Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

Council launches business week to boost town's economy

Ipswich's first dedicated business festival aims to showcase local entrepreneurship and foster new partnerships across sectors.

Why it matters: The initiative aims to promote collaboration and innovation within Ipswich's business community, with more than a dozen events planned across the town.

The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council is organising the Ipswich Thrive: Business Week from March 10-18, designed to bring together businesses of all sizes to celebrate success and shape the town's economic future.

Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald with business leaders in Ipswich launch the new festival
Ipswich Borough Council
Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald with business leaders in Ipswich launch the new festival

What they're saying: "This week is an unmissable opportunity for local businesses to come together, celebrate success, and shape the future of our vibrant community," said Cllr Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader.

The details: The week-long festival will include:

  • Panel discussions and keynote speeches from industry leaders

  • Workshops and training sessions for small businesses and entrepreneurs

  • Networking events to promote collaboration

  • Business expos showcasing local businesses and start-ups

By the numbers: The programme features more than a dozen business events throughout the week.

Supporting voices:

  • Tim Robinson, Chief Operations Officer at Tech East, called it "a great opportunity to network, to make new partners and contacts"

  • Doug Rintoul, Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre, described it as "a brilliant boost of energy into economic growth"

  • Craig Parry, business development manager at IJYI, emphasised that "the collaboration side of things is really important"

The bottom line: The initiative aims to embrace digital innovation, forge strategic cross-sector partnerships, and rethink community engagement in the town, according to project manager Nicki Bramford.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of ICS, All About Hearing and Insight Energy

The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
Solar panels installed by Insight Energy

Your trusted sustainable energy solutions provider

High-quality, market-leading products that empower homeowners and businesses to move toward a more sustainable future.
News

Ipswich man jailed for five years after rape conviction

Leon Thomas, 53, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of raping a woman he knew.
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk and Norfolk mayoral elections to be delayed by two years

The government is expected to announce today that it will postpone planned elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor from May 2026 to 2028, marking the second delay to democratic processes in the region this year.
by
Continue reading →

ICS, All About Hearing and Insight Energy

The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
Solar panels installed by Insight Energy

Your trusted sustainable energy solutions provider

High-quality, market-leading products that empower homeowners and businesses to move toward a more sustainable future.
News

'I've got my life back': Ipswich woman reverses her diabetes in months

Susan Wolton from Ipswich has reversed her type 2 diabetes, lost over three stone and seen her IBS symptoms disappear after joining a free NHS programme that can be completed from home, with limited places remaining for local residents.
by
Continue reading →
News

College and university launch charity-business platform

Suffolk New College and University of Suffolk brought together over a dozen local charities and businesses in a new event designed to build partnerships beyond traditional fundraising. Organisers plan to make it an annual Christmas fixture.
by
Continue reading →
News

Attwells beats national rivals for apprenticeship award

Local solicitors Attwells has won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 for SME Firms, beating national competition for its commitment to developing emerging talent.
by
Continue reading →

ICS, All About Hearing and Insight Energy

The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
Solar panels installed by Insight Energy

Your trusted sustainable energy solutions provider

High-quality, market-leading products that empower homeowners and businesses to move toward a more sustainable future.
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,340+ people are already loving it