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Freeport East adds three new officers to drive local business growth

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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

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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University to showcase student creativity alongside industry experts at Ipswich event

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The "Unlocked: Creative Industries" event will close with "Arts Unlocked," a vibrant celebration of emerging creative work from University of Suffolk students.

Why it matters: The free event this Friday, 16 May at The Hold in Ipswich brings together local arts, culture and heritage stakeholders to address issues and opportunities facing the creative sector.

The big picture: This is the University's second event in the "Unlocked" series designed to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop strategies for innovation, growth, and sustainability within different sectors.

The Hold in Ipswich
The free event will take place at The Hold in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The day will feature an inspiring keynote from Rosy Greenlees OBE, who will celebrate the role of creativity in education, business, and community life.

Panel discussions will cover education and skills development, building creative communities and the business of creativity.

Interactive workshops will provide practical guidance on:

  • Navigating funding opportunities

  • Successfully supporting internships

  • Setting up a creative business

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and explore the knowledge exchange marketplace throughout the day.

What they're saying: Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk said: "We are proud to host our upcoming 'Unlocked' knowledge exchange day, an inspiring event designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, drive collaboration, and create new knowledge opportunities across the creative sector."

She added: "Part of the university's ongoing commitment as a civic institution, the 'Unlocked' series offers a platform for diverse communities to come together on our Ipswich campus and engage with the issues that matter most to them."

The bottom line: The event aims to strengthen ties between the university and local creative communities while nurturing dialogue and innovation. Those interested can book a free place at: https://www.uos.ac.uk/ipswich-unlocked/

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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