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Combat2Coffee launches UK's first portable coffee roastery in Ipswich

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Combat2Coffee, an Ipswich-based veterans' support enterprise, has unveiled the UK's first portable coffee roastery to expand its operations helping former service personnel.

Why it matters: The custom-built unit will enable the social enterprise to increase its coffee production, generating more funding for veterans' outreach services across Suffolk.

The big picture: The roastery, which can process raw coffee beans at temperatures up to 200C, was unveiled at Combat2Coffee's headquarters on Wednesday at an event attended by dozens of guests from the coffee industry and third sector.

Mr and Mrs Rous, Nigel Seaman and Terry Butcher in the new portable roastery
Mr and Mrs Rous, Nigel Seaman and Terry Butcher in the new portable roasteryCombat2Coffee

Key details:

  • The unit has been named after Lieutenant Peter Rous of the Scots Guards, who died during a military exercise in 2009.

  • His parents, former High Sheriff of Suffolk Robert Rous and Teresa Rous, attended the launch ceremony.

  • Operations Director Graziano Moroni hosted a coffee sensory session for guests.

What they're saying: "This isn't a portable coffee shop or an upscaled coffee machine you'd find in your kitchen – this is an amazing bit of kit that turns raw coffee beans into something incredible," said Nigel Seaman, founder of Combat2Coffee.

"The process includes roasting beans up to 200 degrees, creating the ideal temperature for the bold, rich flavours of coffee to develop through hundreds of chemical reactions over a matter of minutes."

Looking ahead: Combat2Coffee plans to use the portable roastery to forge new partnerships with organisations across Suffolk while expanding their veteran support services.

The bottom line: The launch marks a significant milestone for Combat2Coffee as the first UK coffee company to operate a portable roastery.

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University to showcase student creativity alongside industry experts at Ipswich event

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The "Unlocked: Creative Industries" event will close with "Arts Unlocked," a vibrant celebration of emerging creative work from University of Suffolk students.

Why it matters: The free event this Friday, 16 May at The Hold in Ipswich brings together local arts, culture and heritage stakeholders to address issues and opportunities facing the creative sector.

The big picture: This is the University's second event in the "Unlocked" series designed to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop strategies for innovation, growth, and sustainability within different sectors.

The Hold in Ipswich
The free event will take place at The Hold in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The day will feature an inspiring keynote from Rosy Greenlees OBE, who will celebrate the role of creativity in education, business, and community life.

Panel discussions will cover education and skills development, building creative communities and the business of creativity.

Interactive workshops will provide practical guidance on:

  • Navigating funding opportunities

  • Successfully supporting internships

  • Setting up a creative business

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and explore the knowledge exchange marketplace throughout the day.

What they're saying: Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk said: "We are proud to host our upcoming 'Unlocked' knowledge exchange day, an inspiring event designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, drive collaboration, and create new knowledge opportunities across the creative sector."

She added: "Part of the university's ongoing commitment as a civic institution, the 'Unlocked' series offers a platform for diverse communities to come together on our Ipswich campus and engage with the issues that matter most to them."

The bottom line: The event aims to strengthen ties between the university and local creative communities while nurturing dialogue and innovation. Those interested can book a free place at: https://www.uos.ac.uk/ipswich-unlocked/

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

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