The Magna Carta Business Group was re-established at the end of 2013 under the leadership of Andrew Speed, Association Chairman. Since reforming the Group had, by the end of 2014, held eight lunches and dinners for Group Members and guests. Six of these events were held in the Constituency with a variety of guest speakers – local MPs, MEPs and business people. Two formal dinners were held at the prestigious Carlton Club in St James’s St London where the after-dinner speakers were the Right Honourable Jacob Rees-Mogg (2013) and the Right Honourable Brandon Lewis (2014).
The Group currently has almost 30 Members and new Members from the business community within the Constituency are particularly welcome. 2015 Membership is £250 per annum for a single Member and £450 per annum for a double Membership. Membership of the Group entitles Members to attend three events each year free of charge. It is also possible for Members to invite guests (at an additional cost).
On Thursday, March 12th 2015, Dr Andy Wood OBE, Chief Executive of Adnams plc and a former Chair of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, addressed an audience of 40 Members and guests at a dinner at Hengrave Hall . Andy is not only recognised as one of the leading business persons in East Anglia but he has many other interests not least in skills and education and community service. He gave an insightful after-dinner speech on the development of Adnams plc.
In the summer of 2015 we were joined, as after dinner speaker by Paul Edwards, Director of Havebury Housing Association. Paul spoke about Vision 2031 and its impact on Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area.
The Annual Carlton Club Dinner will take place on 21st October where we will be joined by Rt Hon Nicky Morgan PC MP, the Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities.
Robin Geach is assisting Andrew Speed in the administration of the Magna Carta Business Group and should be contacted for any information, Membership Application forms, etc., on robingeach@gmail.com or 01284 750458.