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Frank Bruno headlines 'invaluable' Ipswich business networking event attended by 200

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

Boxing legend Frank Bruno and broadcaster Alan Brazil were the star guests at a major business networking event in Suffolk that attracted 200 local business owners.

The big picture: The networking event, held at Ufford Park on Thursday, marks another significant milestone for Longfields Circle, a business network spun out of Longfields Insurance earlier this year to facilitate better business collaboration across the region.

Frank Bruno and Alan Brazil
Boxing legend Frank Bruno and broadcaster Alan Brazil were the star guests at Ufford ParkBecky PayneLongfields Circle

Details: The event follows the network's launch event earlier this year which featured a Spitfire flypast.

  • Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno was interviewed by sports broadcaster Alan Brazil.

  • The event partnered with Combat2Coffee as its chosen charity, with thousands of pounds were raised for the charity during the evening.

What they're saying: Luke Broadley, founder of the Longfields Circle and owner of Longfields Insurance, said: "This was another tremendous success. Business networking doesn't need to be stale or boring. The Longfields Circle is transforming how businesses in Suffolk and East Anglia connect and collaborate."

Local business owner Ross Cracknell of Evolve Business Solutions praised the approach: "Being part of the Longfields Circle has been invaluable, we've made some great connections and it's all about collaboration and doing things in a new way."

What's next: The Longfields Circle has promised more events for 2025, though details have not yet been announced.

The bottom line: The event demonstrates growing momentum for the new business network, which has now delivered two major events featuring high-profile guests since its launch.

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

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FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.

Why it matters: This campaign isn't just about the deals – it's about discovering what makes Ipswich's food scene worth celebrating and finding your new favourite spot. From British classics to African-inspired dishes, FORKNIGHT celebrates the diversity that makes Ipswich's food scene special.

Forknight header
Ipswich Central

What's new: More than 30 participating venues are offering special deals throughout the day – whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out.

European delicacies, American comfort food, Asian flavours, African cuisine, and much more, giving you plenty of reasons to step outside your usual habits and try something new, somewhere new.

What they're saying: Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , said: "We've got a wonderful array of places to eat around the town, that for a two-week period we're showcasing these and encouraging people to make use of great food offers to eat out with friends or family.

"Visit a venue you haven't tried before, maybe enjoy a type of cuisine that you wouldn't normally try or didn't even know was available right here in town!"

How to take part: Visit www.allaboutipswich.com/forknight to browse the offers. Choose one that catches your eye and quote 'FORKNIGHT' when booking at participating venues.

Walker added: "FORKNIGHT is a reminder that we have some great places to eat out around the town, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out we've got all options covered."

The bottom line: FORKNIGHT offers the perfect opportunity to support local businesses whilst expanding your culinary horizons. Why not make this the fortnight you finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be spotlighting some of the incredible people behind Ipswich's most-loved eateries, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website regularly.

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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