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Chamber launches new group as Suffolk businesses face tough choices over water use

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Suffolk businesses must reduce their water usage by 9% by 2038 under government plans, in what is already the most water-depleted region in the country. A new chamber of commerce group aims to help companies meet this challenge.

The big picture: Suffolk companies, particularly those in manufacturing, agriculture and drinks production, are grappling with growing pressure to reduce their water consumption while maintaining productivity.

Why it matters:

  • The county sits in England's most water-depleted region

  • Government requirements call for a 9% reduction in non-domestic water usage by 2038

  • Businesses may consider relocating to less water-stressed areas if solutions aren't found

The response: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has launched the Suffolk Business Water Group, bringing together:

  • Major water users from drinks, leisure, manufacturing and agricultural sectors

  • Water suppliers Anglian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water

  • Key stakeholders including Freeport East and the Federation of Small Businesses

The group has established a three-point action plan:

  • Creating an internal channel to share information about grants and initiatives

  • Developing a Water Hub on the Chamber's website

  • Setting up a task group to explore business-to-business water trading

What they're saying: Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber’s head of public affairs said: “This Group is the direct result of the Suffolk Water Summit. It provides an honest and informed forum for companies to share concerns and best practice and to work with the water companies to lobby for additional help from other stakeholders to help the transition to a lower water use economy – especially important as our county is part of the most water depleted region in the country.”

"Water is not only vital for life, but also crucial to support the social and economic growth of the region – especially important for businesses looking to invest and expand," added Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water.

Will Robinson, water resources and supply strategy manager at Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “As a group, we’re keen to support the business community in identifying grants, schemes and initiatives, as we work together to boost awareness of the water stress challenges, we’re all facing in Suffolk.

Providing practical shared solutions that could help businesses while protecting our existing water supplies will be a priority while we develop new strategic water supply schemes and build resilience for the future.”

The bottom line: With water companies, the chamber and local business leaders now working together, Suffolk firms hope to establish a clearer path to meeting tough new water restrictions while maintaining and growing their operations in the region.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Theatre project transforms lives through art

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Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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