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Freeport East adds three new officers to drive local business growth

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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

Freeport East has appointed three new Project Delivery Officers to strengthen its support for regional economic growth and business engagement.

Why it matters: The expansion will help deliver £1m of investment through the Freeport East Clean Growth Fund and Skills and Innovation Fund, supporting high-growth local businesses, universities, and colleges.

Jonathan Rudd, Laura Mayne, and Sophia Padget with Steve Beel of Freeport East
Freeport East has appointed three new Project Delivery Officers to strengthen its support for regional economic growth and business engagementFreeport East

The details: Jonathan Rudd, Laura Mayne, and Sophia Padget have joined as Project Delivery Officers to work across Freeport East's programmes, including:

  • Driving decarbonisation through initiatives like the Green Corridor Partnership with East Midlands Freeport

  • Supporting development of offshore wind sector supply chains

  • Unlocking sustainable growth at sites in Harwich, Felixstowe and Gateway 14

  • Creating an innovation ecosystem with universities and local partners

What they're saying: "We're delighted to welcome Sophia, Laura and Jonathan to the Freeport East team - they all bring deep local knowledge of Essex and Suffolk together with expertise in a range of areas of economic development, inward investment and programme delivery," Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, said.

The big picture: Freeport East, one of 12 Freeports in England, aims to create 13,500 new jobs and generate £5.5bn in Gross Value Added over 10 years. The organisation works with local authorities, international investors, businesses and universities to drive investment and productivity in the region.

The bottom line: The expanded team will strengthen Freeport East's ability to deliver economic growth and sustainable development across Suffolk and Essex.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

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

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