When discussing our rural economy in the East and here in Suffolk, it is often in reference to its net contribution to the national economy; a unique selling point of our region. However, I am keen to draw the discussion towards how our rural economy can serve everyone.

The UK life sciences sector directly employs 140,000 people and injects £30.4 billion to UK growth and yet, discussing the life sciences still sometimes draws a blank expression.

An MP has called for a swift decision on controversial plans for a West Suffolk Operational Hub, ahead of a council vote next week.

Further to recent points raised regarding the WSOH I wish to outline the facts and my engagement with this local issue.

A champion for the Bury St Edmunds business community, I am always struck by the enterprise spirit, strength of leadership and ‘can do’ attitude which epitomises each and every team I meet. A secret no more; these key ingredients are what drive our businesses to succeed!

Last weekend welcomed yet another brilliant year for the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. The sun was shining and the town was out in full force to celebrate more fantastic local food and expert talent.

When any one of us visit the supermarket and choose to buy British produce, we invest in some of the highest quality food, environmental and animal welfare standards in the world.

I am thrilled to be inviting nominations from the constituency for the Parliamentary Pub Chef Awards. This is an annual competition which nominates chefs from constituencies up and down the country. The award recognises the important contribution of pub chefs to local communities.

Whilst providing accessible and good quality services to rural communities is more of a challenge than for metropolitan areas; you may look around our market towns and scenic villages and wonder why I should mention rural sparsity.

Now a month since the election, it is a privilege and an honour to have been returned as the Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds and to now be resuming my column here in the Bury Free Press!