We proudly present C140, celebrating our 140th anniversary.  

This innovative project has opened up a hidden heritage of the impact Suffolk Chamber (SCoC) on economic and employment change in Suffolk in thought-provoking, creative, and exciting ways.  

SCoC has retained significant archives dating from 1884, and through a unique perspective we have evidenced the role of the SCoC in the changing nature of Suffolk economy whilst celebrating the innovation behind such change. We identified the changing position of women in the workforce and the role that the Chamber has played in this, and explored the important role the Chamber played in supporting and realising the potential of migrant people into the county.  

We revealed links to current social and economic issues and debates, giving us a clearer understanding of how our past informs the future. By ‘looking back’, we discovered rich insights that can now support a ‘look forward’ designed to inform future generations of business and sets SCoC on its path to support Suffolk Plc for generations to come, with the golden thread throughout being the role the Chamber plays in facilitating collaboration and change through advocacy actions, and informing future policy.  

Member support:  

Our membership is at the heart of all we do, and by showcasing resources, businesses, and services, promoting engagement and diversity reflection, we captured our members’ rich heritage. This flagship project reinforced our value within the business community, raising awareness through enhanced visibility, networking opportunities, and civic leadership.  

-Heritage: We uncovered over 130 business stories, and our enduring role within local community. The stories show valuable insights on our presence as a force for good, and unfold on c140.suffolkchamber.co.uk  

-Networking: the VIP launch of over 100 key business leaders is followed by the exhibition visiting over 100 locations across Suffolk, including the Suffolk Show with an 80,000 reach, , enhancing our member visibility and reach  

-Exposure: The website, events, exhibition, press, marketing, socials and business engagement reaches diverse and comprehensive audiences (approx. 10,000) fostering a sense of pride and community connections  

-Diversity: We shared enterprising stories on entrepreneurial heritage and continued contributions of women and BAME businesses  

Stakeholder Collaboration:  

Leveraging the project and heritage, we exemplified and strengthened collaborations with stakeholders at multiple levels including businesses, education, MP’s and LA’s. National Heritage Lottery and historical societies partnerships facilitated knowledge and resource sharing that enriched project’s content and reach. A dedicated group of 15 volunteers, including local historians, researched and curated stories, exemplifying community collaboration.  

Through close ties with neighbouring Chambers, we formed Chamber East to provide one collective voice for policy-making and reflecting our 485 years of combined business knowledge.  

Working with Norfolk Chamber, we engage local businesses to champion LSIP and articulate employer skills need, utilising C140 to weave stories from the past, culminating in the new Skills for the Future” project.  

We launched the Suffolk Supply Chain initiative with Suffolk County Council during our 140th year to empower local businesses to buy local, driving economic growth and sustainability.  

Our strategic decision to relocate our office to the University of Suffolk during our 140th year has underscored our commitment to skills innovation, creating a thriving ecosystem for students and businesses, to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.  

Local Impact:  

As the largest non-metropolitan Chamber (UK), we pride ourselves on our community, economy, and business impact, fostering economic growth through the importance of place, and supporting our members through regular district forums. The exhibition, launched in our county town, was open to businesses and the public, before beginning a yearlong tour of our local districts with displays in libraries, education and at business events.  

-Economic Growth: Highlighting historical business successes, and providing a blueprint for future enterprise  

-Community Development: The touring exhibition and associated events engage the community with a sense of business pride and boosts local businesses and services  

-Educational Outreach: Collaborations with educational institutions ensure we reach younger audiences, promoting local heritage and its relevance to future business practices.  

Commercialisation:  

We’re one of few Chambers to secure funding from the National Lottery, £85,000+. Our team worked collaboratively to design and deliver a project that weaves the story of a place-based Chamber over 140 years.  

The funding has been instrumental for hiring project staff, providing a dedicated website, and developing the exhibition. It expanded the project’s reach and impact, providing powerful marketing tools to enhance our reputation, share stories of diversity, and drive membership growth.  

Retention, Engagement, and Recruitment:  

C140 provided businesses the opportunity to contribute their own stories, along with member engagement events including a 140th ‘birthday’-themed event with 300+ guests, and a sell-out VIP dinner with 200+ guests.  

It has attracted diverse new businesses who see the value of being part of a dynamic and historically-rich business network. With 1,377 active members, an increase of 3% YonY, and a reach of over 6500 business.  

An integral part of our lobbying and advocacy activities is our member-led thematic groups on key policy areas including economy, trade, transport, climate, and skills. Through C140, we have created two new thematic groups: Diversity and Inclusion, and Social Value, to further enhance our membership strategy.  

-Value-Added Services: Providing unique insights into the local business heritage and offering exclusive access to events, we deliver value-add to our members, fostering loyalty and retention.  

-Engagement Opportunities: From research to events, these activities foster a strong sense of community and active participation among members.  

-Recruitment Appeal: Visibility, impact and commitment to local business attract new members.  

C140 embodies innovation, collaboration, and tangible impact, reflecting our unwavering commitment to member support and economic prosperity. C140 celebrates Suffolks rich business heritage, whilst shaping a vibrant future for businesses and communities.  

This comprehensive and multifaceted project has positioned us as a leader, fostering a thriving business ecosystem in Suffolk and beyond. The legacy will continue to reinforce our role as a vital supporter of business growth and community development, whilst further enhancing member engagement and recruitment.  

We believe that C140 project positions Suffolk Chamber as a worthy contender for the Chamber of the Year award. 

Find out more about the project  https://c140.suffolkchamber.co.uk.