Our Committee is passionate about representing the very best that our town has to offer, across a wide range of business sectors within our community.
It seems that we are having our desired impact – early days, though it is – and we are now proud to count a record 55 members amongst our Chamber, from haulage and logistics companies, to financial services, recruitment, leisure, tourism, shipping and professional services.
We were delighted to host a Business Breakfast at newly-opened café Nutshells by the Sea at 1b Hamilton Road on 5th October, and we are extremely grateful to owners Jill and Ian Booth, who previously owned Nutshells Café in Stowupland, which sadly was devastated by fire at the start of this year.
It is always rewarding to visit a new, upcoming venue in our thriving town, and we wish the new ‘Nutshells’ the very best of success with their exciting new venture.
The theme for our event was mental health and wellbeing, and speaker Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, introduced what his organisation can do for businesses in helping to reduce stress levels, tackle anxiety and address depression with its training courses and workshops.
Sam Phillips, Felixstowe’s celebrity mental health ambassador, also gave a talk on his own mental health journey and how his ‘Dare to Dip’ initiative has helped to tackle his issues.
The method involves being exposed to cold water to improve one’s physical and mental health.
Sam explains:
“I’ve previously struggled with anxiety and depression, and during lockdown I started to get some of those feelings back – and told myself I didn’t want to go down that road again.
“I saw some cold-water therapy videos on YouTube and decided to give it a go. You stay in the water for 10 minutes and come out and feel really warm and awake. It really helps your mental health, and it gives you waves of good feelings throughout the day.”
This event attracted a record number of Chamber members and guests, with some very positive feedback received.
Henry Tapp, Private Client Relationship Manager at Suffolk Community Foundation and mental health advocate, shared:
“Thanks for a brilliant event this morning at Nutshells by the Sea and well worth the early alarm call!
“Inspiring conversations between Jon Neal of Suffolk Mind and Sam Phillips of ‘Dare to Dip’ on the importance of mental wellbeing and strategies to help. Sam’s journey is incredible. And a heartfelt story shared by Ian Booth, who opened Nutshells just a few days ago.”
Henry will be our guest speaker at our next Chamber event, a soirée at the popular Wine Boutique in Hamilton Road on the evening of 15th November. He will be introducing the work of Suffolk Community Foundation, which was awarded nearly £5 million in grants last year in Suffolk and administers many funds, including the Port Community Fund.
Chair of Felixstowe Chamber, Paul Borroughs, commented:
“We are using this event to encourage Felixstowe’s charities and not-for-profits to engage with Suffolk Community Foundation, so that they can increase their funding and good work for the benefit of our communities.
“Also, we would like to play a role in educating Felixstowe’s business leaders on how Suffolk Community Foundation can ensure that their donations are given direct to the causes that they wish to support.”
Members and supporters of the Port Community Fund will also be attending the event to explain why they work so closely with Suffolk Community Foundation and to outline the valuable community benefits that it provides.
If you would like to sign up for any future Chamber events, or would like to learn more about what membership can offer you and your business, please get in touch with Amanda Oliver, Business Officer, at [email protected]