JUDGING PANEL

As the Operations Director at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Amanda’s role is instrumental in shaping and delivering the business support remit as part of the senior leadership team. Her role oversees a wide range of areas, including membership and business development, marketing, events, skills training, and international trade and documentation. Additionally, she manages the internal HR functions and people strategies to support a positive workplace culture. Outside of work Amanda enjoys musical theatre and comedy shows, as well as exploring Suffolk with her husband and dog, Annie.

Following a long and distinguished career with Lloyds Bank where Steve headed up the Commercial Banking operation for East England, he has now launched a business coaching and mentoring business (Number 4 Consulting), where we works with business owners and senior managers to help develop people strategies, create personal development plans and improve internal communications and processes.

Steve is currently Chair of West Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Love Newmarket BID and a member of the Newmarket Charitable Foundation Events committee.

Born in Leicester, Alex Till moved to Suffolk 25 years ago initially working with SMEs at the Port of Felixstowe developing the purchase and supplier chains within Europe. Since then he has worked for various Suffolk based companies and organisations in Suffolk.

Alex is passionate about the progression of young people and is a Visiting Fellow at UCS’s School of Business and continues to volunteer for the Princes Trust, a role he has undertaken for the past 20 years, representing Suffolk and Norfolk at the Princes Trust Regional Council.

In 2018 Alex was appointed chair of the National Enterprise Network supporting the business enterprise sector in England.

Alex is chief executive of MENTA and his focus is on helping existing, small businesses, championing SME growth and economic development and providing inspiration and information for start-ups.

Chris Ridgeon is both a Partner and Chairman of Whitings LLP and is a Chartered Certified Accountant having qualified with Whitings in 1990.

He is responsible for a diverse portfolio of corporate and non-corporate clients and acts for clients in various sectors, many of which are from the farming and construction industries. Chris is also an auditor and assists his clients in acquisitions and disposals.

Outside of the office Chris is a member of Bury Abbey Rotary Club, having previously been President and Bury 41 Club, having previously been Chairman of this in addition to Bury Round Table. He is also a trustee of the Suffolk Academies Trust.

Chris is, and continues to be, Treasurer of various organisations and clubs, something which he has enjoyed doing as part of giving back to the community that he has worked in for all his working life.

Lizzy Firmin is Chief Operating Officer at Ellisons, a role she has held since 2022 after joining the firm in 2020.  With over 15 years’ experience in senior leadership, she has built a diverse career spanning both the public and private sectors, serving as both an Executive and Non-Executive Director.   Her background includes HR and operational leadership roles with organisations such as Border Force, Hutchison Ports and Trinity House, alongside Non-Executive positions across professional services, transport and logistics, and the NHS. Lizzy is passionate about people and the role they play in organisational success.  She is particularly focused on developing high-performing teams and shaping strategies that foster engagement, strong culture and sustainable growth. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Lorna Santon is an Agent and Partner at NFU Mutual Bury St Edmunds.

Having worked for The NFU Mutual for 20 years, Lorna specialises in business insurance for Commercial and Farming customers. Lorna supports businesses holistically. Clients benefit from her extensive knowledge of the ever-changing insurance industry, helping to keep their businesses and it’s people protected through Risk Management, Business Protection and associated covers.

Lorna became an Agent at the Bury St Edmunds office in 2014 and has since helped to grow the Agency to what it is today.

Richard Stittle, Group Director of Business Development for Eastern Education Group has been with EEG for 10 years and has worked in Further Education for the last 17 years after time spent in Personal and Commercial banking.

Suzanne’s role is to ensure the smooth operation of MENTA and @inc sites across West and East Suffolk. Liaising with new and emerging businesses in our co-working spaces, engaging on their initial business ideas to housing new tenants in our sites.