Start, Build & Grow – a free business support initiative that has helped more than 500 Ipswich businesses in just two years – is changing the landscape for local entrepreneurs through its programme that prioritises long-term success over quick metrics.
Banking on experience
With over 30 years in the banking sector, Peter Basford, co-director of Start, Build & Grow, was already familiar with the town's entrepreneurial landscape.
"We have worked in Ipswich on a few occasions in the past, most notably delivering a NEETS introduction to business programme and a Digital Advice service for Ipswich-based businesses – helping them become more digitally enabled," he explains.
"This was a natural progression for us into offering wider support for start-up businesses. Ipswich has always been strong in numbers of start-ups – what we wanted to do was help more of them sustain and succeed."
"I wanted to provide business support that truly supported businesses," explains Andy Skinner, fellow director of Start, Build & Grow and Managing Director of AMS Business Consultants. "There are too many providers that worry about the 'bums on seat' approach and counting volume of participants without truly providing support."
This observation became the foundation of a programme that's now setting new standards for business support across the region.
"I am super proud SBG clients have a minimum of nine months 'hand holding' if they want it – no other programme is providing this," Skinner says. "The most important metric that truly matters is those businesses still operating after 12 months – it's currently at 89%, which is phenomenal."
The programme – a partnership between Ipswich Borough Council, Business Growth Coaches Network, AMS Business Consultants and the University of Suffolk – offers something that isn't often found in government-funded initiatives: personalised, ongoing support from experienced business owners who understand the challenges first-hand.
"The workshops are hands-on and practical with a blend of academia and 'real life' – they are not run by business advisors who haven't felt the challenges of running their own business," Skinner notes.
From classroom to social enterprise leader
For Paul Arch, this approach made all the difference. After serving as a Head Teacher at an Ipswich mainstream school until August 2023, he harboured a lifelong passion to open an Alternative Provision School focused on SEND students with a digital emphasis.
"When Kate first met Paul, whilst he was clear on what he wanted to do, he lacked confidence and had been through a turbulent time in his personal life," reveals his coach. Through the programme, Paul gained not just business skills but connections – including a place on a national programme for social enterprises working with young people.
By January 2024, Reboot Education opened its doors. By April, it was operating at full capacity – a remarkable transformation from concept to thriving business in less than a year.
Building community, not just businesses
For Mandeep Birdy, founder of App Studios, the value of Start, Build & Grow extended beyond business advice. Having created The Felixstowe App during the pandemic, Mandeep witnessed firsthand how technology could foster community connections.
This experience shaped her vision for App Studios, which builds affordable mobile apps to help businesses harness mobile technology. Recognising the value of community within Start, Build & Grow itself, Mandeep even developed a bespoke app for the programme's participants.
"Being a participant of the Start Build Grow program and having a background in marketing, I recognised a distinct need for an app; to facilitate participant engagement and retention," Mandeep explains.
This collaborative spirit typifies what makes the programme unique – it's not just about individual businesses succeeding but creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurs support each other.
A one-stop shop for wellness and fashion
Lynn Bolton's journey to entrepreneurship came after years of procrastination and a demanding career as an NHS Radiographer. Working 13-hour shifts in MRI was taking a toll on her health, prompting her to explore other options.
When she spotted a commercial unit in Kesgrave, Lynn decided it was "now or never" to pursue her vision: a hybrid business combining wellness services and fashion retail.
"My vision is a one-stop shop for women to come into the clinic, get treatments, advice with health and wellness, menopause and weight loss, feel great about themselves and walk out with a new item of clothing or a bag that puts a smile on their face," Lynn explains.
Her business, Vanilla Spice, is now growing and has even begun discussions with Suffolk New College about offering student placements.
The difference-maker
What sets Start, Build & Grow apart isn't just the practical support but the community it fosters. "For me, it is what the programme has created – a true sense of business community," Skinner reflects. "To see SBG members run an entire anniversary event and the creation of multiple networks being created. This is fundamental to success in any business of any age or industry."
For Basford, the rewards come from seeing entrepreneurs develop and succeed. "For me, making a difference to how people are considering starting their business gives me the biggest buzz. Opening the attendees' minds to different ways of progressing and showing them the art of the possible and also helping them avoid some of the common pitfalls," he says.
"The pleasure is also in bumping into people at events and hearing how they are progressing and how we have helped. Two years since starting, it is great to know that 89% of those who have attended are still running their businesses."
This community-focused approach has earned the programme a 12-month extension from Ipswich Borough Council, ensuring continued support for local entrepreneurs.
The bottom line
In a landscape where public sector business support often amounts to little more than token workshops and surface-level advice, Start, Build & Grow represents something different: genuine, sustained support that transforms not just businesses but the people behind them.
As Skinner puts it: "It's not the 'what' we have done, which is impressive – however, the 'how' which is making the impact and a change in perception of start-up support in Suffolk."
For Ipswich entrepreneurs considering taking the leap, the message is clear: you don't have to do it alone. With more than 500 businesses already benefiting and a 89% survival rate for participants, this free programme offers something genuinely valuable – the kind of support that turns business dreams into thriving realities.
