CAG Consultants were commissioned by Suffolk Growth to undertake research that will support the development of a framework to grow the local Suffolk economy and business base through local, national and international opportunities for green trade.

The climate change agenda has become a key driver to transform the Suffolk economy with local government working with stakeholders in meeting the Government’s net zero ambitions while supporting people, communities and businesses across Suffolk to prosper through a green Covid recovery.

The purpose of this study was to help Suffolk’s local authorities sector and wider stakeholders to identify the breadth and depth of green trade and investment opportunities across the Suffolk economy; and specifically to:

• Understand how green trade links to Suffolk’s climate emergency actions and wider UK and international obligations towards net zero;

• Illustrate how green trade can grow Suffolk’s circular economy; green technologies and economic development; job creation; improved productivity; a stimulus for innovation; and enhances skills development while simultaneously embedding economic and climate resilience;

• Unlock the Suffolk green export potential and opportunities for inward investment; and

• Develop a ‘Suffolk Green Trade Narrative’.

The study was intended as a starting point and the report identified a number of key themes that should be the focus for activity for the next stage of work. It also recommended seven priority actions that build on work already underway.