Why it matters: The Business Improvement District's board now totals 15 members, bringing together expertise from multiple sectors to shape the future of Ipswich town centre.
The details: The new appointments include:
Doug Rintoul, Artistic Director at New Wolsey Theatre
Richard Brame, Senior Director at Willis Tower Watson
Professor Jenny Higham, University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor
Dione Walton, University of Suffolk Students Union CEO
Rebecca Bird, Buttermarket Shopping Centre Manager
Josh Wade, Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at OCS
Kate Higgs, Director of Income Generation and Marketing at Ormiston Families
Mark Hubert, owner of James St Peter menswear
John Ferguson, world-renowned portrait photographer
What they're saying: "As a stronger-than-ever board of business professionals, Ipswich Central's priorities for town centre businesses this year will be focused on enhancing street security around the town, hosting more events to bring visitors into the town centre and delivering seasonal campaigns that help businesses see more customers and income," said Steve Flory, new Ipswich Central Chair.
What's next: Ipswich Central's annual plan for 2025/26 will be shared before the end of March, ahead of the new financial year.
The bottom line: The strengthened board combines the existing expertise of five members with nine new board directors from diverse sectors as it looks to bolster town centre prosperity through enhanced security, events, and seasonal campaigns.
