Sometimes the most valuable business connections happen in the most beautiful settings. Last Thursday evening found us at the stunning Pier Hotel in Harwich, overlooking the bustling ports of Harwich and Felixstowe, for what turned out to be a truly inspiring evening of networking and forward-thinking discussions. 

The Harwich Clean Energy Maritime Summer Reception, hosted by Freeport East and the Harwich Port Users Association, brought together an impressive gathering of local and regional MPs, business leaders, and industry innovators. With the Government's recent backing for Freeports through the Industrial Strategy, the timing couldn't have been more perfect to explore the exciting opportunities emerging across our region. 

 

The focus was clear: celebrating the potential for clean energy, maritime, and digital sectors to drive genuine economic growth across North Essex and into Suffolk. It's encouraging to see such collaborative energy around building a regional cluster that benefits our entire business community. 

One of the evening's highlights was reconnecting with Laura Mayne, our former Colbea colleague who has found her new home at Freeport East. There's something particularly satisfying about seeing talented individuals from your own team flourishing in roles where they can make an different type of impact on regional development. 

Events like this reception serve as important reminders that business growth rarely happens in isolation. The presence of Sir Bernard Jenkin MP and Jenny Riddell Carpenter MP, Chair of the Ports and Maritime APPG, alongside established local businesses, demonstrates the serious commitment to making the most of these opportunities. When you see that level of collaboration between government, industry, and local business, it's hard not to feel optimistic about what lies ahead. 

 

As we continue to support businesses across our region, it's energising to be part of a community that's actively shaping its own future. Here's to more evenings like this, more connections made, and more opportunities created for everyone involved in building our thriving regional economy.