After an impressive three years in the Chair for Leiston Business Association, Jonny Newton, of Newton Commercial has handed over the baton to neighbouring businessman on the Eastlands Industrial Estate, Crispin Clay, of the well known and much loved Munchy Seeds.

Since it was re-established three years ago the Leiston Business Association has grown from strength to strength and now boasts an impressive 108 active members from businesses in the IP16 area with many successes which benefit the businesses and residents in this interesting town on the Suffolk Coast.

Thanks to the LBA working with the Council and East of England Co-Op, the town has looked particularly attractive this summer, bedecked with Union Jacks to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, followed by flags from a selection of countries represented at the Olympic Games. The LBA has worked closely with the authorities and council to provide CCTV around the heart of the town with very positive results against crime and antisocial behaviour. Leiston’s Christmas Fair has always been a great day for the community and LBA committee member Lisa Sharpstone pulled out all the stops for 2011 with all member businesses invited to participate and promote their businesses, whilst raising substantial funds for local charities and giving residents and visitors an affordable and enjoyable start to the Festive Season. These are just some of the many successes achieved by the LBA Committee which also include new Town Guides, strings of Christmas lights adding extra sparkle to the Festive Season and a website which promotes the extensive businesses and services available in this thriving community.

Jonny was also instrumental in setting up the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative, funded by Suffolk Coastal District Council, which works with the Business Associations in Aldeburgh, Saxmundham and more recently Framlingham to encourage greater sustainability and promote trading, services and tourism in the region.

At the AGM, held in the historic setting of the Long Shop Museum with a welcome from Lord Cranbrook and guest speakers Therese Coffey MP and Tom McGarry from EDF Energy, Jonny Newton said “I would like to publicly thank the committee and the members for their support. The Association has come a long way and achieved a huge amount and it wouldn’t have been possible without the team effort.”

New Chairman, Crispin Clay, is well acquainted with the LBA having held the position of Treasurer for the past two years, a job which he has now passed into the capable hands of local accounting firm C.R.A.S.L. Crispin thanked both Jonny and his Vice Chair, Paul Rosher from Barnes Rosher Supplies, and added “Without your hard work over the last three years we wouldn’t be here today. I’m looking forward to building on the achievements to date and will be sending out a questionnaire to get a feel of what members would like the committee to embark on over the next 12 months.”