The Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, spoke to 275 Suffolk business leaders on Thursday 30 November as a guest of Ipswich Suffolk Business Club. The event was jointly sponsored by Scrutton Bland and Gotelee Solicitors and held in The Hangar at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.
The Chancellor stated that while Brexit is top of the list of jobs for the Government at the moment, when the history books are written it will be a footnote compared to the impending technological revolution which is set to radically change our society and how business is carried out. How we deal with the fourth industrial revolution is most important, he said, going on to say: “Britain is in a position to lead this next revolution.”
Adding, he said the economy needed to be addressed, but it is fundamentally in good shape. The mass youth unemployment that France and Spain are experiencing has been avoided because the Government took a course which protected jobs.
He went on to say that the main challenges the country faces are around productivity and living standards, and that the Budget was a balanced response to these.
“We have a country we can be proud of which has the best years ahead,” he said.
Clive Underdown of Ipswich Suffolk Business Club, at his final lunch event as Chairman, said: “We were absolutely delighted the Chancellor visited Suffolk just one week after the Budget to speak to members of our club and answer questions at what was a fabulous event.”
He added: “The support we have had from government for key infrastructure investment has been wonderful and we look forward to further investments in new technologies.”
Luke Morris of Scrutton Bland made a presentation to thank Clive Underdown and announce him as the Club’s first ‘Life President’. Luke takes over as the new Chairman with Andrew Macmillan, owner of Stuart Inns, as Vice Chair.
Ipswich Suffolk Business Club’s membership is made up of Suffolk’s business owners, leaders and key decision makers from a broad spectrum of industry sectors. They share the common goal of promoting business growth, inward investment and employment in the county.
The Club regularly attracts outstanding speakers, giving members the opportunity to hear from and question exceptional business entrepreneurs and political influencers. Its annual programme of events is supported by venue hosts Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall, Greene King and Genesis PR.
