caricature of the frontage. Gainsborough House has approached with a bid to purchase the land at the rear of the site. They said that no housing space will be allocated. Gainsborough House intend to raise the necessary funds for the purchase.

We asked: Is there currently any movement with the future development of the Precinct and Bus Terminus?
Babergh said: No, Babergh does not currently have the funds to start the project although if a developer comes forward with an acceptable plan and has the finance it would be sold. They said that they have had an ongoing dialogue with Travelodge but nothing of any real significance has been agreed or started. Babergh acknowledges that Sudbury's need for more hotel rooms is a priority.

We asked: Is the Sudbury by-pass project completely sunk?
Babergh said: Not necessarily, after devolution and the appointment of a regional Mayor it is possible that the Mayor who will have responsibility for regional transport may look at it favourably. The elected Mayor will also receive the responsibility of Police and Fire plus further areas as time passes.

We asked: Is there any plans for the Lorry Park near the Kingfisher Centre?
Babergh said: No

We asked: Is there enough Commercial land around Sudbury and will Babergh be proactive to find new sites?
Babergh said: They said, yes and no, there are a few sites available for small businesses. In many cases a change of use has to be applied for. It depends on how much or little is needed to meet their requirements.
We stated: Research has shown that rents in Sudbury compared to Stowmarket are higher because of the shortage of land and in some cases, Sudbury is more desirable.

We asked: When will the Cafe and new Toilet Block be ready in Belle Vue Park.
Babergh said: Currently work is being carried out on the damaged outer wall. The work is expected to be finished in time for the Picnic in the Park can be go ahead. The long delay with repairing the wall was a disputed fact whether there were cables under the wall. The power company has now conceded there is and the necessary removal work in now in progress. It is expected the Cafe will be ready by the autumn. Regarding Belle Vue House, the owner has decided to continue the conversation into two dwellings. The entrance to the park will remain as it has always been facing the town centre.

We asked: Will we still have a town council after devolution?
Babergh said: yes, many of the parish councils will continue to exist although the group who will manage their area is likely to also include members of other organisations so that they are able to accommodate further responsibilities.

23/07/2025

Chamber News - June 2025

On Tuesday June 10th Deputy Babergh Leader Deborah Saw and Babergh CEO Arthur Charvonia met with the Executive Committee of the Chamber to answer questions

The following questions were asked on members behalf by Andy Howes, Secretary.

We asked: Could Sudbury establish the equivalent of the A14 Gateway?

Babergh said: No, because the bulk of the necessary funding comes from the funding arrangement attached to having a Freeport which in itself generates investment through Mid Suffolk Council. Babergh simply does not have the finance arrangements that Mid Suffolk Council has.

We asked: What’s happening with the Delphi Development?

Babergh said: Savill, the contracted commercial estate company is currently exhausting all avenues to find local companies willing to take space before spreading the net wider. It is also possible that supermarket companies like Lidl may decide to have open a store. It is expected the site will consist of several small units, a supermarket as well as one or two fast food outlets. Some Housing is likely to be built. Whoever takes space on the actual Delphi footprint will have to deal with oil and other industrial waste before any construction can begin.

We asked: Has planning permission been agreed on the Vanners site?

Babergh said: A nursing home company has applied to build a 72 bed nursing home. The planning application has been rejected because the whole building was to be demolished Babergh wants the plans to retain some of the existing caricature of the frontage. Gainsborough House has approached with a bid to purchase the land at the rear of the site. They said that no housing space will be allocated. Gainsborough House intend to raise the necessary funds for the purchase.

We asked: Is there currently any movement with the future development of the Precinct and Bus Terminus?

Babergh said: No, Babergh does not currently have the funds to start the project although if a developer comes forward with an acceptable plan and has the finance it would be sold. They said that they have had an ongoing dialogue with Travelodge but nothing of any real significance has been agreed or started. Babergh acknowledges that Sudbury's need for more hotel rooms is a priority.

We asked: Is the Sudbury by-pass project completely sunk?

Babergh said: Not necessarily, after devolution and the appointment of a regional Mayor it is possible that the Mayor who will have responsibility for regional transport may look at it favourably. The elected Mayor will also receive the responsibility of Police and Fire plus further areas as time passes.

We asked: Is there any plans for the Lorry Park near the Kingfisher Centre?

Babergh said: No

We asked: Is there enough Commercial land around Sudbury and will Babergh be proactive to find new sites?

Babergh said: They said, yes and no, there are a few sites available for small businesses. In many cases a change of use has to be applied for. It depends on how much or little is needed to meet their requirements.
We stated: Research has shown that rents in Sudbury compared to Stowmarket are higher because of the shortage of land and in some cases, Sudbury is more desirable.

We asked: When will the Cafe and new Toilet Block be ready in Belle Vue Park.

Babergh said: Currently work is being carried out on the damaged outer wall. The work is expected to be finished in time for the Picnic in the Park can be go ahead. The long delay with repairing the wall was a disputed fact whether there were cables under the wall. The power company has now conceded there is and the necessary removal work in now in progress. It is expected the Cafe will be ready by the autumn. Regarding Belle Vue House, the owner has decided to continue the conversation into two dwellings. The entrance to the park will remain as it has always been facing the town centre.

We asked: Will we still have a town council after devolution?

Babergh said: yes, many of the parish councils will continue to exist although the group who will manage their area is likely to also include members of other organisations so that they are able to accommodate further responsibilities.

03/06/2025

West Suffolk College Employer Newsletter - June 2025

West Suffolk College
Employer Newsletter

June 2025

With exciting opportunities ahead, we're pleased to share the latest training programmes and events at West Suffolk College. Our focus remains on delivering outstanding training and support for employers at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring businesses thrive with the skills and expertise they need.



In this newsletter you will find details on the following;



- Apprenticeships - Advertise and Recruit Now!

- Commercial Training

- Events



As always we welcome your feedback and will try and support you and your organisation as best as possible.



Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Apprenticeships at West Suffolk College

Apprenticeships offer the perfect opportunity for individuals to gain valuable skills and enhance their career prospects, all while giving organisations a competitive edge through a highly skilled workforce.



Available to anyone aged 16+ who needs to develop expertise in a specific job role, Apprenticeships combine employment with structured training. Whether you’re looking to enrol existing staff in an Apprenticeship programme or recruit a new apprentice, we’re here to help.



Cost-Saving Benefits: Employers can save on National Insurance contributions—paying zero Employer National Insurance for Apprentices under 25 who are earning less than £967 per week.



Free Recruitment Service: We’ll handle the advertising and applicant matching at no cost to you, making it easy to find the right apprentice for your team. Remember you can even start advertising now for courses beginning in September.



Need support? Contact us at [email protected]



Please see below just some of the Apprenticeships available.



Business Professional - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Bricklayer - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Carpenter (Site or Bench) - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Craft Carpenter - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Construction Site Supervisor - Level 4 Find Out More Here



Dental Nurse - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Early Years Childcare - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Electrician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Engineering Technician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Finance Assistant - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Hair Professional - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Improvement Practitioner - Level 4 Find Out More Here



Laboratory Technician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Low Carbon Heating Technician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Managment Degree - Level 6 Find Out More Here



Manufacturing Engineer Degree - Level 6 Find Out More Here



Mechatronic Maintenance Technician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Pharmacy Assistant - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Pharmacy Technician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Plumber - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Science Manufacturing Operative - Level 2 Find Out More Here



Science Manufacturing Technician - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Team Leader - Level 3 Find Out More Here



Welding Operative - Level 2 Find Out More Here





FOR OUR FULL LIST OF APPRENTICESHIPS

PLEASE CLICK HERE



Commercial Training Opportunities

Elevate Your Workforce with Commercial Training



At West Suffolk College, we provide tailored commercial training designed to enhance workforce skills, boost productivity, and drive business success. Whether you need specialised courses for professional development or bespoke training solutions, we’re here to help.



Flexible Training Options: Choose from a wide range of expert-led courses tailored to meet industry demands. Our training can be delivered on-site, online, or at our state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring maximum convenience and impact.



Invest in Your Team’s Growth: Equip employees with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills, keeping your business competitive and future-ready.



Get Started Today: Looking for bespoke training solutions or advice on the best courses for your team?



Contact us now [email protected] to explore opportunities that align with your business goals.

IEMA Environmental and Sustainability Skills for the Workforce Level 2



11th June 2025 - Haverhill

Click Here For
More Information
Microsoft Excel

Introduction



3rd July 2025

Click Here For
More Information
Introduction to Panel Wiring

4 Days



Starting 7th July 2025

at Chatteris NCTC

Click Here For
More Information
18th Edition

Wiring Regulations



Starting 22nd July 2025

Click Here For
More Information
IEMA Environmental and Sustainability Skills for the Workforce Level 2



2nd July 2025 - Chatteris (NCTC)

Click Here For
More Information
Microsoft Excel

Intermediate



9th July 2025

Click Here For
More Information
Introduction to PLC's

3 Days



Starting 28th July 2025

at Chatteris NCTC

Click Here For
More Information
CILT Level 3 in

Logistics & Transport



Starting 29 September 2025

Click Here For
More Information
Events

Come along to our Adult Education and Careers Advice Event in Thetford



24th June - 16.30 - 18.30



West Suffolk College in Thetford - Staniforth Road, Thetford, IP24 3LH



Please click on the image below to register

Come along to our Adult Education and Careers Advice Event in Haverhill



26th June - 16.30 - 18.30



West Suffolk College in Haverhill - 32 High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8BZ



Please click on the image below to register

Come along to our Adult Education and Careers Advice Event in Bury St Edmunds



2nd July - 16.30 - 18.30



West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds - 73 Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3SP



Please click on the image below to register

Come along to our Adult Education and Careers Advice Event in Sudbury



3rd July - 16.30 - 18.30



West Suffolk College in Sudbury - CO10 2XA



Please click on the image below to register

Come along to our Adult Education and Careers Advice Event in Chatteris (NCTC)



16th July - 16.30 - 18.30



West Suffolk College in Chatteris - 1 Engineers Way, Chatteris, PE16 6FU



Please click on the image below to register


West Suffolk College - Out Risbygate - Bury St Edmunds - Suffolk - IP33 3RL



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02/06/2025

Chamber News - June 2025

You missed a very engaging and interesting talk by Mark Wilkinson. We got an insight into the world of rock music and how they plan and manage their careers. Marks creations are there to see each time the bands perform on stage or produce a new album.

On June 10th we will be receiving a visit from the leader of Babergh Council. Deborah Saw has agreed to come to Sudbury Town Hall to answer your questions. Do find time on the 10th between 11am to 1pm to represent your company and be there at the Town Hall. If you have an opinion that Sudbury is overlooked for investment and regeneration this is your chance to tackle Deborah on this subject. Do you agree with the Parking Charges being tested. Is your company being effected by a lower footfall or perhaps you have needed to open on Sundays because its free parking and more people come into Sudbury on that day. When will the Bus Station be developed, When are they going to start work in Belle Vie park, What's happening about the Delphi redevelopment these are some of the questions you might want answering. We will be organising some simple catering so we will need to know if you are able to attend. contact Andy Howes [email protected]


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18/02/2024

Looking forward to my Employment & Careers Fair happening on 4th March in Sudbury Arts Centre, 09:30 - 12:30. Free & open to all!

Below are just a few of the businesses and organisations who will be in attendance advertising their vacancies and training opportunities 👇🏻