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Construction firm opens new Ipswich office to support major infrastructure projects

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

Fortel Group has launched a new office in Ipswich town centre to support upcoming infrastructure projects in East England, creating up to 50 new jobs.

Why it matters: The expansion is fueled by growing investment in the region's energy and transport sectors and will create new jobs and economic opportunities for Ipswich residents.

Fortel's Tej Nijjer and Dean Everett
Tej Nijjer, Head of Major Infrastructure, and Dean Everett, Contracts Manager at Fortel GroupFortel

Key details:

  • Fortel Group supplies construction labour for high-profile water, highways and energy projects.

  • The new Ipswich office is the company's fifth regional location in the UK.

  • It will support work on the Sizewell C nuclear power station, set to generate low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes.

  • Fortel expect the new office to create up to 50 new jobs initially, increasing exponentially into the hundreds in the next 12-18 months.

Industry veteran joins team: Dean Everett has been appointed Contracts Manager, bringing 22 years of sector experience.

The big picture: Fortel Group sees the new office strategically positioning them to serve the community and contribute to regional economic growth through major infrastructure projects.

What they're saying: Tej Nijjer, Head of Major Infrastructure at Fortel Group, said: "As work in the region has increased due to investment in major energy and road projects, now felt like the right time to secure a base for Fortel and to house our growing contracts, recruitment, and skilled labour teams."

"The new office in Ipswich will not only support our existing projects but also position us to better serve the community and contribute to the region’s economic growth. We are committed to building a highly skilled workforce that will drive these projects forward and create long-term benefits for the local area."

Dean Everett said: "I am delighted to be joining the Fortel Group, a company with an outstanding reputation within the industry that is working on prestigious projects across the country."

Looking ahead: The company aims to build a highly skilled local workforce to drive projects forward and create long-term benefits for the area.

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

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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

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