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 Suffolk New College

Suffolk New College Ipswich campus

A leading further education institution serving Suffolk with three distinct campuses

With a wide range of vocational courses, apprenticeships, T-Levels, and adult learning programmes, we give you the tools you need to succeed.
News

SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

Santa will turn down the music and limit numbers at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre this weekend after parents asked for calmer festive events for children with special educational needs (SEN).
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
by
Continue reading →
News

Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
by
Continue reading →

Lanman Solar, All About Hearing and Upside Finance

The Lanman Group

Lanman Solar

Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
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.
Farida Rouane of Upside Finance

Improve your financial wellbeing

Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.
News

Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
by
Continue reading →

Lanman Solar, All About Hearing and Upside Finance

The Lanman Group

Lanman Solar

Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
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.
Farida Rouane of Upside Finance

Improve your financial wellbeing

Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.
News

Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
This article 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
6,630+ people are already loving it