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A senior officer of Suffolk County Council will be explaining its latest thinking to Haverhill business people next month.

It won't now be controversial chief executive Andrea Hill, who had agreed to be guest speaker until she left the post earlier in the summer in the wake of criticisms from councillors about her behaviour and anger from the public about her huge salary.

Instead, Chris Bally from the council's resource management directorate is the speaker when the bestofhaverhill holds its next event on Thursday, September 15, at Days Inn, Haverhill, from 10am to 11.30am.

The theme of Wanting The Best For Haverhill continues with Mr Bally, assistant director business development at the council.

Business development is a key part of the resource management directorate and in his role as assistant director Chris is well placed to discuss current thinking on public services and the council’s desire to develop new and innovative ways of working with businesses both locally and countywide.

Over the past 18 months, the county council has been looking at fundamentally changing the way it does business and the challenges for public services posed by the wider financial climate.

Earlier this year, the council’s new leader, Cllr Mark Bee, concluded that the council’s New Strategic Direction had failed to connect with the people of Suffolk and signalled a change in policy.

Listening to and working with partners across Suffolk and developing new ways of working at a very local level are very much part of the council’s new approach.

Chris will talk about the role of One Haverhill, the new board representing major stakeholders of the town, and how the board will work alongside the county council to improve the quality of life for people in the town.

Elaine Carr, the owner of thebestofhaverhill said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris Bally as our guest speaker this month.

"The challenges facing our public services and the role of the public sector in supporting economic growth are important issues for Haverhill.

"It will be good for local businesses to hear about some of the key initiatives and proposals for the future and have the opportunity to contribute to and shape future ideas.

"I look forward to hearing what Chris has to say and I would encourage local business people to come along and hear first hand about the plans and approaches being taken across Suffolk and locally now and their impact on the delivery of services within the town.

"This is an excellent opportunity to find out the facts, or to raise a particular issue or express your views.”

If you would like to attend this free event at The Days Inn Haverhill call Elaine Carr on 01440 710 158 or email Haverhill@thebestof.co.uk by Monday, September 12.